Planning a Perth to Exmouth road trip? Here’s everything you need to know for an unforgettable journey along Western Australia’s Coral Coast Highway.
This 1,250 km drive takes you through stunning landscapes, including Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here’s a quick summary:
- Duration: 10 days recommended for a relaxed pace.
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Highlights:
- Jurien Bay: Pinnacles Desert and sea lion tours.
- Kalbarri: Nature’s Window and coastal gorges.
- Shark Bay: Shell Beach, Monkey Mia dolphins, and stromatolites.
- Coral Bay: Snorkelling right off the beach.
- Exmouth: Ningaloo Reef, whale sharks (April–August), and Cape Range National Park.
- Best Time to Visit: April to October for cooler weather and whale shark season.
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Travel Tips:
- Book activities early, especially whale shark tours.
- Avoid driving at night to reduce wildlife risks.
- Refuel at major stops like Carnarvon.
Whether you’re snorkelling at Turquoise Bay, marvelling at Kalbarri’s gorges, or relaxing on Shell Beach, this trip promises incredible experiences. Read on for the full itinerary and tips to make your adventure smooth and safe.
PERTH TO EXMOUTH ROAD TRIP | TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
10-Day Road Trip Plan
Here’s your detailed guide for an incredible Perth to Exmouth journey along Australia’s Coral Coast Highway.
Day 1: Perth to Jurien Bay (220 km)
Start your trip heading north on Indian Ocean Drive. Stop at the Lancelin Sand Dunes for sandboarding and photos, then continue to the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park to marvel at the limestone formations. Grab lunch at the Lobster Shack in Cervantes before arriving in Jurien Bay. If time allows, consider a sea lion swim tour.
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Key stops: Lancelin Sand Dunes, Pinnacles Desert, Cervantes, Jurien Bay
Days 2–3: Jurien Bay to Kalbarri (350 km)
Travel through Geraldton, pausing at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial for sweeping views, and visit the Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake near Port Gregory. Reach Kalbarri by late afternoon.
On Day 3, explore Kalbarri National Park:
- Start with Nature’s Window and the Kalbarri Skywalk in the morning.
- Visit Z Bend Lookout and River Trail in the afternoon.
- End the day at the coastal gorges of Red Bluff and the Blue Holes.
Drive time: 4 hours
Must-see: Kalbarri Skywalk, Nature’s Window, Z Bend Lookout
Days 4–5: Kalbarri to Shark Bay (400 km)
Discover these amazing spots along the way:
- Hamelin Pool’s ancient stromatolites.
- Shell Beach, covered with billions of tiny white shells.
- Eagle Bluff for spotting marine life.
- Little Lagoon’s crystal-clear waters.
- Ocean Park Aquarium for marine life presentations.
Drive time: 4 hours
Highlight: Hamelin Pool Stromatolites
Days 6–7: Shark Bay to Coral Bay (600 km)
Set off early for this longer drive, breaking it up with a stop at Carnarvon’s Quobba Blowholes. Once in Coral Bay, enjoy:
- Snorkelling straight off the beach.
- Relaxing on the sandy shores.
Drive time: 7 hours
Top tip: Refuel in Carnarvon, the last major service centre before Coral Bay.
Days 8–9: Coral Bay to Exmouth (150 km)
With just a short 1.5-hour drive, spend the extra time exploring Cape Range National Park:
- Snorkel at Turquoise Bay.
- Walk along Yardie Creek.
- Drive through Charles Knife Canyon.
Wrap up the day with sunset drinks at Froth Craft Brewery or Whalebone Brewing Co. If you’re visiting between April and August, don’t miss swimming with whale sharks.
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Best experience: Swimming with whale sharks (April to August)
Day 10: Return to Perth (1,250 km)
For the long drive back, consider an overnight stop in Carnarvon:
- Follow the Fruit Loop Drive Trail.
- Treat yourself to a mango smoothie at Bumbak’s.
- Visit the Carnarvon Cactus Garden.
Drive time: 9 hours (direct to Perth) or split over two days
Recommended: Start early and share driving duties.
| Location | Distance from Previous Stop | Recommended Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Jurien Bay | 220 km | 1 night |
| Kalbarri | 350 km | 2 nights |
| Shark Bay | 400 km | 2 nights |
| Coral Bay | 600 km | 2 nights |
| Exmouth | 150 km | 2 nights |
| Perth (return) | 1,250 km | – |
Swap drivers every two hours and aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night to stay safe on the road.
Main Stops and Activities
As you travel through Western Australia, you’ll encounter a variety of destinations that highlight the region’s incredible natural beauty.
Ningaloo Reef Highlights
Ningaloo Reef is home to Australia’s largest fringing reef, easily accessible from the beach for snorkelling adventures. Top snorkelling spots include:
- Turquoise Bay: Known for drift snorkelling.
- Lakeside: A great choice for beginners.
- Oyster Stacks: Best visited at high tide.
- Coral Bay: Perfect for snorkelling right from the shore.
Between March and July, you can join whale shark tours, while manta rays, humpback whales, turtles, and vibrant tropical fish make this reef a must-see year-round.
Beyond the reef, Western Australia’s rugged outback awaits, starting with Kalbarri National Park.
Read our ultimate guide to snorkeling the Ningaloo Reef!
Kalbarri National Park Spots
Kalbarri National Park features an 80-kilometre gorge carved by the Murchison River through ancient sandstone. Key attractions include:
- Nature’s Window: Best visited at sunrise for spectacular views.
- Z Bend and Ross Graham Lookout: Offering breathtaking scenery.
- Kalbarri Skywalk: A stunning spot for panoramic views.
