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5-10 Day road trip guide from Perth to Karijini

Carnarvon WEATHER

If you're driving from Perth to Karijini, there are two routes you can take.

You could drive on National Highway 95 for about 14 hours, or you could take this opportunity to explore Western Australia’s gorgeous coast! You can break this drive up into five or ten days, which gives you more than enough time to enjoy some of the best sights, restaurants, and attractions that WA has to offer.

For your convenience, we've put together a detailed travel itinerary with all the information you need for an epic adventure.

This Perth to Karijini road trip will take you through some must-see locations up the northwest corridor, all while keeping you close to some great accommodation spots along the way. With a Perth to Karijini map and our itinerary on hand, all that's left for you to do is pack up the car with your road trip essentials, fill up your esky, and hit the road!


Perth to Karijini road trip map


Perth to Jurien Bay (2 hours)

Aerial view off jetty in Jurien Bay.

To start your journey from Perth to Jurien Bay, take Route 60 for a little over 2 hours until you reach the small coastal town. Once you arrive, you'll have no trouble filling your entire day with things to do.

Outdoorsy travellers can spend some time hiking the Turquoise Way Trail, exploring the Sandy Cape Recreation Park, or taking in the views at the Jurien Bay Marine Park. There are also several picturesque lookouts, such as Grigson’s Lookout, Molah Hill Lookout, and North Head.

Things to do in Jurien Bay:

  • Explore the natural wonders of Pinnacles Desert - full to the brim of uniquely shaped limestone pillars.
  • Find some of the best fishing spots in Jurien Bay and try your hand at catching a Pink Snapper, Mulloway, Yellow Kingfish and more.
  • Adventure underwater and swim with local Jurien Bay sea lions - also known as the ‘puppies of the sea’.

View our Jurien Bay travel guide »

Recommended accommodation

We recommend stopping in Jurien Bay for a night before you head to your next destination. You can stay at Jurien Bay Tourist Park at the heart of Jurien Bay. It's close to the beach and offers holiday units and powered and unpowered camping sites. If you really want to take in everything this town has to offer, you can always book two nights at the park to give yourself more time!

View Jurien Bay Accommodation »


Jurien Bay to Horrocks Beach (3 hours)

Coastal view from drone showcasing the beauty of Horrocks Beach.

Once you're ready to leave Jurien Bay, get back on Route 60 for about an hour, then follow Route 1 for about two hours until you reach Horrocks Beach.

Horrocks Beach is a quiet coastal village with a small population. If you’d like a day away from crowds of tourists, Horrocks is the place to be. You and your travel companions can go fishing, walk on the beach, enjoy the jetty or pontoon, and go for a swim.

Things to do in Horrocks:

  • Take to the beach on a 4WD adventure from Horrocks to Little Bay.
  • Explore the beautiful pink lake in Port Gregory - perfect for some insta-worthy travel pictures.
  • Relax with some delicious fish & chips from Horrocks General Store before relaxing beachside to watch the sun set.

View our Horrocks travel guide »

Recommended accommodation

Horrocks Beach Caravan Park is one of the very best places to stay in Horrocks. It offers a variety of accommodation options and clean, well maintained park facilities. You're sure to find the right fit for you and your fellow travellers!

View Horrocks Accommodation »


Horrocks Beach to Kalbarri (1 hour)

View of rugged coastline in Kalbarri from drone flying over Red Bluff Beach.

Had your fill of Horrocks Beach? Then it’s time to take Route 139 to your next destination!

After just an hour of driving, you’ll reach Kalbarri. Nature-lovers will find plenty of things to do in Kalbarri, whether it’s visiting the mesmerising Pink Lake, admiring the geological wonder of Island Rock, or hiking at the spectacular Kalbarri National Park.

Kalbarri is also home to a fantastic selection of restaurants, including The Gorges Cafe, Buddha’s Bites, and Bean Drifting by Jacques Beach.

Things to do in Kalbarri:

View our Kalbarri travel guide »

Recommended accommodation

You can stay in Kalbarri overnight before heading to your next destination. If you're looking for accommodation, we recommend our Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park. It offers lots of variety, including powered ensuite sites, holiday units, and a gorgeous beach house available if you book early.

