west coast australia travel itinerary

Inspire Your Trip

The Ultimate West Coast Australia Road Trip Itinerary (1-3 Weeks)

You contrary thing, you. For many roadtrippers with their own wheels, West Coast = Best Coast.

The diversity of experiences available, rare wildlife spotting opportunities and emptiness of landscapes (hellooooo, perfect Instagram shot!) makes for a magical off the beaten path experience.

How much time you have really depends on how many places you can see, we have put together two itineraries, for 7 or 21 days but both can be adapted to fit any time frames.

We’d recommend you allow a little longer for the West Coast than the East coast, due to the sheer distance between some remote places on this itinerary.

Having said that, if you’re pushed for time, you could easily spend a few less days on Shark Bay and Exmouth or opt out of exploring the Kimberleys.

Australia West Coast 1 Week Itinerary

If you’re after a real Aussie adventure with less time, a speedy one-week road trip headed north from Perth cuts the mustard.

First drive to Karrijini National park for iconic red rock gorges, natural waterfalls, tree-climbing and camping under the clearest starry sky (so clear you can legit see the galaxies).

Then swing back to the coast starting with Exmouth and its incredible coral reefs, swimming with whale sharks and sundowners on the sand dunes.

Make your way back to Perth stopping at Coral bay, Monkey Mia, Shelly beach, the pinnacles and back down to Perth.

This is a really quick and rushed itinerary but will allow you to see all the main highlights in a short period of time.

Australia West Coast 3 Week Itinerary

This 21 day itinerary starts in Perth and travels north. The itinerary can be adapted as you go.

Day 1: Starting our itinerary in Perth but before you hit the open road, we recommend you head to Rottnest Island to meet its gorgeous fuzzy residents and also see some of the most pristine beaches in the country.

Day 2: Set off up the West Coast. It’s around a two-hour drive from Perth to Nambung National Park, home to the Pinnacles. After a day exploring here, bed down in your camper in Cervantes, a cute coastal town nearby.

Day 3: Check out Cervantes’ Thirsty Point for views of the Indian Ocean after brekky, before driving the four and a half hours to Kalbarri, where there are plenty of campsite options.

Day 4: Explore the spectacular Kalbarri National Park!

Day 5: It’s around a four-hour drive to the first of your stops in the beautiful Shark Bay region. First stop, Shell Beach!

Day 6-8: With so many gorgeous beaches and wildlife encounters fit to rival Blue Planet, you’ll want a few days to explore Francois Peron National Park, Monkey Mia’s wild dolphin feeding grounds and Shark Bay’s amply other sandy enclaves at your leisure – they’re all within a short drive of each other.

Day 9: You can drive on to Coral Bay in three hours and pitch up for the night, or choose to rest and have lunch before continuing onto Ningaloo.

Day 10: It’s a short drive from Coral Bay beach to Ningaloo, where you can spend the day diving with whale sharks, snorkelling with turtles or boat tripping out to see humpback whales.

Day 11: Drive time between Ningaloo and Exmouth is under two hours. You’ll want to spend a few days in this heavenly beach bum’s paradise, soaking up more of the Ningaloo reef, and the marine life you missed at your last stop.

Day 13: It’s an eight hour drive from Ningaloo to Karijini National Park, so make sure you’re well rested – camping overnight under a blanket of stars here is a must.

Day 14-15: Rise early to take in Karijini’s landscapes on Day 14. On Day 15, set off on the five hour drive to Port Hedland for an overnight stop. These parts are remote, but there’s plenty of campsites with amenities.

Day 16: Port Hedland to Eighty Mile Beach is a three hour drive. Although the sea full of nasty critters you wouldn’t want to swim with, sunrise, sunset and the endless empty tidal flats here are made for photo opportunities, beers and general zenning out.

Day 17: On to Broome! Abandon your trusty campervan here, mount one of Australia’s million native camels (the Middx East does import them from here, you know) and ride down Cable Beach.

Days 18-20: Optionally tag an off-road adventure in the Kimberley region onto the end of your West Coast roadie. This area needs4WD vehicle, so we recommend a tour.

Day 21 You could decide to continue travelling up the coast to Darwin, or start your journey down back to Perth or other destinations in Australia either by car or flight from Broome.

Australia’s East Coast really does get all the love, but the West Coast will steal your heart. It is generally less touristy than the East, and although it doesn’t have famous sights like the Great Barrier Reef and WhitSunday Islands, you will absolute love travelling in this region.

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The Ultimate Western Australia Road Trip Itinerary

Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From Esperance in the south all the way up to Broome in the north, this ultimate Western Australia road trip itinerary takes you along all the highlights of Australia’s largest state.

As soon as you hit the road and start exploring Western Australia, you’ll immediately realise why this destination is a truly unique corner of the world.

In terms of land mass, it is the biggest state in Australia. It is absolutely massive, taking up almost the entire western half of the country.

Despite its size, Western Australia is sparsely populated. Much of the land is desert, so it is extremely remote and there are few tourists here compared to places like New South Wales or Queensland.

Even when heading to the desert regions of the Outback, most travellers head to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory before considering a trip to Western Australia.

Because Western Australia is mostly rural, and there are few tourists, it’s actually one of the best spots for road trips in Australia!

Full of wildlife, national parks, coral reefs, wineries, charming towns, white sandy beaches, and rugged natural landscapes that sometimes look like another planet, Western Australia has so much to offer.

The best way to see it all is definitely a road trip. Public transport doesn’t reach all the best parts of the state, so a driving adventure allows you to get to all the most beautiful and remote places on your own schedule.

Let’s get into this epic Western Australia road trip itinerary!

Western Australia Road Trip Itinerary Kangaroos On Beach

Table of Contents

Where to Start?

How long is the drive, car or campervan, driving in western australia – road trip tips, day 1 – perth to dunsborough, day 2 – dunsborough to margaret river, day 3 – margaret river to albany, day 4 – albany to bremer bay, day 5 – bremer bay to esperance and cape le grand national park, day 6 – esperance to hyden, day 7 – hyden to perth, day 8 – perth to jurien bay, day 9 – jurien bay to geraldton, day 10 – geraldton to kalbarri, day 11 – kalbarri to shark bay, day 12 – shark bay to coral bay, day 13 – coral bay to exmouth, day 14 – exmouth, day 15 – exmouth to karijini national park, day 16 – karijini, day 17 – karijini to eighty mile beach, day 18 – eighty mile beach to broome, where next, wa road trip guide.

Before we get into the actual itinerary for a Western Australia road trip, we’re going to cover some of the basics.

To plan a road trip of this diverse and stunning state, you need to have a few things sorted including your transport, your time frame, your supplies, and any other logistics.

The road trip will consist of two sections: A southern loop from Perth to Esperance and back, and a northern route from Perth up to Broome and back. This is a lot of ground to cover, but it is so worth it.

To help you plan your road trip, here are some important things to consider.

Although it makes sense to start at one end of the west coast and finish at the other, this isn’t realistic for most people.

This Western Australia road trip will reach from Esperance in the south, all the way up to Broome in the north. However, flights into Esperance or Broome aren’t cheap from most destinations around Australia. Car rentals are even more scarce, and more costly in these places.

Your best option is to start your Western Australia road trip in Perth.

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, and it has the most amenities available. Flights into Perth are plentiful, and they are more affordable than other places in the state.

Fly into Perth, spend a few days enjoying the capital city, then rent a car and head out on your road trip. Return to Perth at the end to return your car and fly home.

If you already have your own car or camper van and you don’t need to rent one in Perth, you can always begin this road trip anywhere that suits you. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to drive all the way back home after the trip.

READ MORE: Check out our list of the best things to do in Perth!

The biggest obstacle when planning a Western Australia road trip is time!

Because the state is so huge and all the attractions are spread out, you’ll need a good chunk of time to see everything.

Give yourself 3 weeks at the very least to complete the entire Western Australia road trip and then loop back to Perth. This is the very minimum amount of time, with just one night in most places.

The first part of the road trip starts in Perth, follows along the south west edge of the state until Esperance, then loops back to Perth inland via Hyden. The driving distance is roughly 21 hours (with no stops), covering about 1,900 km.

The second part starts in Perth and heads north along the coast, with a detour to Karijini National Park, before ending in Broome. The driving distance is roughly 31 hours (with no stops) and covers about 2,800 km.

After Broome you’ll return to Perth unless you’re continuing into the Northern Territory. So the total driving time for the north and the south, plus the return drive to Perth, is roughly 75 hours. The total distance is roughly 6,700km.

Three weeks is very doable for this drive! If you have time to spare, stretch the road trip out into a month or more.

Whether you want to take your time and leisurely explore the state, or you want to see it all in 3 weeks, a Western Australia road trip is one of the best things to do Down Under .

You can do a Western Australia road trip in either one! But spoiler alert, we recommend a campervan!

A rental car is cheaper than renting a campervan. You’ll probably spend less money on petrol, and there is less maintenance required with a small car.

But you’ll have to book all your accommodations in advance. You can also pack a tent and camping gear , you’ll just have to set up camp every night.

A campervan is the most convenient option because you can just drive up to most campsites and you’re good to go.

There is a lot of hopping around on this road trip, so it is handy to just have your sleeping arrangements all set up in your van. If you don’t have your own van, you can rent one in Perth.

We recommend Travellers Autobarn , who have the biggest range of budget-friendly vans available.

Whether you rent a car or a camper van, definitely take advantage of the amazing campgrounds in the state.

Camping in the remote outback areas of Western Australia and watching the stars is an epic adventure!

Another thing to note: you don’t necessarily need a 4WD. Some more rugged areas of the road trip will definitely be easier with a 4WD, but you can still complete the road trip without one.

Here are some other road trip tips for Western Australia.

As mentioned, Western Australia is very remote. Petrol stations are usually available, but it is wise to be prepared just in case. Try to have spare fuel, spare tires, and extra necessities like food, water, and a first aid kit.

Also, be careful when driving on the outback roads. Wildlife is everywhere, and even when the road looks deserted, you never know what may jump out in front of you. Particularly at dawn and dusk, drive with caution.

In terms of weather, I would recommend avoiding a Western Australia road trip in the middle of summer.

December through February can get extremely hot, especially the further north you go.

The north of Western Australia has a tropical climate as well, meaning summer is also rainy season.

To avoid rain, floods, and potential road closures, and super hot temperatures, plan your road trip outside the summer months.

With those tips in mind, all road trips around Western Australia should run smoothly. Let’s get into the itinerary and our suggestions for the best places to go on your road trip.

Western Australia Road Trip Itineraries

As discussed earlier, we have separated this Western Australia road trip itinerary into two sections.

The Southern Route begins in Perth, follows the south west edge of the state to Margaret River and Albany, then continues to Esperance. From there, you can loop back to Perth inland.

The Northern Route starts in Perth and follows the west coast up to Exmouth. Then you can take a detour to Karijini, then continue up to Broome before heading back to Perth or continuing your road trip north.

These itineraries can be modified according to your plans. You can just do one route if you don’t have a full three weeks to spare. If you have more time, feel free to spend extra days in places you really love.

If you don’t have your own wheels you can rent a campervan in Perth .

Southern Route

The Southern Route of the road trip takes 7 days. If you only have a short time to explore Western Australia, this is the quickest road trip to choose.

Be sure to spend a few days exploring Perth before you set out. Check out Fremantle, explore the beautiful Perth beaches , or take a day trip to Rottnest Island and play with the quokkas.

Once you’ve had your fun in Perth, pick up your car or camper van and get going!

If you’re only planning on driving south too, have a read of our Perth to Esperance road trip guide.

From Perth, it’s a 3 hour drive to Dunsborough.

Stop in Busselton along the way, a charming coastal town with plenty of fun things to do .

Stretch your legs along the iconic Busselton Jetty, or do the Underwater Sea Walk which explores the marine life under the jetty.

You could also walk to the Cape Naturalist Lighthouse or get some delicious fresh seafood for lunch.

Continue on to Dunsborough, which has some nice wineries and beaches to check out. Meelup Beach is a great spot for a swim or surf.

Dunsborough and Margaret River are only 30 minutes apart, so you can spend the night in either place.

Today you’ll want to do some wine tasting in the Margaret River region, as this is a highlight of Western Australia. You can just drive from vineyard to vineyard on your own, or book a winery day tour so you can drink all the wine you want without having to drive.

BONUS – Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code “NOMADS10” on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

Also check out Margaret River Chocolate Company and Margaret River Dairy Company to sample locally made, artisan food and buy some snacks for your trip.

Other fun things to do near Margaret River include surfing at Yallingup Beach, taking a dip at the nearby natural swimming pool called Injidup Natural Spa, and checking out the stalactites and stalagmites at Jewel Cave or Ngilgi Cave.

After Margaret River, it’s time to head towards your next destination: Esperance. If you want an extra day in Esperance, drive straight there from Margaret River. It takes 8 hours.

If you prefer to break the journey up and see more Western Australia highlights along the way, you can make a few stops on the way to Esperance.

It’s 4 hours from Margaret River to Albany.

Definitely stop in Hamelin Bay , where lots of sting rays swim through the shallow waters. You can go snorkelling here or just wade amongst the rays. 9am or 10am is the best time to see them!

Another cool stop on the way to Albany is the massive, seaside boulders known as Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park. Nearby is Greens Pool, a beautiful spot for a swim.

Just before you reach Albany there is another gem: Torndirrup National Park. Check out the unique rock formations here like The Gap and the Blowholes, and the Natural Bridge.

Read next: The 20 Best Things to Do in Albany

It’s 2 hours from Albany to Bremer Bay, the next stop on your way to Esperance along the south west coast.

You can spend the morning in Albany. Get brekky in a cafe, go for a swim or stroll on Middleton Beach, or check out the National ANZAC Center for a bit of Aussie history. If you’re here on a Saturday, definitely stop by the Albany Farmers Market.

Once you reach Bremer Bay, consider booking an orca whale watching tour . This is one of the best places in the world to see orcas in the wild. Between January and March, the ocean here is home to the largest congregation of Orcas in the Southern Hemisphere.

You can also go whale watching here between June and October, as southern right whales come here to calve.

You may also see humpback whales, pilot whales, and more. Anywhere on this region of the south west coast of Australia is great for whale watching during the winter months!

Also in the area is the Fitzgerald River National Park. Full of beautiful forest and walking trails, this is a nice place to explore if you’re not here during whale season.

There are two campgrounds here as well if you want to spend the night in the wilderness.

From Bremer Bay, it’s a 5.5 hour drive to Esperance.

Known for its pink lakes, stunning beaches, and active wildlife, Esperance is one of Australia’s most beautiful places.

The famous saltwater Pink Lake is right next to the town, but it isn’t actually pink anymore.

Lake Hillier is the more famous pink lake, which is located on an island off the coast of Esperance. You can access this lake by a boat tour if you wish.

Once you arrive in Esperance, spend the day exploring Cape Le Grand National Park . Lucky Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

It’s famous for its white sand, turquoise water, and kangaroos which frequent the beach.

A great way to see all the highlights of Esperance is to do the Great Ocean Drive. It’s a 40-km loop that starts and ends in Esperance.

Along the Great Ocean Drive is the Observatory Point Lookout, Twilight Beach, Twilight Cove, Ten Mile Lagoon, Lucky Bay Brewing Company, and the Pink Lake.

You can follow the Great Ocean Drive route or just pick and choose the attractions you want to see while you’re here.

Check out our full list of the best things to do in Esperance .

After enjoying Esperance, it’s time to head back to Perth. It’s an 8 hour drive on the inland route. You can do it all at once, but we recommend stopping halfway in Hyden.

You’ll reach Hyden in 4 hours. While you’re here you have to check out Wave Rock. This giant slab of granite that was supposedly formed 130 million years ago is actually shaped like a huge wave.

It has formed this way naturally over time, and it’s one of the coolest natural attractions along the route. It’s worth stopping in Hyden just to see it.

From Hyden, it’s just a 4 hour drive back to Perth! You’ve finished the southern section of this road trip.

You can choose to spend some time relaxing in Perth, or just continue straight on to the northern section.

Northern Route

This next Western Australia road trip route goes from Perth up to Broome.

As you head north towards the Coral Coast, the waters of the Indian Ocean get warmer and you’ll find the marine life is flourishing.

You’ll also see lots of dramatic natural landscapes within all the national parks and coastal drives.

The Coral Coast is majestic, colourful, and full of life. It begins in Cervantes, a small town 2 hours north of Perth and ends up in Exmouth.

Read next: Check out our comprehensive Perth to Broome road trip itinerary with more info, or continue reading below for an overview of what you should do on this part of the drive!

From Perth it’s only a 2.5 hour drive to Jurien Bay. On the way you can make a few cool stops if you’d like.

If you already have your vehicle, then you can keep on driving from the southern loop.

But if you are looking to pick up wheels here, grab a campervan from Perth and you’ll be good to go.

Stop in Yanchep National Park to explore the forest, go wildlife watching, stretch your legs on some walking trails, and seek out some limestone caves.

Lancelin is another unique stop because it has sand dunes! You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the Sahara Desert here.

If you have a 4WD you can go off roading on the Lancelin sand dunes. Or you can rent a sandboard for $12.50 and have some fun.

But the absolute best stop is Nambung National Park, which is a real highlight of Western Australia.

The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is an otherworldly natural sight. This arid desert is full of natural limestone rock formations that were formed somewhere between 25,000 and 30,000 years ago.

The Pinnacles are a fascinating sight, and could be considered a must-see on road trips through Western Australia.

Once you arrive in Jurien Bay, enjoy the relaxed pace of this chill beach town. Walk along the white sandy beach and go for a snorkel or swim.

Camp near the beach at Sandy Cape Recreation Park and watch the stars.

After a good night’s sleep, there is one amazing adventure to do in Jurien Bay before you continue on the road: a sea lion tour!

A colony of sea lions lives on Essex Rocks, which is a 15-minute boat ride away from Jurien Bay.

Book a boat tour so you can visit the colony and go snorkelling and swimming with some friendly sea lions.

After swimming with sea lions, drive 2 hours north from Jurien Bay towards Geraldton.

Geraldton is a pretty quiet town that is a popular stop on a road trip of Western Australia.

Spend the day visiting the cafes, markets, museums, beaches, and swimming holes in the area.

There are a few nice caravan parks in Geraldton as well, where you can rent a cabin or park your campervan.

Tomorrow you’re heading to Kalbarri National Park, which is full of fun things to do.

It’s a 2-hour drive from Geraldton to Kalbarri, a resort town framed by rugged coastal cliffs and oceans filled with wildlife.

On the way to Kalbarri you’ll pass by another pink lake called Hutt Lagoon. This lake is still pink due to the presence of a special algae, so check it out if you haven’t yet gotten a cool photo of a Western Australia pink lake.

Once you arrive in Kalbarri, spend some time admiring the stunning coastline. Visit Red Bluff, Natural Bridge, and Island Rock for impressive views of the jagged rocks towering over the ocean.

You can also head into Kalbarri National Park, which has lots of great hiking trails and some iconic landscapes.

The Z Bend Lookout is a short day trail that is quite popular.

The real highlight of Kalbarri National Park is the short, loop trail to Nature’s Window.

This is a large natural arch made of layers upon layers of dusty red sandstone. The arch creates “Nature’s Window” where you can look through over the rivers, forests, and cliffs of the national park.

Check out our list of the best places to visit in Australia for more travel inspiration!

Continue driving north for 4 hours until you reach Shark Bay, then spend the day exploring this very special area of Australia.

Shark Bay on the Coral Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It is the most westerly point of Australia, and is made up of numerous islands, reefs, national parks, beaches, and more.

Shark Bay is also home to the world’s largest and richest seagrass beds, where you can find large numbers of dugongs grazing in the waters.

There are so many other cool things to see in Shark Bay. Visit Hamelin Pool to see the oldest life forms on earth: a type of living fossil known as stromatolites. These algae colonies are millions of years old.

Another highlight of the area is Shell Beach. This is one of the few places on earth where you can find a beach with billions of tiny shells in place of the sand.

After admiring Shell Beach, visit Francois Peron National Park to see the vibrant natural colors, from the red cliffs and white sandy beaches to the turquoise waters.

Monkey Mia is a small, quiet area of Shark Bay famous for its marine life. From a huge population of wild bottlenose dolphins, to manta rays, turtles, dugongs, and more, Monkey Mia is a great spot for wildlife watching.

Denham is the gateway town to the nature of Shark Bay, so you can find accommodation here unless you want to camp at a more remote campground in Francois Peron National Park. The Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is another nice place to stay.

After marveling at the wildlife and colorful nature around Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, and the national park, drive 5 hours to Coral Bay.

On the way you can stop at the Quobba Blowholes to watch the water shoot out of natural rock crevices and up into the air.

Coral Bay is a charming spot on the Coral Coast, so enjoy your day here before heading up to Exmouth tomorrow.

There are a few nice caravan parks near the beach such as Bayview Caravan Park and People’s Park.

The Ningaloo Reef acts as a barrier from the Indian Ocean so the water here is calm, clear, and peaceful. The conditions are perfect for snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking, or stand up paddle boarding.

If you want a real treat, you can tour the reefs of Coral Bay on a glass bottom boat.

A highlight of the area is Skeleton Bay, a nursery for reef sharks. Stop here to add another species to your list of animals you’ve seen on this road trip of Western Australia!

From Coral Bay it’s 2 hours to Exmouth, one of the best places to visit on a road trip of Western Australia.

Stop by the Ningaloo Visitor Centre when you arrive for maps and information. You’ll spend a full day in Exmouth tomorrow exploring the beaches and reefs of Cape Range National Park so make sure you get some rest today in preparation for an incredible day.

Read more about the ultimate Perth to Exmouth road trip if you’re not planning on heading further north.

Exmouth is a major tourist town that marks the gateway to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.

The waters are filled with coral reefs and marine life, and the land is surrounded by the gorges and cliffs of Cape Range National Park.

It’s a stunning area, and it’s sure to be a highlight of your road trip.

Easily the best thing to do in Exmouth is swimming with whale sharks. These gentle giants roam the warm waters of the Ningaloo Reef, alongside humpback whales and manta rays. You can book a tour to snorkel with the ocean animals during the whale shark season (March through August).

Book your whale shark tour a few months in advance because they sell out quickly!

Other amazing things to do in Exmouth include snorkeling at Turquoise Bay or Sandy Bay, or going hiking on the Yardie Gorge Trail or the Mandu Mandu Gorge Trail.

After a big day of snorkeling or hiking, get ready for an 8 hour drive to one of Australia’s most phenomenal national parks. Be sure to fill up on petrol, water, and snacks before you leave.

Once you arrive in Karijini National Park, stop at Visitor Centre in Tom Price which is the highest town in Western Australia. Here you can get maps of the park and stock up on more supplies if needed.

If you have a camper van, a great place to spend the night is the free camping ground near Hamersley Gorge. If you aren’t camping, Karijini Eco Retreat is a gorgeous place to stay.

Start your day in Australia’s second largest national park with an early morning swim in Hamersley Gorge.

There is so much to see and do in Karijini National Park , so it’s a good idea to pick which hikes you’re doing the night before

That way you aren’t scrambling to make decisions and you can make the most of your day in the park.

The park is most well known for its rich red hues, swimming holes, and gorges. Some of the best gorges to visit include Knox Gorge, Joffre Gorge, Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge, and Dales Gorge.

Each one has a challenging hiking trail that can be done in a few hours or more depending on your fitness level.

You probably won’t be able to hike every single gorge in one day, so take your pick of which hikes you’d like to tackle.

You can also just visit lookouts to see the gorges without a strenuous hike if you prefer. Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool, and the 2km Gorge Rim Trail are also highlights of the park.

Dales Camping Area is another lovely camping spot in the park if you’d like to spend the night somewhere new. It needs to be booked in advance.

From Karijini it’s a 6.5 hour drive to Eighty Mile Beach.

We suggest driving though Port Hedland, which is a good place to stop for petrol, food, water, and any other supplies.

There isn’t heaps to do in Eighty Mile Beach besides enjoying the long, peaceful stretch of sand.

Go swimming, fishing, birdwatching, or walking. Definitely watch the sunrise or sunset over the ocean.

If you have a 4WD you can drive along the beach. The Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park is a convenient place to stay. You can park your camper van at a powered or unpowered campsite, or rent a cabin for the night.

Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Karijini National Park

Time to head to the last destination on your road trip of Western Australia! Broome is about 4 hours north of Eighty Mile Beach.

Broome is the gateway to the Kimberly Region of northern Australia. The tropical resort town is best known for its pearl farms and the beautiful Cable Beach where you can ride camels at sunset.

Some of the other best things to do in Broome include visiting the museums and Aboriginal art galleries, going whale watching, and checking out the views at Roebuck Bay.

Further west from Broome lies the Gibb River Road, a scenic drive through the heart of the Outback.

Consider heading that way if you have more time to road trip, as it’s a unique part of Australia that has some beautiful gorges and lakes.

After enjoying Broome, you have finished the most epic road trip of Western Australia!

If you have your own camper van or car, consider continuing north towards Darwin and Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. You’ve already made it this far, why not see more of the best places in Australia?

If you have a rental vehicle to return, or you’re done road tripping and you have responsibilities to get back to, get ready for a big drive back to Perth.

It’s almost a 23 hour drive from Broome to Perth via the National Highway. This route cuts inland so it’s a bit faster than heading back along the coast.

Don’t forget you can also look into one-way campervan rentals for a slight premium if that suits your itinerary more.

Hopefully this guide will help you on your next adventure out in Western Australia!

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Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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A 9-day West Coast Australia road trip itinerary: Exmouth to Perth

Updated On 21st June, 2024

A 9-day West Coast Australia road trip: best places to visit in WA

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Australia, travelling in Western Australia should definitely be on your list. Western Australia is an iconic Australian bucket list destination with so much natural beauty to explore. While it is best known for its fertile southwest corner, there are so many beautiful places to visit in WA beyond the southwest. Covering the entire western third of Australia, WA is filled with a contrastingly beautiful combination of the rugged red outback and a whopping 12,500km of pristine coastline.

