Western Australia is proudly known as the road trip state, and one of the most remarkable journeys you can take is the scenic drive along the Coral Coast from Perth to Exmouth.
This road trip is a feast for the senses, featuring awe-inspiring vistas that range from the otherworldly Pinnacles to the expansive outback, and from the shimmering turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef to breathtaking natural wonders.
How much time do you need for a Perth to Exmouth Road Trip?
The distance from Perth to Exmouth is approximately 1270 km. This figure does not include any additional side trips to attractions such as the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, or Coral Bay. Visiting these locations will increase both your driving distance and time.
If you plan to explore major attractions along the way, it’s recommended to allocate at least 6-7 days for a one-way trip, though you can extend your adventure as long as you like.
The long distances involved mean you won’t want to spend your entire road trip just driving.
I have provided detailed information to help you explore your options and decide what to include in your itinerary. I hope this proves helpful!
When is the best time for a Perth to Exmouth Road Trip?
If I had to choose a perfect time for the Perth to Exmouth road trip, I would recommend traveling between April and June. During this period, strong southerly winds subside, the Indian Ocean becomes calm, and scorching temperatures give way to pleasant, sunny days.
If you prefer breezy weather, consider scheduling your trip between October and January. The coastline is known for its winds, and even locals from ‘windy Wellington’ in New Zealand have commented on the strong sea breezes.
Where to stop on a Perth to Exmouth road trip
Perth to Geraldton (414 km – 4.5 hours)
The Pinnacles are a must-see highlight on your road trip to Exmouth.
The drive from Perth to Geraldton along the Indian Ocean Drive offers numerous sightseeing opportunities. Key attractions include Yanchep National Park, the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park, Lake Thetis, and Jurien Bay, among others.
For a comprehensive guide detailing all the attractions along this route, take a look at my article on things to do on the Indian Ocean Drive.
Be cautious while driving this stretch and adhere to the revised speed limit of 100 km/h. For driving tips tailored to Western Australia, check out my dedicated article.
NOTE: As of April 2024, there are road closures in place around Leeman along the Indian Ocean Drive, so make sure to check Main Roads for the latest updates.
Geraldton to Kalbarri (154 km – 1.75 hours)
Geraldton
You know you’re nearing Geraldton when the trees start leaning like this.
Geraldton is a small but rapidly growing town and a worthwhile stop as you journey from Perth to Exmouth. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, charming cafes, vibrant weekend markets, a fantastic museum, and the Yamaji Aboriginal Art Centre.
For more ideas on things to do in Geraldton, click here.
Northampton
Many drivers tend to pass straight through this historic town, but that would be a mistake. Northampton is worth a visit as it feels like a step back in time, with its main street lined by colonial buildings, quaint shops, and a traditional pub.
A bit off the main road, you’ll find the impressive St Mary’s Church, designed by renowned priest and architect Monsignor Hawes, whose churches in the Midwest are considered architectural masterpieces in WA.
Also, make sure to stop by the bakery located on the highway for a tasty treat before heading north.
Horrocks Beach
Not everyone may agree, but a day like this makes swimming in the sheltered lagoon feel magical.
To many people’s surprise, Horrocks Beach was awarded the title of the best mainland beach in Australia in 2017. Visit this coastal community and decide for yourself if it lives up to the reputation of being the most beautiful beach in WA.
It takes an 18 km drive from the Kalbarri Road to reach Horrocks, and if you can handle the extra distance, consider taking the scenic route to Port Gregory.
Principality of Hutt River
Just before Port Gregory, the Hutt River Province stands as one of WA’s little quirks. This micronation seceded from Australia in 1970 and declared itself an independent nation. If you have some spare time on your drive to Exmouth, visiting Hutt River is a unique experience.
You can meet the king and get your passport stamped. For more detailed information about this micronation and how to visit, check out the article on the Principality of Hutt River.
