Western Australia is perfect for road trips. With wide open roads, amazing landscapes, and endless coastline, it’s a great place to rent a campervan and start exploring. From the lively city of Perth to the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef and the red gorges of Karijini National Park, every part of the trip is different and exciting.
Whether you love beaches, wildlife, or the outback, a Western Australian road trip lets you see it all at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems, famous landmarks, and some of the most beautiful scenery in Australia.
In this blog, we will show you everything you need to plan your Western Australia adventure. From top places to visit and a suggested route, to camping spots and tips to make your trip smooth and fun.
West Coast to Karijini Guided Adventure
Join a 10 day guided West Coast to Karijini tour from Perth to snorkel Ningaloo Reef, hike Karijini's ancient gorges, and explore the rugged Coral Coast.
West Coast Explorer – Perth to Exmouth Return
See the very best of Western Australia on this Exmouth Explorer tour with Autopia. Meet local wildlife, snorkel and make friends on this epic group trip.
Coral Coaster – Perth to Exmouth One-Way
The best value West Coast Coral Coaster tour with Autopia. Visit Monkey Mia, Kalbarri National Park, and make epic new friends on this guided group tour.
Coral Coast Road Trip – What You Need To Know
The Coral Coast road trip is one of Australia’s most scenic drives, following the 1,250 km Coral Coast Highway from Perth to Exmouth.
Along this route, you’ll experience Western Australia’s diverse landscapes, from the unique limestone formations of Nambun National Park’s pinnacles to the dramatic cliffs and gorges of Kalbarri National Park. One of the standout moments is the Kalbarri Skywalk, offering incredible views over the Murchison Gorge.
As you continue north, the journey becomes all about unforgettable nature and wildlife. Visit Monkey Mia to see dolphins up close, stop by Shell beach for its unusual shoreline, and explore Cape Range National Park.
End the trip on a high at Ningaloo Reef, where you can snorkel straight from the beach and discover vibrant marine life in crystal-clear water.
Perth to Ningaloo Reef Drive – Tips and Highlights
The drive from Perth to Ningaloo Reef involves long distances, so planning ahead is essential. Make sure you plan your fuel stops in advance, book accommodation where possible, and carry enough food and water. Being organised allows you to enjoy your journey without unnecessary stress.
Along the way, there are plenty of incredible stops that are worth building into your itinerary. Break up longer travel days, spend extra time in places you love, and don’t rush through highlights like Kalbarri or Coral Bay. Once you arrive at Ningaloo Reef, it’s worth slowing down and giving yourself a few days to fully enjoy the area, whether that’s snorkeling, joining a wildlife tour, or simply relaxing by the beach. If you visit between March and July, you may also have the chance to swim with whale sharks, while manta rays can often be seen year-round.
Most importantly, stay flexible. Some of the best moments on a road trip happen when you least expect them. Whether it’s finding a hidden beach, catching an incredible sunset, or making an unplanned stop along the way.
Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary – How to Make the Most of Your Stopovers
When planning your Exmouth road trip, making the most of your stopovers is key to experiencing everything this region has to offer. Instead of rushing through, allow time to explore highlights like Cape Range National Park, where you can discover rugged gorges such as Yardie Creek and relax on pristine beaches.
Spend your days snorkeling at Ningaloo Reef, with spots like Turquoise Bay offering some of the best marine life encounters straight from the shore.
In the evenings, head to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for a spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean.
By slowing down and giving yourself time at each stop, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the unique mix of adventure, wildlife, and coastal scenery.
Best WA Road Trip Destinations – Must-visit Spots
Western Australia is full of unforgettable road trip destinations, each offering something completely unique.
📍 Along the Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef is a standout. Here you can snorkel straight from the beach and even swim with whale sharks during the season.
📍 Further inland, Karijini National Park showcases a different kind of beauty, with dramatic gorges, hidden waterfalls, and natural swimming holes.
📍 Coastal gems like Coral Bay and Monkey Mia offer incredible wildlife encounters, from vibrant marine life to the famous dolphins that visit the shoreline.