As such, the West Coast is notorious for having some of the best places to visit in Western Australia: from the abundant sea life in the Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth to the scenic desert gorges of Kalbarri, as well as seeing the quokkas on Rottnest Island near Perth , there are so many things to do in Western Australia. Due to the sheer size of this state and with so many of the amazing places to visit in WA found in small towns or remote national parks, there really is nothing quite like a road trip in Western Australia!

That’s why we have put together this 9-day West Coast Australia road trip itinerary, filled with some of the best things to do in Western Australia, including snorkelling in the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef, getting up close and personal with baby sharks in a shark nursery in coral bay, marvelling at the pink algae display of Hutt lagoon, experiencing one of only two beaches in the world made of completely of white shells, and more fun things to do when travelling in Western Australia. Before we show you some of the best places to visit in Western Australia on a road trip, let’s dive into a few things to consider when planning a road trip in Western Australia!

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The best things to do in Exmouth, Western Australia
The best things to do in Perth, Western Australia

Getting to Western Australia and getting around Western Australia…

For this itinerary, we will start with the best things to do in Exmouth and make our way south towards Perth and finish with the best things to do in Perth . Perth is the largest major city in Western Australia, so if you’re flying into WA internationally, or interstate, this is the best place to arrive. From here, you get to choose your own adventure!

Check flights on skyscanner here.

If you want to stick to the 9-day itinerary when travelling in Western Australia, then I would suggest flying from Perth to Exmouth a day early, hiring a car or campervan and making your way south and finishing in Perth. Flights from Perth to Exmouth cost around $150AUD and will arrive in Learmonth (about a 25-minute drive to Exmouth) so make sure to organise your hire car/motorhome accordingly.

This west coast Australia road trip itinerary involves around 14+ hours of driving and 1300km of ground to cover, so if you do have more time and you want to take it slower, you could also fly up (or make your own way there if you’re travelling in your own van/car) and take your time heading south. While Exmouth and Coral Bay are not free-camp friendly, further south there are plenty of beautiful rest stops along the highway where you can stop and pitch a tent/park your van if you want to space out the driving and exploring to suit your timeline. The best way to find the rest stops and places to stay is on apps like campermate or wikicamps .

Check out our guide to freedom camping in Australia here.
Check out our guide to hiring a campervan in Australia here

As many of the best places to visit in Western Australia are found in National Parks, an essential for a road trip in Western Australia is a Western Australia Parks pass . If you’re just planning a short visit then a holiday pass will be your best choice. You can choose from 14 days for $40 or a month for $60, which will give you access to all WA parks for the duration of the pass.

Weather and other considerations: the best time to visit Western Australia…

Western Australia boasts a spectacular array of natural events and attractions, many of which follow a regular seasonal calendar . As such, time of year is something to consider while planning your road trip in Western Australia and places to visit in Western Australia. While planning, you should consider what natural events and things to do in Western Australia are most important to you, as this will help you decide on when you would want to plan your visit.

For example, if you’re hoping to swim with the whale sharks when travelling in Western Australia you would want to plan your trip between March and July, and if you want to see wildflower season, you would want to be here between June and November. Obviously do your own research for what is most important to you, but for most of the things to do in WA listed in this west coast Australia road trip itinerary, June would be an ideal month to plan a visit.

Another consideration is whether or not you should have a 4WD to do a road trip in Western Australia. For the purposes of this west coast Australia road trip itinerary, it’s not explicitly necessary. However, you may encounter dirt roads during a road trip in Western Australia and so if you’re hiring a car I would consider the type of car you feel comfortable taking on these roads, as well as any restrictions of the insurance of the car hire company.

Along this coastline, things like grocery stores and taps for refilling drinking water are very limited. You will be able to buy fresh veg along the way, and there are some restaurants in the more touristy locations, but everything else will either be limited or at a significant premium! If you’re travelling by campervan, be sure to stock up with essential non-perishables in Exmouth (or at another major city/town if possible) before making the trip south and be prepared to pay to fill up your water tanks with water along the way.

Australia Google Map Legend

Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.

With all that in mind, let’s dive into this 9-day West Coast Australia road trip itinerary…

The ultimate 9-day West Coast Australia road trip itinerary: Exmouth to Perth…

Day 1: get a taste for the best things to do in exmouth.

Driving time: 1 hour 40 mins
Driving distance: 155km (Exmouth to Coral Bay)

Exmouth is the closest township to access the Cape Range national park and the north end of the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef. If possible, arrive the afternoon before so you have time to get all your car rental/ motorhome rental sorted, so that way when you wake up you can spend the day experiencing the beauty of Exmouth.

There are so many amazing things to do in Exmouth when travelling in Western Australia including going snorkelling on the reef up in Cape Range national park, taking a tour to swim with the whale sharks, going to the locals favourite surf spot or marvelling at the views from the lighthouse. For a more detailed look into the best snorkelling spots and the best things to do in Exmouth, check out this blog post.

Once you’re done for the day, drive south to Coral Bay and stay a night in one of the caravan parks or accommodation.

explore DIVING ON THE blog here

Day 2: See the Shark Nursery at Coral Bay

Driving time: 2 hours 30 mins
Driving distance: 240km (Coral Bay to Carnarvon)

This aptly named town is best known for its enviable display of coral, but that’s not all that’s in the water! This area is also known for its shark nursery, and is one of the best places to visit in Western Australia to see hundreds of them swimming from a safe distance on the beach.

Start the day by wandering down to Coral Bay beach (the main beach) and walking to see the shark nursery. This nursery is located in a shallow stretch of water about 20 min walk from Coral Bay beach, heading north towards Skeleton Beach where you have the chance to see baby sharks swimming 1-2 metres away from shore! Be sure to go in the morning as the glare from the sun in the afternoon can make it hard to spot them. It is an experience not to be missed on any road trip in Western Australia.

Once you’re done marvelling at the sharks, grab your snorkel gear and go explore the beauty of the coral in Coral Bay. You can see coral by going to the far left bank of the main beach and swimming a few metres parallel to the beach (don’t worry, it’s a nice safe distance from the sharks!). Once you’re done, head south toward Carnarvon to the Quobba blowholes.

If you’re in a camper or tent and self-contained, Quobba station campground is a great place to stay when travelling in Western Australia (just be sure to pre-book as it does sell out!). Otherwise, you can stay in Carnarvon for the night and make the drive to the blowholes in the morning.

Day 3: Explore the blow holes in Carnarvon

Driving time: 3 hours 30 mins
Driving distance: 350km (Carnarvon to Monkey Mia)

After a night of being lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean, start the day with a walk to see the Quobba blowholes, one of the best places to visit in Western Australia. This is easily accessible via the beach as you make your way back toward the ‘King Waves Kill’ sign you will have seen on your drive in. Be aware, this sign isn’t just a tourist attraction, it’s a warning. Be safe and don’t go too close to the edge while watching these king waves create massive spouts of water through the network of blowholes.

Once you’re back at camp, if you’re feeling brave you can go for a swim in the aquarium (next to the campsite) where there is another, smaller, shark nursery. Be aware the water is very shallow and so a wetsuit is advised. For the afternoon, make your way into Carnarvon and stock up on fresh veg and grab an organic frozen banana dipped in chocolate at Gascoyne organic farm, and finish the day with a drive south to stay the night in Monkey Mia. Monkey Mia has an additional reserve fee which is different to a WA parks pass that you will pay upon entry when travelling in Western Australia.

explore ONCE IN A LIFETIME ADVENTURES ON THE blog here

Day 4: See the dolphins and visit the only shell beach in the southern hemisphere

Driving distance: 335km (Monkey Mia to Kalbarri)

Start your morning by heading down with Dolphin watching in Monkey Mia, where you can stand on the beach edge and watch resident wild dolphins come to shore. Daily feedings happen between 7:30-12 noon every day, but rest assured these ‘feedings’ are mandated to be less than 10% of their daily requirement, so the dolphins stay beautifully wild.

Once you’re done basking in the beauty of these intelligent beasts, head south and make your way to Shell Beach. This beach is one of 2 beaches in the entire world made completely of shells and is a must when it comes to the best things to do in Western Australia! Be aware that the water at Shell Beach may look inviting but it’s very high in salt content so may not be the refreshing swim you may be hoping for.

Then drive south and if you’re in a motorhome you can stop off at the free rest stop Galena Bridge Camp Area just before the turnoff to Kalbarri National park, or if you’re booking into accommodation, make your way into Kalbarri for the evening.

Day 5: Take a peek through Nature’s Window and see the Pink Lake

Driving distance: 220km (Kalbarri to Geraldton)

Wake up and get an early start by driving into the National Park to enjoy the sweeping view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, towering 100metres over the Murchison Gorge – a must do when travelling in Western Australia. Then drive to the start of the walk to go see Nature’s Window and make the descent to marvel through this rocky portal overlooking the gorge. It can get hot so start early and bring water!

Continuing along the coastal road driving south, you will arrive at the beautifully vivid pink Hutt Lagoon that is at its most vivid midmorning or just before sunset. Australian pink salt lakes are such a unique experience and are one of the best things to do in Australia . The pink colour comes from a type of algae (Dunaliella Salina) and Hutt Lagoon is one of only a few places to visit in Western Australia where you can see these pink lakes. Finish the day by heading to Geraldton where you can stay in one of their free overnight parking bays, or check into accommodation.

Day 6: Explore WA’s Wildflower Country

Driving time: 2 hours
Driving distance: 200km (Geraldton to Jurien Bay)

Geraldton is a growing town located about halfway between Exmouth and Perth and is best known as the heart of WA’s wildflower country. There are over 12,000 species of wildflowers in WA, and for 60% of these wildflowers, WA is their only known location on earth, so you must go when travelling in Western Australia. Between July-October some of the best places to visit in Western Australia for wildflower season include Chapman River regional park, Mill Lookout and Mullewa.

As the biggest city you will have seen in a few days, take the chance to enjoy the variety of restaurants and eateries before driving south to Jurien Bay for the night.

explore ROAD TRIPS ON THE blog here

Day 7: Jurien Bay

Driving time: 1 hour
Driving distance: 110km (Jurien Bay to Lancelin)

Jurien Bay is one of the best places to visit in Australia to see the Australian sea lions. These puppies of the sea are the rarest of their species with only 10,000-20,000 in existence. Lucky for us, many of these take residence on Essex Rock, a short 15-minute boat ride from Jurien Bay. There are many tours operating daily, giving you a chance to swim and play with these extremely playful animals.

Tours typically cost around $115 per snorkeller and honestly, of all the things I have done in my 2 years travelling Australia, swimming with the sea lions is one of the best experiences I have had and is one of the best things to do in Australia in my book! Be aware that these tours are weather dependant, so be prepared to have some flexibility when travelling in Western Australia if you can.

Once you’re finished, head south and drive through Cervantes Pinnacles Desert. This desert is located in the heart of the Nambung National Park and is renowned for its unique landscape filled with thousands of limestone spires of all shapes and sizes. Marvel at the unique formations and once you’re finished with the loop, drive the rest of the way to Lancelin for the night.

explore ACTIVE TRAVEL ON THE blog here

Day 8: Go boarding on the dunes in Lancelin

Driving time: 1 hour 30 mins
Driving distance: 130km (Lancelin to Perth)

Lancelin is a sleepy little beachside town renowned for its laid-back vibe and its spectacular sand dunes. Tourists flock to explore the dunes by board, Motorcross, ATV, QTV, and 4WD. If you’re looking for an entertaining morning, try your hand at boarding down the dunes! Rentals are around $12.50 for 2.5 hours, and it will give you a workout! If you’re after more of an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of motorised options . This is definitely one of the top things to do in Western Australia!

Once you’re finished exploring the dunes, head to Endeavor Tavern for a bite to eat (the pizza is amazing!) then head south toward Perth. If you’re travelling in Western Australia in a van you can stop at one of the many free camps just north of Perth, or if you’re booking into accommodation, make your way down to Perth for the evening.

Day 9: Experience the best things to do in Perth

Perth is the capital of WA and is home to 75% of Western Australia’s population. Heading into this metropolis may seem a little overwhelming after 8 days in rural WA, but holding onto its roots with its small town friendliness, you will have a blast exploring the very best things to do in Perth . With the diversity of food, beaches and cultural attractions, visiting Perth is high on the list of best things to do in Western Australia.

Some of the best things to do in Perth include visiting the largest inner city park in the world, seeing the only habitat of the smiling Quokkas in the world on Rottnest Island, entering foodie heaven at the Freemantle markets or enjoying some leisure time at some of Perth’s most popular beaches – all must-dos when travelling in Western Australia.

For more of the best things to do in Perth check out this blog post.

That brings us to the end of this West Coast Australia road trip itinerary! Hope you found some ideas for your own road trip in Western Australia and can’t wait to hear about your adventures when travelling in Western Australia.

What are your favourite things to do in Western Australia?

Where are the best places to visit in Western Australia? Anything you’d add to this West Coast Australia road trip itinerary?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

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West Coast of Australia: Perth to Darwin road trip itinerary

Quieter and wilder than the East Coast, the West Coast of Australia is a paradise for nature lovers. Here you will discover gorgeous landscapes, sprawling desert plains and heavenly beaches! The West Coast of Australia is one of the most popular routes on the continent for a road trip, with more than 4000 kilometres of landscapes as wild as they are varied. From Margaret River in the South to Broome in the North, discover all the best stops and spots not to be missed for an unforgettable trip.

Table of Contents

How much time do you need for your road trip?

To travel the West Coast by campervan, 4WD or motorhome, give yourself at least 3 weeks (we recommend 4 weeks – to be adjusted according to your itinerary and your driving speed). If you want to make the most of it and take your time, allow at least 6 weeks.

You will cover nearly 4500km in total. The West Coast is less densely populated than the rest of Australia and cities can be separated by long distances. Make sure you always enough food, water and fuel.

Covering more than 4000 kilometers, this journey is an epic through red deserts, lush rainforests, wild coastlines, and remote towns, offering a mosaic of landscapes among the most spectacular in Australia.

Best time to travel the West Coast

The West Coast of Australia is huge – it stretches for thousands of kilometres. The climate can therefore vary a lot between the North and the South. Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures of 29°C in summer but this can rise to a scorching 40°C/45°C in February. Between June and August, during the winter season, temperatures hover around 12°C. The Coral Coast (between Broome and Perth) enjoys a warm climate all year round. Finally, from Broome to the North-West , you will enjoy beautiful sunny days during the “dry season” (from April to September) with temperatures around 29°C. On the other hand, from October to March, expect tropical rainstorms and high humidity. Temperatures hover around 30°C.

THE BEST TIMES TO VISIT THE WEST COAST ARE MID-SEASON, BETWEEN MARCH AND MAY, OR BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND NOVEMBER.

Climate in Darwin

Climate in perth, west coast road trip budget.

To have a successful trip, you’ll need to budget carefully . Make sure you have enough money (both in your bank account and in cash) to avoid awkward situations. For your information, here is our estimated budget for a 1-month van road trip (rental) for 2 people:

2-seater van rental, including insurance: $3,000
Fuel: $1000 (average rate of $1.90/L and a consumption of 10L/100km)
Food: $500 (for no-frills food)
Campsite fees: $300 (1 night/5 or 6 nights at the rate of $50/night)
Excursions and activities: $1000
Restaurants and outings: $470

Total: $6 250 for two people.

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Calculate your road trip budget according to your needs. Free and easy!

Where to stay on the West Coast?

Unlike the famous (and touristy) East Coast, the West Coast is very wild, which means camping most of the time. You will find motels or roadhouses offering accommodation along the coast. However, the distances between these accommodations can be long, so plan where you will be sleeping in advance if you don’t want to find yourself having to camp in the middle of nowhere!

For those who plan to camp, you will easily find places to sleep on the coast. Some of them charge fees (caravan parks and rest areas) and others are free (camping spots or free camps). Wild camping , i.e. camping outside of designated areas, is generally not permitted and if you’re caught you could be landed with a big fine. However, you will see once you’re on the coast that there is no shortage of space and ranger checks are rare. Avoid wild camping in popular tourist areas.

We advise you to buy a book called Camp Australia Wide , which details more than 1000 free and paid camping areas where you can sleep in Australia. You can also download the WikiCamps mobile app (costs $8) or a free version of the app, Campermate . Both app list places where you can sleep according to your criteria (whether there are toilets/showers, whether you have to pay, whether you can make a fire, whether there are bins, points of interest etc). We can assure you that it will come in handy during your road trip!

Download our complete guide to your West Coast road trip

Prepare for your trip (best time to go, budget)
All the best spots to hit along the coast
Tours and activity recommendations
Spots to park and sleep in a campervan

How to travel along the West Coast?

Pick your vehicle.

First, choose your type of vehicle according to your needs:

a motorhome with all the comforts and amenities
a smaller but more economical campervan
a 4WD : you can sleep in the vehicle, in a tent or in a rooftop tent
a station wagon : you can save on travel this way.

For a road trip on the west coast of Australia, a 4WD will allow you to visit all the national parks and remote locations not accessible by other types of vehicles. You will have the opportunity to drive across beaches and rivers and drive in the bush or on gravel roads . We strongly advise you to opt for a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Note that some sites are only accessible by 4WD , such as some campsites for example, or the famous Gibb River Road in the Kimberleys. However, if you want to stay on the marked paths and only explore the main tourist sites, a two-wheel drive vehicle will be fine.

Campervan rental

You have the option of renting a campervan or motorhome in Perth or Darwin (NT). Note that it is also possible to pick up or drop off a vehicle in Broome , although you will have fewer options to choose from.

Main rental companies

Apollo Campervans
Travellers Autobarn (5% discount available here: Travellers Autobarn Promo Code )

If you prefer to compare campervan and motorhome rental prices, visit the price comparison website Motorhome Republic

Another very popular option is car rental . You will find many different agencies across Australia, including Britz and Travelers Autobarn. Remember to plan ahead to nab your ideal vehicle because rentals go quickly, especially in high season. You will find many car rental agencies around Perth airport or in Darwin.

To compare car rentals in Australia: CLICK HERE

Buying a vehicle

If you’re planning to go on a road trip as soon as you arrive in Australia, a great option is to go through ba ckpackercars.com . They offer all types of vehicles for sale (cars, vans, and 4WDs) and can customize them according to your needs. The advantage is that all the mechanics are checked, the paperwork is in order, and you can pick up your vehicle as soon as you arrive in Australia.

📍 Vehicles available in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth 📝 Avoid all the paperwork 👨‍🔧 Avoid mechanical surprises with a reliable vehicle 🚗 Pick up your vehicle as soon as you arrive in Australia

🚨 BONUS: 1 year of free roadside assistance with our PROMO CODE: BACKPACKERS

Public transport

There are no trains or buses that run along the entire west coast. However, you can join a group of travellers by bus. This is an option if you don’t have your driving licence or don’t want to travel alone. You will have less freedom in your route, but that also means less things to worry about, like driving, refuellng, changing wheels in the event of a puncture, etc.

Bus companies:

Integrity Coach Lines : “hop on/ hop off” system between Perth and Broome.
Greyhound : only between Broome and Darwin.
Why Not Bus : group trip with tours to the emblematic places between Perth and Broome (Pinnacles, Karijini National Park, Exmouth, etc.).
The Magic bus: a group of 25 backpackers (from Perth to Broome, from March to November only).

Carpool or lift

You can find fellow travellers looking for people to join them on the road to split travel costs. This can be a good option if you want to meet new friends and save money. There are many ads on Facebook and Gumtree . Make sure you meet your road trip buddies before you leave, to make sure you get along and are on the same page.

Highlights of the Perth – Darwin Route

Karijini National Park : Exploration of its spectacular gorges, natural pools, and hiking trails.
Broome and Cable Beach : Relaxing on the pristine beaches and observing dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point.
Kakadu National Park : Discovering the rich biodiversity, Aboriginal rock paintings, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
The Kimberleys : Adventure in this wild region, visiting the Bungle Bungle Range and isolated waterfalls.

But we’ll tell you more about it below…

Perth to Darwin Road trip Itinerary

Perth and its surroundings (5 to 6 days), the capital of wa, perth.

Located on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is the capital of Western Australia. Cosmopolitan and modern, Perth is the most isolated city on the planet and continues to grow and develop. Don’t miss Kings Park sprawling over more than 400 hectares with beautiful plants and wild flowers. The more adventurous can climb the 101 steps leading to the highest point of the park for an exceptional view of the city and the river. Elizabeth Quay is also very pleasant for strolls on the seafront.

The Perth Cultural Center, in Northbridge , houses the Art Gallery of WA ( free – open from 10am to 5pm ) and the WA Museum (free – open from 9.30am to 5.00pm) where you can discover Aboriginal art , a 25m long whale skeleton and meteorites, as well as the “old jail” built in 1856 and which is now part of the museum. Open daily, the Perth Zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation and is home to no less than 160 different species.

Fremantle is a small town of 25,000 people located 19 kilometres southwest of Perth. “Freo” stands out for its history, closely linked to that of 18th-century convicts. Today, Fremantle’s main tourist attraction is its numerous street markets . Taste its many dishes across more than 150 stands: fruits, vegetables, confectionery, international food, crafts, etc …

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island sits 19km offshore from the city of Perth and is a must do! This little island paradise and protected nature reserve can be explored on foot or by bike. It’s home to the quokka , arguably the cutest marsupial in Australia! They aren’t scared to approach humans, so if you’re lucky you can get a selfie with one!

You can take many different day trips here (an adventure boat, for example) or guided tours that last just a few hours, like a Segway tour. There are also activities like parachute jumping, whale watching, etc.

To get to Rottnest Island, you will have to take a ferry from Fremantle or Perth. We advise you to book the ferry and bike rental package, to make the most of your trip.

Margaret River

Three hours South of Perth, you’ll find the Margaret River region. The landscapes here are very rich: white sand beaches , hills dotted with vineyards , wild pine forests, interesting rock formations …The South-West region, which has more than a hundred vineyards, will delight lovers of good wine. Surfing enthusiasts will also be able to indulge their passion on one of the best spots in the world to catch a wave.

Between Perth and Margaret River, stop at Eagle Bay and enjoy the scenery. If you have some time to spare, visit some of the small towns that border the ocean. With any luck, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Center in Bunbury.

Perth to Geraldton (2 days)

Three hours from Perth, head north on Indian Ocean Drive to reach Nambung National Park. This park is famous for its rock formations (the Pinnacles) that look like stalactites. It is possible to get there on foot or (when weather conditions allow) to follow a track with your own vehicle right in the middle of these strange totems. At the exit of the Pinnacles, you can visit the village of Cervantes, renowned for its fishing and its white sand beaches . On your way to Geraldton, stop at the famous and popular beaches of Jurien Bay. Surfers and windsurfers will also want to take the opportunity to stop in Geraldton for a dip.

Geraldton to Carnarvon (4 days)

A hundred kilometers away you can check out a rare phenomenon in the world, a pink lake called Hutt Lagoon. The colour of the water is due to the large presence of the carotenoid-producing algae, Dunaliella Salina, in the lake. There are 2 pink lakes in Australia – the other one is located in the south of the country (Lake Hillier). Access to the Hutt Lagoon is via the small town of Port Gregory.

Continue your drive to Kalbarri National Park. Along the Indian Ocean, take advantage of the many viewpoints to take in the spectacular red cliffs (Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock Walk Trail, etc.). Once at the national park, you’ll find fascinating local flora and fauna. Different options are available to you: hiking, climbing, kayaking, cruises, 4WD rides…Whatever you choose, don’t miss the “nature’s window” spot. The rock, sculpted by time, has turned into a natural window offering breathtaking views of the Kalbarri Gorge.

Further north, Shark Bay National Park on the West Coast is one of the biggest marine sanctuaries in the world. Famous for the town of Monkey Mia , you can approach the dolphins playing in the water and maybe even feed them some fish! Shark Bay is also home to a variety of marine wildlife : whales, manta rays, sea turtles, sharks and dugongs. Known for its extraordinary ecosystem, you will be fascinated by the François Perron National Park, where you will find one of the only sites in the world where you can observe marine stromatolites . These exceptional geological formations, resembling small domes, were built by microbes more than 350,000 years ago. A little further, Shell Bech beach is one of the few beaches made up entirely of shells !

Carnarvon to Exmouth (3 to 4 days)

Carnarvon is a coastal town and the last major town before you get to Karratha. Blessed with a subtropical climate, the temperature is pleasant all year round. The city is popular with backpackers looking for odd jobs on the farms . Many fruits and vegetables grow there throughout the year (but there is also a lot of competition for work).

On your way north, stop at Lake Macleod, a partially dry lake. Going up towards the North West point via the Minilya-Exmouth Road, you will arrive at the Ningaloo Marine Park. Coral Bay will be your starting point – a small coastal town very popular with Australian tourists and backpackers. The main attractions are the exploration of the coral reef and the marine wildlife (turtles, humpback whales, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, dugongs, etc.).

Continue on to the town of Exmouth to set off on an excursion to the famous Cape Range National Park. There are many different walks and gorges to discover in the park. Give yourself at least one day if you want to fully enjoy the park. You can also visit Oyster Stack and Turquoise Bay to continue exploring the Ningaloo Reef.

Exmouth to Karratha (1 to 2 days)

Cross the desert for 550 kilometres between Exmouth and Karratha. We advise you to stop at each roadhouse to refuel and enjoy a short break. There is not really much to see in this part of the coast.

Karratha to Broome (2 to 3 days)

Karratha is a small coastal town in northwest Australia. It is the largest town in the area ahead of Port Hedland. The city is essentially industrial.

A few kilometers after Karratha, more inland, you’ll find the jewel of the Pilbara: Karijini National Park . Covering 6274 km², it’s the second biggest park in Australia. Located 1000 kilometres north of Perth, it is renowned for its gorges and waterfalls . It is also home to lots of wildlife: kangaroos, echidnas, geckos, goannas, snakes and more. There are also many bushwalks on offer – definitely check out Fortescue falls or Fern Pool.

