Last Updated on 17 July 2025 by Ariana Svenson
There’s no better way to experience Western Australia than by hitting the open road.
A Perth to Exmouth road trip takes you through some of WA’s most breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you’ll discover the white sands of Coral Bay, the ancient gorges of Kalbarri, and the stunning Ningaloo Reef.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect Perth to Exmouth road trip, including must-see stops, essential travel tips, and a few local highlights.
I’ll be upfront to say that we’ve done separate road trips to Kalbarri, then another to Shark Bay, but after planning a road trip to Exmouth opted to fly due to my mother’s age and my son’s tolerance for road trips at that time.
That said, I’ve also headed south from Exmouth and at another time flew into Carnarvon and driven down to Geraldton. So while I’m digressing, the point is I’ve spent plenty of time covering the ground on this road trip.
If people ask me what is a ‘must do’ in Western Australia and they only have 10 days, then I unequivocally point them to this trip – it’s a taste of the outback, remote white sand beaches, an incredible fringing reef – and swimming with the whale sharks.
That’s a lot of experiences you can ONLY do on that trip. (My caveat to that recommendation is that I would not do it in summer… if you head to Perth in summer, head south, not north!)
Distance from Perth to Exmouth
The distance from Perth to Exmouth is approximately 1,270 km. Driving straight there will take you about 12-13 hours. I don’t recommend doing this all at once, especially if you have children or you want to enjoy the landscapes.
You’ll find Exmouth on the North West Cape, approximately 370km north of Carnarvon. Along the way, you’ll pass Geraldton (515km from Perth) and Kalbarri (570km north of Perth). You can even detour to do a Perth to Monkey Mia road trip (845km from Perth) and spend some time watching the dolphins.
How Many Days do You Need from Perth to Exmouth?
Since it takes about 2 days (or more) to drive from Perth to Exmouth with minimal stops, a whole Perth to Exmouth road trip itinerary makes sense. Breaking the drive to 7 days or more is preferable, but expect longer driving times and shorter stops.
There is so much to do and see along this route that a full 10 days is recommended. And if you have time to spare, you can spend 2 weeks doing this road trip. This will let you linger a little longer at each destination and even take a detour or two.
For each of the legs below, you’ll need to decide how long you want to spend there before continuing on.
The Best Time of Year to Drive from Perth to Exmouth
The best time to go is generally between April and October, but the Perth to Exmouth drive is doable year-round, although conditions may be more challenging at the height of summer when you won’t want to get out of the car due to the heat. The winter months, which are cooler, offer the most comfortable travel conditions, perfect for exploring the beaches and national parks of the stunning west coast. But, winter is not great for water sports or swimming.
March to May is a particularly standout season for Perth road trips, with warm but manageable temperatures and the strong summer winds beginning to ease off. Do mind the shorter daylight hours, however.
Meanwhile, June to August is great if you prefer cooler days and fewer crowds. Daytime temps sit in the low 20s in Exmouth. Rain is minimal.
For more info, read our guide to the best time to visit Western Australia.
Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Map + Main Stops
Your Ultimate Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary
Driving from Perth to Exmouth is the best way to do this trip. If you take a flight or skip the drive, you’ll miss all the incredible landscapes that make this route one of Australia’s great scenic drives.
This Perth to Exmouth itinerary mainly follows the Coral Coast Highway. It’s well-maintained and easy to navigate, with plenty of fuel stops and small towns along the way.
Here’s the general order of stops and what to expect on each leg of the journey. Depending on how much time you have, who you’re travelling with, and your interests, you can skip or add overnight stays to suit your pace.
Leg 1: Perth to Geraldton
The drive from Perth to Geraldton covers approximately 414 km and takes about 4.5 hours via State Route 60. The section from Perth to Cervantes covers the scenic Indian Ocean Drive and the Pinnacles.
Optional Stops: Yanchep, Lancelin & Wedge Island
If you have extra time, consider stopping at Yanchep National Park to see koalas and walk the bush trails (51 km from Perth), the sand dunes of Lancelin (125 km from Perth), or the remote beaches near Wedge Island (163 km from Perth).
Pinnacles Desert
Distance from Perth: 188km – 2 hours 3 minutes
Pinnacles Desert is within Nambung National Park, near the coastal town of Cervantes. Here, thousands of limestone spires rise from the sand, with some pinnacles standing just a few centimetres tall, while others tower several metres high.