📍 You’ll also find iconic stops like the Pinnacles Desert with its striking limestone formations, and Broome’s Cable Beach, known for its stunning sunsets and camel rides along the shore.
📍 Back in the southwest, Margaret River is the perfect mix of world-class wineries and surf beaches, while Perth provides a lively city base with great food, culture, and easy access to the coast.
Together, these destinations make Western Australia one of the most diverse and rewarding road trip regions in the country.
How to Book a Campervan for Your WA Adventure
Booking a campervan with us is the easiest way to set off on your Western Australia adventure with freedom and flexibility. We offer fully equipped campervans which cater to all types of travellers, whether you’re after a compact van for two or a larger option for a small group.
You can browse the available options on our website, choose travel dates, and the pick up and drop off location. Once booked, your campervan is ready for pick up in Perth or Broome, giving you the perfect base to explore everything from Ningaloo Reef to Karijini National Park at your own pace.
With us, you can hit the open road knowing your transport, comfort, and adventure needs are all taken care of.
WA Road Trip Itinerary – Suggested Route for 7-10 Days
Experience an unforgettable Western Australia road trip along the stunning Coral Coast. You can do it in 7 days for the highlights or 10 days to include Karijini National Park. From the Pinnacles to Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef, every stop is full of adventure.
Day 1: Nambung National Park
⏱️ 6–7 hours | 📍 ~570 km
Your Western Australia adventure starts in Perth where you’ll head north along the Indian Ocean Drive. Continue your way to Nambung National Park to explore the unique limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert, especially magical at sunrise or sunset.
You can enjoy a stop at the beautiful Jurien Bay and enjoy the journey up Indian Ocean Drive for insane coastal views of the turquoise Indian Ocean. Stop off at the iconic Pink Lake outside of Geraldton. Continue your journey and arrive in the coastal town of Kalbarri for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Kalbarri National Park
⏱️ Short drives
Drive further north to Kalbarri National Park, known for its dramatic gorges and coastal cliffs. Here you can walk the Kalbarri Skywalk for panoramic views of Murchison Gorge, and explore the rugged inland trails.
Overnight in Kalbarri, and enjoy the sunset over the cliffs.
Day 3: Dolphins in Monkey Mia
⏱️ 4–5 hours | 📍 ~400 km
Travel up the Coral Coast to Shark Bay. Have a stop in Denham and visit Monkey Mia to meet the friendly wild dolphins during the morning feeding. Take time to relax on the beaches or explore the surrounding nature reserves. Overnight in Monkey Mia or Denham.
Day 4: Coral bay and Ningaloo Reef
⏱️ 6 hours | 📍 ~580 km
Cruise further up the coast to Coral Bay, your gateway to one of the most accessible reef systems on the planet. The water is unreal here, think crystal-clear turquoise and coral gardens right at your feet. Strap on a snorkel and discover vibrant fish, turtles, and reef life without needing a boat. Coral Bay evenings are perfect for seaside sunset and seaside dinners.
Day 5: Exmouth and Cape Range National Park
⏱️ 1.5 hours | 📍 ~150 km
A short drive brings you to Exmouth and the beauty of Cape Range National Park. Explore secluded beaches, small bays, and walking trails. End the day at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for one of the best sunsets you’ll see anywhere.
Day 6: World-Class Snorkeling at Ningaloo
⏱️ No long driving
Snorkeling is one of the most beautiful things to do on your West Coast adventure. Whether you’re drifting with the current at Turquoise Bay or cruising the reef with a guide, the marine life here is insane. Think of colourful coral, giant turtles, tropical reef fish, and more. If you’re there in the right season, you can even search for whale sharks or manta rays.
Day 7: Heading back south
Start making your way back south with a lot of incredible memories. You can revisit your favourite coastal spots, stop for one last snorkel, or simply roll down the windows and enjoy the open road.
Day 8-10: Deep Dive Into Karijini (optional extension)
If you’ve got extra days to spare, take the inland route to Karijini National Park. Over two days you’ll hike ancient gorges, swim in cool waterholes, and explore dramatic canyons. Camp in world-class bushland and go stargazing.
