The Perth to Exmouth road trip is a stretch that shows off WA’s best bits – raw, rugged coastlines, red dirt meeting blue skies, and the wide, open road for thousands of miles. Exmouth, with its incredible Ningaloo Reef, is the reward waiting at the end, but the journey itself is where most of the fun happens.
Having made the drive more than once, I can say it’s full of surprises, and is definitely worth the hype! This 7-day itinerary from Perth to Exmouth is built from my time on this route and is all about packing in the highlights without feeling rushed.
An extra day or two would be a treat, but 10 days hit that balance between exploring the coast and still getting some proper downtime. Just remember – you’ll either need to fly or drive back to Perth, so allow plenty of time for that too.
Let’s get into it.
Overview of Your Drive from Perth to Exmouth
Before setting off, here’s what you need to know for your Perth to Exmouth road trip:
- Perth to Exmouth drive time: Approximately 13 hours (1,250 km)
- Total Time Needed: 7 days to fully take in the journey, with enough time for sightseeing, snorkelling, and unwinding.
- Best Time to Go: April to October for ideal weather, warm days, and prime snorkeling. Late March to early July is the season for swimming with whale sharks. Summer (December to February) is scorching and humid up north, so be prepared if you go then – I don’t recommend it!
Day 1: Perth to Geraldton (420 km, 4.5 hours)
Kick Things Off in Perth
Get an early start and head out from Perth, making your way north to Geraldton. It’s a decent drive, so pack snacks, and good tunes, and hit the road! Be sure to check your car before the journey ahead to make sure everything looks in order.
Sandboarding in Lancelin
Stop at Lancelin for a quick breath of fresh air and some fun. The sand dunes here are perfect for sandboarding (it’s what they’re famous for!) or just climbing to take in the ocean views. Refuel with a coffee or a snack before hitting the road again.
Evening in Geraldto
Arrive in Geraldton by late afternoon. Walk along the foreshore, check out the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, and take a look at the local art scene, including the impressive street murals. For dinner, grab some cheap and fresh-as-you-can-get seafood from Fishermen’s Wharf, then settle in for the night and rest up for tomorrow’s drive.
Day 2: Geraldton to Kalbarri (150 km, 1.5 hours)
Check Out Hutt Lagoon
Today’s a shorter drive, so you’ve got time to explore. About two hours north of Geraldton, make a stop at Hutt Lagoon, famously known as the Pink Lake. Depending on the season and time of day, the lake’s hues can range from bubblegum pink to deep purple. It’s so cool! Snap some photos, stretch your legs, and soak it all in before hopping back in your vehicle.
Settle into Kalbarri
Reach Kalbarri by late morning and jump right into exploring Kalbarri National Park. Start with the iconic Nature’s Window, a natural rock formation framing the stunning Murchison River below, and even step out onto the Kalbarri Skywalk if you dare! Hike the Z-Bend trail if you’re up for more adventure and want to enjoy even more of the incredible views of the gorge.
In the afternoon, visit the Kalbarri coastal cliffs. Red Bluff, Island Rock, and Natural Bridge offer dramatic viewpoints where the rugged coastline meets the super-powerful waves of the Indian Ocean. Watch for whales (if you’re visiting from June to November) or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Day 3: Kalbarri to Carnarvon (430 km, 5 hours)
Stop at Billabong Roadhouse
Get an early start driving this morning – it’s a longer distance today. Along the way, pause at the Billabong Roadhouse for a quick snack, some fuel, and to stretch your legs. This is a quintessential road trip stop in WA that gives you a feel for Australia’s weird and wonderful outback!
Arrival in Carnarvon
Arrive in Carnarvon by late afternoon. Head straight to the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, one of the top things to do in town, to learn about its role in the Apollo missions and space exploration. You wouldn’t expect an unassuming town like this to have such a cool history, but you’ll be surprised!
Day 4: Carnarvon to Coral Bay (240 km, 2.5 hours)
Morning in Carnarvon
Visit the iconic One Mile Jetty or explore the Cactus Garden for a fun photo op. Or, if it’s a weekend, you could even stock up on snacks at the Gascoyne Growers’ Market.
Optional: Visit Monkey Mia & Shell Beach
Shell Beach and Monkey Mia are quite the detour from the main route of this road trip, adding around a 3-hour round trip to the journey, but if you set off early enough and are keen enough, it’s doable.
Shell Beach is, as crazy as it sounds, a beach made of just shells, instead of sand, and is so cool! Then, of course, there’s Monkey Mia, famous for its dolphins. If you’re not able to get to Monkey Mia in time to see the dolphin feeding, then I’d recommend skipping this stop, as there’s nothing much else around, but of course, the decision is yours!
Drive to Coral Bay
Next, head to Coral Bay, an absolute paradise (and one of my favourite stops on this Perth to Exmouth road trip!) known for its beach and easy access to Ningaloo Reef. Arrive by midday and head straight to the beach. By now, you’ll be really feeling the amazing weather compared to Perth (if you’re travelling in winter), so make the most of it!
Snorkel right off the shore and explore the world-famous Ningaloo Reef. If you’d prefer to stay dry, take a glass-bottom boat tour for epic views of the underwater world.