Tom Price, the nearest town, is 80 kilometres from the park, in the heart of the huge Marandoo iron mine. The road between Karratha and Broome is mostly desert. Port Hedland is a port city on the Australian North Coast. Its deep water makes it the main port in the region for receiving oil and containers. Its climate is harsh, with very high temperatures throughout the year and little rainfall. Port Hedland is not really a tourist town. There is only one beach, but be very careful of the crocodiles!

Broome (1 to 2 days)

Broome is considered the gateway to the Kimberley area and deserves a few days stopover. It is where the red dirt desert meets the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean . Enjoy the sunset while riding a camel on Cable Beach. Discover the history of the pearl industry and admire the most beautiful pearls in the world in the city centre shops. You can also discover dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point.

Each year from March to October, Staircase to the Moon takes place. It is a natural phenomenon which occurs when a full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. An excellent opportunity to share a beer on the beach and take a few snaps for your Instagram account! Broome also has some great local markets ; you can visit the Broome Courthouse Market on Saturday and Sunday mornings or during full moon nights (April to October).

From Broome to Darwin (5 to 15 days)

From Broome, the road then continues to Darwin , located in the Northern Territory (NT). Along the way, you’ll find a few points of interest. For example, plan a short stop in Derby to see the giant baobab trees, some of which were once used as prisons for Aboriginal people.

For those with a 4WD, you will have many more places to discover, especially the Gibb River Road , a 659km track. You will cross rivers and desert landscapes to reach beautiful gorges. Among them Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek or Bell Gorge .

You can also discover El Questro , a cattle station with famous waterfalls (accessible with a standard vehicle). Next up is Kununurra , a small town in the heart of the Kimberleys, perfect for excursions to explore the region.

You then cross the border to enter the Northern Territory and reach Katherine for a short cruise among the crocodiles. Then it’s time to head to the capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin. On the way, you can stop for a few days at Litchfield National Park , a must in the Northern Territory.

West Coast tours and activities

West coast tours and excursions.

With its wild and varied landscapes, its magnificent beaches and its huge national parks, the West Coast is full of activities that you can indulge in during your road trip. Parachute jumping, snorkeling, scuba diving, scenic flights, 4WD tour, etc. There is something for everyone!

Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle)

The Bungle Bungle Range is a fantastic natural formation made of beehive-shaped sandstone domes . It is one of Australia’s few World Heritage Sites . There are many ways to discover this unusual place, by hiking or from the air. There are plenty of beautiful walks (Cathedral Gorge, Doms Walk, Mini Palms Gorge, Echnida Chasm) as well as charming local art sites and abundant fauna and flora.

The Margaret River region developed over 60,000 years ago . It is an important place in Aboriginal culture , since it is the traditional land of the Wadandi people (salt water). Take the time to visit the city and its surroundings to fully immerse yourself in the climate that reigns here. The best excursion you can take to Margaret River is a day trip from Perth . During this trip, you will visit Busselton Jetty and the lighthouse of Cape Leeuwin, as well as Mammoth Cave.

Ningaloo Reef, the little Barrier Reef

This incredible reef, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site , is absolutely worth a detour during your West Coast road trip! Its multicoloured corals, crystal clear waters and exceptional marine life combine to create an underwater paradise. Here you’ll discover colourful tropical fish, dugongs, reef sharks, humpback whales, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and more. You will be amazed by the much richness and beauty around you! We recommend the following activities:

Swim with whale sharks (338€ for 8h to 9h excursion with meal included).
Humpback whale watching excursion (74€ for 3 hour cruise with small snack).
Swimming with manta rays (185€ for 5/6h eco tour safari).

The above are really must-sees in the region and definitely worth the money! You’ll come home with memories to last a lifetime.

The Kimberleys

Extending over an area of more than 423,000 km2 , the Kimberleys offer some of the most beautiful landscapes in Western Australia . Here you will discover spectacular gorges and cliffs as well as majestic waterfalls and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with their coral reefs and tropical islands. Explore the many hidden caves and Aboriginal rock art. The main bucket list activity here is a scenic cruise over the reefs of Swans Bay Waterfall , a 2-hour sea safari during which you can observe the natural phenomenon of the tides.

Wildlife and Flora

Be on the lookout for kangaroos , wallabies , emus, and exotic birds that inhabit these regions. National parks and nature reserves are perfect places to observe these animals in their natural habitat, especially early in the morning or at dusk.

The diversity of ecosystems along your route allows for the observation of a wide variety of plants adapted to arid conditions, like the iconic baobabs in the Kimberley, or the lush rainforests in the Northern Territory. Take the time to stop and appreciate these fragile ecosystems.

Safety tips & Tricks

Safety should never be overlooked. It is vital to plan your route in advance, inform someone of your plans, and regularly check weather and road conditions. Moreover, store enough food, water, and fuel for several days, in case you are delayed or need to take an unexpected detour.

Never drive at night . The lack of light makes roads dangerous, and wildlife is very much present and can appear out of nowhere at any time. Vehicle rental companies even prohibit night driving for these reasons.

Our useful tips

Protect your skin as much as possible during this road trip. The sun is very strong in Australia, it is not for nothing that it is the country with the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

Bug spray will also be very useful during this trip, especially after dark.

Get up early – it’s the key to a successful road trip. In Australia, it can get unbearably hot in the afternoon.

On the road, remember to refuel regularly or to have reserves of gas because the distances are long. Also fill up with water as often as possible!

Tips for saving on fuel and food

Costs Plan your fuel stops in larger cities where prices are generally lower. For food, bring a camping stove and prepare your meals. Buying local and seasonal products at markets in small towns can also reduce costs while supporting local communities.

Download the complete West Coast Guide

Our FREE 40-page guide brings together all the info you need for your West Coast Road Trip in Australia:

Prepare your trip (seasons, budget)
All the best spots to do on the Coast
Tours & activities recommendations

Updated on 10/04/2024

The Coral Coast – Western Australia

Best things to do in Adelaide: A journey through South Australia’s Capital

Visit Broome (WA): What to do and see

Last year I visited Western Australia and love it. Definitely, recommend everyone to visit Peth and Margaret River region – with all those gorgeous beaches, ahh. For everyone searching for a campsite, I would recommend CamperMate app as its free, plus you can even download a database of camps to your phone to not use internet on the go. For more camping tips in Western Australia check our blog. 😉

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7 days for the ultimate journey in Western Australia

Nov 15, 2022 • 11 min read

Take in views of Perth from Kings Park © Ronan O'Connell/Lonely Planet

Whether you have just a few days or weeks, the mind-blowingly large region of Western Australia offers so many opportunities to take an epic journey.

Whether you're hopping between cities by air, or spending weeks driving by car, there's a lot to check out on the western side of down under.

Local writer Ronan O'Connell plans your perfect 7-day journey by car through Western Australia.

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Born and raised in Perth, Western Australia (WA), I was a daily newspaper reporter in the state for nine years. I’ve since spent the past 10 years traversing the globe as a travel journalist and photographer, while living mostly in Europe and Asia. That time overseas has only heightened my appreciation of WA’s natural splendor and beguiling atmosphere.

Why you should visit Western Australia

The antidote to years of suffocating-feeling pandemic life is a visit to one of the planet’s most serene and sparsely populated places . WA covers more land than England, Spain, France, Italy and Germany combined, yet is home to less than 1% of their collective population.

By no means does this mean the state is empty. WA has forests as tall as skyscrapers, reefs as long as countries, monoliths as big as airports, beaches as lengthy as rivers, craters as wide as provinces, gorges as deep as oceans and lakes as large as nations.

Even its capital Perth is remarkably green and spacious, wedged between dense forest and pristine coastline, and pierced by a river clean enough for swimming and bordered by endless parkland. Space, serenity and scenery: this is the holy trinity of WA.

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Launch your journey in Perth

Each morning, native Australian animals frolic in a patch of wilderness only 1970ft (600m) from Perth’s skyscrapers. Join them by wandering one of the world’s biggest inner-city green spaces, Kings Park , to admire kookaburras, quenda bandicoots, brushtail possums, bearded dragon lizards and 3000 species of flora.

WA’s Aboriginal people coexisted with this natural bounty for 60,000 years before the British colonized Australia, as you can learn at Perth’s brand-new, multimillion-dollar WA Museum Boola Bardip . Its highlight is the Ngalang Koort Boodja Wirn permanent exhibition, which shares the lore, traditions and history of the more than 100 cultural language groups of WA’s Aboriginal community. WA is, and will always be Aboriginal land; come here to learn just what that means.

Cheer on Australian football

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the roar of 60,000 spectators watching Australian football at Perth’s Optus Stadium . A cross between rugby, soccer and basketball, this homegrown sport is fast-paced, high-scoring and hard-hitting, which makes for a spectacular live experience. Afterward, to normalize your adrenaline levels, eat dinner on the southern banks of the placid Swan River as the Perth skyline twinkles opposite. That’s the soothing location of the Boatshed Restaurant, where the grilled barramundi fish and slow-cooked pork belly are as memorable as the view.

Catch the nearby South Perth ferry across the river, then walk through the city center toward a 27-story-tall mural depicting Australia’s multicultural community. That decorates the facade of the Adnate Perth, Art Series hotel, a new four-star property downtown featuring a big outdoor pool – a must in this sunny city.

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The harbor town of Fremantle

Fremantle (or “Freo” as we call it in WA) is Perth’s bohemian, slightly scruffy cousin. In this harbor town 25 minutes southwest of central Perth, skyscrapers and suits make way for heritage architecture and thrift-shop threads. To slip into this distinctive vibe, stay at Warders Hotel, a new boutique accommodation built in an 1800s prison-guard facility. It adjoins Fremantle Markets , where in the morning you can fit a leather Akubra hat (like those worn by Aussie farmers for generations), buy juicy nectarines and plums from fresh produce vendors, and catch a busker singing Australian folk songs.

Then walk to the nearby, 167-year-old Fremantle Prison , a Unesco site that reflects WA’s convict roots. In the 1850s and 1860s, more than 10,000 male prisoners were shipped to WA to help build its infrastructure, and many were residents here. Though it hasn’t housed any incarcerated people for nearly 30 years, it’s now a popular and well-maintained tourist attraction. So join one of the regular tours of its dark and cramped cells, weathered halls and eerie underground tunnels.

In the afternoon, see photos of the ships those convicts arrived on at Fremantle’s modern WA Maritime Museum , which also illustrates this town’s long-held status as WA’s chief port. WA’s coastline is famously perilous for shipping, and Fremantle’s WA Shipwrecks Museum will reveal tales of the state’s worst ocean disasters.

Evening mussels at Cicerellos

Refuel in the evening by gorging on mussels freshly plucked from the Indian Ocean. They’ll be cooked in chilis at Cicerellos, Fremantle’s oldest restaurant, an unpretentious venue overlooking the town’s harbor that is also renowned for its comforting fish and chips.

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Drive to Busselton

A 2.5-hour morning drive south from Fremantle ends amid the towering Tuart Forest National Park in Ludlow. Raise your pulse by scaling the majestic tuart trees, up to 400 years old and 108ft (33m) tall, at Forest Adventures South West. This is just one of the park’s 77 daring activities, which include base jumps, flying foxes, high-rope unicycling and spider-web climbing.

From there, it's just a 15-minute drive to the longest timber-piled pier in the Southern Hemisphere, the 1.2-mile(1.8km)-long, 155-year-old landmark Busselton Jetty . Wander its length at your leisure, or catch the solar-powered train to its end, where an underwater observatory showcases more than 300 marine and coral species in the crystalline waters of Geographe Bay. For a closer inspection of this marine life, hire snorkeling gear from Busselton Dive Shop and spend the afternoon diving in the aquatic wonderland that surrounds the jetty.

That will build a hefty hunger, which you can satisfy at Shelter Brewing Co. alongside the pier. This huge, metallic structure houses a brewery and sprawling restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizzas and seasonal fish fried on the bone.

Busselton’s coastline is so dazzling you’ll want to keep it in view for your entire stay. So unpack your luggage at Broadwater Resort Busselton, a sprawling beachfront complex with a bar and restaurant, two swimming pools, and spacious accommodations ranging from studio rooms to one-, two- and three-bedroom villas that open out onto gardens.

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Wine tasting on the way to Margaret River

Foster a fine mood with a morning swim at one of WA’s best beaches, Eagle Bay, where the sand is so fine and the water so clear it almost feels like a CGI-produced dream. Ground yourself back in reality by learning Aboriginal lore, watching a didgeridoo performance and cooking native Australian food like kangaroo and emu plum during a 2.5-hour Koomal Dreaming tour of Ngilgi Cave in Yallingup, a 25-minute drive west of Busselton.

You can also descend solo into this huge cave, studded by stalactites and stalagmites and accessed by stairs and walkways. After nourishing your spirit, do the same for your taste buds at one of the world’s top winemaking regions, just a 20-minute drive south. Margaret River ’s ancient loamy soil and Mediterranean climate are tailor-made for vineyards, among the oldest of which is Vasse Felix.

In the afternoon, stroll its manicured grounds and do guided tastings of its range of wines, including the award-winning 2019 Heytesbury Chardonnay and 2017 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec. As the sun slips from view, dine overlooking the vineyard at the Vasse Felix restaurant, which uses unique local ingredients like emu and quandong fruit.

Sleep this all off at Margaret River’s Heritage Trail Lodge, nestled amid tall trees yet just minutes’ walk from the center of Margaret River town. This four-star boutique hotel has big rooms: many look directly into the forest and some have large spa baths, a prime perch from which to sip one last glass of wine before retiring for the evening.

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Among the trees in Pemberton

Wilderness envelops your morning an hour’s drive southwest of Margaret River at Greater Beedelup National Park. You could walk for days through this protected forest and not encounter another human. Unless, that is, you follow WA’s popular 621-mile(1000km)-long Bibbulmun Track , a scenic section of which courses through here.

The further you drive southwest, the loftier the karri trees seem to get: at times it can be hard to see the sky through your windscreen, hidden as it is by the forest canopy. By the time you near the old timber mill town of Pemberton, in the afternoon, some of these monstrous karri trees will measure up to 262ft (80m), almost as tall as the Statue of Liberty.

Pretend you’re a 1930s fireman and climb the 100-plus metal pegs drilled into the side of two enormous trees near Pemberton. That will take you to the old wildfire lookout platforms, more than 164ft (50m) above the ground on the Gloucester Tree and Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree, from the tops of which you can see for miles across the forest roof.

Afterward, do as those firemen once did by sleeping and eating at the century-old Pemberton Hotel. With its red-brick facade, white balustrades and wide verandas, this is a classic, old-school Aussie place. It’s not outdated, though, thanks to the 30 modern accommodations (including two rooms specifically designed for disabled guests) added to the property in recent years. Inside the hotel’s historic dining room, you can savor the kind of hearty fare for which these pubs are known, like “scotch fillet” (or rib-eye) steaks and chicken parmigiana.

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Truffles, family fun and the beaches of Bunbury

On the drive back to Perth, your inner foodie will rejoice at the next destination. Just 25 years ago Manjimup was an unremarkable timber and dairy farming town – until locals planted oak and hazelnut trees, from the roots of which grew an irresistible delicacy. That turned this town into a global truffle hub, with Michelin-star chefs across the world now plating up truffles sourced from Manjimup’s farms, including the property that started it all, Truffle Hill.

During truffle season, from June to August, tourists can join sniffer dogs on truffle hunts across that property, about 25 minutes’ drive north of Pemberton. Throughout the year, Truffle Hill offers tours of its farm by request, and from its large shop sells an array of truffle-infused products from oils to sauces, honey, salt and even risotto. After that, you can tap into this town’s roots by wandering the Timber and Heritage Park , which has historic cottages and vintage machinery, plus a blacksmith studio, logging museum and nature-based kids’ activity center.

Children will also appreciate what is reputedly Australia’s largest free playground, Apple Fun Park in Donnybrook, an hour drive north of Manjimup. That name references Donnybrook’s renown as a source of delicious fruit, with some of the town’s orchards allowing visitors to walk their pretty grounds and (for a fee) pluck specimens from its trees. Stop in at Donnybrook’s Fruit Barn shop to buy crunchy apples, juicy pears and addictive plums, then ask to visit its nearby orchard.

Continue today’s food theme with a dinner of crab risotto and grilled marron crayfish at Vat 2, a funky restaurant that spills out onto the sand at Jetty Baths beach in central Bunbury. Drink up – for it’s just a 10-minute walk home to the Hotel Lord Forrest, which, from its west-facing rooms, offers sprawling views of the Indian Ocean.

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The tiny penguins of Rockingham

By this stage, you should have already spotted plenty of Australian animals in the wild – though you may not have properly sighted kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, quokkas, emus and dingos. They’re all waiting to say “G’day” to you this morning at the Bunbury Wildlife Park , an intimate zoo where animals graze in wide enclosures.

Complement that communion with nature by absorbing the creative brilliance of Aboriginal painters at Bunbury Regional Art Gallery . Spread across two levels of an attractive heritage building, this facility showcases an array of local artists, including Aboriginal dot painters, whose works are inspired by the ancient lore of their ancestral lands.

From there, it’s a 90-minute drive to Rockingham, which many WA residents deride as a touristy backwater to be avoided. Ignore their snobbery and admire the world’s smallest species of penguin as well as spot endangered Australian sea lions.

All of those majestic creatures are protected by the sheltered bay of Rockingham’s stunning Shoalwater Islands Marine Park . From mid-September to early June, visitors can take a 5-minute ferry ride from the mainland to tiny Penguin Island, and watch rangers do regular feeding shows of the cute waddling birds, which are only 16in (40cm) tall.

Finish your day at Rockingham’s beachfront dining strip, which looks across beautiful Mangles Bay. Alongside a huge park with multiple playgrounds, this row of venues includes Latitude 32 restaurant. Sit feet from the sand as you savor strip-loin steaks, lobster tails and garlic prawns alongside a jetty. The fact Rockingham is underappreciated in WA – despite its magnificent beaches and unique marine park – indicates just how spoiled for choice we are in a giant state abounding in exquisite scenery.

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An Unforgettable 2 Week Western Australia Road Trip Itinerary

My friend Amy has been living in Perth for 3 years now, and she wanted to share this 2 week Western Australia road trip itinerary with you. She’s spent a lot of time driving her van “Chuck” up and down Australia’s west coast and reckons it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

“There’s just something about the grandeur of the roads here – the vastness, the emptiness, the enormity – that makes it such a fantastic place for a road trip!” she enthused.

And indeed, Western Australia certainly is grandeur.

Comprising of lots of opportunity for hiking in national parks, snorkelling among coral reefs, swimming in scenic bays and more, this Western Australia road trip itinerary is ideal for those who love the great outdoors.

Starting from Perth on the south-west coast, this itinerary will take you north along the Indian Ocean Drive to Kalbarri National Park, then along the Coral Coast via Shark Bay and Coral Bay, before finishing up in scenic Exmouth.

Perth – 3 days

Perth. A fantastic place to kickstart your Western Australia road trip – this sunny coastal city averages an annual eight hours of sunshine per day! During your time here, why not wander around scenic King’s Park, relax at Cottesloe Beach, visit bustling Fremantle, and make a day trip to beautiful Rottnest Island?

Kings Park: Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful city parks. It’s home to the spectacular Western Australian Botanic Garden, which displays over 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora.

Cottesloe Beach: Cottesloe is a beach-side suburb of Perth, and the iconic Cottesloe Beach is the go-to spot for swimming, snorkelling, surfing and relaxing with a cold beer.

Fremantle : Located just 30 minutes from Perth and known for its rich history, markets, art galleries and abundance of cafes on the ‘cappuccino strip,’ Fremantle is well worth an afternoon of exploration.

Rottnest Island: You should absolutely spend one of your days in Perth cycling around Rottnest Island . Rottnest is a short 45-minute ferry ride away and offers spectacular bays, pink lakes, and the opportunity to spot quokkas , which are adorable marsupials that call the island home.

Cycling on Rottnest Island, Western Australia

The Indian Ocean Drive – 1 day

From Perth, drive north towards Geraldton, a small city where you can spend the night.

The drive from Perth to Geraldton is known as the Indian Ocean Drive, a scenic coastal highway that runs parallel to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The journey will take roughly 4.5 hours without stops, but you’ll want to take the whole day as the Indian Ocean Drive has some great sights to visit:

Lancelin Sand Dunes: These are the biggest network of sand dunes in Western Australia and are a super impressive sight. You can drive, walk or hire a sandboard ($12.50 for two hours) to explore them.

Nambung National Park: Nambung National Park is home to the famous Pinnacles – a vast collection of limestone rock pillars that pepper the landscape and create an otherworldly scene.

Lake Thetis : Check out some of the oldest living organisms in the world, otherwise known as thrombolites, at Lake Thetis.

Kalbarri National Park – 2 days

From Geraldton, continue north to Kalbarri National Park. It should only take an hour of driving to get there, but you’ll want to stop at the Hutt Lagoon’s gorgeous Pink Lake on your way.

Split into 2 main sections – 1 coastal and 1 inland – Kalbarri National Park really showcases the best of the beautiful scenery in this part of the world. The landscape has been carved into stunning red and white banded gorges by years of erosion by the Murchison River, and is home to emus, grey kangaroo and over 800 species of wildflower. Sounds impressive, am I right?

The town of Kalbarri itself is a small place that sits between the 2 main sections of the park, and is a good place to base yourself during your stay.

Along the coastal section of the Kalbarri National Park, which sits to the south of the town, you’ll be treated to soaring cliffs, some great walking trails and scenic lookouts. The inland section of Kalbarri National Park, however, is the main attraction and where you’ll likely want to spend most of your time.

Nature’s Window: Nature’s Window is the most famous spot in Kalbarri National Park, offering fantastic views and an amazing photo opportunity (see below)!

Z Bend Lookout: Walk the short distance to Z Bend Lookout and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views across the gorges and rivers of the national park.

Loop Walk: As you might deduce from the name, this challenging 8km walk loops you around a section of the national park. It’ll treat you to seriously impressive views – make sure to bring your hiking boots !

Kilbarri National Park, Western Australia

Shark Bay – 3 days

If you’re searching for extraordinary wildlife experiences, postcard-perfect coastline and remote national parks, then you’ve come to the right place – the stunning Shark Bay World Heritage Site!

Perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, the scenery around Shark Bay is simply incredible, comprising of stunning views of fiery red cliffs, pristine white sand and the ever beautiful turquoise waters of the ocean.

The town of Denham makes for a great base from which to explore Shark Bay. From here, you’ll have easy access to the best attractions in the area:

Francois Peron National Park: The top half of the peninsula is comprised of the Francois Peron National Park, where it appears as though the desert meets the sea. Cape Peron is a particularly scenic part of the park – the sunset over the red cliffs are a sight you will not soon forget.

Shell Beach: Stretching 120km along the Indian Ocean, this beach is made up of billions of tiny cockle shells that are thought to be about 10 meters deep. It’s not the best beach for relaxing, given the sharp surface of the shells, but it’s a sight to behold!

Eagle Bluff Lookout: Sitting high above the water, this vantage point allows you to look out across the Indian Ocean. You might just spot manta rays, whale sharks and even dugongs during the summer months.

Little Lagoon: Pretty Little Lagoon is the perfect place to relax, have a swim or grab a bite to eat. Unlike other lagoons in Shark Bay, this one is easily accessible and is located just outside of Denham.

Coral Bay – 2 days

Today is one of the longest driving days on this Western Australia road trip, but it’s worth it to end up in Coral Bay, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Ningaloo Reef. Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I actually thought Ningaloo Reef was more impressive than the Great Barrier Reef !

Go snorkelling: The Coral Coast is teeming with marine life, including manta rays, turtles, reef shark and more! Rent a snorkel, or opt for a snorkelling tour, and explore the underwater world of Coral Bay.

Turquoise Bay: Yes, Turquoise Bay is as beautiful as it sounds. Spend some time relaxing, swimming or snorkelling here.

Take a ride on a glass-bottom boat: If you’re not keen on snorkelling in deeper water, a glass-bottom boat tour will give you the opportunity to see the spectacular marine life of the area, without getting wet!

Bill’s Beach: Bill’s Beach is the main stretch of sand in town, known for its lovely white sand and crystal clear water. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or cool off in the sea, this is the place to do it.

Exmouth – 3 days

A 90-minute drive north along the Coral Coast will land you in Exmouth, a small town situated at the top of the peninsula. While you’ll have caught a glimpse of the Ningaloo Reef at Coral Bay, Exmouth is thought of as the gateway to the reef and is the place to truly explore it.

With Exmouth being the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef and all, it’s one of the top spots in the country to see whale sharks and humpback whales, and so I really recommend booking a whale-watching tour during your time here.

On the West Side of Exmouth’s peninsula, you’ll find the Cape Range National Park, which boasts spectacular rocky gorges carved by ancient rivers.

Whale Watching: You’ll need to visit at certain times of the year depending on which species you want to see. Whale Shark season begins in March and ends in August, whereas Humpback Whales appear from May to October. Depending on when you visit, you might even see both!

Muiron Islands: Why not take a day-trip to Muiron Islands? These are two uninhabited islands teeming with marine life, where you’ll find some excellent snorkelling.

Kayak Yardie Creek: Located within the Cape Range National Park is Yardie Creek, which flows between the spectacular sheer cliffs of Yardie Creek Gorge. Opt to go kayaking along the creek and keep your eyes peeled for osprey!

Charles Knife Canyon: Stunning Charles Knife Canyon offers some excellent hiking opportunities. Or, you can opt to drive Charles Knife Road, which leads you up to the top of the park’s spectacular ranges, with views over Charles Knife Canyon, the gorges and Exmouth Gulf.

Got longer than two weeks?