Pink Lake
For those looking to capture Instagram-worthy photos, don’t miss the Pink Lake at Hutt Lagoon, located near Port Gregory. The lake’s color constantly shifts, with its intensity varying based on the time of day and cloud cover.
For tips on the best times to visit the Pink Lake, see here.
Kalbarri
As you approach Kalbarri, the landscape transforms dramatically, with stunning red coastal cliffs that take your breath away. Be sure to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery, and keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales in autumn and spring.
Kalbarri is a lively coastal town with plenty of land and water activities. The highlight is undoubtedly the National Park and its stunning gorges. My personal favorites include watching surfers at Jakes Point and enjoying a casual seafood dinner at Finlays.
Kalbarri to Monkey Mia (400 km – 4.5 hours)
I’ve heard mixed opinions about those making the journey to Denham/Monkey Mia on the road from Perth to Exmouth. The main point to consider is that from the North West Coastal Highway, it takes 129 km just to reach Denham, and that stretch can feel unending. If you choose to continue north afterward, you have to drive the same 129 km back to the highway.
In essence, it’s not a quick detour. Depending on how much time you have for your Exmouth road trip, you may choose between this option or simply drive on to Carnarvon from the highway turn-off.
My advice is: if you’re planning just one night at Monkey Mia, I would recommend skipping it. The journey in is long, and you’ll need to retrace your steps the next day.
However, if you have a few extra days, the Shark Bay Heritage area offers a nature-filled experience worth exploring.
Billabong Roadhouse
As you drive further, you’ll notice that fuel stations become less frequent, so it’s wise to stop for petrol whenever you can. I typically stop at the Billabong Roadhouse, as they usually have the lowest fuel prices and the interior is filled with interesting photos and memorabilia. Additionally, the Billabong Roadhouse offers free camping if you need a place to rest.
Shell Beach
Shell Beach is composed of millions of tiny white shells, stretching for an astonishing 70 km. This unique beach is located 45 km before Denham on the Denham Hamelin Road.
Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool
Imagine witnessing the first forms of life on Earth—sounds incredible, right? That’s exactly what thrombolites and stromatolites are. They are among the earliest organisms responsible for producing the oxygen we breathe today.
Hamelin Pool is one of the few sites in the world where these remarkable organisms still exist. For more details about the stromatolites, click here.
Denham
Denham is a quaint coastal community located on the bay of the Shark Bay World Heritage area. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the region and is just a short drive from Monkey Mia. The advantage of staying in Denham is its full range of amenities including supermarkets and a variety of caravan parks.
Monkey Mia
Feeding time at Monkey Mia.
Monkey Mia is famous for its dolphins that frequently visit to be fed in these protected waters. Some visitors leave feeling disappointed with their dolphin encounter; the experience has become quite touristy, and feeding sessions are strictly controlled. While you can expect to feed the dolphins with a fish along with many others, if you seek an intimate wildlife experience, this may not meet your expectations.
Apart from dolphins, Monkey Mia offers much more to explore. This region, as WA’s first World Heritage Listing, boasts extraordinary wilderness and a rich diversity of marine life, home to one of the largest populations of dugongs and turtles in the world.
Shark Bay to Carnarvon (325 km – 3.15 hrs)
Aerial view of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, where the desert meets the sea—note the perfectly straight road.
From Shark Bay to Carnarvon, the route takes you back along the same road to the North West Coastal Highway before continuing to Carnarvon.
Wooramel River Retreat
While driving along the highway, the idea of a Riverfront Retreat may seem unlikely. However, that’s exactly what Wooramel River Retreat offers—a true working outback experience.
Providing genuine outback hospitality, Wooramel is ideally suited for overnight stays on your road trip to Exmouth. With camping sites along the riverbanks (dependent on rainfall) and offerings such as camp oven dinners and soothing natural hot bore baths, this retreat is a gem you won’t want to miss.
Carnarvon
Carnarvon is often referred to as Western Australia’s food bowl, producing the majority of fresh fruit and vegetables for the state. This makes it an excellent stop to stock up on fresh produce, particularly along the Gascoyne Food Trail, which guides you through the best plantations where you can buy directly from growers.