You can explore the desert via a scenic drive loop or wander along the walking trail for a closer look. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical times to visit, when the shifting light casts long shadows and brings out the desert colours.
Don’t miss the Pinnacles Discovery Centre, which explains the science and Aboriginal significance behind the formations.
Cervantes
Distance from Perth: 197km – 2 hours 6 minutes
Cervantes was born out of the crayfishing industry in the 1960s; today, this community thrives on fresh rock lobster and easy access to some of WA’s most beautiful natural wonders.
While you’re here, stroll the white sandy shoreline or cast a line from Hangover Bay. Don’t miss Lake Thetis, home to ancient stromatolites (living fossils).
Where to Eat in Cervantes: Don’t Miss the Lobster Shack
Finish your day with fresh crayfish from one of the local seafood shacks while enjoying the coastal sunset. The Lobster Shack comes highly recommended!
You can even indulge in some stargazing, as Cervantes has earned recognition as an astrotourism destination.
The Pinnacles is also a great place for stargazing. Here are some top recommended tours:
Places to stay around the Pinnacles
RAC Cervantes Holiday Park: From studios to 3-bedroom villas, the Cervantes Holiday Park has a large outdoor pool and garden. There’s also a well-reviewed cafe on site, a camp kitchen and communal BBQs. It’s a great option for kids with a nature playground and a kids’ activity area. View prices and availability for your dates here.
Pinnacles Edge Resort: Opt for a studio or apartment (some with spa baths) featuring kitchenettes and enjoy the outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, bar and fitness centre. You’ll be just a 20-minute walk from Lake Thetis. View prices and availability for your dates here.
Jurien Bay: Starting Your Coral Coast Drive to Exmouth
Distance from Perth: 218km – 2 hours 19 minutes
Jurien Bay is a coastal town great for stretching your legs, grabbing a bite, or even taking a refreshing dip after a few hours of driving.
There are so many things to do in Jurien Bay. It’s the gateway to Jurien Bay Marine Park, home to the Jurien Bay Sea Lions – one of the world’s largest colonies of endangered Australian sea lions. Jurien Bay could also be considered as an overnight stop to split the drive.
If you have time, why not check out the nearby Lesueur National Park, about 30 minutes inland? It’s bursting with beautiful WA wildflowers in spring and home to over 900 species of flora, plus plenty of scenic walking trails.
You could also consider detouring north through Greenough, with its quirky leaning trees, or Dongara for its heritage charm and riverfront picnic spots. Both towns are just south of Geraldton.
Greenough is a must for those who love Australian history – my kids liked the feeling of stepping back in time, and we got some beautiful atmospheric photos as we wandered through the old village. There is also a Café on site should you need some refreshment.
Where to Stay in Jurien Bay
Jurien Bay Apartments: These self-contained apartments are ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a bit more space and comfort. You’ll find studios as well as 1- and 2-bedroom options, all featuring kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and spacious living areas. You’ll be just a short walk to the beach and jetty, and there’s an IGA and café strip around the corner. An excellent pick for a self-catering stay. View prices and availability for your dates here.
Jurien Bay Motel: A classic country pub-style stay right in the centre of town. The rooms are simple but clean and well-located, with the bonus of an on-site restaurant and bar. It’s just across the road from the foreshor,e too. View prices and availability for your dates here.
Geraldton
Distance from Perth: 414km – 4 hours 30 minutes
Geraldton’s foreshore is full of laid-back cafés and restaurants, perfect for getting a delicious seafood meal after a long drive.
The moving HMAS Sydney II Memorial, perched on Mount Scott, is a must-visit.
There’s also the Western Australian Museum, featuring exhibits of local heritage and art.
If you are a lobster lover, then doing a tour out to the Abrolhos Islands would be totally unique and memorable for life!
Where to Stay in Geraldton:
- Best Western The Gerald Hotel: A conveniently located 3* hotel in the centre of town, with spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar. View prices and availability for your dates here.
- Belair Gardens Motel & Apartments: A reliable mid-range option with garden-view rooms and 1-2 bedroom apartments (and even spa holiday units) with kitchenettes and on-site parking. You can also enjoy the outdoor pool and seafront location. There’s also a caravan park here. View prices and availability for your dates here.