Where to Stay on Your WA Road Trip – Free Camping Options
🏕️ Moore River Bridge Rest Stop, Perth: A popular, shady stop just a bit over 1 hour north of Perth. It offers grassy spots for resting, toilets, picnic tables, and BBQ facilities, making it a convenient spot for a short-term rest.
🏕️ Galena Bridge Rest Area, Galena: A free 24-hour camping spot and offers spacious, pet-friendly, gravel sites suitable for big rigs, caravans, and tents, with amenities including toilets, fire pits, and dump points.
🏕️ Nerren Nerren Rest Stop, Nerren Nerren: A popular free, 24-hour stop in Western Australia which provides basic facilities including eco-toilets, rubbish bins, BBQ facilities, and a dump point for both caravans and campers, with both dirt and gravel sites.
🏕️ Lyndon River Rest Area, Coral Coast: A rest area is located on the Coral Coast and offers a great place to relax. Pets are allowed and there are plenty of facilities, including toilets, caravan and camper trailer spots, and a dump spot. The views are stunning and it’s a great spot to stop and appreciate the beauty of the coral coast.
🏕️ West Peawah Rest Area - Sherlock: This is a dog-friendly, roadside campsite on the North West Coastal Highway in Sherlock. It offers toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and shaded areas near the river.
Top Camp Sites in WA – From Beaches to National Parks
🏕️ Hamelin Bay Holiday Park, Hamelin Bay: located within the beautiful Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park and has sites located within metres of the beautiful Hamelin Bay.
🏕️ Parry Beach, Parryville: hidden gem with camping right by the sea, perfect for sunsets and quiet mornings.
🏕️ Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup: located close to Perth and has a peaceful forest campsite along the river, ideal for kayaking, swimming, or just unwinding in nature.
🏕️ Lucky Bay Campground, Cape Le Grand: offers white sand beaches where you can spot kangaroos by the ocean.
🏕️ Three Mile Campground, MacLeod: borders the beach and has multiple campsites for 4 styles of camping; Basic sites, Primo sites, the Lagoon site and the Hilton.
🏕️ Cape Range National Park: located near Ningaloo Reef and has multiple campsites just steps from the water, with easy access to world-class snorkeling.
🏕️ Winderabandi Point, Ningaloo Station: a coastal campground with soft surfaces and it is located next to Ningaloo Marine Park
🏕️ Karijini National Park, Karijini: multiple campground sites surrounded by dramatic red gorges, waterfalls, and some of the most unique landscapes in Australia.
🏕️ Pender Bay Escape, Dampier Peninsula: a beautiful and secluded bush campsite overlooking Pender Bay. It is located approximately 190km north of Broome and offers incredible fishing, even from the beach.
Ready to Explore Western Australia?
A road trip through Western Australia is an adventure you’ll never forget. From the stunning Pinnacles and Kalbarri National Park to the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef and the red gorges of Karijini, every stop is packed with incredible scenery and wildlife.
For first-time travellers, booking a campervan or guided tour can make exploring WA easy and stress-free. With your transport, accommodation, and gear sorted, all you need to do is hit the road and enjoy the journey.
Got questions or want help planning your route? Our Western Australia experts are here to guide you!
💬 Chat with our Western Australia experts on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions about Western Australia
What is the best time to do a WA road trip?
The best time to do a Western Australian road trip is April to October, when the weather is a bit cooler and more comfortable for exploring. This is also the best time for wildlife experiences like whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.
Do I need a 4WD for this road trip?
No, most of the route from Perth to Exmouth is sealed and can be done in a 2WD vehicle or campervan. However, a 4WD is useful if you want to visit more remote beaches or off-road areas.
What should I pack for a WA road trip?
Make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to bring offline maps and a portable charger.
How many days do I need for a Western Australia road trip?
We recommend at least 7 days to experience the highlights of the Coral Coast, including Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, and Exmouth. If you want to visit Karijini National Park as well, allow 10 days or more so you can explore at a more relaxed pace.
Are there free camping spots along the West Coast?
Yes, there are plenty of free and low-cost camping spots throughout Western Australia. Popular rest areas and beachside campsites can be found between Perth and Exmouth, although some have limited facilities.