If you’ve got longer than two weeks to road trip Western Australia, why not continue north from Exmouth? The following places are worth a visit:

Karijini National Park: The red rocks of Dales Gorge and the cascades of Fortescue Falls make this an epic national park to explore.

Broome: Located in the far north, Broome is hot and humid but beautiful nonetheless. Cable Beach sunsets and Gantheaume Point views are highlights not to be missed.

Alternatively, if you choose to do this itinerary starting from Exmouth, you could continue south from Perth and spend some time exploring the South West Edge of Australia.

Practical information for planning your Western Australia road trip

Best time of year to go.

In my opinion, the best times to visit Western Australia are autumn (April – May) or spring (September – November).

During these times, you’ll generally find blue skies and warm days with mild nights. Although, the further south you go, the cooler it will be, and the further north you go, the warmer and more humid it will be.

During springtime, the wildflowers will be out, which makes it a beautiful time to visit. But whale shark season is in the autumn, so wildlife enthusiasts may prefer to visit during this time.

If you can, I’d advise avoiding Christmas – late January, and the Easter holiday, as these are very busy travel times. Attractions will be more congested, finding accommodation will be more competitive, and prices will increase. Public holidays are best avoided for the same reason.

What kind of car do I need?

I absolutely recommend you self-drive the West Coast of Australia as it’ll provide you with far more flexibility, as well as the opportunity to drive on the beautiful open roads here.

The route is mainly highway based, so a 2WD will suffice, and hire can cost as little as $40 per day. That being said, there are some places, such as Francois Peron National Park, where you might need a 4WD if you want to get off the beaten track. The choice is yours!

Can I travel Western Australia without a car?

Western Australia is not known for its comprehensive bus route, and travelling in the state without a car is a little more difficult than elsewhere in the country. While the famous Greyhound services the East Coast very extensively, it sadly doesn’t have a network in Western Australia.

That being said, there is one bus company that does service Western Australia – Integrity Coach Lines . Integrity Coach Lines offer Hop On Hop Off passes so it’s possible to travel from A to B at your convenience. You’ll be able to visit each stop – and more – on this Western Australia road trip itinerary using this coach service.

The 1500km Hop On Hop Off pass will get you from Perth to Exmouth (no return) for $267.

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels – Booking.com Hostels – Hostelworld Cheap flights – Skyscanner Travel insurance – World Nomads Outdoor gear – Decathlon / GO Outdoors Cycling gear – Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

Meet the Quokka, Rottnest Island’s Most Famous Critter

Rotto on Two Wheels: How To Explore Rottnest Island By Bike

The Perfect Western Australia Road Trip: Full Itinerary, Planning Tips, and FREE Map!

Western Australia is the biggest state in the country, with SO many bucket-list things to do and mind-blowing places to see… It’s easy for FOMO to creep in.

We know this from experience! In fact, we moved into a caravan in 2020 to be able to road trip our way around, and now we’ve spent two years travelling around Western Australia .

To road trip WA from Kununurra to Esperance is 4600km, or 46 hours non stop driving – ONE WAY.

So, believe us when we say – the key to a successful road trip around Western Australia is to be organised and strategic when it comes to your planning. This is why we are here to help you!

For example, depending on how much time you have, and what season you are travelling in , it may be best to either travel the North OR the South of the state.

One continuous road trip loop of Western Australia, starting and ending in Perth is 6500km and 68 hours of non stop driving, it involves BIG drives, but it is doable…

How long do you need for a full road trip of Western Australia? We say 3-4 weeks at the least, preferably with a campervan so you don’t have to worry about booking accommodations every day.

We recommend starting from Perth heading to the southwest , then up to the Coral Coast, and continuing to Broome, down through Exmouth, before returning to Perth. If you have ample time, consider adding Karijini and the Gibb River Road too!

A couple stands in a vibrant field of yellow flowers under a clear blue sky in Perth, Western Australia.

Some bucket list locations in Western Australia

All is detailed in this guide. And to make planning easier for you, we divided this road trip itinerary into chunks with mini road trip options too.

Each option is added in the free map below! This will help you get a better idea of what your perfect road trip will look like, the places you want to visit, etc.

Planning your western australian road trip.

Western Australia is a massive state! The road trip can easily be 8,000km, so you have to be strategic with a few things, like:

One long road trip, or a few shorter ones?

Starting and ending point

Best seasons to do it

Choosing the right vehicle

Most important bucket list items you want to see

Let’s address each one here:

If you want to travel Western Australia in one long road trip that starts and ends in Perth, you need to plan for 3 weeks at the very minimum .

6-7 weeks would be a much more comfortable timeframe, honestly you could travel Western Australia easily for 2-8 whole months and still not see it all!

An aerial view of Esperance Coastal Drive in Western Australia, featuring the Salt and Charcoal van on a winding road with turquoise ocean on one side and dense shrubland on the other, under a clear blue sky.

3-4 weeks is doable but it’s a HUSTLE. You can only spend a night or two in most places and have to drive around 3-4 hours per day sticking to a strict schedule.

Suggested 3 week Western Australia road trip would look like:

Perth to Esperance via Hyden, then back to Perth via the southwest (2,000km)

Perth to Exmouth, via Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, and Coral Bay (1,700km)

Exmouth to Broome via Karratha, Port Headland, and 80-mile beach (1,400km)

Back to Perth via Karijini (2,400km)

You can also stop in Karijini on your way to Broome if you don’t want to return to Perth for whatever reason. Also this roundtrip example means you miss out on Kununurra and the incredible (4wd only) Gibb River Road.

Now, we don’t love this itinerary because of how strict and intense it is, not to mention the carbon footprint, but it’s good enough if you don’t live in Australia and only have a short time to visit .

5-6 weeks would be better, and 2+ months if you want to explore everything at a more leisurely pace.

…But most people don’t have 1-2 months for travelling. That’s why we recommend doing a few shorter road trips instead! We would recommend choosing the north or south of Western Australia.

For example:

For summer choose a southern West Australian roadtrip
For winter choose a northern West Australian roadtrip

This allows you to explore the different parts of Western Australia at your own pace, so you can really enjoy everything this beautiful state has to offer.

Best time for visiting

The best time to do a road trip across Western Australia will depend on the activities you want to do , the weather you want to experience and the places you want to do them.

An aerial view of a motor boat in the turquoise waters of Twilight Beach, Esperance, creating ripples as a school of dolphins forms an arc around them.

For example, Australia’s northwest has a tropical climate, so it is arguably the best time to visit in Winter or Spring. Autumn and Summer bring about high rainfall, potential cyclones and deadly jellyfish. There are still perks to visiting in this time though places are less crowded and the waterfalls are flowing.

Summer and Autumn is arguably the best time to visit Australia’s Southwest because of it’s dry climate with consistently warm, sunny weather. In Winter and Spring it has higher rainfall.

Depending on the specific activities you want to do in Western Australia:

Swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth is between March and July.
Humpback Whales can be spotted in Exmouth between June and October.
Orca Whales can be seen in Bremer Bay between January and April.
Wildflowers are found between late July and early October.
Many attractions up north are open May to October and closed for the wet season
Valley of the Giants and Busselton Jetty are best visited in the warmer months (Summer).

But don’t worry – you’ll see a “best time to visit” recommendation in each section of the road trip listed below.

Where to start?

It’s best to start in Perth because of how convenient it is. As the capital of Western Australia, there are many flights to and from this city, and they’re usually cheaper than in other parts of the state.

If you don’t want to start and finish in the one city, you may want small internal flights instead. Some other airports in Western Australia are: Exmouth, Karratha, Derby, Newman, Broome, Kununurra or Bunbury airport.

There are dozens of things to do in Perth , so if you’re new to the area, try spending at least 3 days in the city to enjoy it.

Then, rent a car (or van, campervan, or 4WD) and start your Western Australia road trip! You can either return to Perth to leave the vehicle there, or drop it off somewhere else.

Beck on top of Salt and Charcoal van looking at the tall trees of Boranup Forest in Margaret River, Western Australia

Choosing the right vehicle for you

If you have to rent a vehicle, choosing the right one for your Western Australia road trip is key to having the best and most comfortable experience.

Here are some options to think about:

Rent a car: This is the cheaper vehicle option, but it means you need to rent accommodation for your entire stay. There are heaps of car rentals available. You can easily rent the vehicle in one spot and drop it off in another. Find your rental here

Four-wheel drive : If you’re eager to explore off-road and discover the rugged areas of Western Australia, a 4WD is a MUST. 4wd’s have the power to navigate beach access roads, dirt roads and other off the beaten track locations. You can add a roof top tent too!

Campervan/Motorhome: This option adds the convenience of having your accommodation on wheels, so you can easily camp in different locations. It may be the best choice price-wise for families too. Find your rental here

If you are staying in WA a long time: Consider buying a vehicle and selling when you leave. This may be the most economical way to travel for long term travellers.

We recommend using Discover Cars to find car rentals . They find excellent deals and offer lots of options, even 4WDs!

An aerial view of Salt and Charcoal camper van parked near the edge of a sandy beach in Western Australia, with two people enjoying the secluded shore by the crystal-clear water.

As for campervan/motorhome rentals , Star RV is our favourite . You can rent a home on wheels from all the main cities in Australia. Their vehicles are the highest quality and very comfortable.

That said, think about your setup preferences and the type of experience you want to have before choosing the vehicle for your road trip.

FREE interactive map for your Western Australian road trip

Doing a Western Australian road trip is no small task. That’s why we created this free map you can seamlessly add to your Google Maps account.

You can even toggle on/off each section of the road trip! This will help you plan it way easier.

Click on the star to automatically save the map to your account:

Start in the South: Perth to Esperance through Hyden

Recommended duration: At least 5-9 days

Best time to visit: Anywhere between September and April

Best vehicle: A normal car works, but if you want to go off the beaten path in Esperance or drive on the beach, hire a 4WD

Screenshot of a Google Map showing the route from Perth to Esperance in Western Australia, highlighted in blue, with a travel duration of approximately 7 hours and 42 minutes covering a distance of 714 kilometers.

Start your Western Australia road trip by exploring this gem of the south – Esperance!

This is a remote, scenic coastal town, famous for its world-renowned beaches, excellent waves for surfing, resident kangaroos, and unspoiled landscapes.

To get there, you’ll drive through the Wheatbelt region and make a quick stop in Hyden. Not only to stretch your legs but to check out the awesome Wave Rock!

The best stops on a road trip from Perth to Esperance would be:

Hyden is the little home town to Wave Rock, Mulka’s Cave and Hippos Yawn. Wave Rock is a massive, 15-metre-high rock that looks like a giant wave about to break.

20 minutes north of Hyden in The Humps Nature Reserve is Mulka’s Cave which has 450 different Aboriginal rock art dating back as far as 3000 years. The traditional owners of the area are the Njakinjaki people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.

It’s the perfect stop between Perth and Esperance, with history, hiking trails to stretch your legs and you might see some Aussie critters up close too.

Esperance or “Kepa Kurl” (Meaning “Water Boomerang” – “where the water lies like a boomerang”) is the gem of the southern coast of Western Australia.

Here are some of the whitest beaches you’ll ever see, with sand so fine it squeaks under your feet. The traditional owners of the Goldfields-Esperance region are the Ngadju or Ngadjumaya people.

You’ll want to spend 5-8 days here (at least), as there are lots of things to do in Esperance , like:

Venture out to Cape Le Grand National Park and meet the friendly kangaroos at Lucky Bay

Check out beaches like Twilight Beach, Wharton Beach (our favourite beach in the whole country ), and others

Camp on the beach at least once (a MUST if you come with a campervan) book in advance

Climb to the summit of Frenchmans Peak
Explore to Woody Island
See the Pink Lake from above (Lake Hillier)
Kepa Kurl Cultural Heritage Walking and Bush Tucker Tours
See WA’s own Stone Henge

Drive the Great Ocean Drive loop

Esperance inspiration below to get you excited!

The Southwest: Esperance to Perth via Margaret River

The traditional owners of the south of Western Australia are the Noongar people who have cared for this land for up to 60,000 years.

Recommended duration: 10-15 days

Best time to visit: Any time except winter is cold, summer is most popular

Best vehicle: A normal car if you don’t want to go off the beaten path

Screenshot of a Google Map route from Esperance to Perth via the Southwest and Margaret River Region in Western Australia, passing through coastal towns such as Bunbury, Margaret River, and Albany. The journey is marked in blue, with a total duration of 14 hours and 38 minutes, spanning approximately 1,290 kilometres.

This route will take you back to Perth, as you explore the region’s most breath-taking landscapes and delicious foods.

Some iconic sights along the way are:

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk Tingledale
Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool Denmark
The Gap and Natural Wonders Albany
Dave Evans Bicentennial tree in Pemberton
Busselton Jetty one of the longest jetty’s in the world
Koomal Dreaming tours one of the best Aboriginal Tour Providers in Australia – Didgeridoo, Caves and Native Bush Foods
Mammoth, Lake and Jewel Cave incredible cave systems in the South West!
Gnomesville a unique town of gnomes created by travellers and locals
Injidup Natural Spa and the Aquarium Yallingup

The road trip is mostly coastal towns with great waves for surfing, forests, caves, delicious bakeries, great coffee and plenty of history. There are also a few National Parks in between, which are absolutely worth exploring if you’re into hiking.

The stops in a southwest road trip would include:

Bremer Bay is one of the few places in the world where you can see orcas in the wild! Between January and April , you can watch them hunting in packs from a tour boat (just bring sea sickness tablets if you’re prone!).

Alt text: A cheerful couple embraces in front of Salt and Charcoal camper van parked on the sandy shore, with clear blue waters and a sunny sky in the background, evoking a sense of joy and adventure in Bremer Bay beach Western Australia

You can also see the humpback whales migrating their way north between June and October , which is a spectacle in itself.

But if you can’t visit during any of those months, don’t worry. There’s still hiking, crystal-clear waters, surfing and if you like climbing down a rope to get to the beach visit Banky Beach!

Also, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Fitzgerald River National Park.

The next stop is Albany, a cozy coastal city that has a bit of everything – history, beaches, and top-notch food and wine.

An aerial view of a striking beach in Albany, Western Australia, with bright turquoise ocean waters lapping onto a pristine white sand shore. Beside the surf, two massive, reddish-brown boulders anchor the scene, one with a person standing by it that underscores the impressive size of these natural features. The stark contrast of the boulders against the sand and sea offers a tranquil yet magnificent coastal tableau.

History buffs will love visiting the ANZAC Centre, which is all about Australia’s role in the World Wars. While nature lovers can’t miss out on Torndirrup National Park, home to the Natural Bridge and The Gap.

There are also whale-watching tours during the season!

Denmark and Walpole

Denmark and Walpole (next door to each other) are most famous for being home to the Valley of the Giants, Iconic Australian beaches and this giant Tingle Tree below!

A majestic ancient tree stands tall in Denmark, Western Australia, as a couple admire its grandeur, symbolizing the area's rich natural heritage and the connection between humans and nature.

Denmark is your postcard country coastal town, with the incredible William Bay National Park.

Where you will find Greens Pool, a beautiful beach with clear waters, and Elephant Rocks, a collection of giant granite boulders that look like a herd of elephants.

a happy couple in their swimming attire enjoying a sunny day at the beach in Elephant Rocks Denmark Western Australia

Augusta is at the southwestern tip of Australia, where the Blackwood River meets the ocean.

Make sure to check out Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Indian Ocean meets with the Southern Ocean. Don’t miss the Jewel Cave either, visit with its mind-blowing underground rock formations.

Hamelin Bay is one of the most popular beaches here, with friendly stingrays that often cruise the shallows.

Margaret River

Margaret River is the coastal playground for foodies, art, wine, shopping, surf and forest lovers. You’ll find gourmet foods pretty much anywhere, and there’s a ridiculous number of world-class breweries and wineries. Your biggest challenge is going to be choosing which ones to visit!

This area is also famous for the surfing. Even if you’re not into it, make sure to visit Surfer’s Point just to watch the spectacle of surfers riding the waves.

A woman sitting on a huge rock with beautiful scenic views of the sea at the Canal Rocks, Margaret River, Western Australia

There’s limestone caves and lots of hiking trails, too. There are lots of things to do in Margaret River , a tourists favourite!

Yallingup is another little slice of paradise. It has fantastic surf, swimming and snorkelling areas for all ages, and jaw-dropping landscapes.

Highlights of this town include the Insta-famous Injidup natural spa , some of the best Aboriginal tours in Australia are run here – Koomal Cultural Tours . Also the Ngilgi Cave, an ancient cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

Don’t let the small-town vibes fool you, there’s plenty to do in Yallingup !

Dunsborough

Dunsborough is a short drive from Yallingup. Apart from the pristine beaches (like Meelup Beach), you can’t miss Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

It’s a beautiful spot in itself, but if you visit between August and November, you might even see humpback whales breaching!

The food and wine scene here is top-notch as well, with some farm-to-table eateries that are absolutely epic.

As you make your way back to Perth, you have to stop in Busselton. The Wadandi people are the Traditional Custodians in Busselton and Bunbury for 40,000 years.

There’s the awesome local brewery Shelter Brewing located there and it’s particularly famous for its jetty – it extends almost 2 kilometres into the sea. It’s a snorkeller’s dream!

Make sure to explore the Ludlow Tuart Forest as well, the only remaining Tuart forest in the world. It’s absolutely majestic.

Your last stop before finishing your trip around the south west edge should be Bunbury.

Kids and adults alike will love seeing (and even swimming with) wild bottlenose dolphins in Koombana Bay, while swimmers will also enjoy the calm waters of the Jetty Baths.

For a bit of outdoor fun, check out the mangroves and birdlife at the Big Swamp Wildlife Park – it’s like an oasis in the city.

🤩 Want the road trip experience without the hassle? Check out this all-included, adventure tour of the Southwest: 6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour

Coral Coast: Perth to Exmouth

Recommended duration: 10-14 days

Best time to visit: April to early October

Best vehicle: A normal car will take you to most places, but some remote locations require a 4WD (you can book 4WD tours in some cases though)

Screenshot of a Google Map route outlining the Coral Coast road trip from Perth to Exmouth in Western Australia, showing key stops like Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Carnarvon, and Coral Bay. The route is traced in blue with a travel time of 18 hours and 6 minutes over a distance of 1,733 kilometres.

The Coral Coast is one of the most popular destinations in Western Australia. It has a 1,250km scenic highway connecting Perth to Exmouth, and it’s considered one of the best road trips in the world !

You’ll visit some of the most idyllic towns on the west coast. These are home to world-renowned national parks and awe-inspiring underwater landscapes.

A woman in a red top and white skirt walks along a road next to the strikingly pink waters of Hutt Lagoon in Kalbarri, Western Australia.

So, the obligatory stops in a Perth to Exmouth road trip are:

Rottnest Island

If you get time, take the 30 minute ferry to Western Australia’s most famous island the home of the friendly Quokka! Rottnest Island was once called “Rats Nest” (colonial explorers assumed the Quokkas were large rats). The Aborginal name for Rottnest is Wadjemup meaning “place of spirits”.

A popular day trip location but when we come we stay up to 4 days. The island is 11km wide with plenty to do including:

Hire a bike and ride around the island
See the seals, lighthouses and salt lakes
Tandem Skydiving tours
Aboriginal, army, prison and colonial history
Snorkelling of shipwrecks and reefs
Pinkys Bar and Hotel Rottnest
Other tours include: Crayfishing, bus tours, ghost tours and Aboriginal tours

A stunning view of The Basin on Rottnest Island features crystal-clear turquoise waters and a white sandy beach. Wooden stairs lead down to the beach, showcasing what to do on Rottnest Island.

Rottnest is iconic for pristine beaches and their resident Quokkas.

Your road trip adventure will start after driving 1.5 hours from Perth, in Lancelin!

It’s famous for the massive sand dunes there. They’re the perfect spot for sandboarding and quad-biking, regardless of your skill level.

Lancelin, Western Australia. Picture of the sand dunes

The beach is ideal for some top-notch surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, or just to soak up the sun.

The Pinnacles Desert

The Pinnacles is a desert in Western Australia, famous for the thousands of ancient limestone spires that stick out of the yellow sand. It’s a truly otherwordly landscape!

You can wander around the formations and snap some epic photos – especially at dawn or dusk, when the light plays tricks and the shadows get all dramatic.

Then, you can continue your drive to the nearby town of Cervantes, with its beaches and delicious seafood.

Jurien Bay is a bit of an underrated gem on the west coast, and it’s the kind of place where you can really switch off and just enjoy the good life.

There are lots of things to do in Jurien Bay, but it’s famous for the friendly sea lions that inhabit the waters of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. Some tours take you swimming with them!

And if you’re around during spring, visit Lesueur National Park to enjoy the wildflower displays.

Geraldton is one of the bigger cities you’ll visit during your road trip along the Coral Coast.

There are plenty of things to do in Geraldton, apart from the excellent beaches and top-notch snorkelling. Take the HMAS Sydney II Memorial as an example – it’s not just a poignant piece of history, but the views up there are unreal.

The winds here are just right for windsurfing and kitesurfing. And if you can afford it, definitely take a day trip to the stunning Abrolhos Islands!

Kalbarri will blow your mind. There are so many things to do, that it can easily be a road trip on its own .

Chris and Bec from Salt and Charcoal in the Natures Window, Kalbarri, Western Australia

The town is nestled next to the mouth of the massive Murchison River, right where it meets the sea. Its red rock gorges blossom in colour during wildflower season, it’s a sight to be seen.

But Kalbarri National Park is the star of the show. It’s home to famous attractions, like:

Nature’s Window , a natural rock formation that frames the river views perfectly for that epic snapshot.

The Z-Bend , a lookout where you can see the river literally bending in a Z shape

Kalbarri Skywalk , another lookout with breathtaking views of the Murchison gorge

The lookouts offer some seriously jaw-dropping gorge views that’ll make you feel tiny in the best way. And there are too many hikes to count! You’ll want to spend 2-3 days here, minimum.

Shark Bay and Monkey Mia

This is the place to be if you want to explore some of Western Australia’s most unique landscapes and wildlife.

Shark Bay is a World-Heritage, spot with crystal clear waters and heaps of marine life. Make sure to visit Hamelin Pool and its ancient stromatolites.

Then, head over to Monkey Mia. This place is all about the dolphins, who swim right up to the shore. And if you’re kayaking or paddleboarding, keep your eyes peeled for dugongs munching on seagrass.

Carnarvon is another little spot where a river meets the sea – the Gascoyne River.

The historic Wharf in Carnarvon, Western Australia, stretches into the distance under a breathtaking sky painted with shades of pink and orange at sunset. The wooden structure of the jetty is prominently silhouetted against the vibrant colors, reflecting the calmness of the evening on this scenic coastline.

The town itself has a rich aboriginal history, which you can learn all about at Gwoonwardu Mia Culture Centre.

Another cool place to visit is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. It celebrates the town’s role in space exploration!

And if you’re into fresh produce, the Fruit Loop Drive Trail is a must. It’ll take you along several roadside stalls to grab delicious local treats.

Coral Bay is a small town that’s all about the sea and the tourism, as it’s your entry point to the world-renowned Ningaloo Reef , which you can snorkel right off the shore!

In the clear, sunlit waters of Coral Bay, Western Australia, a woman in a yellow swimsuit gracefully swims alongside a gentle giant, the whale shark.

This place is also famous for its manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles – there are several Coral Bay tours that can take you swimming with these majestic creatures.

There’s plenty to do in Coral Bay , so book accommodation and tours well ahead of time!

Your final stop is one of Australia’s top tourist towns, and no wonder why. It’s on the doorstep of the Ningaloo Reef, making it a hotspot for nature lovers and ocean enthusiasts.

An aerial view of a small boat speeding through the vibrant turquoise waters near Exmouth, Western Australia.

There are lots of things to do in Exmouth , so you’ll want to spend 5-6 days here.

Famous beaches in Exmouth include the mindblowing Turquoise Bay, Osprey Bay, and Bundegi Beach (among others).

The reef itself and its colourful marine life are just enough reasons to visit. But they’re not even the main attraction here…

It’s the opportunity to swim with whale sharks! These gentle giants migrate through these waters between July and early August. There are dozens of whale shark tours available, but these are our favourites .

This town isn’t only about the sea, though. You can go for a hike and some wildlife spotting in the Cape Range National Park .

🤩 Want the road trip experience without the hassle? Check out this all-included, 7-day tour from Perth to Exmouth: 7 Day Explorer Return Tour from Perth to Exmouth

The Northwest: Exmouth to Broome

Recommended duration: 7-8 days

Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October

Best vehicle: 4WD, otherwise you won’t be able to explore Karijini

This is the final leg of this bucket-list road trip through Western Australia. You’ll travel through the outback, which is all about the raw beauty of the great outdoors.

If you plan on returning to Perth by plane, do a detour to Karijini – it’s a national park that’s very remote but absolutely incredible. This would be the route:

A detailed map highlighting the road trip through the Northwest of Western Australia, from Exmouth to Broome, passing through notable locations such as the Karijini National Park and Eighty Mile Beach. The blue line indicates the travel route, covering a distance of 1,855 kilometres with an estimated duration of 20 hours and 31 minutes.

But if you will drive the way back to Perth, then check out Karijini after visiting Broome.

The trip would look like this:

Comprehensive screenshot of a Google Map displaying an extensive road trip route from Exmouth to Broome and then back to Perth via Karijini. The blue path illustrates the travel trajectory over a vast distance of 3,716 kilometres, estimated to take 39 hours.

With that in mind, the stops in a road trip from Exmouth to Broome would be:

Note: You can also drive from Perth to Broome. Just combine the Coral Coast road trip described above with the following itinerary!

Karratha is a bustling little city in the Pilbara region, with tonnes of red earth and big blue skies.

Places to check here include the Burrup Peninsula, home to the oldest rock art on the planet, and the Dampier Archipelago, where you can do some island hopping, fishing, and snorkelling.

And if you’re up for a bit of a detour, visit Millstream Chichester National Park. It’s an oasis in the middle of the dry Pilbara, with some epic swimming holes.