- Sunset Beach Holiday Park: We stayed here and loved the location right on the beach. View prices and availability for your dates here.
Leg 2: Geraldton to Kalbarri
The drive from Geraldton to Kalbarri spans roughly 154 km and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it one of the shorter legs of the Perth to Exmouth road trip.
The main stop here is Hutt Lagoon, better known as the Pink Lake. Located just outside Port Gregory, Hutt Lagoon’s distinctive pink hues are caused by natural algae and are best viewed in the late morning or on sunny days.
If you’ve got extra time, consider a stop at Coronation Beach. It’s a quiet spot 32 km north of Geraldton, popular for picnicking and leisurely beach strolls.
For a more detailed breakdown of this leg, head over to our dedicated Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary.
Hutt Lagoon
Distance from Perth: 529km – 5 hours 33 minutes
The iconic Hutt Lagoon, located approximately 55 km south of Kalbarri, is a must-see highlight. This stunning salt lake is renowned for its surreal bubblegum pink, lilac, or raspberry-red hues, caused by the high salinity and the presence of pigment-rich algae and bacteria.
The colour shifts with the season, time of day, and lighting, so mid-morning and sunset are prime photo hours. For a truly unforgettable experience (and if you have time), consider taking a scenic flight from Geraldton to see the contrast of pink water against the Indian Ocean.
Kalbarri
Kalbarri sits where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean, and is the perfect place to slow down and take in the scenery. The distance from Perth to Kalbarri is 584 km, and the journey takes approximately 6 hours and 8 minutes.
With a range of accommodations, including holiday parks, seaside motels, and self-contained units, this town makes an excellent overnight stop for a trip from Kalbarri to Exmouth.
When the kids were small, we actually spent a whole week in Kalbarri, which we have documented in our guide to the best things to do in Kalbarri.
Not only is there the spectacular Skywalk, but some amazing coastal sites… and the main town has that great laid back vibe.
Where to Stay in Kalbarri:
- Kalbarri Edge Resort: A modern, centrally located hotel with studio rooms and apartments featuring kitchenettes, a pool, and an on-site restaurant. View prices and availability for your dates here.
- Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park: A top pick on the riverfront, a 4-minute walk from the town– modern cabins and villas, heated pool, playground, games room, studios, 1-2 bedroom villas and shady powered/unpowered sites. This is where we stayed and enjoyed the easy access to town. View prices and availability for your dates here.
- Tasman Holiday Parks Kalbarri: Right on the Murchison River and close to Chinaman’s Beach, this park offers deluxe cabins, camping spots, and easy access to town. View prices and availability for your dates here.
Other ideas for things to do in Kalbarri:
Leg 3: Kalbarri to Monkey Mia: Driving to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area
This leg covers approximately 400 km and takes around 4.5 to 5 hours. This Perth to Kalbarri drive takes you inland before joining the North West Coastal Highway, eventually turning west toward Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
If you’d prefer a more direct route without detouring to Shark Bay, this route can be substituted for Kalbarri to Canarvon. (but – you would be missing out, Shark Bay is awesome!)
Along the way, the Kalbarri National Park is an essential highlight if you didn’t have time to explore it earlier. It’s well worth allocating a few hours here before continuing north.
Make sure to stop in Denham, a quiet coastal town that serves as a gateway to Monkey Mia. From Denham, it’s a short 25-minute drive to Monkey Mia.
Kalbarri National Park
A visit to Kalbarri National Park is an absolute must while you’re in town. Just a short drive from the town centre, the park is home to Nature’s Window: a natural rock arch framing panoramic views of the Murchison River gorge.
Be sure to explore the Z-Bend Lookout or tackle one of the more adventurous hikes through the park. The Kalbarri Skywalk, perched high above the gorge, offers breathtaking views and a suspended platform that juts out over the landscape.
Those who love pics for the ‘gram won’t want to miss out on a family shot at Nature’s Window.
Stargazing is also popular in Kalbarri. Here are the top options:
Denham
Distance from Kalbarri: 374km – 3 hours 50 minutes
Denham is the main hub of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, about 850 km from Perth. The drive from Kalbarri to Denham is a very manageable 4 hours, with good stops along the way.
You can also explore Shell Beach, a white shoreline made entirely of tiny cockle shells, and Hamelin Pool, home to some of the world’s oldest and rarest life forms: living stromatolites.
