Perth to Geraldton (433km)
Start your journey in the Western Australian capital, Perth. As you depart the city, you’ll soon (189km) find yourself in the Namberg National Park. Make sure to visit The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre to learn about the incredible landscape surrounding you- the limestone formations in the park have formations dating back 25,000-30,000 years. A 15 minute drive north from the Discovery Centre will land you at Lake Thetis, where you have the opportunity to view some of the world’s oldest fossils. Nothing on Earth will make you question your existence like being surrounded by formations created millions and millions before you were born. After marvelling at the natural beauty of The Pinnacles, navigate the 223km to Geralton.
Geraldton to Caranvon via Monkey Mia (480km)
After a pitstop in Geraldton, it’s time to continue exploring the beauty that is Western Australia. Turn left at Northampton, and it won’t be long before you find yourself at the stunning Hutt Lagoon (“Pink Lake”) located in the spectacular Kalbarri National Park. While you cannot swim in the lake due to the presence of high levels of algae, the highly Instagramable location is a must visit for any traveller. Any visit to Kalbarri National Park is incomplete without a visit to ‘Nature’s Window’, a stunning rock formation that frames part of the Kalbarri Gorge. Visit at sunrise or sunset to not only beat the tourists, but it’s actually one of the best times to see it in the golden sunlight. Win-win! We recommend a stop off in Kalbarri (Murchison Caravan Park has powered sites from $42 per night) as the next leg in the road trip involves a full day of driving. Destination? Monkey Mia.
Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia is internationally recognised for its wild dolphin feeding experience, directly from the sandy beaches of Shark Bay. Day permits to the national park come at a cost of $15 per adult/ $5 per child and can be obtained from the Monkey Mia shop or the Discovery Centre in Dunham. This up close and personal experience can attract up to 100,000 visitors a year is NOT to be missed.
Make the most of one of the cheap campgrounds in the surrounding areas, like Francois Peron National Park, where you can expect to pay $15 park entry for your van/car and $11 per adult per night (no pre bookings accepted). The next leg to Carnavon is another decent 340km and be aware that the availability and quality of food and meat declines and the price dramatically increases the further north you go from Carnarvon. Stock up!
Carnarvon to Exmouth (370km)
Stocked up and ready to explore, make your way down National Route 1 until you arrive at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, just north of Exmouth. Here, you will experience stunning views of the Milky Way, so if you enjoy night photography, make sure your batteries are charged! Before reaching Exmouth, be sure to turn into Cape Range National Park. Here, you can find Shot Hole Canyon and the famous Charles Knife Canyon. As always, arrive before sunrise for an absolutely spectacular start to your day.
Exmouth itself is considered the Gateway to Ningaloo Coast World Heritage area and the perfect final stop on our trip. Bundegi Beach is the unofficial start of the Ningaloo National Park and a great place to explore if you have children travelling with you (or even if you don't). It would be a crime not to get all the way to Ningaloo and not explore the beauty that can be explored in the open ocean of Ningaloo Reef- the largest fringing reef system in Australia. With whale sharks and Manta rays to be found, anybody passionate about the ocean MUST visit Navy Pier, one of the top 10 shore dives in the world and described as an “aquarium without the windows”.
Exploring the coast of Western Australia is an absolute must for anybody wanting to experience the many contrasts of the Australian landscape.
Road Trips from Perth
- The Kimberley in 6 days (part of the Perth to Darwin road trip)
- Broome to Perth in 19 days
- Perth to Adelaide in 16 days
- 3 days in Perth
