Ultimate Perth to Exmouth Road Trip

Embark on one of the most breath-taking road trips in Western Australia. Stretching over 1,200 kilometres, the trip from Perth to Exmouth weaves together adventure, pristine beaches, ancient landscapes, and vibrant marine life for the road trip of a lifetime. Here’s our guide to the ultimate Perth to Exmouth road trip, with the best places to stop and explore along the way.

Drive 1: Drive to Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is a beautiful coastal town that you have to visit on your road trip from Perth to Exmouth

Distance: 220 km, 2.5 hour drive

Kick off your road trip with a scenic drive up Indian Ocean Drive to Jurien Bay, a charming coastal town known for its crystal-clear waters and friendly sea lions. The perfect idyllic holiday destination, the safe and sheltered beach with its white sand and turquoise waters will have you relaxed in no time.

Highlights of Jurien Bay:

• Meet Australian Sea Lions at Jurien Bay Marine Park, these loveable creatures are endangered and can often be found sun-baking on the beach along with a great variety of marine life
• If you’re travelling to Jurien Bay between August and November, hike out to Lesueur National Park for wildflower season! The biodiversity hotspot is known for it’s flora and fauna, be sure keep an eye out for all the native plants.
• Jurien Bay is known for its abundance of fishing spots, so bring the boat, or hire a fishing charter for a reel good time!

Where to stay in Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay Tourist Park is just a stone’s throw away from the beach, you can walk there in just a few minutes. Either camp on our pet-friendly caravan and camping sites or stay in our brand new holiday units!

Drive 2: Jurien Bay to Geraldton

A city rich in history, stop by Geraldton to learn more!

Distance: 200km, 2 hour drive

One of the bigger cities in Australia’s Coral Coast, Geraldton is a bustling coastal city, rich in maritime history and marine adventures. Whether you’re in town for a quick stopover or looking to spend some time delving into the history of the town, Geraldton will not disappoint.

Highlights of Geraldton:

• Visit the moving HMAS Sydney II Memorial, a tribute to the men lost in World War 2.
• Explore the Abrolhos Islands, 122 islands grouped together that boasts stunning natural landscapes and marine life.
• Discover stories of shipwreck and the region’s indigenous heritage at the Museum of Geraldton.

Where to stay in Geraldton:

Stay at Geraldton Belair Garden Caravan Park and walk to the Geraldton waterfront for its striking sunsets. Located just minutes away from attractions like Separation Point Lookout, Geraldton Golf Course and more, exploring Geradlton from your accommodation could not be easier.

Drive 3: Geraldton to Horrocks Beach 

Horrocks Beach reminds us of dreamy days of relaxing by the beach

Distance: 74 km, 1 hour drive

Horrocks Beach is one of those secret spots that is often overlooked, but this picturesque location is a quiet gem that offers white sandy beaches without the crowds. Head out for a swim to the pontoon in summer or look out for Humpback whales in the spring, enjoy this charming beachside town.

Highlights of Horrocks Beach:

• Go whale watching in spring (October – November) to see the humpback whales on their migration south.
• Drive to Port Gregory to see the stunning Pink Lake!
• Take a 4WD drive out to Little Bay, a secluded beach spot ideal for snorkelling.

Where to stay in Horrocks Beach:

Horrocks Beach Caravan Park makes for a great family holiday with its proximity to the beach, a golf course and tennis courts. Take a breath and relax into the idyllic surroundings, and enjoy one of WA’s famous sunsets.

Drive 4: Horrocks Beach to Kalbarri 

There's nothing quite like the view at Nature's Window in Kalbarri National Park

Distance: 93 km, 1 hour drive

Kalbarri is an adventurer’s paradise where red gorges meet turquoise oceans. From the dramatic cliffs of Red Bluff, blooming wildflower displays to the marine life to be found, Kalbarri is an outdoor lover’s paradise full of adventures to be discovered.

Highlights of Kalbarri

• Visit Kalbarri National Park for must-see attractions like Nature’s Window and the Kalbarri Skywalk and soak in the awe-inducing views of the canyons and gorges.
• Pop to Red Bluff Beach or Chinaman’s Beach for a refreshing swim
• Try for bream and whiting on the beaches and estuary or go for serious hunting for dhufish and snapper. Note: Demersal fishing is banned from 15 October to 15 December

Where to stay in Kalbarri:

Grab a cabin at Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park and marvel at the view of Red Bluff right in front of your door. The caravan and camping sites all come ensuites and makes taking the camper on the road that much more convenient!

Drive 5: Kalbarri to Shark Bay/Denham

Shark Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's not hard to see why

Distance: 375 km, 4.5 hour drive

This leg of the trip is long one, but so worth it! Shark Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers unforgettable wildlife encounters along the Coral Coast Highway. Explore Australia’s largest bay and see why this region is so well-known around the world for its natural attractions.

Highlights of Shark Bay

• Visit Shell Beach, made entirely of tiny white shells.
• See the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, one of the world’s oldest life forms.
• Try your hand at fishing off Steep Point, one of the world’s best spots for land based fishing.

Where to stay in Shark Bay:

Feel like camping on the beach? Nanga Shark Bay Caravan Park has powered caravan and camping sites just 50m from the beach, all offering view of the ocean at Nanga Bay. There are also motel rooms to pick from while you explore this beautiful region.

Drive 6: Shark Bay to Carnarvon

The beaches at Carnarvon boast some of the best sunsets to be found.

Distance: 277 km, 3 hour drive

Carnarvon sits within the world-heritage listed Ningaloo Reef and is known as a cornucopia of tropical delights. If you’re a seafood lover, visit Carnarvon between May and October for a feast of prawns, scallops, crab and local fish brought in from Carnarvon’s fishing boats.

Highlights of Carnarvon:

• Visit the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum—once part of NASA’s tracking stations and learn more about Carnarvon’s role in the manned space program.
• Take a leisurely drive by the Fruit Loop Drive Trail and pick up mangoes, bananas, homemade preserves and more.
• Head out to Kennedy Range National Park to discover gorges and trails.

Where to stay in Carnarvon:

Stay at Capricorn Holiday Park in Carnarvon and use it as a base to explore the wider Ningaloo Caost! The park has well-maintained sites, spacious cabins, as well as pet-friendly accommodation for those travelling with pets!

Drive 7 - Carnarvon to Exmouth

Swim with the whale sharks in Exmouth as part of the Ningaloo Coast. Image: Australia's Coral Coast

Distance: 365 km, 4 hour drive

Voted WA’s Top Small Tourism Town in 2024, Exmouth is the perfect place to explore the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. Explore Ningaloo Marine Park, do some spectacular star gazing and explore Cape Range National Park. There’s no end to the experiences to be had in Exmouth.

Highlights of Exmouth:

• Swim with the Big 5 of the Coral Coast: whale sharks (March to August), humpback whales (July to October), manta rays (all year round), green sea turtles (all year round), and the mysterious dugong (all year round)
• Go for a dive or snorkel at Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing reef in Australia and see the explosion of colour underwater.
• Visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for panoramic views and sunset.

Tips for the Perth to Exmouth Road Trip:

• The best time to travel from Perth to Exmouth is between April - October where you can enjoy the cooler weather (and see the whale sharks in season!)
• Allow at least 10 to 14 days for your Perth to Exmouth road trip so you can fully explore the towns in between Perth and Exmouth.
• If you’re travelling to Exmouth from Perth in peak season, be sure to book your accommodation and tours in advance!