Discover breathtaking views, wildlife, and hidden gems on the unforgettable Perth to Exmouth road trip through Western Australia’s Coral Coast.
The drive from Perth to Exmouth is one of Australia’s most famous coastal trips. It goes along Western Australia’s Coral Coast for more than 1,200 kilometers. The road goes from the busy capital city of Perth to the relaxed town of Exmouth, which is the entrance to the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef. Along the way, travelers see beautiful beaches, rough national parks, marine animals, and small towns that show off the natural beauty of Australia’s west coast.
What Makes This Drive Special
- Western Australia has fewer people and bigger open spaces than the east coast, which is more touristy. This makes the trip feel both adventurous and private.
- The road north takes you past some of Australia’s most amazing places, like the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, the pink waters of Hutt Lagoon, the dramatic gorges of Kalbarri National Park, and finally the coral lagoons and whale shark territory of Ningaloo.
- The drive isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s also about seeing the coastline where red desert meets turquoise waters, which is one of the most beautiful contrasts in the world.
Read: The Ultimate Australian Road Trip Guide: Routes, Tips & Itineraries
Quick Facts
- Distance: about 1,250 km (one way).
- Time spent driving: about 13 to 14 hours straight, but most people take 5 to 7 days to see the sights along the way.
The Best Time to Go:
- April to October (the dry season): The weather is mild, making it great for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring outside.
- June through August: is the best time to see whales along the Coral Coast.
- Shoulder seasons with nice weather and fewer people are March to April and September to October.
- Summer (November to February): Very hot (35 to 45 degrees Celsius), and there is a chance of cyclones in the north, which makes travel less pleasant.
- Check Main Roads WA for the most up-to-date information on roads and travel safety.
Tips for Perth to Exmouth Road Trip
Planning is very important for the road trip from Perth to Exmouth because it goes through long, remote areas. Here is everything you need to know before you hit the road, from picking the right season to packing smartly and making sure your car is ready to go.
The Best Time to Go
The Coral Coast of Western Australia has a tropical to semi-arid climate, which means that the weather can be very different at different times of the year.
- Summer (December to February):
- Weather: Very hot and dry, with temperatures in the north and inland areas often reaching 35 to 45 degrees Celsius. There could be cyclones near Exmouth.
- Pros: There are fewer tourists and the cost of lodging is lower.
- Cons: Extreme heat makes it hard to do things outside; not good for long hikes or camping.
Fall (March to May):
- Weather: The temperature drops to a more comfortable 25–30°C, and the nights are cooler.
- Pros: Great for snorkeling, diving, and hiking. The weather is still warm for the beach, and wildlife is more active.
- Cons: It’s still warm inland, but the conditions are generally good.
Winter (June to August):
- Weather: Temperatures during the day are between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. It can get cool at night (10–15°C).
- Pros: The best time to see whales along the Coral Coast. Great for going on adventures outside and visiting national parks.
- The downside is that more people come, especially to Exmouth and Coral Bay, which means that accommodations fill up quickly.
Spring (September to November):
- Weather: The Coral Coast has nice days (25–30°C) with wildflowers in bloom.
- Pros: The weather is perfect for snorkeling with manta rays and diving at Ningaloo. You can often see wildlife, and the inland landscapes are bright and colorful during wildflower season.
- Drawbacks: The weather gets warmer in November, so make reservations ahead of time.
Suggestion: Most travelers should go from April to October to avoid the heat of summer and enjoy mild weather, active wildlife, and less crowded roads.
Read: The Best Time to Visit Australia: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Perth to Exmouth Driving Routes
The Main Route
- The distance is about 1,250–1,270 km one way.
- Estimated driving time is about 13 to 14 hours without stopping, but most people do it over 5 to 7 days.
An overview of the route:
- Drive north on the Brand Highway (State Route 1) from Perth to Geraldton.
- Take the North West Coastal Highway (State Route 1) through Carnarvon and then Minilya–Exmouth Road to Exmouth.
Additional Detours
- Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park): 200 km north of Perth, this desert park is known for its limestone spires.