Karijini is one of the gems of the Northwest.

Its rugged gorges slice through ancient red rock, where you’ll find hidden pools and waterfalls that look out of the magazines.

There’s plenty to do in Karijini , but it’s particularly famous for its jaw-dropping gorges . Don’t miss out on the view from Oxer Lookout – it’s where four massive gorges meet, and the view is mind-blowing.

Beck of Salt and Charcoal walk through the expansive Hancock Gorge within Karijini National Park, Western Australia. The gorge walls rise dramatically in layers of deep red and orange rock, encasing a still pool of water reflecting the vibrant colors and the brilliant blue sky above.

If you’re up for a challenge, the Spider Walk will get your heart racing as you clamber through narrow rock passages. But if you want to relax, take a dip in the tranquil waters of Fern Pool !

Karijini National Park has something for everyone, that’s why it’s a must-visit.

Eighty Mile Beach

This is a ridiculously long stretch of coastline where the outback meets the sea. Interestingly, it’s not 80 miles long… It’s 140 miles long, or 220 kilometers!

It’s the best place to take a break from your adventure and slow down. There are lots of bird-watching opportunities and hiking trails, and you can even camp on the white sandy beach.

Broome is a laid-back, tropical town with a unique mix of history, culture, and some of the most stunning coastline you’ll ever see.

There are lots of things to do in Broome , but camel riding on Cable Beach has to be on top of your list. It’s an iconic activity to do here, as you watch the sun rise or set over the Indian Ocean.

Some activities can only happen during low tide, making the visit even more unique. Like Gantheaume Point , where you can see real dinosaur footprints at low tide, or Coconut Wells , a group of rock pools that show themselves when the waters recede.

Walking with dinosaurs at Gantheaume Point

🤩 Want the road trip experience without the hassle? Check out this 10-day tour that starts in Broome and ends in Perth: Broome to Perth Adventure

Add-ons for a longer road trip adventure

If you’re still hungry for more, here are other destinations you can add to your Western Australia road trip:

Gibb River Road

If you want the ultimate Aussie outback adventure, tackling the Gibb River Road is the way to go.

This is a legendary 4WD track, 660 km long, that cuts through the heart of the Kimberley region.

The top thing to do here is to go gorge-hopping – there are dozens of gorges ( these are our favourites ), one more beautiful than the next.

🤩 Want the road trip experience without the hassle? Check out this 7-day, 4WD tour of the Gibb River Road: Gibb River Road Explorer

Purnululu National Park

Purnululu National Park is famous for the Bungle Bungle Range, beehive-shaped rock formations formed over 360 million years. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but 100% worth it for the jaw-dropping landscapes.

Another must-see attraction is Cathedral Gorge, where you can clap your hands and listen to the natural acoustics of this amphitheatre-like space.

We recommend camping here if you can. There’s no light pollution, so you won’t see a night sky as amazing as that anywhere else on Earth.

🤩 Want the road trip experience without the hassle? Check out this 5-day adventure tour that starts and ends in Broome: Broome to the Bungle Bungles

Northern Territory

When people talk about the outback, this is what they mean – vast, red, and raw. That’s the Northern Territory.

You can continue your road trip from Broome into the Northern Territory and visit some top spots of the state, such as:

The majestic Uluru

Kakadu National Park

Alice Springs

Devil’s Marbles

🤩 Want the road trip experience without the hassle? Check out this 4-day tour that starts and ends in Alice Springs: 4 Day Red Centre from Alice Springs

Road tripping Western Australia is absolutely epic, but there are some things to keep in mind:

Be aware of wildlife hazards on the roads, particularly kangaroos and koalas.

Be prepared for extreme heat and increased wildlife activity during the summer months.

Choose a reliable and well-equipped vehicle.

Familiarize yourself with the region’s road safety rules and regulations.

Stay hydrated throughout your journey.

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the terrain and weather conditions.

Always have a first aid kit and other essentials on hand.

Did you know?

Western Australia is so big that it has its own time zone! There are also unique animals like the quokka, the numbat, and the Western Swamp Tortoise.

As for the Ningaloo Reef, is one of the biggest coral reefs globally, and Australia’s largest fringing reef. It’s different from the famous Great Barrier Reef in the east, as you can snorkel and swim right from the shore.

How long does it take to do the Western Australia road trip?

It can take a minimum of 3 weeks to explore Western Australia on a road trip that starts and ends in Perth. That would be a very strict itinerary, with little to no time to detour.

We recommend taking 5-6 weeks to explore this massive region at a more leisurely pace, and 2 months if you want to go off the beaten path.

What is the best month to visit Western Australia?

The best month to visit Western Australia will depend on the area and the activities you want to do.

Generally weather-wise, the south is best visited between summer and autumn (December -May), while the north is best visited during winter and spring (April – November).

Do I need 4WD in Western Australia?

You don’t need a 4WD in Western Australia, but it’s required for some activities (like driving on the beach) and some remote areas (like certain national parks).

The bottom line

From the stunning coastal drives to the rugged Outback landscapes, this epic road trip will be nothing short of awe-inspiring.

If you follow this itinerary, you’ll explore the main highlights of Western Australia, as well as some hidden gems. All while indulging in local flavours and ticking off bucket-list activities

A Western Australia road trip will be the adventure of a lifetime. We hope you love this untamed region and its friendly residents, just as much as we do.

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Hi! We’re Chris and Bec, the two adventure-lovers behind Salt and Charcoal. We quit our jobs in 2020, to pursue the lifestyle of travelling and working remotely. We chose to dive into the unknown and prioritise experiences over material things… and it was the best decision we ever made! Now, we support others to build their dream life one step at a time. Come say hi on our socials :)

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The ultimate west coast australia road trip.

The ULTIMATE Western Australia Road Trip

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the West Coast of Australia is my FAVOURITE part of the country to road trip and that’s a fact!

There’s just something about the grandeur of it all, the vastness, the emptiness, the enormity… and the lack of people that immediately grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let it go!

No surprise then that when I finally clambered out of the Landrover and decided to stay put for a few months it was on Australia’s west coast too!

So after spending almost a year living, working, travelling and exploring this state, here’s my full rundown of the ULTIMATE West Coast Australia road trip to end all road trips!

FYI: I’ve split this post into 5 sections – each taking in a different part of the state:

Week 1: Kununurra to Broome

Week 2 & 3: broome to perth, week 4: the south west.

Week 5: Albany, Esperance and Wave Rock

This way you can easily mix and match your itinerary, so just jump to the relevant section and start your planning now!

Perfect Perth to Broome Road Trip Itinerary
Ultimate Darwin to Broome Road Trip Itinerary
Ideal Itinerary for Driving Australia’s South West

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Day 1: Lake Argyle

Begin your West Coast Australia road trip in the northern frontier of the state – Lake Argyle.

Quite the engineering feat, this flooded valley, which hugely helped to aid agriculture in the area, is seriously impressive and stretches for miles.

Grab your snaps and then head back to set up camp and chill at the Lake Argyle Resort & Caravan Park .

This award-winning caravan park (and its infinity pool) is awesome!

Day 2: Kununurra

From Lake Argyle, your first stop should really be the town of Kununurra!

There’s loads to do around this cute little hamlet and you could easily keep extending your stay for a number of days.

For some ideas about what to do, check out my post about the best free things to do in Kununurra … oh and another tip, make sure you stay at the Discovery Parks – Lake Kununurra , the sunsets and sunrises here are to die for!

From Kununurra the road splits, giving you 2 options for your West Coast Australia road trip! For those with 4WD, why not attempt the famous Gibb River Road? For those who want to take the 2wd Great Northern Highway option, there’s plenty along here to see as well. And for those who want the best of both worlds (like I did) pick and choose between the 2!

2wd Route Day 3-4-5: Great Northern Highway

From Kununurra, head north towards El Questro and spend 2 nights there, exploring the amazing Zebedee Hot Springs, Emma Gorge and more.

Take a side trip to Wyndham to see the Fiver Rivers Lookout before heading onto to take a hike and a dip at Bells Gorge and then spending the night near here.

4wd Route Day 3-4-5: Gibb River Road

From Kununurra, make your way into Purnululu National Park .

Absolutely spellbinding, you’ll need 2 nights here to really appreciate the spectacle of the giant beehive-like rock formations and the park’s other attractions including Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm.

Do beware the ride into the park is ROUGH however and a 4wd is essential… it will also take you ages!

If you want to cheat, and splurge, then why not consider a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Range!

After this, make your way west stopping 1 night at Fitzroy Crossing on the way – we thought it much nicer than Halls Creek and there was a good visitor centre there.

Next, pop into Tunnel Creek on your way to see…

Day 6: Windjana Gorge

Both the Gibb River Road and the Great Northern Highway essentially join at Windjana Gorge, so this is a stop worth making regardless of the West Coast Australia road trip route you take.

Be sure to walk into the gorge and don’t miss the daily croc display!

You can camp here and there are showers as well – hoorah!

Day 7: Derby

The final stop before Broome, Derby is an interesting little town worth exploring.

The main attractions include the highest tides in Australia, which can viewed from the Wharf, and the Boab Prison Tree believed to be about 1500 years old.

Stop here and spend the night, or glimpse it in an afternoon before motoring on to Broome.

Day 1-3: Broome

Prepare for some intakes of breath as Broome’s spectacular landscape has you running for your camera!

Yes this town situated at the top of Western Australia is no less stunning than you would expect, and an absolute must on your West Coast Australia road trip.

Everybody loves Broome and it’s easy to see why with Cable Beach Sunsets, Gantheaume Point views and a rich cultural heritage evident throughout the town.

Check out my favourite free things to do in Broome , as well as my guide to the best Broome Caravan Parks and allow yourself at least 3 days to explore all this magnificent destination has to offer.

Otherwise, if you fancy a splurge, this helicopter flight and Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour could be just the ticket!

Day 4: Eighty Mile Beach

Eighty Mile Beach is certainly worth a stop as you begin your journey south.

The colours of the coast here, as they spread before you, are unbelievable and the brilliant Eighty Mile Beach caravan park sits right on top of them.

Day 5: Port Hedland

Not the most picturesque of places, it has to be said, the mining town of Port Hedland is, however, a great overnight stop if you want to grab a decent coffee and replenish supplies.

It’s also a good place to spend the night before you head to Karijini National Park.

I highly recommend the Discovery Park – Port Hedland caravan park in town, which is situated right above the gorgeous beach of Pretty Pool that has stellar sunset views.

In town itself, there’s loads of FREE things to see (check out my full list here ), including the snow mountain – Rio Tinto’s massive huge salt piles – the never-ending iron ore trains or the insanely huge ship-loading facility.

Day 6-7: Karijini National Park

20 billion years in the making, the ancient wilderness of Karijini National Park is definitely worth a 2 night stopover on your West Coast Australia road trip.

Set in the remote Pilbara region, Karijini showcases some stunning landscapes with incredible gorges, waterfalls, swimming holes and lookouts you can explore on foot and by vehicle.

Accessible even by 2wd vehicles, there is basic national park camping available, or upgrade and enjoy a spot of glamping at the Karijini EcoRetreat .

The Spider Walk is the most epic attraction for the intrepid explorers among you and it’s hard to beat Fortescue Falls for a delightful dip.

The park is split into 2 sections and both are worth exploring, so do give yourself plenty of time.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Karijni National Park

Day 8-9: Ningaloo Reef

Today’s the day to head to the amazing Ningaloo Reef.

Choose to either base yourself at Exmouth – the main town in the region and best for diving – or at Coral Bay – a much smaller settlement great for snorkelling with Mantra Rays.

Get here and book your excursion for the next day – after all, you can’t come to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site and not get out on the water to explore it.

For those choosing Coral Bay as a stop, you can also hit the beach to check out the shark nursery.

There’s 3 caravan parks in town, but I think Bayview was the best.

For those, selecting Exmouth, spend the night at Potshot Hotel Resort where you can camp, grab a dorm bed for the night, or splash out on an apartment.

Then head to the Vlamignh Head Lighthouse near Exmouth for stunning views over the reef, especially at sunset.

If you have time, then you definitely want to check out Cape Range National Park too.

This stunning reserve protects both the reef and an on land area, where emus, echidnas and roos roam freely. Highlights include Yardie Creek and Turquoise Bay – the colours of which really have to be seen to be believed!

You can camp cheaply in Cape National Range National Park too.

Day 10: Carnarvon

Next on your West Coast Australia road trip, it’s time to head onto the country town of Carnarvon – the fresh produce capital of Western Australia.

Here, the One Mile Jetty, the Fascine and the Heritage Precinct Museums are all worth exploring (free to enter or by gold coin donation).

Drive Carnarvon’s fruit loop, stopping at farm shops to buy some delicious local produce, before heading out to see the amazing Blowholes at Quobba Point!

Then either camp cheaply out here or head back into town and stay at the awesome Wintersun Caravan Park .

READ MORE: 10 Best Things to Do in Carnarvon, WA

Day 11: Shark Bay

Continue south from Carnarvon to the UNESCO World Heritage Area of Shark Bay.

This is really where the Outback meets the ocean, so be prepared for some gorgeous views of red dirt hitting white sand and the turquoise Indian Ocean beyond.

There’s tons of incredible free things to do in Shark Bay – from Stromatolite boardwalks to dugong spotting and even soaking in an artesian water hot tub.

Most of these are situated along the World Heritage Drive, which takes you up the Peninsula to the main town of Denham – a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch on the foreshore.

Then continue onto Monkey Mia and camp at the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin resort .

Day 12: Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri National Park is another definite highlight on your West Coast Australia Road Trip.

From stunning gorges to sensational lookouts, don’t forget the camera when it comes to exploring one of Australia’s best national parks .

Highlights include Nature’s Window and the Z-Bend.

There’s no camping within Kalbarri National Park, so return to the nearby town to spend the night at the YHA Backpackers, stopping at the Meanarra Hill Lookout on the way.

Finish with a delightful swim at one of Geraldton’s great beaches or watch the windsurfers and kitesurfers ripping it up at Point Moore and Coronation Beach.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Kalbarri National Park TOP TIP: Buy a WA Parks Pass before your road trip and save on a ton on National Park entrance fees.

Day 13: Geraldton

From Kalbarri, motor on to Port Gregory to check out the Hutt Lagoon, otherwise known as the Pink Lake.

This bubblegum-coloured body of water really has to be seen to be believed and will give you some of the best photos of your West Coast Australia road trip!

Then it’s time to drive onto Geraldton.

I loved this cute little town, which has some super quirky cafes (Quiet Life was my favourite), great street art, historic buildings and a lovely Esplanade to explore.

There’s also the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and the brilliant Museum of Geraldton (both free to enter) which are definitely worth checking out.

Treat yourself to a night at Ocean West Apartments (still affordable, but nice if you want to have a proper bed, kitchen and a swim in the pool) or camp very cheaply at Ellendale Pool.

LEARN MORE: 10 Reasons I Fell in Love with Geraldton

Day 14: Perth

Leaving Geraldton, it’s all about the Indian Drive, which takes you south towards Jurien Bay, snapping the awesome Leaning Trees at Greenough as you go.

During the months of July to October, there are spectacular wildflowers to be found here too, so head to Lesueur National Park to see the best displays.

Otherwise, make a beeline for Nambung National Park, otherwise known as The Pinnacles.

These crazy looking desert towers make for an awesome excursion and are best captured at sunset, when the colours of the golden sand really spring to life.

Then head onto Perth to complete another section of your West Coast Australia road trip!

READ MORE: 10 Day Trips From Perth You Can’t Miss

Day 1-3: Fremantle

Have an easy day’s travel from Perth on the first day by just hopping, skipping and jumping across the river to the historic port city of Fremantle – a former industrial hub, now progressive, hipster, artistic mecca!

From cafes to vintage shops, markets to heritage buildings, there’s tons you can fill a day or 3 with here!

Why not check out the Fremantle Prison, the WA Maritime Museum or Little Creatures Brewery for a start.

Or else pop over to Rottnest Island to rent a bike for the day and meet the Quokkas!

Find out why I think this day trip is well worth the splurge here .

Ferries with Rottnest Express leave from right near the centre of Fremantle and take only 45 minutes to cross.

Either way, end your day in Fremantle at the wonderful Old Fire Station Backpacker Hostel – it’s like a home away from home that puts a funky spin on a beautiful heritage building in the true Freo way.

READ MORE: 18 Hidden Things to do in Fremantle the Locals Love

Day 4: Busselton

After Freo (as the locals love to call it!) stop in at Dunsborough, a cute little coastal town where you can grab a great coffee and breakfast to set you up for the day.

The head onto Busselton to snap and stroll the incredibly picturesque 148 year old jetty – I think it has to be one of the prettiest in the whole of Australia.

This gorgeous seaside resort also boasts lots of lovely cafes and its safe swimming beach, set within Geographe Bay, is the perfect place to unwind.

Check out the RAC Busselton Holiday Park for a great value option accommodation options here.

Day 5-6: Margaret River

After Busselton, the forested beauty starts as you make your way towards Margaret River.

The beach at Prevelly is a gorgeous spot to relax, as is Gracetown, Sugarloaf Rock, Canal Rocks and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

And you can’t come to Margaret River and not savour some of the delicious local produce, wine and treats that are grown and developed in this rich area.

From open cellar doors to farmers’ markets, it’s all here for the tasting and a drive along Caves Road will give you more options than you can ever hope to fit into your time.

And if you’re still looking for things to do, then there’s plenty of caves to explore, trails to hike, lanes to drive and tracks to cycle too!

Afterwards, move south and check out Augusta.

The bottom of the peninsula, this spot will give you a great chance to snap the tallest lighthouse in Australia and even spot whales between the months of June – September.

Along the way, you can’t miss Hamelin Bay where giant rays can be seen right from the shoreline!

From there head to Conto’s Campground within Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park to spend the night close to the shoreline, or else head into the town of Margaret River itself where Margaret River Lodge is a great budget option.

READ MORE: How to Visit Margaret River on a Budget

Day 7: Pemberton

It’s time to start leaving the coastline and heading inland again on your West Coast Australia road trip towards Pemberton.

And if you’re into big trees, then the Gloucester Tree just outside of this town takes some beating.

Set in the heart of Karri Tree country, this is the world’s tallest fire lookout tree, which you can climb to enjoy views above the canopy… if you’ve got the nerves for it!

After a big day, finishing up at the Pemberton Best Western is the perfect place to unwind.

Week 5: Albany, Wave Rock & Esperance

Day 1-2: Albany

After your relaxing day in Pemberton, it’s really time to get on with some serious driving and the stretch down to Albany is a serious one.

On the way, the Walpole-Nornalup National Park is the heart of the Tingle Tree country.

These towering giants rise 40m above the forest floor and can be enjoyed via some delightful free walking trails through the forest.

After that, heading to William Bay National Park is a must.

Here the amazing Elephant Rocks and Greens Pools are the perfect place to while away an afternoon and enjoy a swim, before skipping up to the cute town of Denmark.

Once in Albany, Torndirrup is another stunning national park you need to visit.

The Gap and the Natural Bridge here are quite remarkable and will give you a direct insight into the force of the great Southern Ocean which roars around you.

After this, a drive to near the Old Whaling Station gives sensational views as well or, back in town, the National ANZAC Centre is well worth a trip too.

Finish your time by watching the sunset from West Cape Howe National Park, where you can also camp right on the beach – bliss!

Day 3-4: Wave Rock

From Albany, head up to Porongurup National Park – one of the oldest ranges in the world.

It is well worth climbing the granite skywalk here to enjoy the stunning views it gives.

From there it’s time to hit the gas and make it all the way to Hyden, the home of the famous Wave Rock, which you can explore and snap the following day at your leisure.

Day 5-7: Esperance

The final days of your West Coast Australia road trip, can hardly be better spent than at one of the state’s most fabulous stretches of coastline.

With its resident kangaroos that love to lounge on the beaches here, through to plenty of fishing, surfing and sailing on offer, this is a mecca for water lovers everywhere.

There’s also the amazing Cape Le Grand National Park to explore with its stunning sand dunes, or why not enjoy the Great Ocean Drive which gives amazing views of the coast here, including the Pink Lake!

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5 Key Packing Items for Western Australia

#1 Good Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop in Australia and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous country justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000 , which I use for all my travels and love, not least because it’s light, compact and robust!

#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking in Australia – from cities to national park! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers . Perfect for stylish strollling, I love mine

#3 Good Guidebook – I’m still a massive fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks and do think their Australia edition is well put together

#4 Good Water Bottle – Travelling in hot old Australia can be thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because tap water is drinkable… and free!

#5 Good Sun Hat – And there’s no denying you’ll need a good sun hat for protection in Australia too. In my opinion, you can’t go past this Hello Sunshine one, which is both gorgeous and ideal for keeping the rays off your face.

Travel Insurance for Western Australia

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

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Ultimate West Coast Australia Road Trip Guide - Itinerary + Tips

So there you have it, my ULTIMATE West Coast Australia road trip.

Have I inspired you to get away from the east coast yet?!

Do let me know in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

Day 1: Explore Perth’s Rottnest Island & Fremantle

Quokka on Rottnest Island © Tourism Australia

Quokka, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Jump on The Rottnest Express for a short ferry ride from Fremantle to the picturesque Rottnest Island ; home to the world's cutest and extremely photogenic marsupial, the quokka. Arrive at the sweeping white sands of Thomson Bay, one of the 63 beautiful beaches on the island. Walk off the beach to Thomson Bay Settlement to grab a coffee, pick up maps and hire bikes to explore the rest of the car-free island. Don’t forget your snorkel mask – Rottnest has beautiful marine life, easily accessible from the islands’ beaches and bays.

Before getting the 45-minute ferry back to the mainland, hop on a Rottnest Wild Seafood Experience Tour for a sensational sundowner cruise serving freshly caught delicacies.

When back on the mainland, stay the night at Hougoumont Hotel Fremantle or Be.Fremantle in the historic town of Fremantle.

Day 2: Fremantle to Bunbury

Couple walking through vineyards at Willow Bridge Estate © Frances Andrijich

Willow Bridge Estate, Ferguson Valley, Western Australia © Frances Andrijich

Enjoy the gourmet café culture of Fremantle for breakfast and browse local boutiques for unique or vintage finds. Then jump in your car and head 167 kilometres (103.7 miles) to Bunbury via the rolling hills of the Ferguson Valley.

Discover the secret spots along the Valley on a customised tour with South West Tourist Services or Hinterland Escapes . Explore boutique wineries and breweries, or tackle the scenic hiking and mountain bike trails of Wellington Forest National Park, stopping at Black Diamond Lake near Collie for a view of vivid turquoise waters.

Roll into Bunbury, where you can purchase fresh local produce from farmers’ markets, meet native animals at the Bunbury Wildlife Park, shop the boutiques and spot vibrant street art. Spend the evening immersed in the city’s nightlife at one of the many bars and restaurants overlooking one of Bunbury’s famous three waters – the bay, inlet and ocean – before returning to your accommodation at Bunbury Seaview Apartments or Discovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore .

Day 3: Bunbury To Yallingup

Aerial view of a woman sitting on a rock in Injidup Natural Spa © Jarrad Seng / Tourism Western Australia

Injidup Natural Spa, Yallingup, Margaret River, Western Australia © Jarrad Seng / Tourism Western Australia

Aerial view of a mother and baby whale in the ocean © Australia's South West

Spot migrating humpbacks, southern right, and sometimes blue whales from high vantage points along the coast or on a whale watching tour with Naturaliste Charters between August and October.

Begin your morning with a Dolphin Eco Cruise or head over to the Dolphin Discovery Centre at Koombana Bay in Bunbury, where wild bottlenose dolphins come into shore every morning between September to April to interact with humans. Make sure you're here by 9am, wade into water up to your knees and the dolphins will swim around you.

Drive 57 kilometres (35.4 miles) to Busselton , which sits on a white sandy beach on the north-facing shoreline of the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay, a popular family holiday destination. Swing among the trees on a high ropes course at Forest Adventures set among the last remaining tall tuart forest in the world. Or take a stroll or ride the train for 1.8 kilometres (1.1 miles) over the Indian Ocean on the beautifully restored historic jetty , the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere. At the end, visit the Underwater Observatory and Interpretive Centre, where you’ll descend eight metres below the surface to see one of Australia’s greatest artificial reefs alive with corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates living in the warm Leeuwin Current.

Spend the afternoon exploring Yallingup’s sensational coastal spots including Canal Rocks and the marvellous Injidup Natural Spa.

Have a dinner of fresh local produce at the seaside Goose Beach Bar and Kitchen or Bunkers Beach Cafe before driving 32 kilometres (20 miles) to Seashells or Smiths Beach Resort in Yallingup; an environmentally sensitive resort with villas, apartments, beach shacks and beach houses, and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World . Stay here for the next two nights.

Day 4: Yallingup to Margaret River

Wine barrels at Amelia Park Winery © Australia's South West

Amelia Park, Margaret River, Western Australia © Australia's South West

Book a tour with Top Drop Tours and spend the day exploring the beautiful Margaret River wine region, whose 150 wineries produce more than 20 percent of Australia's premium wine (Margaret River cabernet sauvignons and chardonnays are particularly impressive).

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be picked up by your tour guide for a day-long tour visiting some of the region's wineries. These may include Leeuwin Estate , Voyager Estate , Vasse Felix (one of the first wineries in Margaret River, with a designer lounge bar and views across the region), the biodynamic Windows Estate , run by married couple Chris and Jo Davies who manage the entire viticultural process, or Wills Domain , owned and operated by the Austrian Haunold family and offering some of the region's best food.

You'll also visit a range of gourmet producers along the way, like Ginversity . On your way, pick up a collection of cheese, bread, pâté, biscuits, olives and chocolates and enjoy a gourmet picnic back in your suite this evening. Or if you’re staying at Smiths Beach Resort, have a drink at the brilliant wine bar, then dine on ocean views with a side order of superb food at the on-site restaurant.