Also easily accessible from the road, is Eagle Bluff lookout, where a short boardwalk offers great views of the turquoise waters and the rays, turtles, and sharks that often swim in it.
You could base yourself in Denham to explore these destinations (including Monkey Mia), or you could visit them as part of the next leg of your road trip – Monkey Mia to Carnarvon. There are also plenty of things to do in Denham itself.
Read our guide to the best Denham accommodation or decide whether Monkey Mia Vs Denham is best for you to base yourself in.
Monkey Mia
Distance from Kalbarri: 399km – 4 hours 2 minutes
Monkey Mia is best known for its population of wild bottlenose dolphins, which visit the shore most mornings to interact with park rangers and lucky visitors.
Beyond the dolphins, there are plenty of things to do in Monkey Mia. You’ll find waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. The area is also a fantastic launch point for wildlife cruises, where you can spot dugongs, turtles, rays, and seasonal humpback whales out on the bay.
Make sure you also read our guide to the best Monkey Mia accommodation for more in-depth info.
Francois Peron National Park
Distance from Denham: The Park entry station is 4km from Denham on the Monkey Mia road, just before the airport.
You might also consider a detour into the Francois Peron National Park, famous for its red cliffs, beautiful white sand beaches, and diverse marine life. Even if you only make it as far as the Peron Homestead, you can still enjoy the hot artesian spa and a short introduction to the area’s pastoral history. Here, you’ll find interpretive displays, old pastoral buildings, and a hot artesian spa.
After that point you will need a 4WD – and to be an experienced four wheel driver. But – you will be rewarded beyond description with red earth, white sands and turquoise water. It is a very popular spot for 4WD adventures, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Here, you have the chance to see everything from sharks and rays in the shallows to emus and goannas along the sandy tracks.
Francois Peron National Park is at least a full day trip, and can be done from a base in Denham or Monkey Mia.
Dolphins at Monkey Mia
Wild bottlenose dolphins have been visiting the shores of Monkey Mia for decades, creating one of the most reliable and respectful wildlife interactions in Australia.
Each morning, a small number of dolphins swim into the shallows to interact with Parks and Wildlife Service rangers, who supervise limited, educational feeding sessions.
It’s a unique chance to see these intelligent creatures up close in their natural habitat without the crowds or artificial enclosures.
Leg 4: Monkey Mia to Carnarvon
The drive from Monkey Mia to Carnarvon is roughly 350 km and takes about 3.5 hours.
You’ll begin your drive by retracing your steps out of the Shark Bay Peninsula, which means you have a second chance to visit Shell Beach, Hamelin Pool, or Eagle Bluff.
From there, continue north through open outback terrain toward Carnarvon, a regional hub known for its tropical fruit plantations and relaxed riverfront setting.
Eagle Bluff
Distance from Monkey Mia: 47.5km – 32 minutes
Eagle Bluff is an easy stop on your way between Denham and Carnarvon. A short detour off the main road brings you to a timber boardwalk perched above the waters, with views over the shallow seagrass beds and cliffs below.
From this vantage point, you can often spot turtles, rays, dugongs, and even sharks gliding through the clear water.
Shell Beach
Distance from Monkey Mia: 69.3km – 45 minutes
Shell Beach is a dazzling white beach made up entirely of billions of tiny cockle shells, stretching for over 60 kilometres and up to 10 metres deep in places. In fact, Shell Beach has often been hailed as one of the best beaches in Western Australia. There’s no sand here, just shells creating a crunch underfoot.
Keep in mind that there are no facilities on-site, so it’s best for a short stop.
Hamelin Pool
Distance from Monkey Mia: 153km – 1 hour 33 minutes
Hamelin Pool is one of those stops that might look unassuming at first glance, but it holds something truly incredible: living stromatolites.
These ancient, rock-like structures are some of the oldest life forms on Earth, and they’ve been growing here for thousands of years. You can view them up close from the wooden boardwalk (currently closed due to damage from Cyclone Seroja), which offers easy access and clear signage explaining exactly what you’re looking at.
Carnarvon
Carnarvon is set along the Gascoyne River, about 900 km north of Perth. It’s a great place to recharge before finishing your epic Perth to Exmouth road trip.