- Kalbarri National Park: Cliffs along the coast and gorges inland, right off the North West Coastal Highway.
- Shark Bay and Monkey Mia: A UNESCO World Heritage site where dolphins come close to the shore.
- Coral Bay: A smaller, quieter place than Exmouth that is close to Ningaloo Reef.
Conditions on the road
- Highways are sealed, well-kept, and easy to get around on.
- Expect long, isolated stretches between towns, sometimes as long as 150–200 km without stops for food or gas.
Advice for driving in the middle of nowhere:
- Always have extra water in the car, at least 10 liters per person.
- Don’t drive at dusk or night because kangaroos and other animals cross the road.
- There are some areas where mobile phone service is spotty; Telstra has the best coverage in the area.
Look at the Main Roads WA Travel Map for up-to-date road information.
Important Things to Pack
Clothes
- On hot days, wear light, breathable clothes, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- For swimming: swimwear, rash guards, and snorkel gear if you have it (you can also rent it in Exmouth/Coral Bay).
- For cooler nights, light jackets or sweaters.
- A small rain jacket is great for rain or wind, especially in the winter and spring.
Things for safety and emergencies
- A first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers.
- A spare tire, a jack, and a kit to fix tires.
- A basic tool kit and jumper cables.
- A lot of water, at least 10 liters per person.
- Numbers to call in an emergency and help on the road (RAC WA).
Food and Water
- Snacks that don’t go bad, like nuts, muesli bars, and crackers.
- A cooler for drinks, sandwiches, and fresh fruit.
- Water bottles that can be used more than once to stay hydrated every day.
Tech Needs
- GPS navigation or Google Maps maps that you can download and use without an internet connection.
- A power bank and phone chargers.
- Apps that are helpful:
- Fuel Map Australia (shows you where the nearest gas stations are).
- WikiCamps Australia (for caravan parks, campsites, and rest stops).
- Emergency+ (for Australian emergency services, even if the signal is weak).
Getting the car ready
- Service Check: Before leaving, make sure the oil, coolant, and brake fluids are full.
- Tires: Make sure the tread is good and check the pressure often during the trip.
- Air conditioning is necessary for traveling in Western Australia in the summer.
- Spare tire and tools: Many stretches are far away, so it’s important to be able to take care of yourself.
The Best Types of Vehicles
- Sedan or hatchback: Good enough for most highways. It gets good gas mileage, but it’s not great for off-road trips.
- SUV or 4WD: These are good for long drives and for being able to go off-road (like in some parts of Cape Range National Park near Exmouth).
- Campervan: A popular choice for travelers who want to be able to change their plans. The Coral Coast has well-equipped campsites.
If you want to rent a car or campervan, look into companies like Europcar, Avis, or Apollo Campervans in Perth. A standard car will cost you about $70–120 per day, and a campervan will cost you $120–200 or more per day during peak season.
Best Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Stops
The trip from Perth to Exmouth isn’t just about getting there; there are a lot of interesting stops along the way. Here’s a list of the Coral Coast’s must-see places, from coastal towns to national parks.
The Beginning: Perth
The best place to start your adventure is in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Take a few hours (or a whole day) to explore before you get on the highway.
Main Attractions:
- Kings Park & Botanic Garden: One of the biggest parks in the city, with views of the whole city. No charge to get in.
- Swan River: A great place to kayak, bike, or relax at riverside cafes.
- Fremantle: This historic port town is only 30 minutes from Perth and is famous for its markets, microbreweries, and Fremantle Prison, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Perth Zoo: A family-friendly place to see animals from Australia and around the world.
Tip: Get gas and supplies for your road trip in Perth. Before you head north, have lunch at a café or restaurant in Fremantle.
Lancelin
- About 125 kilometers (1.5 to 2 hours) from Perth.
- The Lancelin Sand Dunes, Australia’s biggest group of white sand dunes, are a must-see.
What to Do:
- Sandboarding: Rent a board from a local shop (about $10 to $15).
- 4WD Adventures: You can drive off-road on some parts of the dunes.