Day 5: Explore the Margaret River region

Two travellers with a tour guide in caves on a Koomal Dreaming tour © Archie Sartracom

Koomal Dreaming, Margaret River, Western Australia © Archie Sartracom

Cape to cape track above Contos beach © Martine Perret

Explore by foot

Why not explore by foot along part of the 135-kilometre (83-mile) Cape to Cape Track , which treads along ocean cliffs, behind powdery beaches and through tall forests.

Go for a swim just in front of the resort at Yallingup, where the water (protected by the surrounding reef) is flat, rip free and laps against a stretch of powdery sand. Then drive five minutes north to explore Ngilgi Cave’s huge cavern of illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. You can also do an Aboriginal cultural tour here with Josh from Koomal Dreaming . Feel the powerful vibrations of the didgeridoo as it fills the natural amphitheatre of the cave, learn to create fire as generations past have done, and learn about the ways of life of the world's oldest living culture.

Next, head 43 kilometres (26.7 miles) west of the Margaret River township to watch pro surfers in action at Surfers Point and drive four kilometres (2.5 miles) south to White Elephant Café , where you can enjoy a delicious brunch overlooking calm Gnarabup Beach .

After lunch, take a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lesson with Stand Up Surfing , go rock climbing or abseiling, or take a kayak along the Margaret River with Margaret River Discovery Co .

There's nothing like a refreshing beer after the beach, and luckily there are plenty of craft breweries to choose from. Try the Brewhouse (in Margaret River township), The Beer Farm , and Black Brewing Co . End your day with a polished great-value pub meal at Settlers Tavern in Margaret River township. Or for authentic Japanese cuisine you can't do better than Miki's Open Kitchen .

Stay overnight at Margarets In-Town Apartments or Eight Willows Retreat .

Day 6: Margaret River to Pemberton

Gloucester Tree in Pemberton © Australia's South West

Gloucester Tree, Pemberton, Western Australia © Australia's South West

Head 40 kilometres (25 miles) south to Augusta , where an unusual microclimate means the local weather is almost always a few degrees warmer than the rest of the region. When you arrive, jump on a two-hour whale watching tour . It’s said that humpback whales come here to flirt with each other, so you're likely to see plenty of action when they're visiting between August and October, such as tail slaps and breaches.

Have lunch in town; Blue Ocean serves up freshly caught fish in a humble fish-n-chips shop. Then drive eight kilometres (five miles) to Cape Leeuwin, where the Indian and Southern oceans meet at the south-western tip of Australia. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is one of Australia's best land-based vantage points for spotting humpback and southern right whales on their annual migration.

From here, drive 135 kilometres (84 miles) into the forest around Pemberton , a former logging town surrounded by soaring white-trunked karri trees. You can actually climb three karri trees, which have such great views over the area that they were originally used as fire lookouts. If you’re feeling extra active, ride one of the many mountain bike trails around the area or walk a small part of the 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) Bibbulmun Track , one of the world's great long distance walking trails, which runs from Perth through the Southern Forests and along the coast from Walpole to Albany . The section around Denmark runs along coastal heathland awash with wildflowers in spring .

Make an appointment to visit pretty Picardy Wines , which makes superb pinot noir. If you are into truffles, it's worth taking a 31-kilometre (19-mile) detour to the Truffle & Wine Co to enjoy wine and truffle tasting at Western Australia's largest truffle farm.

Stay overnight at RAC Karry Valley Resort in Pemberton.

Day 7: Pemberton to Denmark

Girl standing in the water at Green Pools © Australia's South West

Greens Pool, Denmark, Western Australia © Australia's South West

Girl walking through an ancient tree © Australia's South West

Walk through giant trees

After visiting the Valley of the Giants, descend to the boardwalks below and explore the Ancient Empires Walk through a grove of veteran tingle trees, some more than 400 years old.

Take a four-wheel drive tour of the world’s largest moving sand dune system — Yeagarup Dunes — with Pemberton Discovery Tours before travelling 162 kilometres (100 miles) to the former lumber milling town of Walpole. Join an eco-cruise on the Walpole inlet with WOW Wilderness Cruises for breathtaking views of Mount Chudalup.

Have a coffee at Four Sisters Coffee Shop in Walpole before you visit the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk , a 40-metre (131-foot) high walkway through the forest's canopy designed to move – which is fun or scary, depending on your perspective – with the majestic red-barked tingle eucalyptus trees that are found nowhere else in the world. They also just happen to be some of the tallest trees on earth.

Next, drive 45 kilometres (28 miles) along spectacular coastal scenery to William Bay National Park , where you'll find the giant granite boulders of Elephant Rocks, and the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of Greens Pool.

Check in to a lovely cedar chalet at the Karma Chalets in the birdlife-rich hills behind Denmark and enjoy a relaxing massage at the Karisma Spa. At night, frogs will sing you to sleep.

If you have longer, stay another day in Denmark to explore the family-owned wineries along the 34-kilometre (21-mile) Scotsdale Scenic Drive . Otherwise, get a good night's sleep before heading to Albany tomorrow.

Day 8: Denmark to Albany

The Gap, Albany, Western Australia © Airloft

Have breakfast at a Denmark favourite, Mrs Jones Café , before driving 54 kilometres (33 miles) to Albany. Call ahead to book a cellar door tasting at bucolic organic winery Oranje Tractor on the way. Birdwatchers should also stop at Wilson Inlet (11 kilometres, or seven miles, east of Denmark) to twitch for blue splendid wrens, ospreys, parrots, red-tailed and white-tailed black cockatoos, and purple-crowned lorikeets.

Albany is where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia in 1826 and much of their legacy remains today, with colonial buildings housing museums, galleries and restaurants. Step back in time at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station at Discovery Bay or visit the National Anzac Centre , a state-of-the-art interpretive museum that uses multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts to pay tribute to the Australian and New Zealand forces who served in the First World War.

Have lunch at its Garrison Restaurant , then explore the Albany Heritage Park , a reserve that stretches from the shores of Middleton Beach to the port of Albany.

You can also visit the nearby Australian Wildlife Park , where you'll see kangaroos, bandicoots and wombats, or stop in at the beautiful Regional Wildflower Garden . From here, follow Frenchman Bay Road for eight kilometres (five miles) to Torndirrup National Park and The Gap . This natural gap in the granite cliff has a thrilling see-through skywalk platform extending out 10 metres (33 feet) over the cliff's edge, so you can walk out and look down at the pounding waves below. The Gap , a thick, horizontal column of rock, is a few steps away.

On the return to Albany, visit Limeburners distillery to sample whisky made with locally sourced peat while you watch out the window for dolphins in the bay.

Enjoy an inventive dinner of Vietnamese-French inspired fare at Liberte at the London and stay at The Beach House at Bayside, an upmarket bed and breakfast behind the sand dunes of Middleton Bay, or Quality Suites Banksia Gardens .

Day 9: Albany to Bremer Bay

Man looking at the view from Mt Toolbrunup Summit in Stirling National Park © Australia's South West Inc.

Mt Toolbrunup Summit, Stirling Range National Park, Western Australia © Australia's South West Inc.

Go for a walk or swim along Middleton Beach, and if you are here on a Saturday, browse the Albany Farmers Market , one of the best artisan markets in Australia.

Next, drive 49 kilometres (31 miles) inland to Porongurup National Park . Here you'll find the Granite Skywalk , a suspended walkway that rises 670-metres (2,200-feet) above sea level to offer panoramic views of your remarkable surrounds. Return to your car and continue along Chester Pass Road.

Reward yourself with lunch at boutique Porongurup wineries like Castle Rock Estate or Zarephath Wines .

If you are a wildflower enthusiast, birdwatcher or hiker, you may wish to continue onwards to Stirling Range National Park where you can climb one of Western Australia’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll, known for its sweeping views of the Stirling Range National Park.

Drive for about 1.5 hours to reach the small seaside town of Bremer Bay. Stay at the Bremer Bay Resort , where the Mount Barren Restaurant offers panoramic views across the bay.

Day 10: Bremer Bay to Hopetoun

Orca jumping out of the ocean in Bremer Bay © Keith Lightbody

Orca, Naturaliste Charters, Bremer Bay, Western Australia © Keith Lightbody

Phymatocarpus maxwellii wildflower in Fitzgerald River National Park © Tourism WA

Did you know?

Fitzgerald River National Park is recognised as one of the most biodiverse botanical regions on earth. Nearly 20 per cent of Western Australia’s native flora species occur here, many of which can only be found in the park.

Bremer Bay is one of only three places in Australia where southern right whales come in large numbers to calve. Between June and October you can watch them frolicking in the water from purpose-built platforms on the shore at Point Ann, 63 kilometres (39 miles) from town, on the west side of the Fitzgerald River National Park .

From February to April you can also join Naturaliste Charters off the coast at Bremer Bay to watch the gathering of the largest pod of orcas in the southern hemisphere. This incredible sight is only a recently discovered phenomenon and little is known about why it takes place.

Even if it's not whale watching season, you should stop here: the national park is one of the most significant biospheres in the world and a plant lover's dream, with 62 plant species found nowhere else on earth. It also has prolific native wildlife (look out for kangaroos), several beautiful beaches (go swimming at Barrens Beach ), hiking trails, the beautiful hills of Hamersley Dunes and on-site accommodation at Quaalup Homestead Wilderness Retreat .

Make your way to Ravensthorpe — known for its spectacular displays of wildflowers during spring — and discover the locals’ secret hotspots on a tour during the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Festival .

Stay for the night in Hopetoun at Wavecrest Village Tourist Park or Hopetoun Motel & Chalet Village .

Day 11: Explore Esperance and Lucky Bay

Kangaroos with a person on Lucky Bay beach © Australia’s Golden Outback

The exquisite town of Esperance is a 182-kilometre (113-mile) drive from Hopetoun. Arrive to the stunning pure white sand shores of Esperance Bay, fringed by more than 100 islands that make up the Recherche Archipelago (known locally as the Bay of Isles), where whales, seals and dolphins can often be seen in the translucent waters.

Lucky Bay is arguably Esperance's biggest drawcard. It's 60 kilometres (37 miles) out of town at Cape Le Grand National Park . Hop in your car or join an Esperance Eco Discovery Tour and head to the world's only full-size replica of Stonehenge, Esperance Stonehenge (it's as quirky as it sounds). Then continue to the national park, a place of white sand beaches, freshwater pools, massive granite outcrops and, in spring, carpets of native wildflowers.

Day 12: Esperance

Twilight Cove along the Great Ocean Drive © Tourism Western Australia

This morning you can leave the car keys in your room, as you'll be picked by your Aboriginal guide for a eco-cultural discovery tour of the area with Aboriginal-run company Kepa Kurl. This memorable half-day experience will give you some truly interesting insights into how the local Aboriginal Noongar people have hunted and gathered food here for thousands of years. You'll see plenty of native wildlife and some Aboriginal rock art as well as getting a great orientation to the area.

Returning to town about midday, hop in your car and head to Yirri Grove , a restaurant in an olive grove 20 minutes out of town (open Fridays to Mondays only; alternatively, grab ingredients for a picnic from one of the four supermarkets in town). After you've eaten, get a feel for the area's beauty on the Great Ocean Drive , a 38-kilometre (24-mile) loop from town that showcases the sugary beaches and translucent waters of the area. Be warned; you won't be able to stop yourself from pulling over every few minutes to take photo after photo. Along the way, look out for Twilight Bay – a firm favourite for its translucent, turquoise waters, sculpted rock formations, picnic tables and showers – and the breaks at West, Fourth and Observatory beaches, where local surfers can often be seen enjoying the water.

Day 13: Explore the Rainbow Lakes

Rainbow Lakes, near Esperance, Western Australia © Golden Outback

Today, you're taking to the skies on a scenic flight over a myriad of rainbow--coloured lakes with Fly Esperance . Embark on an 80-minute adventure over a series of warm-hued waterholes sprinkled among a sea of green grass in Cape Le Grand National Park . Along the way, witness Esperance's township and dramatic blue coastline from above as well as the iconic white sands of Lucky Bay. As you approach the lakes, notice the colours ranging from honey yellow to marshmallow pink and everywhere in between. The best time for spotting the most vibrant shades is from April to January each year, but you're sure to catch brilliant sights on this scenic flight year-round. End your day with a hearty dinner at the excellent Loose Goose restaurant.

Day 14: Esperance to Perth

Person standing below Wave Rock in Hyden © Australia's Golden Outback

Return your hire car at Esperance airport before boarding your 90-minute flight to Perth. Or if you’d prefer to soak up more of the South West, drive back to Perth via Hyden or Kalgoorlie over the next few days – the choice is yours.

If you travel through Hyden, be sure to visit the impressive Wave Rock on your way. Thought to have formed some 130 million years ago, the Wave Rock is entirely natural and measures about 15 kilometres (9.3 miles and roughly three storeys) in height. It’s the perfect end to your Instagram highlights reel.

If you travel back to Perth via Kalgoorlie, immerse yourself in outback history; dine in quirky outback pubs, feast your eyes on the Super Pit gold mine, or try your hand at prospecting with Gold Prospecting Kalgoorlie .

Overnight at Wave Rock Hotel in Hyden or Hospitality Kalgoorlie, SureStay Collection by Best Western .

This article was written in partnership with Tourism Western Australia. For more information about road trips in Western Australia, go to w esternaustralia.com .

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Great Ocean Road, VIC © Tourism Australia

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motorhome in western Australia on a roadtrip

Western Australia Roadtrip: Discover Western Australia’s Open Roads in a Campervan

About the author: sammy.

Updated on: 22 March 2024

Published on: 10 October 2023

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Welcome to your dream Western Australia roadtrip!

WA is a bucket-list travel experience for many people, and what better way to explore the state’s vast and diverse landscapes than in a campervan? With open roads, breathtaking scenery, and endless opportunities for adventure, Western Australia is a road-tripper paradise.

motorhome in the middle of western australia

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The benefits of renting a campervan and travelling around Australia's west coast

Travelling Western Australia in a campervan can provide a unique and epic road trip with many beautiful spots and benefits, including:

Flexibility: Travelling in a campervan provides the flexibility to change your itinerary and route at a moment’s notice. You can choose to stay in one place or explore new areas as you go. You can take your time or cover 1000 kilometres in a day! The choice is yours with a camper!
Cost-effective: Renting a campervan isn’t just time effective but can be a cost-effective way to travel, as it combines your accommodation and transportation costs into one. Plus, you can save money on dining out by cooking your own meals in the campervan.
Comfort and convenience: Campervans provide all the basic amenities you need for a comfortable trip, including a bed, kitchenette, and bathroom facilities. This makes it easy to travel long distances and explore remote areas without sacrificing comfort.
Unique experiences: Campervans allow you to experience unique destinations and activities that may not be accessible with traditional accommodations. For example, camping in national parks or near secluded beaches can provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Connection with nature: Travelling in a campervan allows you to immerse yourself in nature and experience the beauty of Western Australia’s diverse landscapes up close. You can wake up to stunning views, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, and appreciate the peace and tranquillity of the natural surroundings.

Overall, travelling around Western Australia in a campervan provides a sense of freedom and adventure that cannot be matched by other forms of travel. WA can be an incredible place to spot wildlife in australia .

Unmissable destinations for your Western Australia roadtrip.

Perth to broome road trip..

Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Perth to Broome, two of Western Australia’s most popular cities. Along the way, you can take in the breathtaking coastal scenery, explore charming coastal towns like Geraldton, Coral Bay, and Kalbarri, and marvel at the natural wonders of the region such as the Pinnacles Desert and the gorges of Karijini National Park. With so many sights to see, this road trip is perfect for those looking for a diverse and unique travel experience.

Margaret River scenic drive.

The Margaret River region is renowned for its stunning coastline, lush forests, and world-class wineries. On a scenic drive through the area, you can explore the quaint towns of Margaret River, Dunsborough, and Yallingup, and indulge in wine tastings at some of Australia’s finest vineyards. Make sure to also visit the nearby natural attractions, such as the stunning white sand beaches, pink lakes, limestone caves, and towering karri trees, which make for an insane experience.

Pinnacles Desert tour.

The Pinnacles Desert is a must-visit destination in Western Australia, famous for its otherworldly rock formations that rise up from the sand dunes. You can take a guided tour through the desert, learn about the geology and history if you’re into that sort of thing, and take in the stunning landscape. While you’re in the region, be sure to also explore nearby attractions such as the seaside town of Cervantes and the stunning sand dunes of Lancelin.

Coral Coast drive.

The Coral Coast is one of Western Australia’s most scenic coastal drives, stretching from Perth to Exmouth. Along the way, you can explore charming seaside towns all the way down the former Coral Coast highway, visit historic landmarks, and witness some of the state’s most incredible natural wonders. Highlights include the beaches of Jurien Bay, the stunning Pink Lake near Port Gregory, Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, and the incredible Ningaloo Reef, where you can snorkel with whale sharks and swim alongside manta rays. A sure favourite of the RatPack team!

Ningaloo Reef adventure.

The Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth is one of the world’s most pristine coral reefs and home to a lot of marine life. You can embark on an adventure to explore the reef and its surroundings, including swimming with whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles. Humpback whales can also be spotted in this area, this area sees the highest number of these gentle giants in the Southern Hemisphere! While you’re in the area, be sure to also explore the rugged coastline, where you’ll find beautiful beaches, stunning gorges, and unique wildlife.

Karijini National Park exploration.

Karijini National Park is a rugged wilderness area in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, known for its incredible gorges, waterfalls, and ancient rock formations. On an exploration of the park, you can hike through narrow canyons, swim in natural rock pools, and marvel at the stunning vistas from the lookout points. With so much to see and do, Karijini National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

Gibb River Road journey.

The Gibb River Road is an epic journey through some of Western Australia’s most remote and rugged landscapes. The route stretches over 660 kilometres, taking you through stunning gorges, across vast cattle stations, and past ancient Aboriginal rock art sites. Highlights of the journey include the stunning Mitchell Falls, the natural infinity pool of Emma Gorge, and the rugged landscapes of El Questro Wilderness Park.

Nullarbor Plain crossing.

The Nullarbor Plain is a vast, flat expanse of land that stretches over 1,100 kilometres between South Australia and Western Australia. It’s a unique and iconic part of Australia that is often crossed by travellers on their way to other destinations, such as Western Australia’s famous beaches or South Australia’s wine regions.

Crossing the Nullarbor Plain can be an unforgettable experience that provides a true sense of the vastness and isolation of the Australian outback. While it’s not for everyone, those who take on the challenge are rewarded with stunning scenery, unique wildlife, and a true sense of adventure.

If you are looking for more experiences in Australia check out this blog on our top 10!

Here's a 2-week itinerary for a campervan trip in Western Australia heading South from Perth.

Day 1-2: Perth

For the first day of your road trip itinerary, arrive in Perth and spend a day exploring the city. Visit the iconic Kings Park and Botanic Garden, enjoy a picnic on the beach at Cottesloe, and stroll through the historic streets of Fremantle.

Day 3: Mandurah

Drive south to Mandurah and spend the day cruising the waterways, exploring the estuary, and enjoying the local seafood.

Day 4: Bunbury

Head south west to the seaside town of Bunbury and visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre, where you can see these playful creatures up close.

Day 5-6: Margaret River

Explore the stunning Margaret River region, known for its world-class wineries, pristine beaches, and towering forests. Take a scenic drive to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, explore the limestone caves, and sample some of the region’s famous wines.

Day 7-8: Pemberton

Travel inland to the tranquil town of Pemberton, surrounded by ancient forests and stunning national parks. Visit the Gloucester Tree, climb up to the lookout for stunning views, and go for a swim in the nearby rivers.

Day 9-10: Albany

Head to the coastal town of Albany, where you can explore the historic whaling station, visit the stunning Torndirrup National Park, and hike to the top of the iconic Albany Wind Farm for 30 minutes of breathtaking views.

Day 11-12: Esperance

Move further south to Esperance, a stunning coastal town with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and abundant wildlife. Visit the Cape Le Grand National Park, go for a swim in Lucky Bay, and explore along the coast of stunning coastline.

Day 13-14: Kalgoorlie

After a dip in Lucky bay, head inland to the historic gold mining town of Kalgoorlie, where you can explore the Super Pit, take a tour of the old mines and visit the fascinating Museum of the Goldfields.

Day 15: Head inland back to Perth for a full round trip.

There are many points of interest heading back to Perth from Kalgoorlie such as Wave Rock at Hyden and many others! Of course, this itinerary travelling South is just a suggestion and can be adjusted according to your interests and preferences. There are plenty of other destinations and activities to explore in Western Australia in a campervan, so take your time and enjoy the journey!

Read our suggested 2-week road trip itinerary for a campervan holiday heading North from Perth.

Day 1-2: perth to lancelin.

Start your journey north by driving from Perth to Lancelin, a small coastal town known for its sand dunes and excellent surfing conditions.
Spend your first day exploring the town, trying out sandboarding on the dunes, and enjoying the beach.

Day 3-4: Cervantes and the Pinnacles

Drive north to Cervantes and visit the Pinnacles Desert, a surreal landscape of limestone pillars rising from the sand.
Take a guided tour of the desert, and explore nearby attractions such as the Thirsty Point Lookout and Jurien Bay Marine Park.

Day 5-6: Geraldton and Kalbarri National Park

Continue north to Geraldton, a charming coastal city with a rich maritime history.
Spend a day exploring the city’s museums, art galleries, and beaches.
The next day, drive to Kalbarri National Park, a stunning wilderness area known for its rugged gorges, scenic lookouts, and wildflower displays (in season).
Hike to the iconic Nature’s Window, marvel at the views from Hawks Head Lookout, and take a dip in the rock pools of the Murchison River.

Day 7-8: Monkey Mia and Shark Bay

Drive further north to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, home to some of Western Australia’s most unique and fascinating natural wonders.
Spend a day at Monkey Mia, where you can see wild dolphins up close and even feed them. Monkey Mia is a must!
Scout the nearby Francois Peron National Park, with its rugged coastline, red sand dunes, and stunning views over Shark Bay.

Day 9-10: Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef

After Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, and Francois Peron National Park, continue your journey north to Coral Bay, a small coastal town with crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life.
Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s most pristine coral reefs, and swim with manta rays, turtles, and reef sharks.
Tour the nearby Cape Range National Park in your camper, with its stunning canyons, gorges, and beaches.

Day 11-12: Exmouth and Cape Range National Park

After you’ve visited Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef, drive to Exmouth, the gateway to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.
Spend a day exploring the town, visiting the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, and relaxing at the beach.
The next day, explore Cape Range National Park further, hiking to breathtaking lookout points like Yardie Creek, Charles Knife Canyon, and Mandu Mandu Gorge.

Day 13-14: The fantastic Karijini National Park

Drive east to Karijini National Park, a rugged wilderness area known for its incredible gorges, waterfalls, and ancient rock formations.
Spend your last two days exploring the park, hiking through narrow canyons, swimming in natural rock pools, and marvelling at the stunning vistas from the lookout points.

Day 15: Return to Perth

On the last day, drive back to Perth and return your campervan. If you have time, you could stop at other towns or attractions on the way back, such as the historic mining town of Cue or the charming Wheatbelt town of York.

Where can you rent a campervan for your Western Australia trip of a lifetime?

If you are going to rent a campervan to embark on your road trip of a lifetime in Western Australia then we ( RatPack Travel ) are here to help!

Why us? We have more 5-star reviews than ANY other travel agent in Australia!

We work with every big camper provider in Aus to make sure you get that ideal campervan for your trip within a budget that suits you, we can even get 4WD if you want to adventure off the beaten track

Book a Campervan for Western Australia Today!

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We are on our way to Tasmania!!! Thks to the wonderful help from Shaun, we were able to secure a great campervan. We delayed in making our decision and were caught with all the 2-bearths being sold out. However, with Shaun's patient help and negotiation, we secured a 4-berth Apollo Euro Quest. Thks Ratpack & thks Shaun!

Je viens juste de réserver un voiture avec tente sur le toit pour deux personnes. James m’a aidé pour la réservation et a trouvé un prix imbattable !! Merci beaucoup ☺️

Ryan made booking our van the easiest part of planning our trip by far! Super helpful talking me though all the options and answering all my questions, the phone call was definitely the best move. Can’t be upset with a juicy discount and Ryan even sent over road trip itinerary to make our planning even easier. RatPack has left me feeling even more excited for our trip than I was before.

Sam from Ratpack was great and very helpful in booking a camper for our NZ trip. He worked around my schedule to have a chat and made it really easy to get our booking sorted rather than scrolling through tons of websites.

James and Sunny helped me so so good! They responded very quickly and put in a lot of effort to help me rent the vehicle. And all of this in a few hours. I would highly recommend booking your vehicle with RatPack. Quick, friendly, clear and helpful service!

Got good help from Ryan and we are very exited about our roadtrip with RatPack Travel !

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Just booked with James at ratpack travel very easy to deal with explains everything clearly and got the camper we wanted for the dates we wanted we are very excited highly recommended

George was so helpful in securing the camper we wanted. He answered all questions in a timely manner and together we formulated the best route and package for a stress free and cost effective 3 week road trip. Couldn't recommend RatPack, and more specifically George, enough! Thanks again, George :)

The process from start to finish of the booking was faultless, with all details covered and recovered as required. Ryan who did our booking for us was outstanding and very patient. I can’t speak highly enough about the quality of service received from Ryan and will definitely do business again with RatPack travel. I’m very confident that if any issues arise prior to collection of our vehicle or during our hire period that RatPack travel will have our back all the way. Cheers, Tony & Karen

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The Very Best 2-3 Week Western Australia Road Trip Itinerary

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Planning a Western Australia road trip? Awesome! If you’re traveling to Australia, there’s one state you really shouldn’t miss. It’s the biggest in land size and perhaps one of the less-frequently touristed.

We’re talking about gorgeous Western Australia, and it’s where we spent most of our adventures down under in 2014. We drove in our campervan all over WA, hitting up the most scenic spots, camping in fascinating outback wilderness, and truly having the time of our lives.