Day 5: Coral Bay to Exmouth (150 km, 1.5 hours)
Morning Snorkel
Begin your day with one last snorkel session at Coral Bay. It’s going to be hard to leave this place, but you still have Exmouth to check out! Then, set off on the scenic drive to Exmouth, taking in the changing landscapes of the North West Cape. Keep an eye out for emus and other wildlife that often wander near the road, adding a touch of wild charm to your journey.
Cape Range National Park
Once in Exmouth, head to Cape Range National Park, one of my favourite national parks in WA, for an afternoon of adventure. Hike the Mandu Mandu Gorge for gasp-worthy views and a chance to spot rock wallabies, or, if you’re looking to relax, head to Turquoise Bay for its famous drift snorkelling, where the current guides you along colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Evening at Whalebone Brewing Company
End your day with dinner and a refreshing craft beer at Whalebone Brewing Company, one of the top spots in Exmouth. The laid-back, open-air atmosphere and wood-fired pizzas make it a must-visit after a full day of exploring.
Stay overnight in Exmouth and rest up for another full day ahead. Be warned: accommodation in Exmouth books up far in advance, so secure your bookings as soon as possible.
Day 6: Full Day in Exmouth
Swim with Whale Sharks (Seasonal)
If your visit falls between late March and early July, take the morning to join a whale shark swimming tour. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you’ll regret if you don’t do it! Getting up close with these gentle giants as they glide through the deep blue waters of the Ningaloo Reef is what people travel all this way for.
Explore Yardie Creek
In the afternoon, drive further into the park to Yardie Creek for more beach-hopping and hiking opportunities. Take the trail along the gorge for stunning views and a chance to spot rock wallabies lounging on the cliffs, or, if you’d prefer to chill, nearby Osprey Bay and Sandy Bay are gorgeous beaches perfect for swimming or a quiet picnic along the shoreline.
Visit the Exmouth Lighthouse
Before dinner, make a stop at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse to catch the sunset. It’s a steep drive up, but the 360-degree views over the rugged coast and reef are breathtaking, and this really is the go-to sunset spot in Exmouth.
Dinner at Froth Brewery
Head to Froth Brewery for a laid-back dinner with one of their signature beers, enjoying the friendly vibe and live music that they often have on here. On Friday and Saturday nights, this is one of the most popping places in town, so arrive early to get a table!
Day 7: Final Day in Exmouth
Sunrise at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
You were here last night, and now you’re back to see Vlamingh Lighthouse in a totally different light – literally! Kick off your last day by watching the sunrise from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, where your early start will be rewarded with a million-dollar view.
Relax or Explore
Spend your last day chilling and soaking up all of the fun things to do in Exmouth. Swim at Town Beach or head to the Exmouth Aquarium and Visitor Centre to learn more about the reef and its inhabitants, then take a scenic drive around the cape to soak in more of the region’s eye-popping beauty.
Snorkelling at Oyster Stacks
In the afternoon, drive over to Oyster Stacks for one last snorkelling session. It’s going to be so hard to tear yourself away from Exmouth when the snorkelling is as good as this! This is one of the most popular spots in the national park thanks to its abundance of fish and coral, so I’ve saved the best ‘till last for you!
My Top Tips for Your Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary
- Wildlife caution: Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially kangaroos and emus, which are most active at dawn and dusk. They’re unpredictable and can jump onto the road without warning, so slow down if you see one and be ready to stop.
- Pack for all weather: The weather along the Coral Coast can shift quickly. Coastal towns can be breezy, while inland stops like cattle station campsites you may choose to sleep at can get hot during the day and cooler at night. Bring layers you can add or remove, and don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sun cream.
- Fuel up often: Petrol stations become few and far between as you head north, so top up your tank whenever you see an opportunity. This is especially true between Carnarvon and Exmouth, where options are very limited. A full tank stops you from running into trouble in remote areas.
- Enjoy local produce: Make the most of roadside stops and farmers’ markets, especially in Carnarvon, which is known as the food bowl of WA. Stock up on fresh fruit, snacks, and locally-made treats for the road to support the local growers.
- Plan accommodation in advance: This is one of the most popular road trips in Western Australia, and accommodation, especially in Exmouth, can book up months in advance. Plan in advance and be prepared!
- Stay connected with offline maps: Mobile reception can be spotty as you get closer to remote areas like Cape Range National Park. Be sure to have Telstra phone service (you can purchase an esim just for the trip), as it’s the most reliable by far, and download maps in advance using apps like Maps.me.
- Check opening hours: Attractions, tours, and restaurants in smaller towns like Coral Bay and Exmouth can have seasonal hours or require reservations. Double-check online or call ahead to avoid disappointments, especially for activities like whale shark tours.
- Prepare for varying road conditions: Roads on this route are generally well-maintained, but side roads and paths into national parks like Cape Range can be unsealed and a bit rough. If you plan to visit more off-the-beaten-path spots, a 4WD vehicle is ideal.
It’s Time to Set Off On Your Perth to Exmouth Road Trip!
I hope these tips help make your road trip to Exmouth as seamless and enjoyable as possible. This journey is packed with stunning coastlines, wildlife encounters, and memorable adventures, and I can almost guarantee that you’re going to love it.
If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to check out my other WA road trip posts to plan your next adventure.
Safe travels!