- Coastal Walks: There are quiet beaches and fishing spots along the Indian Ocean.
Best time to go: early in the morning or late in the afternoon to stay out of the heat of the day.
The Pinnacles Desert
- About 75 km (1 hour) away from Lancelin.
- Highlight: Thousands of limestone pillars that rise up from the sand in the desert.
Things to Do:
- Drive the 4 km Pinnacles Loop Drive, which is good for 2WD.
- Get up close and personal with the formations by walking through them.
- Check out the geology and history exhibits at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Center.
Best time to go: at sunset, when the shadows are dramatic and the light is golden. The best time to take pictures is also early in the morning.
Cost to get in: about $15 per car (this covers all of Nambung National Park).
Geraldton
- About: 375 km (4 hours) away from Pinnacles.
- Why Stop: A city in the area with beaches, cultural attractions, and a place to stay overnight.
Main points:
- HMAS Sydney II Memorial: A tribute to sailors who died in World War II.
- Geraldton Museum: Displays about shipwrecks and the history of Indigenous people.
- Beaches: Flat Rocks Beach is great for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Tip: Before you go further north, you can fill up your tank, buy groceries, and have a sit-down meal in Geraldton.
Kalbarri National Park
- About: 155 km (1.5 to 2 hours) from Geraldton.
- Why Visit: The Murchison River gorges and rough coastal cliffs are famous.
What to Do:
- Nature’s Window: A natural rock arch that frames the river below (a short hike).
- Kalbarri Skywalk: Two platforms that stick out over Murchison Gorge (about $15 per car to get in).
- Coastal Cliffs: Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock, and Island Rock are great places to see the ocean.
- Wildflowers bloom from August to October, and there are more than 1,000 species in the area.
Suggested Time: A half-day or overnight stop to see both the inland gorges and the coastal lookouts.
Monkey Mia
- About: 400 km (4 to 4.5 hours) from Kalbarri.
- Why go: Known for its interactions with wild dolphins.
What to Do:
- Dolphin Experience: Rangers feed wild bottlenose dolphins at the beach up to three times a day (this is included with your ticket).
- Kayaking and wildlife tours: You can see dugongs, turtles, and rays.
- Relaxing Beaches: Quiet areas that are great for swimming and relaxing.
Cost to get in: $15 for adults (day pass).
Tip: Monkey Mia Reserve has more information.
Shark Bay
- About: 25 km away from Monkey Mia.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Known for its unique geology and biodiversity.
Key Points:
- Hamelin Pool Stromatolites: These living fossils are some of the oldest life forms on Earth.
- Shell Beach: A 70 km beach made up of only tiny white shells that are up to 10 m deep.
- Eagle Bluff Lookout: A high point on the coast where you can often see sharks, rays, and turtles below.
Tip: Stay here for at least a few hours. It’s one of the most interesting places on the Coral Coast.
Coral Bay
- The distance from Shark Bay (via Carnarvon): About 580 km (6–7 hours).
- Why Visit: It’s a small town on the coast where the Ningaloo Reef begins just off the coast.
What to Do:
- Snorkeling: Right from the beach at Bill’s Bay.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: See coral gardens without getting wet.
- Swim with Manta Rays: Tours are available all year long, starting at about $180 per person.
Tip: Coral Bay is smaller and quieter than Exmouth, so people who like things to move more slowly like it better.
Exmouth—The Last Stop
- About: 150 km (2 hours) from Coral Bay.
- Overview: A laid-back beach town that serves as a gateway to Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park.
Main Attractions:
- Cape Range National Park has rough gorges, limestone ranges, and beaches. Entry fee is about $15 per car.
- Turquoise Bay: One of the best beaches in Australia for snorkeling. You can drift snorkel along the reef.
- Whale Shark Tours (March to July): Swim with the biggest fish in the sea for about $450 per person.
- Humpback Whale Tours (June–October): You can see whales from the water and on land.
- Vlamingh Head Lighthouse: You can see the Indian Ocean at sunset.
