Western Australia | Coral Coast Highway - Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary

Red dust, white sands and cerulean-blue waters Every kilometre you cover is a new adventure on your trip from Perth to Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth and back again.

Let your curiosity take the lead and come face-to-face with Western Australia’s breathtakingly diverse landscape. This is a trip with special experiences for everyone. In just 14 days, you’ll see it all—from the rugged, red outback to the wonders of Kalbarri National Park and seaside escapes like Coral Bay.

Begin your journey on the Indian Ocean Drive. Follow the road north for whale watching on the cliffs of Kalbarri, and onwards to the crystalline waters of Ningaloo Reef where you can swim with the gentle whale sharks. And when you need to refuel between stops, you’ll find all of the fresh seafood, produce and delicious baked goods your heart could desire along the way.

Explore Western Australia’s greatest natural treasures and authentic communities. No two days are the same as you travel up the Coral Coast. Follow your nose from town to town, sampling culture, cuisine and natural wonders everywhere you go.

Day 1: Perth to Cervantes

Distance: 213km

Travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Pick up your Apollo vehicle and hit the road. The first stop on your great Coral Coast road trip is the Pinnacles, found just south of Cervantes. Formed from a deposit of sea shells, some 30,000 years ago, the Pinnacles are a natural limestone structure and a must do on any Coral Coast road trip. 

Image: Mark Stevens and Jess Kearney

Day 2: Cervantes to Kalbarri

Distance: 377km

Travel time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Continue north today in the direction of Kalbarri. This town of less than 2000 people is the gateway to the incredible Kalbarri National Park and its natural formations and outdoor activities attract tourists from across the world. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 3: Kalbarri National Park

Today is yours to explore at Kalbarri National Park! Reaching over 186,000 hectares spend your day exploring one of the most spectacular national parks in Australia. From the Nature's Window, to the Loop Walk and the Kalbarri Skywalk, prepared to be awe-struck as you wander through this national park, 400 million years in the making. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 4: Kalbarri to Coral Bay

Distance: 673km

Travel time: 6 hours 45 minutes

Say goodbye to the vibrant red dirt and hello to the squeaky white sand of Coral Bay. After almost 7 hours driving today, take in one of Western Australia's amazing sunsets from the beach.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 5: Coral Bay

If you can draw yourself away from the pristine sand of Coral Bay, spend today exploring the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef. This particular area of Western Australia is famous for mantra ray sightings all year round and many tour operators enable you to snorkel alongside them. 

Image: Flynn Graham

Day 6: Coral Bay to Exmouth

Distance: 152km

Travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Exmouth and Turquoise Bay await you today. With pristine white sand and pinch-me-is-this-real blue water, you'll truly believe you've found paradise as you explore the Western Australian coast. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 7: Exmouth

Every year between March and July, whale sharks visit the beautiful waters surrounding Exmouth. Swimming with the world's largest fish is a must do activity in the region and there are many tour operators offering this experience. Only 1 in every 3 million people will ever swim with a whale shark - will you be one of the few?

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 8: Exmouth to Carnarvon

Distance: 364km

Travel time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Today we turn our Apollo vehicle around and begin to head south again. After 4 hours on the road you'll arrive at Carnarvon, a great place to relax and recharge. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 9: Carnarvon

Spend your day exploring Carnarvon. 80% of the state's fruit and vegetable crops are produced here so it's no surprise that you can drive 'The Fruit Loop' trail around some of the region's plantations and roadside market stalls. Finish your day by driving the 75km out of town to witness the spectacular Quobba Blowholes, it truly is a sight to be behold. 

Day 10: Carnarvon to Monkey Mia

Distance: 352km

Travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes

After relaxing in Carnarvon head south to Monkey Mia. This area is world famous thanks to a few friendly local dolphins. Sleep tight, tomorrow you'll get to experience this all for yourself. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 11: Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia has been the wild dolphin hangout by choice for well over 40 years. Each morning at 745am you can meet the ranger in front of the visitor centre and follow them down to the beach to experience yourself. The dolphins will hang out in the shallow water to approximately midday. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 12: Monkey Mia to Geraldton

Distance: 433 km

Travel time: 4 hours 30 minutes

After you've 'aww-ed' to your hearts content over the Monkey Mia dolphins, continue on your journey to Geraldton, 4.5 hours south. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 13: Geraldton

Spend the day exploring Geraldton. We recommend a trip to the red and white Point Moore Lighthouse or get your art fix at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, found in the centre of Geraldton. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 14: Geraldton­ to Perth

Distance: 416km

Travel time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Say goodbye to Geraldton as you head back towards Perth. If you have longer to spend in the city, we recommend visiting Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the Instagram famous Blue Boathouse or make the quick trip across to the beautiful Rottnest Island. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia