Last Updated on 26 June 2024 by Ariana Svenson
A Perth to Kalbarri road trip is one of the most iconic in Western Australia! With plenty of white sand, turquoise waters and also out of this world scenic spots like the Pinnacles and then Natures Window at your destination. Let’s not forget the hot pink Lake Gregory! With this Kalbarri itinerary we give you some ideas of the major stops to make along the Perth to Kalbarri drive. Buckle up and prepare yourself for one of WA’s most sensational road trips.
By the way, if you are looking for more travel inspiration and places to stay with your family, check out the best station stays in Western Australia and thrilling weekend getaways in Perth.
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What is the Perth to Kalbarri Distance?
If you were to jump in your car and drive the distance Perth to Kalbarri its 575 km if you take the most direct route straight up the Brand Highway. That’s about its 6 hours driving. So, if you leave a 9am you’ll arrive in Kalbarri by 4pm, if you allow for an hour’s break for lunch in Jurien Bay or Geraldton.
We were traveling with small children and find it best if they have frequent and regular breaks. Plus, we wanted to explore the different attractions along the way. We visited the Pinnacles, and then stayed overnight in Geraldton and continued to Kalbarri the next day. On the return trip we broke the journey with a couple hours exploration at Greenough before arriving in Perth late in the day.
How to Travel from Perth to Kalbarri
The best way to travel from Perth to Kalbarri, and the way we recommend, is a self-drive road trip. It is the most practical way and allows you to travel at your pace, and stop at the attractions of your choice along the way.
Obviously, this means you will need a care. If you are not a Western Australia native or need a car hire we recommend checking Discover Cars. The route can be isolated at times, so you want to make sure you have a reliable car to get you from place to place.
There are a number of great options for care rentals. However, we find it always pays to use a comparison site to work out which is your best option. We use Discover Cars to do our comparison searching and find the best deal.
You could also do this route by bus. Keep in mind it would take a number of days if traveling by bus and making stops at all the must-see sites along the way from Perth to Kalbarri.
Major Stops on the Perth to Kalbarri Drive
In order for you to plan your own Perth to Kalbarri road trip we have given you some of the major places to stop along the route. It’s totally up to you how you structure your trip, and it will depend on how long you have available!
Lancelin & Lancelin Sand Dunes
A short drive north of Perth is one of Perth’s favourite playgrounds at Lancelin. Now that you can go zooming down the Sand Dunes it looks as if it’s on everybody’s Western Australian bucket list! Check out our guide on things to do in Lancelin for more details.
1.5 hours north of Perth.
The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park
They are quite out of this world and definitely worth a stop to explore! There is an interesting Discovery Centre on site, and you can either drive or walk around the strangely shaped Pinnacles.
Perth to the Pinnacles / Nambung National Park via the coast road is 2 hours 15 minutes.
The Pinnacles are 1 hour north of Lancelin.
Lake Thetis
Lake Thetis is a saline coastal lake that is just east of the small town of Cervantes in the Mid-West and is famous for some fascinating and ancient structures called stromatolites.
An easy 1.5 kilometre trail around the shores of the lake Thetis is a chance to learn about these communities and the interesting environment that supports them. The first 300 metres of an accessible boardwalk passes the best examples of stromatolites in the lake.
Lake Thetis is 25 minutes/ 22km north of the Pinnacles
Cervantes
The most famous spot in Cervantes is the Lobster Shack which takes on near mythical proportions for those who like to eat seafood.
Cervantes is a beautiful place to spend the night if you were going slow either North to Kalbarri or on the return Kalbarri – Perth Leg. With white sandy beaches and turquoise waters full of beautiful marine life, makes Cervantes the perfect escape for anybody and everybody. The Lobster Shack offers a Sea Lion Tour will take you to the islands around Cervantes to get up close with the local sea lions.
Perth to Cervantes is 2hrs 15 minutes if you don’t make any stops.
Jurien Bay
Famous for its clean shimmering turquoise beaches, Jurien Bay is similar to Cervantes. Enjoy sunset on the beach with some fish and chips, watching the sunset. That’s right, if you decided to have a leisurely day travelling from Perth with stops at The Pinnacles, Lake Thetis and a late lunch at the Lobster Shack, Jurien Bay would make a great overnight stop. For more information, check out Fun Things to do in Jurien Bay WA.
Perth to Jurien Bay 2 hr 30 minvia the Coast Road (without any stops)
Is Jurien Bay Worth Visiting?
Jurien Bay is a wonderful spot for those who enjoy fishing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling and swimming. If you can, go on a day trip to Essex Rocks. It is a marine wildlife sanctuary that is home to a colony of sea lions. The pictures of people swimming with them have started to feature frequently on Instagram!
Another place to go on a day trip is Boullanger Island (1-6m deep); just one kilometre offshore from Island Point at the southern end of Jurien Bay. It affords some great diving and sheltered anchorages. The island’s western side is a seagrass meadow and is a great spot for family groups to go snorkeling.
If you want to explore the Jurien Bay Marine Park without actually going on a boat several bommies can be found just 20m from the Jurien Bay Town Beach in about eight metres of water. There is a snorkel trail for youngsters and the area makes a good night dive. Ask at the Visitor Centre for exact location and directions.
Stockyard Gully Caves
If you want to make a detour from Jurien Bay on the way to Geraldton, the Stockyard Gully Caves are worth a look. They are 4wD only, so this is not for everyone. It is well combined with a trip to Mt Lesueur, especially in wildflower season.
The Stockyard Gully Caves are one of Western Australia’s best kept secrets. The main cave has a sandy bottom and is some 300m long. There are two shorter caves that are accessible for the more adventurous before reaching the final cave. Keep in mind the final cave has no exit.
Greenough
Greenough settlement’s historical buildings are mostly built of local limestone and date to the second half of the 19th century. You truly feel like you have stepped back in time as you wander around this s a charming country settlement with restored heritage buildings, iconic leaning trees and the beautiful Greenough River.
Keep your eye out for the trees. They are the only ones on the windswept Greenough Flats that the tree develops its distinctive leaning shape.
Greenough is about 2 hours north of Jurien Bay depend which route you take. If you take the Indian Ocean drive the whole way it will be about 2 hours 15 minutes. However, if you take a combination of the Ocean Drive and the Brand Highway, it will be slightly less than 2 hours.
Greenough is 24 km south of Geraldton on the Brand Highway
Things to do in Geraldton
A city of around 35,000 people, Geraldton is famous as having a lot of wind, as well as a busy port. It is great for paragliders and is known as the windsurfing capital of Australia. This is because of its consistent winds particularly at Coronation Beach, 30 kilometres north of Geraldton – reputedly one of the world’s best three beaches for the sport. You learn something every day!
Perth to Geraldton 4 hr 25 min –about the same via the Brand Highway which is slightly quicker than the Coastal Route.
After a morning at Geraldton visiting the HMAS Sydney II Memorial Geraldton and Old Geraldton Gaol Museum we headed onwards to Kalbarri – next time we would definitely allow time for a visit to the Abrolhos Islands.
HMAS Sydney II Memorial Geraldton
This Memorial, located at Mt Scott in the center of Geraldton came as a complete surprise. It commemorates the loss of HMAS Sydney II, the greatest single tragedy in Australian Naval History, and is dedicated to the lost crew and their families.
While the significance of the memorial was lost on the kids, there is a stunning dome on seven pillars representing the seven states and territories of Australia. The dome is made up of silver gulls that form a canopy, which are really gorgeous. Also a bronze figure of a woman waiting for the return of her loved-one, stands at the memorial. With good views of Geraldton and the Port, and space to run, this was a nice place to visit.
Old Geraldton Gaol Museum
We had an interesting (though brief) visit to the Old Geraldton Gaol Museum. Though the gaol cells were a little small and scary for our little girl. However, the craft center contained within the complex was a real hit. They had a lot of beautifully done (and affordably priced) crafts from talented local people, including a range of doll clothes to fit a Baby Bjorn doll.
Abrolhos Islands
From Geraldton you might want to consider a side trip for the Abrolhos Islands. They can be accessed by ferry, flight or charter boat. The Islands and their surrounding reef communities are a meeting place for tropical and temperate sea life, forming one of the State’s unique marine areas. It’s a spectacular place to go diving, fishing or snorkeling and if you’re into photography you will have a blast! Depending on the amount of time you have there are two hour, half day, and full day options to either fly over, or take a boat. For those who are seriously about going slow, the bees’ knees would be a 3-9 day charter.