Eating and relaxing:
- Casual restaurants, neighborhood bars, and cafes by the beach. Froth Craft Brewery and Whalers Restaurant are two of the most popular places.
Suggested Perth to Exmouth Itinerary
- Day 1: From Perth to Lancelin to the Pinnacles to Geraldton (for the night).
- Day 2: From Geraldton to Kalbarri National Park for the night.
- Day 3: From Kalbarri to Monkey Mia to Shark Bay (for the night).
- Day 4: Shark Bay to Carnarvon to Coral Bay (stay the night).
- Day 5–6: Coral Bay to Exmouth (stay for 2 or more nights).
Scenic Routes and Detours
There is a lot more to see on the road from Perth to Exmouth than just the main highway. There are beautiful coastal detours, off-road adventures, and hidden gems along the way if you have extra time or want to avoid long stretches of straight driving. These roads take you closer to the ocean, show you quiet coastal towns, and give you access to beaches that aren’t as popular.
Alternate Routes and Scenic Byways
Geraldton to Kalbarri on the Coastal Route
- Overview: You can drive along the coast through Horrocks and Port Gregory instead of taking the inland North West Coastal Highway.
- Distance: It adds about 30–40 km to the trip, but the views of the ocean and the colorful landscapes are worth it.
Main points:
- Port Gregory and Hutt Lagoon: A beautiful pink lake made by algae that looks best on sunny days.
- Horrocks Beach: A quiet fishing village where you can swim or have a picnic.
Tip: The best light for taking pictures at Hutt Lagoon is in the early morning or late afternoon.
4WD Adventurers Can Go Off-Road
If you have a 4WD, the Coral Coast in Western Australia has a lot of rough roads to take.
- Kalbarri National Park (4WD trails):
The Murchison House Station, which is north of Kalbarri, has 4WD trails along the Murchison River and the coastal plains.
Before you drive, make sure to check the local conditions and get any necessary permits. - Shark Bay (Francois Peron National Park):
Known for its turquoise water, white beaches, and red sand.
The tracks are only open to 4WD vehicles and lead to places like Cape Peron, Big Lagoon, and Skipjack Point, where you can often see dolphins and dugongs.
Entry fee: about $15 per car.
Tip: Information about Francois Peron National Park.
- Exmouth and Ningaloo (Yardie Creek Road):
A partly unsealed road that goes from Exmouth to Coral Bay through Cape Range National Park.
It needs a 4WD with a lot of clearance, but it has fewer people and more remote beaches.
Bay of Jurien
- Location: 220 km north of Perth (2.5 hours).
- Why go: It’s not as busy as Lancelin or Cervantes, and the calm turquoise waters are great for families.
Main points:
- Jurien Bay Marine Park: Snorkeling and diving with sea lions.
- Lesueur National Park: A great place to see wildflowers in the fall (August to October).
Tip: Go on a sea lion tour (about $120 per person) for a unique wildlife experience.
Beach at Horrocks
- Where: Between Kalbarri and Geraldton.
- Why Visit: It’s a quiet coastal village that travelers often miss.
Things to do:
- Swim safely at the beach, fish, and watch the sunset from a popular jetty.
Best for: Quiet overnight stays or a lunch break away from the crowds on the main road.
Ningaloo Coast: Beaches That Aren’t Well-Known
Most tourists go to Turquoise Bay and the well-known snorkeling spots, but the Ningaloo Coast has some hidden gems that are worth looking for:
- Osprey Bay (Cape Range National Park): Great snorkeling right off the beach, and there are campsites available (book early through DBCA Parks).
- Lakeside Beach: This beach is quieter than Turquoise Bay, and there are coral and fish just a short swim away.
- Sandy Bay: A shallow lagoon that is great for families with kids.
Denham
- Where: South of Monkey Mia.
- Why Visit: This place is often overlooked, but it has great places to stay, eat by the water, and fewer people than Monkey Mia.
Things to do:
- Walks along the coast, calm waters, and the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre.
How to Find Hidden Spots and Detours
- Check the type of vehicle: Some hidden beaches and off-road paths need a 4WD. If you’re driving a sedan or campervan, stay on paved roads.