A mandatory stop for me is Bumbaks for their delicious mango ice cream and a great selection of condiments. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the Instagram-worthy cactus garden.
Other attractions in Carnarvon include the Space Museum where you can dress up as an astronaut, and it’s the best place to hit the supermarket and stock up on supplies before venturing further north.
Carnarvon to Exmouth (363 km – 3.40 hrs)
Blowholes and the Road to Red Bluff and Gnaraloo
After passing Carnarvon, the road continues north. However, there’s an opportunity to explore the Blowholes and the scenic coastline leading to Quobba Station, Red Bluff, and Gnaraloo Station.
The Carnarvon Blowholes create a fascinating spectacle, shooting water through cracks in granite rocks that create a thunderous roar, especially during swells.
Located 75 km from Carnarvon, this detour isn’t quick, and the road seems to stretch endlessly. But if you have the time, there are excellent camping options at the Blowholes (free) and Quobba Station for an authentic outback station experience. Alternatively, you can venture further to Red Bluff and Gnaraloo.
Coral Bay
The crystal-clear waters of Coral Bay.
Located 237 km from Carnarvon, Coral Bay is a small coastal town situated along the Ningaloo Reef. It’s renowned for its fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities, as you can quickly access the reef straight from the beach without needing a boat. Coral Bay is also a serene location to unwind for a few days.
There are two caravan parks here that fill up quickly during busy seasons, so it’s wise to plan ahead. For more information regarding camping in Coral Bay, check out my experience staying there.
Coral Bay is located roughly 25 km from the Northwest Highway turn-off.
Bullara Station
Bullara Station is positioned between Coral Bay and Exmouth. This working outback station offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy genuine outback hospitality. Bullara operates from April to October and features budget-friendly bush-style camping sites with communal campfires, BBQ facilities, and seasonal activities. More information is available on their website.
Termite Mounds
As you drive from Coral Bay to Exmouth, you will notice incredible termite mounds scattered throughout the landscape. Constructed by tiny termites, these fortifications resemble medieval castles, complete with termite “kings,” “queens,” and “soldiers” doing all the hard labor.
Be sure to stop along the road to Exmouth to take a closer look and learn about the creatures behind these structures. For more insightful information on termite mounds, visit this article.
Before climbing onto the mounds, be aware that some of them may still be home to tiny creatures.
Exmouth
Exmouth serves as the gateway to both Cape Range National Park and the breathtaking Ningaloo Reef. This lively town is a great base for exploring the surrounding areas and offers many convenient amenities. One of my favorite sights is the emus casually strolling along the main road.
Keep in mind that it’s a decent drive to reach the national park and its many attractions from the town, so allow a few days for exploration.
The highlight of any road trip from Perth to Exmouth is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, which can be arranged through various tours operating from Exmouth between April and October. See here for some tour options.
Closing Words
- The drive from Perth to Exmouth showcases a plethora of attractions and stunning sights, but be prepared for extensive driving. Many of the attractions along the way, such as Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, and Coral Bay, involve considerable detours, adding extra mileage to your journey.
- Like much of Western Australia, the true stars of this adventure are the natural attractions. While towns like Geraldton, Carnarvon, and Exmouth offer modern conveniences, it’s the outdoor experiences that truly shine. Think national parks, hiking, snorkeling, stargazing, beach walks, and outdoor picnics.
- Most importantly, make the most of the petrol stations along the way and refuel whenever you get the chance. If you’re traveling in a diesel vehicle, be aware that some stations may require pre-payment. It’s wise to carry cash for fuel, as internet reception can be unreliable at roadhouses (I share this advice from personal experience—trust me, it’s not pleasant being stuck at a roadhouse without a means to pay).
There you have it—comprehensive details for a fantastic road trip from Perth to Exmouth. I would love to hear your questions or comments below!