Known as Western Australia’s tropical fruit bowl, Carnarvon is famous for its fresh produce, especially bananas and mangoes.
If you drive between May and October, you can explore the Carnarvon Fruit Loop Trail, which takes you past roadside stalls, plantations, and local producers offering everything from smoothies to dried fruit.
Where to stay in Canarvon:
- Hospitality Carnarvon: A reliable Best Western offering clean, comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a large outdoor pool. View prices and availability for your dates here.
- Carnarvon Motel: Clean, well‑reviewed motel offering family suites, a pool with a waterslide, playground and even a games room. View prices and availability for your dates here.
- Carnarvon Caravan Park: Shady powered sites, ensuite chalets, backpacker rooms and motel-style units; pet‑friendly section and pool. View prices and availability for your dates here.
- Discovery Parks Carnarvon: Cabins, powered campersites, playground, pool, camp kitchen and pet‑friendly. View prices and availability for your dates here.
Leg 5: Carnarvon to Exmouth via Coral Bay
Carnarvon to Exmouth is your final leg, covering 363 km in 3 hours and 45 minutes. While you could power through in one go, it’s well worth taking a break to visit Coral Bay.
Once you’re back on the road, the drive to Exmouth takes you through remote, open landscapes before arriving at the gateway to Cape Range National Park, where you can explore sights such as Charles Knife Canyon (though most of the Cape Range National Park is accessible once you pass through Exmouth.
It’s also the gateway to the northern end of the Ningaloo Coast.
You will know you are close to Exmouth when you pass the airport at Learmonth.
Coral Bay
Distance from Carnarvon: 237km – 2 hours 29 minutes
Coral Bay is one of those places that feels like it was made for a stopover from Perth to Ningaloo Reef. Tucked into a small, sheltered bay around 237 km north of Carnarvon, this coastal village sits right on the doorstep of the Ningaloo Reef.
There are numerous tours available, including glass-bottom boat trips, manta ray swims, and seasonal adventures such as whale shark encounters and humpback whale tours. (though there are better and more varied options from Exmouth itself)/
Whether you stop for a few hours or stay a day, it’s one of the most memorable ways to experience Ningaloo Reef. Make sure you double-check the seasons for each encounter..
Exmouth
Exmouth is a fantastic destination to end your road trip. There are so many things to do in Exmouth, from exploring Exmouth town to visiting the stunning beaches in Exmouth (from Town beach to those further afield like Turquoise Bay).
There are also ample day trip opportunities to see some of the most stunning landscapes in WA, which would keep you occupied for weeks, from swimming with Whale Sharks in Ningaloo to hiking in the spectacular Cape Range National Park.
Make sure you read our guide to the best Exmouth accommodation to find the perfect base.
Other Ways to Get to Exmouth, Western Australia
If a road trip isn’t on your Exmouth itinerary, there are still several ways to get to Exmouth. Here’s a quick look at the alternative travel options to help you plan your journey north.
Flights from Perth Airport to Exmouth
Qantas, Network Aviation, and Air New Zealand operate regular direct flights from Perth Airport (PER) to Learmonth Airport (LEA), located about 37 km south of Exmouth. The flight takes about two hours. You could always consider flying one way and seeing all the highlights on a road trip the other way.
Public Transport from Perth to Exmouth
Integrity Coach Lines offers a coach service between Perth and Exmouth three times a week. The journey takes approximately 18 hours and costs around A$190–$270 for a single ticket.
Coaches depart from Perth’s Wellington Street and arrive at the Exmouth Visitor Centre.
Can you catch a train from Perth to Exmouth?
Currently, there is no direct train service from Perth to Exmouth.
Final Words
A road trip from Perth to Exmouth is more than just a journey; it’s one of Western Australia’s most scenic travel experiences, and high on my suggestions for first time visitors to Western Australia. From the dunes of Lancelin and the stunning rock formations of the Pinnacles Desert to the reefs of Ningaloo, every leg of the trip offers something unique, and you’ll tick plenty of amazing destinations off your Western Australia bucket list.
While it’s possible to make the trip quickly, taking your time is the best way to fully appreciate everything this coastline has to offer. However you choose to make your way north (by car, coach, or plane), Exmouth from Perth is a trip worth taking.
If you’re trying to find the best WA road trip, make sure you read our other road trip guides to decide which is best for you:
Safe travels!
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