- Plan your fuel stops: There are fewer service stations on remote detours, so fill up in big towns like Geraldton, Carnarvon, and Exmouth.
- Time Management: Taking detours can add hours to your drive. If you want to stop off the road, give yourself at least one or two extra days.
- Respect Nature: Many detours go through areas that are easy to break. Stick to the paths that are marked and follow the “leave no trace” rules.
- Reservations: Campsites in national parks (like Cape Range and Francois Peron) are limited and should be made months in advance during the busiest times of the year.
Recommended Scenic Loop for Extra Time
If you have 7 to 10 days instead of 5 to 6, think about this longer route:
- Day 1: Perth to Lancelin to Pinnacles to Jurien Bay (overnight).
- Day 2: From Jurien Bay to Geraldton, then to Port Gregory (Hutt Lagoon), and finally to Kalbarri.
- Day 3: Kalbarri National Park (hikes and the Skywalk).
- Day 4: From Kalbarri to Monkey Mia to Denham.
- Day 5: Go to Shark Bay (Francois Peron National Park).
- Day 6: From Shark Bay to Carnarvon to Coral Bay.
- Day 7–8: Coral Bay to Exmouth (Cape Range NP, Turquoise Bay).
- Day 9–10 (Optional): Return to Exmouth via the inland highway or add Ningaloo detours to your trip.
Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Budget Breakdown
There are different ways to travel from Perth to Exmouth, from backpackers camping along the coast to families staying in resorts. Here is a realistic list of the main costs you should expect.
Gas and Fuel
- Distance: about 1,250 km one way (about 2,500 km round trip).
- Fuel Needed: A regular car will use about 100–120 liters of gas on a one-way trip.
- Average Fuel Cost (2025): About $2.10 to $2.40 per liter along the Coral Coast (prices will be higher in smaller towns).
- Estimated Total: About $500–600 in gas for a round trip in a mid-sized car.
The Best Places to Get Gas:
- Bigger towns like Perth, Geraldton, Carnarvon, and Exmouth have better prices.
- Kalbarri, Denham/Monkey Mia, and Coral Bay are smaller stops where you can get gas, but it’s more expensive.
Ways to Save on Gas:
- Instead of stopping at small roadhouses, fill up at bigger places like Geraldton and Carnarvon.
- Check live prices with apps like Fuel Map Australia or PetrolSpy.
- To save gas, keep a steady speed on the highway.
Place to Stay
There is a lot of variety in places to stay along the Coral Coast. You can stay in anything from cheap caravan parks to eco-resorts with views of Ningaloo Reef.
Prices on average (per night, 2025):
- Budget motels and hostels charge $90 to $130 for double rooms.
- Cabins and caravan parks cost between $30 and $50 per powered campsite and between $100 and $150 for basic cabins.
- Mid-range hotels cost between $150 and $250 in places like Geraldton and Kalbarri.
- Eco-resorts and luxury lodges cost $300 or more per night, like the Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef safari tents.
Breakdown by Town:
- Geraldton: There are chain motels, hostels for backpackers, and caravan parks. (about $100 to $200).
- Kalbarri: Riverside lodges and motels for families. (about $120 to $220).
- Monkey Mia/Shark Bay: The RAC Monkey Mia Resort is a mid-range to high-end place to stay. (about $150–250).
- Carnarvon: motels and caravan parks. (around $90–160).
- Coral Bay: Not many options, mostly caravan parks and small lodges. (about $120–250).
- Exmouth: A lot of caravan parks, motels, and eco-resorts. (~$130–400+).
Tip: To get a campsite in a national park (Cape Range, Francois Peron), book early through DBCA Parks & Wildlife.
Eating and Food
Snacks for the Road
- Get non-perishable foods like fruit, nuts, sandwiches, and muesli bars in Perth, Geraldton, or Carnarvon.
- A cooler box is helpful for keeping drinks cold for long periods of time.
Costs of Eating
- Breakfast costs $10 to $20 at local cafes.