Now, we’ve decided to replicate our route for you here. May we present the very best Western Australia road trip itinerary. Guaranteed to take you to some of Australia’s most incredible spots.

Table of Contents

Things to Know:

–Your WA road trip will start in Perth, the capital city. You can fly into Perth from other destinations in Australia or from abroad. Check prices for flights to Perth here.

–The ultimate Western Australia road trip will take you about 2-3 weeks, although we recommend sticking closer to 3 weeks to maximize your experience and see everything you can.

–There are options to take a bus tour around WA, but we can’t recommend doing a self-drive itinerary. If you don’t want to buy a campervan, there are lots of options for renting one as well. Great options for car rentals/car hire in Australia can be found on this car rental comparison website .

–Read up on Australia road trip safety. We have a basic post with some suggestions here: Tips for Your Australia Road Trip

–Remember that much of WA is remote bush landscape. Watch for wildlife (particularly at dawn and dusk) and be prepared with spare tires, extra fuel, etc.

Back of a white van covered in stickers under a blue sky while driving along the road

Best Time for Western Australia Travel

When should you plan to visit WA? We were in WA during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter.

Our Perth to Broome road trip occurred during June and July. The weather was beautiful, nothing was too crowded, and we were able to time it right for many of the region’s best activities ( swimming with whales sharks in Exmouth, viewing Staircase to the Moon in Broome, etc).

Generally, April through October would probably be good dates for your trip, with good weather throughout the state.

It could be advisable to avoid the summer months because it is a popular/busy time to travel in some areas, and because in the far north of WA, such as in Broome, the summers are very wet and tropical…aka cyclone season!

Your Ultimate 3 Week Australia Itinerary

We should note that our travels in Western Australia may have been a bit slower, since we were spending a whole 7 months in Australia. We opted to spend longer in certain destinations to really make the most of it.

Of course, the more time you have, the better, but you can really see A LOT in just under 3 weeks. You could also skip a destination or two and turn this into a 2 week Australia Itinerary, it’s up to you.

All told, the itinerary below encompasses 18 days of fun and sun in WA. Let’s go!

PS: If you’re keen to explore parts closer to Perth or do a shorter road trip, you should check out this South West Australia road trip itinerary !

Day 1 Perth to Geraldton

You’re on your way! Wahooooo! Day 1 will take your from Perth north to Geraldton, WA. The ride should take about 4 hours 30 minutes, but you have a stop to make halfway. Your first stop is the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park.

This unearthly desert landscape will fascinate you, especially considering it’s perched almost directly next to the ocean. Spend some time driving through the park and marvel at the huge pinnacles.

They are hundreds of thousands of years old, and there’s a bit of mystery as to how they developed.

A woman walks around a sandy area with big rocks

Arrive in Geraldton for your first evening on the road. If you’re on a road trip in a caravan, campervan, or planning on tent camping, there are several caravan parks in Geraldton to choose from.

These are always nice facilities that are fairly affordable. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, free camping is possible in many parts of Australia.

When we were in Australia, we loved the WikiCamps Australia app . This showed locations of campsites, caravan parks, petrol stations, bathrooms, and more. A super helpful tool for your West Australia road trip.

Day 2 Geraldton to Kalbarri

Your next day of driving takes you up to Kalbarri, WA. It’s a short 2 hour jaunt, and you’ll be glad. Kalbarri is amazing, and there’s so much to see here.

Check into your accommodation and go visit the Kalbarri Cliffs. This was one of our favorite spots in Western Australia. It’s a stunning landscape with epic cliffs descending into the Indian Ocean.

Coastal view of the view ocean against the cliff sides

Day 3 Kalbarri

On day 3, you’ll drive eastward to visit the inland portion of Kalbarri National Park. Prepare for more stunning landscapes. A word of warning: the road into the National Park is unpaved and pretty rough.

We managed it with our non 4WD campervan driving at a snail’s pace, but ideally, you should travel in a 4WD campervan.

You’ll have a much easier time exploring Western Australia, and there is actually a lot more you can access with 4WD.

A river breaks through a red canyon covered in grass.

Kalbarri is a top spot for hiking. There are many good trails . We went on Nature’s Window and the Loop for a portion (see photo below of the famous Nature’s Window) and took another short trail to the Z Bend Lookout.

If time allows, you could take the Z-Bend River Trail as well. It’s a difficult hike, but at 2.6km roundtrip, it’s not overly lengthy.

You might just fit in two hikes in one day. The entire Loop trail is 8km, so if you aim to tackle that as well, plan to spend a second full day in Kalbarri.

View of a canyon through red rocks with a river breaking through the middle of it

Day 4 Kalbarri to Shark Bay

Today’s destination is Shark Bay, with a drive of approximately 4 hours. But along the road to Shark Bay, you’ll encounter a lot of great places to stop. You’re entering the start of the Coral Coast and the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

First stop is Hamelin Pool, home to the ancient stromatolites. This is one of the few places on earth you can witness these ‘living fossils.’ Stromatolites are a rock-like structure made by a single-celled organism called cyanobacteria.

Essentially, they are the oldest complex lifeform, dating back some 3.5 million years. Read more about the stromatolites on Atlas Obscura.

A wooden pier next to clear water with rocks on the bottom

After checking out these rocks-that-are-older-than-plants, drive onward to Shell Beach. As you might guess, this shoreline is completely covered in an array of beautiful shells.

You’ll want to walk along the beach and run your hands through them all, though it’s not the comfiest place to sit, that’s for sure.

A woman stands smiling in a pink dress while holding sand on the beach

Your day ends in the town of Denham, where you can find accommodation. Get a good night’s sleep and be ready for more of Shark Bay tomorrow.

Day 5 Shark Bay

The distance from Perth to Shark Bay is 527 miles, 849 kilometers, so congrats on clocking some mileage! Today won’t require much driving, but it will require lots of fun. We’re going to Monkey Mia, a beautiful shoreline that is bursting with wildlife.

In Monkey Mia (pronounced “My-uh”) they feed a small pod of dolphins daily. These dolphins, and their ancestors, have been dropping by for years, so it’s quite a special attraction.

After watching the dolphins enjoy their meal, rent a kayak and go paddling around the bay. You’re likely to catch sightings of wildlife, and some of the resident dolphins might even glide right past your boat!

A person stands next to an ocean animal in the water while a boat floats in the background

Day 6 Shark Bay to Carnarvon

You have to backtrack a bit on day 6, driving back down the road leading to Shark Bay to get back on the route northward.

Carnarvon is your next point of call. A humble shire most known for its banana plantations, Carnarvon is the ideal spot to stop over for a night.

Day 7 Carnarvon to Exmouth

On day 7, you will travel from Carnarvon to Exmouth, a journey of about 4 hours. However, you’ll break up the drive with a stop at the spectacular Coral Bay.

View of the turquoise ocean under a blue sky

Coral Bay is a lovely, peaceful bay in which to swim or wade. The crystal clear water is beautiful to look at, and the rock formations on shore are quite impressive.

This is Australia’s only fringing reef, and the coral begins right at the shoreline, so it’s the perfect place to go snorkeling, particularly for beginners or for families with kids.

A woman walks in shallow ocean water next to a rocky cliff

From Perth to Coral Bay is 1200 km, so you’ve definitely covered some distance in your one week in Western Australia.

If you have time, or want to spend an extra day in Coral Bay, you might look into this fun quad bike tour along the dunes. Australian travel bloggers YTravel wrote about the tour here , and it sounds like a blast.

If you’re continuing on to Exmouth tonight, hop back in your van and keep going. Exmouth is a popular holiday spot so you’ll find plenty of accommodation. We stayed at the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park , which was very comfortable and had a tropical-inspired swimming pool.

Day 8 Exmouth

Now, we highly recommend spending at least a few days in Exmouth, because there is so much to see.

This is also the halfway point of your trip, your next long stretch being Exmouth to Broome, so why not rest awhile? When we were here, we spent about 4 nights in Exmouth.

While you’re here on the Ningaloo Coast, you have to go whale shark swimming if the season is right. Swimming with whale sharks was by and large one of the coolest things we’ve ever done, and for me, one of the scariest, too!

Whale sharks are the world’s biggest fish, and they are filter feeders. In other words, these gentle giants (and they ARE giants) won’t hurt you and they certainly won’t eat you.

There are a number of tour providers, but we went with Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours. They provide the best whale shark tours Exmouth has to offer. We loved the captain, the crew, and the experience.

March through August is whale shark season in Exmouth, so if you can schedule your trip for those months, you absolutely should.

Day 9 Exmouth

Your whale shark tour will take most of a day, so on your other day in Exmouth, go explore the cape. You can snorkel at the aptly named Turquoise Bay or visit one of countless other insanely spectacular spots.

This is such a tremendous part of Australia.

Families play in shallow ocean water on the beach

The Sweet Wanderlust has an epic guide to 50 things to do in Exmouth , so definitely check that out when planning your trip.

One more thing, grab fish and chips at Blue Lips because it is amaaazing.

Day 10 Exmouth to Stopping Point

Okay, time to begin another long day of driving. Your ultimate destination is the magical Karijini National Park, but from Exmouth it’s almost 8 hours. So we suggest driving, camping overnight, and then finishing the drive on Day 11.

The stopping point is up to you. You may consult your app or camping guide to find a great spot out in the middle of nowhere!

A white van with its door open and stickers on the back sits on a dirt road

Day 11 Stopping Point to Karijini

Rise and shine travelers, because today you’ll be going to Karijini National Park.

This oasis is not nearly as well-known as other parts of Australia, but it is well worth the visit. The official park site calls it a “tropical, semi-desert”. This is a time when 4WD will come in handy. Since we didn’t have it in our van, we missed out on some of the park’s best spots. 🙁

We did explore some beautiful spots though, which we’d highly recommend.

During your stay in Karijini, we recommending camping in the park’s campground areas. We enjoyed Dales Campground, where we stayed.

From the Dales Campground, you can embark on the Dales Gorge hike, a 3 hour roundtrip which will take you past Fortescue Falls (pictured below), and to the beautiful Fern Pool as well. It’s a glorious hike, surrounded by towering red rocks.

A waterfall trickles down rocks into a body of water

On a hot day, hop in for a quick dip to cool off.

Day 12 Karijini

More Karijini excitement!

Today, why not go on one of the other hikes? Here is an excellent guide to 4 of the best hikes in Karijini National Park . It includes the one we did, Dales Gorge, but the other 3 are so amazing I feel envious just looking at the photos!

Enjoy a day of hiking, swimming, then a night under the stars.

Day 13 Karijini

More Karijini!

If you so choose, spend a third full day in Karijini. You can tackle one of the other hikes or go for another swim.

Day 14, 15, 16 Karijini to Broome

Okay, this is where the itinerary becomes somewhat flexible. The distance between Karijini National Park and the city of Broome is an incredible 963 km. In other words, a nearly 12-straight-hour drive. So you’ve got a few options.

There’s not much in the way of destinations along this remote stretch of the Great Northern Highway so you might opt to rise early and drive the whole route in one day.

Or, take it slow and stop at a few camping points along the way. Whatever suits your fancy.

A man walks along the beach as the sun sets

Day 17 Broome

Finally, the final stop on your itinerary for Western Australia: Broome.

Broome is the gateway to the Kimberly region, so if you’re traveling on the Northern Territory after this, you’ll start to see a changing landscape. If you can travel further, we highly recommend it.

Broome is a town which feels extremely tropical. Some of its vegetation feels nearly Asian in nature, so it’s a unique place for sure. There is shopping, dining, and other typical tourist attractions, but there are a few standout things to do in Broome.

A visit to Cable Beach is a must. This is a wide beach that receives some of the world’s best sunsets. You can schedule a camel ride at sunset with one of the many tour operators, or just take a photo of this unbelievable site. No two sunsets are alike at Cable Beach, so it’s worth going back each night of your visit.

A group of people ride camels on the beach at sunset

If at all possible, we do recommend timing your visit to Broome to coincide with the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon. This happens once a month from the months of March to October.

The Staircase to Moon is a unique event in which the rising moon is reflected over the expansive tidal flats of Roebuck Bay.

The tide is very low during this time, and the resulting reflection has the distinct appearance of a stairway rising up toward the moon. Our photo of it does not do the view justice at all, but it gives you a vague idea of how it looks!

The bright moon is in the sky over the ocean.

For 2019, these are the Staircase to the Moon Dates:

March 21, 22, 23

April 20, 21, 22

May 19, 20, 21

June 18, 19, 20

July 17, 18, 19

August 16, 17, 18

September 15, 16, 17

October 14, 15, 16

Day 18 Broome

If you’re looking for what to do in Broome on your second day, consider a trip to Horizontal Falls. Google shares that “David Attenborough once described the Horizontal Falls as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.” If David gives it his seal of approval, you know it rocks.

You can take a boat tour through the falls. It’s not truly a waterfall in the traditional sense, but the movement of the ocean between two rocky outcroppings that creates a “horizontal waterfall.” Intriguing, no?

Day 19 Broome to Perth or next destination

Alas, the end of your road trip of Western Australia has ended. Now it’s time to either continue on towards the Northern Territory or return back to Perth.

The return drive would be long, as you can imagine, so consider flying back to Perth or onto your next destination.

Western Australia Road Trip Map

Heading down under? Check out our other Australia posts !

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Amy Hartle is the author of Do You Love Me? How To Stop Seeking Reassurance in Relationships , a book on reassurance seeking and relationship anxiety. Both her book and this blog are born of personal experience; Amy shares expert relationship advice from the lessons learned during her own 10+ years with her husband, as well as couples travel tips and romantic getaway recommendations, all gleaned while traveling the world together.

Travel Itineraries

GAFFL connects solo travelers with similar itineraries to explore destinations together. Whether you are backpacking in Asia, road tripping in Australia, or exploring national parks in the US, simply type the destination you are traveling to, find travelers who are going there at the same time as you, connect with them, plan trips, meet, and travel together.

Embarking on a west coast road trip with this itinerary will take you across some of the country's most culturally rich cities/towns, several gorgeous national parks rich with wildlife, picturesque beaches with unbelievable views, and an unparalleled underground reef.

There’s so much to do on this west coast road trip that you’ll need about 14 days to get through it all.

Just like we did for the east coast , we think that we've created the perfect itinerary for Australia’s west coast. You’ll start in Broome and end your tour in beautiful Perth . Of course, you can just flip the itinerary and start in Perth if that's where you're currently located. Along the way you’ll explore some of the west coast’s most iconic wonders like the Pinnacles and the Ningaloo Coast.

Join our subscriber list to receive the best tips on solo travel, helpful travel guides, inspirational travel stories, and more. You can unsubscribe anytime with just one click.

West Coast Road Trip Day 1: Broome

Nestled in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region, Broome is a beautiful beach resort town along the Indian Ocean that’s perfect for rest and relaxation.

Enjoy the white sands and turquoise waters of Cable Beach , a quintessential part of any Broome tour. You have to catch a sunset here, and you can do it while riding a camel ! If you’re lucky enough to be in Broome during the Staircase to the Moon events, you have to take advantage and witness this natural spectacle.
Gantheaume Point is a popular cliff diving spot, but if that’s not your thing, you can also see ancient dinosaur footprints here. That's right, when the tide is low, at the bottom of the cliff you can see real dinosaur footprints preserved in reef rock from over 130 million years ago.
You can experience Broome’s rich history by walking around it’s Chinatown . During the infancy of Broome’s pearling industry, many migrants from Asia settled in the town to work on pearling boats, and as a result, this area is vibrant with authentic Asian culture.
The Japanese Cemetery shows a darker side to Broome’s pearling industry. Many divers faced their death under water, and it’s truly jarring to see the scale of this while walking through the cemetery.
Broome’s History Museum and Aboriginal Art Galleries are great places to soak up more of Broome’s history and culture.
Head over to Matso’s Brewery and indulge in local cuisine and some of their famous flavoured beers.

West Coast Road Trip Day 1: Eighty Mile Beach

When you leave Broome to start your west coast road trip, you'll be driving about 4 hours to get to Eighty Mile Beach, so make sure you start your day early. Nearly 220 kilometres in length, Eighty Mile Beach forms a coastline where the Great Sandy Desert approaches the Indian Ocean. You should allocate at least half a day to explore Eighty Mile Beach.

Eighty Mile Beach is picturesque with its golden sands and pristine blue water making it the perfect place to soak up breathtaking views.

West Coast Road Trip Day 1: Port Hedland

While not nearly as picturesque as Eighty Mile Beach, Port Hedland is a great stop along your west coast road trip to rest up for the night. It's a 2 and a half hour drive from Eighty Mile Beach.

While in Port Hedland we’d recommend staying at the Discovery Parks caravan park that’s situated right above Pretty Pool beach, you can catch some great sunsets here.
There’s some cool free things you can do around town. Visit the giant crocodile statue, Rio Tinto’s huge salt piles, and the endless iron ore trains.

West Coast Road Trip Day 2-3: Karijini National Park

West Coast Road Trip: Karijini National Park

Right in the heart of Western Australia’s Pilbara region, Karijini National Park is an essential part for any West Coast road trip. With it being over 20 billion years in the making, this epic landscape has so much to offer for adventurers. The drive to Karijini from Port Hedland is about 3 and half hours. We would recommend staying two nights here.

Walk along Dale’s Gorge and swim the freshwaters of Fortescue Falls . You can also swim at the nearby Fern Pool .
We would strongly recommend staying at Karijini Eco Retreat which is owned by the local Gumala Aboriginal Corporation. Karijini Eco Retreat offers a lot of lodging options from camping sites to deluxe eco-tents with full facilities.
Be sure to visit Oxer Lookout and it’s unforgettable views which many have dubbed the most spectacular spot in all of Western Australia. Oxer Lookout will give you the opportunity to see spectacular views over four gorges: Weano, Red, Hancock and Joffre.
You also have to visit the natural, heart shaped "spa pool" at Hamersley Gorge . Getting there is a bit of a challenge, a kilometre hike to be exact, but it’s definitely worth it. The spa pool is great for people who are looking for a relaxing bath and scenic photos.

From Karijini National Park you’ll be driving over 650 kilometres to the Ningaloo Coast home to one of the longest fringing coral reefs in the world. This is the longest single drive without any stops during your west coast road trip. This amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site is 300 kilometres of untouched natural wonder and it’ll be a stand out on this West Coast road trip..

West Coast Road Trip Day 4-6: Exmouth

West Coast Road Trip: Ningaloo Reef Coast Exmouth

You first stop within the region will be Exmouth, the Ningaloo Coast’s main town. To get to Exmouth you will have to drive about 8 and half hours from Karijini National Park. Wildlife is abundant in this area and it’s possible that you could cross paths with kangaroos, emus, eagles, monitors, turtles, manta rays, and rock wallabies. We recommend spending three nights between here and Coral Bay.

This goes without being said, but you have to get underwater as soon as possible to witness the reef’s beauty. You’ll need to book a tour , and I’d recommend doing it from the Navy Pier which is meant to be one of the ten best diving sites in Australia.
Swimming with the biggest shark in the ocean might sound dangerous, but don’t worry, it's not! Whale sharks won’t bite you but you but they will happily swim beside you. To book this excursion we recommend going with Ningaloo Bookings.
Cape Range National Park is the perfect place to go on a scenic walk and the beaches there are perfect for snorkelling. Some highlights of Cape Range are Yardie Creek and Turquoise Bay, the colour of the waters here are breathtaking and really need to be seen to be believed. Other notable things to do here include hiking Mandu Mandu gorge and a drive into Charles Knife Canyon .
Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is located 17 kilometres north of Exmouth and is one of the few locations in Australia where both the sunrise and the sunset can be observed.

West Coast Road Trip Day 4-6: Coral Bay

Coral Bay will be your second stop along the Ningaloo Coast. The drive from Exmouth to Coral Bay take a bit longer than 90 minutes.

This village is a lot smaller than Exmouth and as a result less crowded. I’d recommend stopping here if there were activities that you wanted to do in Exmouth that you couldn’t get to.
Coral Bay is also a great place for sunbathing, pub crawling, and doing small tours .
Coral Bay is a popular place to go snorkelling with manta rays.

West Coast Road Trip Day 7: Carnarvon

Carnarvon is a quaint coastal town more than 200 kilometres south of Coral Bay and is also known as the fresh produce hotspot of Western Australia.

Drive along the coast to see the Carnarvon blowholes shoot up water as the waves roll in.
You can pick fresh fruits and vegetables at Morel’s Orchard. Also for an extra treat, you can try their natural fruit ice cream!
Worthwhile free attractions in Carnarvon include the One Mile Jetty, The Fascine, and the Heritage Precinct Museum.
Check out the Carnarvon Space the Technology Museum to learn about how Carnarvon played its part in the space race.

You will one to spend one night here before driving 3 hours to Shark Bay. Before stopping at Shark Bay, you’ll want to stop about an hour north to see the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites . The Hamelin pool will give you an indication of what the Earth looked like 3.7 billion years ago as it’s home to some of the world’s largest and oldest living fossils.

West Coast Road Trip Day 8: Shark Bay/Monkey Mia

Shark Bay is Australia’s most westerly point and yet another UNESCO World Heritage site on your west coast road trip. This is the area where the outback really meets the ocean and you get stunning views of the red dirt meshing with the white sand with the turquoise Indian Ocean as the backdrop.

There’s a few reasons why Shark Bay is a World Heritage site, it has the largest sea-grass beds in the world, the world’s largest dugong population, and it has the best example of stromatolites in the world.
Drive up to the town of Denham, this is where you can grab a bite to eat and lodge for the night. From here you can walk to Little Lagoon , a crystal clear shallow water lagoon. There are plenty of wild birds and emus to observe here.
You can then travel up to Monkey Mia to feed the friendly population of wild bottlenose dolphins.
If you have time you should also try to visit Eagle Bluff where you can see an array of different wildlife like dugongs, turtles, sharks, exotic fish, rays, osprey and sea eagles.

West Coast Road Trip Day 9-10: Kalbarri National Park/ Kalbarri

West Coast Road Trip: Kalbarri National Park

From Shark Bay you’ll be headed 3 and half hours to Kalbarri National Park. There are two entry points leaving Highway 1 that will take you through some park highlights (see below) before reaching the town of Kalbarri. We recommend spending 2 nights here.

While exploring the park you’ll want to visit the Z Bend where you have options to do two different walks, the Z-Bend Lookout is a 1.2 km return walk and the Z-Bend River Trail is a 2.6 km return walk. Either walk will provide you with beautiful scenery with the highlight being views over the Murchison River Gorge .
You can also walk an easy 1km return walk through Nature’s Window , a sandstone arch that borders around the Murchison River.
You’ll also want to do The Loop Trail which is an 8km loop that will take you into the river gorge.
The main town of Kalbarri is where you will lodge for the night. Some things you can do in and around the town include pelican feeding which happens daily in front of pelican cafe. You can also visit Rainbow Jungle where you can see an parrots, garden ponds, and explore a giant maze.
Upon leaving Kalbarri on your way to Jurien Bay, you’ll want to also stop at the Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs which are about 20 minutes south of Kalbarri. You will also want to see Hutt Lagoon also known as Pink Lake, which is yet another site on this west coast road trip that you need to see to believe.

West Coast Road Trip Day 11: Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is a nice little coastal town in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region.

If you miss all the diving and snorkeling you did during the earlier days of your west coast road trip, Jurien Bay Marine Park will satisfy your appetite.
Take a Sea Lion Charter to visit these cute guys, you also have the option to snorkel with them as well.
If you’re on your west coast road trip between July and September, you need to visit Lesueur National Park to see some truly spectacular wild flowers . Lesueur is located 30 minutes east of Jurien Bay.

West Coast Road Trip Day 12: The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park)

From Jurien Bay, drive 40 minutes south down the Indian Ocean Road to reach the Nambung National Park, home to The Pinnacles Desert.

Firstly you’ll want to visit Hangover Bay , a white sand beach good for swimming and snorkeling.
The main attraction of this stop, The Pinnacles are east of Hangover bay on Pinnacles Drive. Here you will be able to see thousands of ancient limestone spires. The best time for an excursion through The Pinnacles is during sunrise or sunset, when the colours of the sand change and become otherworldly.

After seeing the Pinnacles, you'll be driving 2 hours to Perth, where you can either crash for the night or begin exploring the last stop on your west coast road trip.

West Coast Road Trip Day 12-14: Perth

You’ve finally made it to Perth, the capital of Western Australia. I know at this point you’re probably exhausted from your long journey and are looking forward to some much needed rest. However, with all that this city offers, you’ll need to put your rest on hold for a few days to explore Perth.

Walk, run, or bike along the peaceful Swan River .
You can see the cities skyline from Kings Park . While still located within the city, Kings Park provides you with the opportunity to connect with nature while still in Perth.
Explore the Perth Hills and visit the vineyards.
Fremantle is a port city right outside of Perth. You will want to shop around the Fremantle Markets and take a stroll on the Fremantle Harbour.
You can learn more about this great city by visiting the Perth Cultural Centre. This area is home to art galleries and museums that you can visit to learn more about Perth’s rich history and culture.

We hope that this west coast road trip itinerary helps you out on your upcoming journey. Remember, you can use GAFFL to find travel mates for your trip. Backpackers are using GAFFL every day to connect with each other all over Australia. Additionally, if you want some local recommendations of things to see along the west coast, you can connect with locals in Australia using GAFFL.

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A Guide to the West Coast Australia

Australia’s West Coast stretches for 2346 kilometres f rom Perth to Broome and beyond, and it’s breathtaking. It’s not on everyone’s trip itinerary, as this part of Australia is remote and isolated, and it is also challenging to visit due to the long distances and scarce population. If you plan a trip to the West Coast of Australia, you find a travel guide with valuable tips for planning your adventures.