View Kalbarri Accommodation »


Kalbarri to Carnarvon (4.5 hours)

Satelite and surrounds at Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, WA.

We recommend waking up on the earlier side to begin the 4.5-hour drive to your next stop, Carnarvon. To reach Carnarvon, all you have to do is keep to Route 1. There’s truly something for everyone in Carnarvon.

The three most famous attractions are probably the majestic Carnarvon Blowholes, the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, and the scenic Kennedy Range National Park. However, you can also learn more about the local history at the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct or the Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Culture Centre.

Things to do in Carnarvon:

  • Enjoy a history lesson at One Mile Jetty, just west of the town centre.
  • Head offshore and go on a scuba diving adventure around Dorre Island.
  • Learn about outer space at the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum - perfect for families with young kids (although the adults will have a blast too)!

View our Carnarvon travel guide »

Recommended accommodation

Stay the night in Carnarvon at the Capricorn Holiday Park. The park offers a variety of accommodation options, including camping sites and cosy cabins and chalets.

View Carnarvon Accommodation »


Carnarvon to Tom Price (7.5 hours)

Orange landscape shot in Tom Price, Western Australia.

Now you’re ready to embark on the longest stretch of driving for the whole trip. This last drive will take you from Carnarvon to Tom Price in a little over 7.5 hours.

You're free to break this up into two separate days of driving (no one would blame you!), but many travellers opt to power through. Of course, there are several stops you can make along the way. The best is probably the Cane River Conservation Park, which is about 4.5 hours into your drive. The park has lots of lookouts, hiking trails, and a few great restaurants nearby where you can have lunch.

If you get an early start in Carnarvon, you'll arrive in Tom Price in the late afternoon.

At this point in your journey, you've probably gotten a bit sick of driving. That's why we recommend staying overnight in Tom Price rather than powering through to Karijini. Once you've secured your accommodations for the night, we suggest exploring Tom Price's natural beauty at Mount Sheila.

Things to do in Tom Price:

View our Tom Price travel guide »

Recommended accommodation

Our Tom Price Tourist Park will make a great home base for your adventures in Karijini. It has air-conditioned chalets and cabins, along with a variety of budget accommodation options and camping sites.

View Tom Price Accommodation »


The ultimate WA coastal road trip

This WA road trip from Perth to Karijini is a fun-filled getaway that you and your travel companions will never forget. If you're travelling from Karijini to Perth, feel free to take on this itinerary in reverse. 

Thinking about road-tripping through southwest Australia after your northwest drive? Check out our Perth to Esperance itinerary!

Frequently asked questions

  • What route should I take for a road trip from Perth to Karijini?

    There are two routes you can take for a road trip from Perth to Karijini. The first option is to take National Highway 95, which will take you approximately 14 hours. The second option is to explore Western Australia's gorgeous coast, which can be broken up into five or ten days and includes must-see locations up the northwest corridor. The detailed travel itinerary we've put together includes a map, recommended stops, and accommodation options to make planning your trip easier.

  • What are some must-see locations on a road trip from Perth to Karijini?

    There are several must-see locations on a road trip from Perth to Karijini, including Jurien Bay, Horrocks Beach, Kalbarri, Carnarvon, and Tom Price. These locations offer plenty of activities and attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, such as hiking trails, beach activities, scenic lookouts, and national parks. The detailed travel itinerary we've provided includes more information about things to do and see at each location.

  • How long should I take for a road trip from Perth to Karijini?

    The length of time for a road trip from Perth to Karijini depends on the route you take and how many stops you make along the way. If you take National Highway 95, the trip will take approximately 14 hours. However, if you choose to explore the Western Australian coast and stop at recommended locations, the trip can be broken up into five or ten days. We recommend taking the time to enjoy some of the best sights, restaurants, and attractions that WA has to offer. The detailed travel itinerary we've provided includes suggestions for how long to stay at each location.

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Published
8 June 2021

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