- Lunch or dinner in small towns costs $20 to $35 for pub food, fish and chips, or road food.
Seafood Experiences:
- Geraldton: Live crayfish.
- Local seafood restaurants in Shark Bay and Monkey Mia.
- Exmouth and Coral Bay: Reef-to-plate dining, fresh prawns, and casual beachfront cafes (about $30–50 per meal).
Tip: To keep food costs down, try eating out and cooking your own meals on different days. There are often camp kitchens at caravan parks.
Park Fees and Things to Do
Fees to Get Into National Parks (2025)
- Kalbarri National Park: about $15 for each car.
- Shark Bay (Francois Peron NP): about $15 per car.
- Cape Range National Park, which is close to Exmouth, costs $15 per car.
- Another option is a WA Parks Pass, which costs $120 a year and lets you visit many parks.
Tours and Activities
- The Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience is included in the price of admission to the park.
- Glass-Bottom Boat or Snorkeling Tours (Coral Bay/Exmouth): About $80 to $120 per person.
- Swim with Whale Sharks (Exmouth, March–July): $450–550 per person.
- Tours of Humpback Whales (June to October): about $150 to $200 per person.
- Tours of Manta Rays (Coral Bay): about $180 to $220 per person.
- Scenic flights over Ningaloo Reef cost about $250 to $400 per person.
Suggested budgeting for things to do:
- Budget Traveler: Free walks and entrance fees to national parks (about $50–80 total).
- Mid-Range Traveler: A mix of paid tours and park entry (about $300–600).
- Luxury Traveler: Several tours, including swimming with whale sharks (about $1,000).
Estimated Total Cost (Per Person, 7-Day Trip)
- For a budget traveler: about $1,000 to $1,200
Camping and caravan parks, meals you make yourself, and few tours. - For mid-range travelers: about $1,800 to $2,500
A mix of hotels and caravan parks, eating out a few times, and going on one or two tours. - Comfort Traveler: $3,500 or more
Hotels or eco-resorts, guided tours, meals, and swimming with whale sharks.
Things You Should Know About Exmouth
The best part of the road trip from Perth to Exmouth is getting there. This little town on the coast is a good place to start your trip to Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. To get the most out of your stay, you should know the rules in the area, the best things to do, and how to enjoy wildlife in a responsible way.
Local Regulations
Rules for the Marine Park:
- The Ningaloo Reef is a protected marine park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many areas don’t allow fishing. Look at the DBCA Ningaloo Marine Park map to see where.
- Don’t touch or stand on coral reefs. You can only anchor in certain areas.
Safety for Animals:
- When snorkeling, stay away from dolphins, manta rays, and turtles.
- Whale shark and humpback whale tours are legal, but there are strict rules, such as not touching the animals and staying 3 to 4 meters away.
Permits for Camping:
- You need a permit to camp in Cape Range National Park and other parks in WA.
- Make a reservation ahead of time through the DBCA Parks & Wildlife Service.
- In the busiest season, popular campsites like Osprey Bay and Yardie Creek fill up months in advance.
The Best Things to Do in Exmouth
Snorkeling and Diving:
- Turquoise Bay (Cape Range NP): Known for drift snorkeling, where the current takes you over colorful coral gardens.
- Oyster Stacks: Snorkeling is best there when the tide is high.
- Exmouth Navy Pier: One of the best shore dives in the world (only with a guide, about $260 per person).
Cape Range National Park:
- Hike the Yardie Gorge Trail for views of red cliffs and the coast.
- Kayak through the mangroves and keep an eye out for rock wallabies.
- Entry to the park costs about $15 per car per day.
Tours of the Sea:
- Whale Shark Swim (Mar–Jul): A once-in-a-lifetime experience that costs about $450–550 per person.
- Humpback Whale Tours (June to October): Watch or swim with these giants for about $150 to $200.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: Great for families or people who don’t swim (~$90–120).
Things to Do in Town:
- Vlamingh Head Lighthouse: A beautiful place to watch the sunset with a view of the ocean.
- Exmouth Town Centre: There are cafes, shops, and the Ningaloo Centre, which is a museum and aquarium.