The best ways to explore the West Coast of Australia

Take a flight from Perth or start at Broome’s Airport to explore the West Coast in reverse. Many airports at fantastic West Coast locations like Karratha, Port Headland, Monkey Mia, and more exist. A flight will help you save time travelling and allow you to spend a few more days in each place.

Find all Flight Deals on the West Coast Australia

Get around by bus with the Hop-on-Hop-off service by Integrity Coach . With a 1500km pass, you can journey from Perth to Exmouth, Broome to Exmouth, and Exmouth to either of the destinations. The Hop-On-Hop-Off can be used for 3000km and 6000km journeys also. The best part about this experience is the ability to create destination combinations based on your travel itinerary. This is a very flexible service, and they even offer transfer shuttle bus services if you want to visit Kalbarri and Monkey Mia.

Enjoy the perks of a guided tour . Many road tours run from Perth to Broome that last a few days to a few weeks, like a 9-day Perth to Broome camping tour. You will find return tours like a Perth to Exmouth 8-day return tour or a regular trip from Perth to Exmouth or Broome.

Browse through all Multi-Day Tours of the West Coast

Go on a road trip with a rented car or campervan to explore all the epic spots on the West Coast. You will find many paid caravan parks with ample facilities where you can power a campervan. There are a few free campsites from Perth to Broome but they lack toilet and shower facilities or areas to power campervans.

Places like Karajini National Park, Exmouth, Coral Bay, and Monkey Mia have sealed roads, so you will not have to worry about getting a 4WD campervan. Besides that, you can choose from a wide selection of campervans, including budget, luxury, family-style, and 4WD campervans.

Check the latest Car and 4WD Campervan Rentals for the West Coast

Best Places To Visit On West Coast Australia

Perth and rottnest island.

Perth , the capital of Western Australia, is where to start any West Coast Trip. Walk along its Swan River, shop in the Murray and Hay Street malls, and soak up the sun at Cottesloe Beach.

Take a 25-minute ferry ride from Freemantle or a 45-minute ride from Hillarys Boat Harbour, and you’ll find yourself at the beautiful Rottnest Island. Being a car-free zone, the best way to get around is by bicycle. There are many fun things to do on Rottnest Island , including snorkelling, skydiving, and fishing.

Pinnacles Desert, Lancelin National Park

Take a self-driving day trip from Perth to The Pinnacles and Yanchep National Park. You should stop at the famous Lancelin Sand Dunes and spot rare Koalas at the park. Don’t miss out on the weathered Limestone pillars of the Pinnacles, which can reach 3.5m. You will have time to view the interpretative displays of the park in the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre.

Pinnacles Day-Tour

Take a guided walk through the Pinnacles Desert . At sunset, view its sensational colours while indulging in some stargazing — experience dinner at a tavern in Cervantes with a scenic Indian Ocean Drive to end your day.

Check out this Pinnacle Desert Sunset Tour

Lancelin National Park Day Tour

Stroll along the 240-metre koala boardwalk at Yanchep National Park. View the kangaroos, koalas, and birds in their natural habitat and get some insight into the Aboriginal culture at the Wangi Mia Meeting Place.

The seaside city of Geraldton is well known for its pink lake, diving atolls, and beautiful Aboriginal cultural trails. You can fly to Geraldton or take a 4.5-hour road trip along the Indian Ocean Drive from Perth. It is the most fantastic beach escape, with restaurants serving Australia’s prized rock lobster. Its gorgeous attraction is the Hutt Lagoon, also called the pink lake due to its vibrant and fascinating colour. You can view this spectacular lake from a scenic flight too.

Kalbarri National Park

The Kalbarri National Park has located 485km from Perth in the mid-western region of the West Coast. The spectacular Murchison River gorge, coastal cliffs, and fantastic natural rock formations are here. The park is open all year round and is home to a diverse range of wildflowers that bloom from winter to early summer. Don’t miss out on a scenic cruise along the Murchison River and flights over Kalbarri National Park.

Kalbarri River Gorge Flight

Enjoy a 45 min scenic flight over the Murchison River and the Kalbarri National Park spectacular sights.

Check out this Kalbarri River Gorges and Coastal Cliffs Flight

Shark Bay With Denham

Shark Bay is a World Heritage Site situated 800 km north of Perth. It has the most exceptional natural features and diverse sea-grass beds. The dome-shaped stromatolites and unique rock-like structures make it a popular spot. Denham also has an attractive beach and jetty to enjoy fishing and boating. You will find some comfortable accommodation options, ranging from resorts to hotels, campsites, and tourist parks.

Shell Beach

In the Shark Bay region of Western Australia, you will find the most fantastic beach covered with shells for 60 km. The tremendous Shell Beach is one of only two beaches made entirely from shells. You can spend a day roaming around this incredible location, picnicking, and picking shells.

Francois Peron National Park

This national park, 726km north of Perth, is known for its red cliffs, white beaches, and blue waters. It has a lovely small campground at the Big Lagoon and a splendid site for launching boats. Cape Peron has picnic tables, toilets, and beach access at the northern tip.

Take an exciting Outback adventure in Monkey Mia, a place with blue skies and sunshine almost every day of the year. You can fly from Perth to the Monkey Mia airport or drive down within a day. It has the exciting Shark Bay World Heritage, where you can feed bottlenose dolphins and explore Crystal Beach.

Hamelin Pool and Stromatolites

Do visit the remarkable Hamelin Pool stromatolites in Western Australia. They are the oldest and largest living fossils on Earth. Visitors can walk on an overlooking jetty to view them, and there are also opportunities to swim with them on board a snorkel tour.

This is a coastal town about 900 kilometres north of Perth. South of this town is the fantastic Shark Bay heritage area, while on the north lies the Ningaloo Reef. It is a great place to make a stop at and enjoy an abundant tropical food experience. If lucky, you might visit during the annual Gascoyne Food Festival.

Coral Bay and Exmouth on the Ningaloo Reef

If you are a keen driver, 1,200 kilometres north of Perth, you can reach the beautiful town of Coral Bay . This name comes from the coral gardens lying near the pristine white beaches. It is a top place for snorkelling and seeing coral reefs off the shore. You can have a lot of fun quad-bike trekking, taking a scenic flight over the beach, or even seeing the coral gardens from a glass-bottom boat. Travel north to reach Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef as top places for snorkelling on Australia’s West Coast.

Exmouth Day-Tour

Enjoy a guided cruise tour on Ningaloo Reef, where you will observe magnificent Humpback whales. You will also be able to listen to the sounds of the whales with a hydrophone.

Check out the Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim Tour from Exmouth

Turquoise Beach

Located near the town of Exmouth is the aptly named Turquoise Bay , where you can spend your afternoon relaxing, swimming and snorkelling. The best time to go snorkelling is at high tide to witness the stunning coral reef gardens just metres from the shore. Make sure to get out of the water before you reach the northern point of the beach because the current can get pretty intense.

Cape Range National Park

Next to the Ningaloo Marine Park, you will find the rocky gorges and beautiful Cape Range National Park coastline. Take a guided boat tour to enjoy the Yardie Creek Gorge’s tranquillity and wildlife. The park is full of spectacular canyons and the Mangrove Bay Bird Hide.

Finally, after a long drive from Perth, along the spectacular coastline, you get to Broome , the pearl of the West Coast. It is a chance to see abundant marine life and spot turtles. You can also go on a boat tour to experience pearl farming, and if you are sporty, maybe go kayaking.

Suppose you like the idea of a 4WD adventure. In that case, you can access remote regions with the distinctive rocky formation of Cape Leveque or even take a road trip into the vast Kimberley region.

Cape Leveque Day-Tour

Go on a 4WD trip from Broome to the Dampier Peninsula ‘s tip to experience the remote coastal wilderness area of Cape Leveque; you can travel both ways by 4WD or by return flight to Broome.

Check out the Cape Leveque 4WD Day-Tour from Broome

Enjoy a guided cruise tour on Ningaloo Reef, where you will observe magnificent Humpback whales . You will also be able to listen to the sounds of the whales with a hydrophone.

West Coast Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

If you are up for an authentic experience and want to set off on your own, here are some ideas for a road trip along the West Coast. With an area covering over one-third of the continent, Western Australia is the largest Australia State with only 2,5 million. And 95% of the population lives in South Western Australia.

You soon get the picture. Looking at this West Coast Map below, you soon realise how vast Western Australia is to travel from Perth to Broome. A trip along the western Australian coast can be a trip in itself.

West Coast Itinerary 1-2 Weeks

Three days exploring Perth and staying in its hostels or paid campsites. See the skyline from Kings Park, soak up the sun on Cottesloe Beach , and take a Perth walking tour. 200km away along the coastline is Cervantes , making it the right place for an overnight stay before heading north. Your next stop is the massive limestone structures rising out of the desert in the Nambung National Park . These are the Pinnacles, where you’ll find splendid walking tracks.

Geraldton is where you can spend two days visiting its cafes, bars, and Geraldton Beach. Less than 160km away is the Kalbarri National Park . It is the best place to take a scenic flight and visit the nearby Red Bluff coastal cliffs. 5-hours from it is Shark Bay, where you must visit Hamelin Pool. You will find many places to camp at Shark Bay once you buy a Denham Visitor Centre permit.

You are travelling by 4WD. You can also visit the Francois Peron National Park, which has lovely beaches, red coastlines, and camping spots. 4hours away is Carnavaron, where you should get some snorkelling in. Lastly, go to Coral Bay, a beautiful village with the famous Ningaloo Reef.

West Coast Australia Itinerary 2-3 weeks

On your way to Geraldton, the first day will begin from Perth with a stop at the Pinnacles. This is a 4-hour ride, and you will find some resorts and hostels near Cervantes. Day 2 will take you from Geraldton to Kalbarri , where you’ll need time to recharge. Spend a day at the wondrous Kalbarri National Park with its stunning landscapes.

After a 4-hour drive, make your way to Shark Bay with multiple rest stops. Coral Coast and Monkey Mia are also attractions. On the 6th day, you’ll find yourself at Carnavaron, a humble shire and an ideal spot for an overnight stay.

It will lead you to Exmouth and Coral Bay. You should spend at least three days at Exmouth to go on the whale shark tour, explore the cape, and snorkel at Turquoise Bay . The next journey stop is 8 hours away at Karijini National Park, where you can camp overnight.

Two days can be spent enjoying its amazing hikes and exploring it to the fullest. From Karijini National Park, Broome is a 12-straight-hour drive away. So make the most of your last few days at the gateway to the Kimberly region .

Check the latest Car and Campervan Rentals for West Coast Australia

Australia South West Coast

If you want to start small and still see some of the most pristine environments in Western Australia, then the South West Coast is for you.

There are many places to visit from Perth along the south coast that you can do as a day trip to Busselton, the Margaret River region or as part of a one or two-week itinerary further south to Albany, Wa .

It’s a more relaxed coastal drive, with lots of things to do and see along your way. From beach swimming and surfing to coastal walking and biking trails, premium wine and food tastings to more explorations of the natural wonders, with the Karri Forest, natural underground caves, lakes and rivers, whale watching and more.

You can check out this South Western Australia Travel Guide to help you plan your road trip from Perth.

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Privacy Overview

Travel itineraries

Experience the romance of the open road on an epic adventure across Western Australia’s captivating landscapes.

Start in Perth, Australia’s sunniest capital and a thriving cultural hub. The city’s natural attractions and imaginative dining scene make it an idyllic introduction to your trip.

Head south for dramatic coastlines dotted with welcoming wineries and ocean-side walking trails. Out east, you can immerse yourself in the outback charm of Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla) or journey through seasonal wildflower fields. Up north, the rugged beauty of the Kimberley and the marine wonders of World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu) await.

Western Australia's iconic landscapes can be explored by car over a few days, a few weeks or more – line up your playlist and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

Holiday Inspiration /
Road Trips /

The best of the west

Stop Number 1 - Geraldton

Geraldton is your first stop, a four and a half hour drive from the Perth CBD and is undoubtedly one of the best spots on the Western Australian Coral Coast. Stay at the Belair Gardens Caravan Park just 250 metres from the water’s edge and prepare for breathtaking sights and must-see attractions. Whether it’s the hanging with seals at the stunning Abrolhos Islands, tasting Western Rock Lobster, fishing at the Chapman Valley Fishing Park, taking in the amazing Wildflower hotspots, or simply relaxing in the caravan park itself there is something to keep everyone busy. The city’s beaches and sunny climate make it a hot-spot for water enthusiasts and visitors looking to soak up the sun on some of Australia’s most pristine beaches. The park itself boasts incredible facilities and amenities, they even welcome your fury family members if you’re staying on a site, so bring the whole fam!

Geraldton to Horrocks – 1 Hour

Alternatively, if you’re feeling like staying somewhere a little bit quieter then just north of Geraldton is Horrocks, the perfect place to switch off. Horrocks Beach Caravan Park is that beachside destination you dream of, crystal clear waters that are waiting for you to swim, snorkel, surf or fish. The 7km stretch of beach makes for a peaceful atmosphere and is great for that morning or afternoon stroll. If you’re into fishing, and are fortunate enough to catch anything, there is a fish cleaning bay so you’ll be able to clean your catch and cook it for dinner that night! Now that’s a great seaside holiday.

Geraldton to Kalbarri – 2 hours

Next stop is just two hours north of Geraldton, the town of Kalbarri, where the outback meets the beaches and a popular tourist destination due to is year-round warm weather. Stay at either of the three parks we have in region, all offering their own purpose. Kalbarri is a spectacular national park that stretches over 183,000 hectares, with a 400 million year old river along side it. Wander through the coastal Gorges and magnificent wildflowers and visit the array of birds at Rainbow Jungle or have great fun at Pirate Park. For those needing an adrenalin fix, try canoeing or abseiling in the gorges, hire a boat to go fishing, skydiving or quad biking along the beaches. Foodies aren’t forgotten either with a great selection of restaurants and cafés in the area. But before any of this, don’t forget to feed the pelicans at 8:45am every morning right on the foreshore. Accommodation in Kalbarri at any of the Caravan Parks is top-notch as are the park’s facilities making it an ideal base for further adventures on Western Australia’s Coral Coast.

Nearest Top Park:

Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park – Amazing natural and peaceful spot

Murchison Caravan Park – Prime location, walking distance to everything

Kalbarri Tudor Caravan Park – Best for families with kids

Kalbarri to Denham/Shark Bay – 4 hours

Shark Bay is next on this epic road trip, just four hours up the coast you will find Australia’s most Westerly Caravan Park, Denham Seaside Caravan Park . This real gem is set against the sparkling Indian Ocean and is packed with all the great things you need to make your seaside holiday an absolute cracker. The fabulous foreshore location is the perfect stepping off point for exploring the beaches, rockpools, inlets, and islands. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and fishing in the calm waters right in front of your cabin, caravan or tent. A must do when you’re here is visiting the Monkey Mia Dolphins, these playful creatures come up daily to show off and interact with humans, a real treat! Take a tour to Dirk Hartog Island for a private retreat and get a great taste of everything this town has to offer. After a big day go back to the park and finish with a cold drink and watch the extraordinary sunset across the water.

Shark Bay to Carnarvon – 3.5 hours

A tropical climate full of fresh fruit and gourmet food is our next stop, a quick three and a half hours and you’ll reach Carnarvon. Not only does this region provide 80% of Western Australia’s fruit and veg crop but also rugged coastlines, hidden beaches, and the spectacular scenery of the Australian outback, Carnarvon is the number one spot for a great Australian holiday. Let the Wintersun Caravan and Tourist Park be the perfect home away from home providing outstanding facilities and accommodation options. Visit Carnarvon’s Space and Technology Centre where you can learn about the role the town played in space history. Or maybe you want to try the local fruit, vegetables and seafood, visit the Gascoyne Growers Markets on every Saturday from May to October. Don’t miss the natural blowholes and huge surf which characterises this part of the coastline, or head inland to marvel at the rich red rock and rugged scenery at the Kennedy Range National Park. No matter what type of holiday you would like, the town of Carnarvon and this park will provide the ultimate holiday place.

Carnarvon to Tom Price – 8 hours

The next stop is a bit of a trek but not to worry, all you need is good food, music and company. The route is full of incredible views so you will find it hard to get bored. Tom Price is your next stop, known as the modern mining town of Australia. Tom Price Tourist Park is the ideal rest stop for any travellers who are ready to see everything Australia has to offer with views of the mountain ranges, and the true outback experience. There couldn’t be a more comfortable, friendly place at the end of a long day driving. Settle into the park and enjoy this desert oasis. Simply sit and soak up the breathtaking sunsets and scenery, with a pool to cool off, BBQs and campfires to cook up a meal and friendly, helpful staff, this is the perfect place to regroup and get ready for the rest of your outback adventure.

Tom Price to Port Hedland – 4.5 hours

Hopefully you’re feeling rejuvenated and ready for the next half of your trip. Four and a half hours up the road is Port Hedland. For incredible waterfront views stay at Discovery Parks – Port Hedland , with direct access to the beach you can be by the ocean whenever you want. Famous for having the world's largest bulk tonnage export port, it is perfect for fishing, crabbing and whale watching. Take a BHP Billiton Iron Ore Tour or a Reef Walk to discover Port Hedland’s rich ecosystem. Don’t miss out on seeing the unique phenomenon ‘Staircase to the Moon’, when the full moon rises at low tide, it’s a must-see. Occurring from March to November every year, and for only three days each month.

Port Hedland to Broome – 6 hours

Broome is the second to last stop on your journey, a six hour drive from Port Hedland. Full of colours and natural sensations, this beach region is popular for its sunset camel rides on the famous Cable Beach and its delicious food culture. This remarkable town in Australia’s Kimberley region offers so many postcard landscapes and ideal climate. Discovery Parks – Broome is the only park that is located right on the beach, need we say more? If you missed it in Port Hedland or simply want to see it again witness the "Staircase to the Moon" on your front caravan-step, remembering it only occurs three days each month between March to November. Crack out the marshmallows to toast over the firepits and count the stars in the skies right above you.

Broome to Kununurra – 11 hours

Last but definitely not least is Lake Kununurra, the longest trip of them all with an eleven hour drive to get there. Don’t be put off though, this drive is spectacular, with jaw-dropping natural beauties everywhere you look. Kununurra is located in the remote, rugged and awe-inspiring East Kimberly region. It’s the gateway to Western Australia and the eastern entry point to Gibb River Road and the World Heritage Listed Bungle Bungle Purnululu National Park, a must see for all travellers. Dive into adventure at Lake Argyle, a massive stretch of fresh water, jump in a canoe and enjoy the peaceful serenity. Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park is the perfect place to kick back, relax and enjoy all that this spectacular region has to offer. As your final home away from home lap up the tropical style resort pool, sun lounges, lush green lawn and modern outdoor kitchen. Pour yourself a drink and cheers to what would have been a trip of a lifetime!

Sound like an adventure you want to experience? Jump in the car and hit the road, we have done all the planning for you.

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7 Days in Western Australia: The Ultimate Itinerary for Exploring Down Under

Are you looking for an adventure in Western Australia?

Look no further than this 7-day itinerary that will take you through some of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes and attractions. From the bustling city of Perth to the stunning coastline, this itinerary has something for everyone.

Begin your journey in Perth, where you can explore the city’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. Take a stroll through Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city green spaces, where you can admire the native Australian animals and over 3000 species of flora.

From there, venture south to the Margaret River region, where you can indulge in delicious food and wine, or head north to the Coral Coast to swim with whale sharks and explore the Ningaloo Reef.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, this 7-day itinerary has it all.

So pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable Western Australia journey.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Perth

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors. Begin your day by exploring one of the world’s largest inner-city green spaces, Kings Park.

Here, you can admire the stunning views of the city skyline and the Swan River while getting up close with native Australian animals like kookaburras, quenda bandicoots, and brushtail possums. With over 3000 species of flora, Kings Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

After a leisurely morning in the park, head to the city center to explore Perth’s buzzing city life. Take a stroll down Hay Street and Murray Street malls, where you’ll find a plethora of shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you’re interested in history, don’t miss the Perth Mint, which offers guided tours and a chance to see the world’s largest gold coin.

Head to the Lobster Shack in Cervantes for lunch, about a two-hour drive from Perth. This third-generation family-owned business offers a unique dining experience where you can enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking the beach. Be sure to try their famous lobster, caught daily from the nearby Indian Ocean.

Day 2: Margaret River

Margaret River is a picturesque town located about 3 hours south of Perth. Known for its world-class wineries, stunning beaches, and great food, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Western Australia.

Start your day with a visit to the Margaret River Farmers’ Market. Held every Saturday morning, it’s a great place to sample some of the region’s fresh produce, including artisanal cheeses, olive oils, and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Afterward, head to the nearby Margaret River Chocolate Company for sweet treats.

Next, explore the town’s many art galleries and boutiques to find unique souvenirs and gifts. If you’re interested in history, visit the Margaret River Historical Society Museum to learn about the town’s early settlers and indigenous culture.

Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix, and Cape Mentelle are just a few winery options available. Sample some of the region’s famous Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the wineries’ restaurants.

Visit one of the region’s stunning beaches. Surfers Point, Prevelly, and Gnarabup are all great options. Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning to your accommodation.

Day 3: Albany

On the third day of your Western Australia itinerary, you will explore the charming town of Albany. Nestled on the southern coast, Albany is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Albany:

Visit Discovery Bay to learn about the whaling industry that once thrived in Albany. You can even climb aboard a restored whale chaser boat and see the skeleton of a giant blue whale.
Take a stroll along the King George Sound Beaches and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline.
Explore the Old Gaol Museum to learn about the history of Albany’s early settlers and the convict era.
Head to the Torndirrup National Park to witness the power of the Southern Ocean at the Gap and Natural Bridge.

The town is known for its fresh fish, chips, oysters, and lobster. Consider extending your stay in Albany to experience all that this beautiful region has to offer fully.

Day 4: Esperance

Esperance is a coastal town located in the southeastern part of Western Australia. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique wildlife.

One of the must-visit places in Esperance is the Cape Le Grand National Park. This park boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, including Lucky Bay, which is famous for its white sand and turquoise waters. You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach. You may also spot kangaroos lazing on the beach, a unique experience.

For those interested in history, the Esperance Museum is worth a visit.

Overall, Esperance is a beautiful town that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in beaches, wildlife, or history, you will find plenty to do and see here.

Day 5: Cape Le Grand National Park

On the fifth day of your Western Australia road trip, you’ll visit Cape Le Grand National Park, just 30 minutes from Esperance. This park is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Australia, including Lucky Bay, known for its crystal clear waters and white sand.

One of the must-do activities in Cape Le Grand National Park is the Coastal Trail. This 20-kilometer walk trail is challenging, but it offers spectacular views of the park’s bays, pristine white beaches, and the aqua waters. You’ll see kangaroos basking on the beaches and surfing dolphins along the way.

If you’re not up for a long hike, there are other activities you can do in the park. You can go camping, swimming, fishing, or relaxing on the beach. There are also walking trails that are shorter and easier, such as the Frenchman Peak Trail, which is a 3.5-kilometer hike that offers panoramic views of the park.

Before leaving the park, visit Cape Le Grand Beach, located at the end of the Coastal Trail. This beach is known for its turquoise waters and granite boulders, making a stunning backdrop for your photos.

Day 6: Kalgoorlie

On day 6 of your itinerary, you will spend the day exploring the town and learning about its rich history.

Start your day by taking a tour of the Super Pit, Australia’s largest open-cut gold mine.

After the tour, head to Mount Charlotte to view the picturesque interpretive center and garden. The center also showcases where the golden pipeline ends.

For lunch, head to the Kalgoorlie Town Hall Markets, which are held every Sunday. The markets offer local produce, crafts, souvenirs, delicious food, and drinks.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Information Centre to learn about the fantastic work the Flying Doctors do for regional areas of Australia. The center offers interactive displays, exhibits, and a gift shop.

End your day by exploring the town’s historic architecture, including the Kalgoorlie Town Hall, the Palace Hotel, and the Boulder Town Hall. These buildings offer a glimpse into the town’s past and the boom times of the gold rush era.

Day 7: Return to Perth

On the final day of your Western Australia itinerary, you’ll return to Perth from Margaret River. It’s a 3-hour drive, so make sure to start early to give yourself plenty of time to explore the city before your departure.

Once you arrive in Perth, drop off your rental car and spend the day exploring the city’s many attractions. Stroll through Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. You can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and Swan River from here.

If you’re interested in history, visit the Perth Mint, which has produced gold coins since 1899.

For a taste of local culture, head to the Fremantle Markets in the historic port city of Fremantle. Here, you’ll find a variety of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Finally, end your day with a sunset drink at one of Perth’s rooftop bars, such as the Rooftop at QT or the Aviary Rooftop Bar.

5 Day Itinerary: Exploring Western Australia's Best Attractions
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The Ultimate West Coast Australia Road Trip Itinerary (1-3 Weeks)
Australia West Coast 3 Week Itinerary. This 21 day itinerary starts in Perth and travels north. The itinerary can be adapted as you go. Day 1: Starting our itinerary in Perth but before you hit the open road, we recommend you head to Rottnest Island to meet its gorgeous fuzzy residents and also see some of the most pristine beaches in the country.
The Ultimate Western Australia Road Trip Itinerary
Western Australia Road Trip Itineraries. As discussed earlier, we have separated this Western Australia road trip itinerary into two sections. The Southern Route begins in Perth, follows the south west edge of the state to Margaret River and Albany, then continues to Esperance. From there, you can loop back to Perth inland.
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A 9-day West Coast Australia road trip itinerary: Exmouth to Perth

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Day 2: See the Shark Nursery at Coral Bay

Day 3: Explore the blow holes in Carnarvon

Day 4: See the dolphins and visit the only shell beach in the southern hemisphere

Day 5: Take a peek through Nature’s Window and see the Pink Lake

Day 6: Explore WA’s Wildflower Country

Day 7: Jurien Bay

Day 8: Go boarding on the dunes in Lancelin

Day 9: Experience the best things to do in Perth

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West Coast of Australia: Perth to Darwin road trip itinerary

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