Geraldton to Kalbarri
Congratulations, if you have made it to Geraldton you are well and truly into your Kalbarri road trip. Actually the distance from Geraldton to Kalbarri is just 1 hr 46 min (155.9 km) so if you were in a hurry you could be in Kalbarri by lunch.
Pink Lake at Port Gregory (also known as Pink Lake Kalbarri)
On your way to (or from) Kalbarri turn off the main road to Port Gregory to check out the Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon) at Port Gregory which has to be another of the most Insta – famous spots in the region. The hot fuchsia pink is caused by a carotenoid-producing algae. It’s best viewed from Port Gregory Road around midday, on a clear day. Be warned – the colour of the lake changes depending on both the time of day and season. We went on a cool cloudy day, and I will be honest the lake was pretty grey.
Hutt River Province
After the continued onto the pink lake at Port Gregory, and then left Australia (yes, that’s right!) to enter the Principality of Hutt River. The story of Hutt River Province is a curious one. It is the story of a farmer named Leonard Casley who was outraged with what he considered draconian taxes. He found a loophole in the Australian constitution and in 1970 created his own principality at the Hutt River Province – a micronation within Australia.
Casley became Prince Leonard, who ruled alongside his wife Princess Shirley. While this is a tourist attraction, it is also a moving story of fighting for what you believe in. I was pleased to read, that after our visit in April 2016, the Principality of Hutt River finally received an official nod from Australia’s head of state.
*Important update ** In August 2020, the Principality was formally dissolved, amidst disputes with the Australian Taxation Office demanding the Principality pay millions in unpaid taxes across its 50-year history, and the land was sold.
Your Destination: Kalbarri
Congratulations – you have now arrived in Kalbarri! Whether you covered the Perth to Kalbarri distance in one day, two days or even more, you will have a sense of the amazing diversity of Western Australia and its outta this world beauty! For Kalbarri we have two extremely detailed posts that help you to plan your time in this beachside town.
Awesome Things to do in Kalbarri for Families
A Guide to the Spectacular Natures Window and Kalbarri Skywalk
The Return Trip – Kalbarri to Perth
We have provided enough information here for you to work out a great Kalbarri to Perth itinerary on return. Missed the Pink Lake on the way up? Then drop in there – we found that time at Greenough Village worked for us on the return trip to Perth.
Heading Further North from Kalbarri?
Kalbarri to Monkey Mia
4 hr 4 min (398.8 km)
Monkey Mia is at the end of a peninsula. You might be wondering if it is better to stay in Monkey Mia, or Denham? Denham was once a pearling port, and now is home to about 1000 people and the central town of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. It has, in general, more affordable accommodation than Monkey Mia and better phone reception!
Denham has restaurants, good swimming beaches and offers easy access to Francois Peron National Park. It is 20 minutes’ drive across to Monkey Mia to see the dolphins.
We have got Peron Homestead on our bucket list – for the adventure and to take a soak in the hot tub, fed with natural artesian water.
En route from Kalbarri to Monkey Mia stop at the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites (similar to the ones seen at Lake Thetis down the coast) and Shell Beach – a 120km stretch of beach made entirely of millions of tiny shells. You can get stunning ocean views from the stop at Eagle Bluff.
Kalbarri to Coral Bay
6 hr 45 min (672.8 km)
Some recommended stops along the way are
- Wooramel Riverside Retreat
- Carnarvon Cactus Garden
- Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum
- Quobba Blowholes
The Verdict – Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip Stops and Itinerary
We hope we have achieved two things with this post! Firstly to convince you to take your time to enjoy the Perth to Kalbarri drive, and to plan some stops along the way. There is so much to do and see; this truly has to be one of the best short road trips in Western Australia. Secondly, we hope we have provided you with the information you need to plan that trip so that the driving legs work well for you. Not only on the way from Perth to Kalbarri, but the return trip from Kalbarri to Perth. In our opinion, planning stops both ways is the best way to fit in all there is to see and do!
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