Meeting Animals in the Wild
Marine life in Exmouth and Ningaloo is known all over the world.
- Whale sharks can be seen from March to July. Exmouth is one of the best places in the world to swim with them.
- Humpback whales move along the coast from June to October.
- Manta Rays: All year in Coral Bay and Exmouth.
- Turtles: Green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles lay their eggs between November and March. The eggs hatch between January and April.
- Shark Bay (on the way): Monkey Mia is known for its dolphins, dugongs, and rays.
Pro Tips for the Road
- Don’t chase or touch marine life.
- To protect coral, use sunscreen that is safe for reefs.
- On tours, listen to what licensed guides say.
- Don’t feed wild animals because it changes how they act.
Helpful Tips for the Road
It is easy to drive from Perth to Exmouth, but there are long, isolated stretches where you need to be ready. These expert tips will help you stay safe and comfortable while driving.
Apps that are suggested:
- Use Maps.me or Google Maps offline to find your way when you don’t have a signal.
- WikiCamps Australia: A site that helps you find campsites and lets you read reviews from other users.
- Fuel Map Australia: Shows current fuel prices.
- Emergency+ App: Lets you call for help with GPS coordinates.
GPS in Faraway Places:
- There isn’t much mobile signal north of Geraldton. Telstra has the most coverage, but there will be some areas with no service.
- If you can, bring a separate GPS.
- Before leaving Perth or Geraldton, always download maps that can be used offline.
Staying Away from Traffic and Busy Times:
- Traffic in Perth can make you late, so try to leave in the middle of the morning.
- Kalbarri and Monkey Mia are busiest during school breaks, so make a reservation ahead of time.
- Whale shark season (March to July) is when Exmouth gets the most visitors.
Safety and Health
- Stay hydrated: Each person should have at least 10 liters of water on hand in case of an emergency.
- Protect yourself from the sun: UV levels in WA are very high, so wear hats, sunglasses, and SPF50 sunscreen.
Safety of the Vehicle:
- Have a spare tire and know how to change it.
- Carry a tire repair kit, jumper cables, and extra gas (a jerry can if you’re going somewhere remote).
- Get your car ready before you leave.
Getting Ready for an Emergency:
- Don’t drive at dawn or dusk to lower the chance of hitting an animal.
- Let someone know your plans before you go north.
- Roadside assistance (RAC WA) can help you feel better.
Going on a Trip with Kids or Pets
With Kids
Stops that are good for kids:
- Jurien Bay: Quiet waters and tours of sea lions.
- Monkey Mia: A program where you can interact with dolphins.
- Ningaloo Center (Exmouth): An aquarium and hands-on exhibits.
Learning Opportunities: Parks like Kalbarri and Shark Bay have ranger-led activities and talks about animals.
Stops that are good for pets:
- Some caravan parks in Geraldton, Carnarvon, and Exmouth welcome pets.
- Beaches: A lot of beaches in WA let dogs on them, but make sure to check the signs. Pets are not usually allowed in national parks like Cape Range, Kalbarri, and Francois Peron.
Tips for Traveling:
- Don’t ever leave pets in hot cars.
- Bring them extra water.
- Use booking sites that are pet-friendly, like BringFido, or look at caravan park listings.
Further Readings & Resources
Love Australian road trips? Here are a couple of in-depth guides:
Melbourne to Gold Coast: 7 Ultimate Melbourne to Gold Coast Road Trip Spots
Melbourne to Coober Pedy: 9 Sensational Melbourne to Coober Pedy Road Trip Stops
Sydney to Brisbane: The Ultimate Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip: Best Stops, Routes & Tips
Sydney to Gold Coast: 7 Beautiful Stops on Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip
Here’s some of our favourte Australian itineraries:
Airlie Beach: 3 Day Airlie Beach Itinerary | How to Spend 3 Days in Airlie Beach
Great Ocean Road: The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Itinerary for 2 Days
Yarra Valley: Yarra Valley 3 Day Itinerary : Ultimate Guide (+Map & Tips)