Daily entry fees are $17 per vehicle or $10 for concessions (covered if you hire our vehicles).
From the gorges, your journey continues to the coastal wonders of Shark Bay.
Shark Bay Features
This World Heritage site is known for its unique natural attractions. Highlights include:
- Shell Beach: A 120-kilometre stretch of beach made entirely of cockle shells, with some areas reaching up to 10 metres deep.
- Monkey Mia: Arrive by 7:30 AM for the best chance to see dolphins up close.
- Hamelin Pool: Famous for its ancient stromatolites, visible during low tide.
Monkey Mia entry fees are $15.00 for adults, $5.00 for children aged 6–15, and $35.00 for a family pass (2 adults and 2 children).
Coral Bay Activities
Coral Bay serves as a hub for organised dive tours. You can easily rent snorkelling gear here to explore the area’s vibrant marine life.
Cape Range National Park Sites
Located along the Coral Coast, Cape Range National Park combines red rock canyons with pristine beaches. For easier access to snorkelling sites, consider staying on the west side of the Exmouth Peninsula.
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Travel Tips and Safety
Vehicle Rules and Limits
The vehicles provided by our company are suited for sealed roads and well-maintained gravel tracks along the Perth to Exmouth route. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stick to main sealed roads whenever possible. If you must use gravel tracks, drive slower and adjust to the conditions.
- Beach driving is only permitted in designated areas like Lucky Bay and Wharton Beach.
- Avoid venturing onto remote 4WD-only routes.
- Limit your driving time to a maximum of 8–10 hours per day and avoid driving at night or dusk/dawn.
Following these guidelines will help keep your journey safe and enjoyable.
When to Visit
The best time to travel from Perth to Exmouth is between April and October, when the weather is cooler, and rainfall is minimal. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
| Season | Months | Average Temp | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | June–August | 12–25°C | Whale sharks, humpbacks, clear skies |
| Shoulder | April–May, Sept–Oct | 15–30°C | Mild weather, fewer crowds |
| Off-peak | November–March | 25–40°C | Hot weather, cyclone risk |
What to Pack
Packing the right gear is crucial for this trip. Here’s a list of essentials:
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Vehicle Safety Gear:
- Two spare tyres and a basic tool kit
- First aid kit
- 20L water container
- Emergency communication device
- Vehicle manual
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Personal Items:
- Wide-brim hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottles
- Light, long-sleeve clothing for sun protection
- Warm layers for cooler evenings
- Swimming gear and towels
Safety Tips
- Let someone reliable know your destination and expected arrival time.
- Be extra careful at dawn and dusk, as wildlife and livestock are more active.
- Take regular breaks and share driving duties if possible.
- If you’re feeling tired, take a 20-minute power nap.
- Avoid night driving to reduce the risk of hitting wildlife.
- Carry extra fuel and supplies, as service stations can be far apart.
Watch out for road trains! When overtaking, ensure the road ahead is clear and give yourself plenty of distance before merging back into your lane.
Common Questions
4WD Requirements
For the Perth to Exmouth coastal route, a standard 2WD vehicle will do the job.
However, if you’re planning to venture into more remote areas, here’s what you need to know:
- Main Route: Highways like Indian Ocean Drive and North West Coastal Highway are fully sealed and suitable for any vehicle.
- National Parks: Key spots in Kalbarri and Cape Range National Parks are reachable via sealed or well-maintained gravel roads.
- Side Adventures: A 4WD comes in handy for exploring part of Shark Bay, off-road tracks in Cape Range National Park, or the unsealed sections of Francois Peron National Park.
Overall, a 4WD camper provides increases safety with the addition of bullbars and a higher clearance!
Trip Duration Options
How long you stay depends on how much you want to explore. Here’s a quick guide:
| Duration | Focus Areas | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Perth → Kalbarri → Coral Bay → Exmouth | Covering key highlights |
| 10 days | All major stops with time for 2-day visits | A balanced, relaxed pace |
| 14 days | Longer stays at each destination | A deeper dive into each location |
To make the most of your trip, consider spending at least two nights in key spots like Kalbarri, Shark Bay, and Coral Bay. This way, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the attractions without rushing.
Whale Shark Swimming
The whale shark season in Exmouth runs from mid-March to August, with the best time being winter (June to August) when temperatures hover around 20°C.
During this period, you might also catch sight of migrating humpback whales. Guided tours are available in both Coral Bay and Exmouth. If you’re planning to visit during winter, it’s a good idea to book your whale shark tour early, as demand is high.
Book Your Trip
Start your journey from Perth to Exmouth with OffGrid Campers WA. We provide fully equipped campervans and 4WDs to make your coastal adventure comfortable and hassle-free. Our vehicles include:
- Solar power systems and advanced batteries
- Large fridges and water storage tanks
- Rooftop tents with comfortable mattresses
- Fully stocked camp kitchens
- High-speed Starlink internet for staying connected
| Vehicle Type | Daily Rate | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campervan | From $100/day | Sealed roads, coastal drives | Solar power, queen bed, camp kitchen |
| 4WD | From $150/day | National parks, off-road tracks | Rooftop tent, large fridge |
Why Choose Us?
- All rentals come with comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.
- One-way rentals are available across Western Australia.
We recommend setting aside 10–14 days to fully enjoy the sights and experiences along the Perth–Exmouth route. Our vehicles are built for sealed roads and well-maintained tracks, ensuring a smooth trip.
How to Book:
- Head to our website to check availability.
- Choose your dates and vehicle type.
- Fill out the online booking form.
- Receive confirmation and trip preparation details.
Need extra help? Contact our Perth office for tailored trip advice and local tips.
