14 Day WA Coral Coast

Red dust, white sands and cerulean-blue waters

Every kilometre you cover is a new adventure on your trip from Perth to Ningaloo Reef 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 ocean-side escapes like Coral Bay.

Bring along your best mates or better halves and begin your journey on the Indian Ocean Drive. Follow the roads 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.

Itinerary

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–Cervantes (198 km, 2 h 12 min)

Day 2: Cervantes–Kalbarri (377 km, 4 h 9 min)

Day 3: Kalbarri

Day 4: Kalbarri–Coral Bay (673 km, 6 h 45 min)

Day 5: Coral Bay

Day 6: Coral Bay–Ningaloo (81 km, 1 h 20 min)

Day 7: Ningaloo

Day 8: Ningaloo–Carnarvon (292 km, 3 h 27 min)

Day 9: Carnarvon

Day 10: Carnarvon–Monkey Mia (349 km, 3 h 28 min)

Day 11: Monkey Mia

Day 12: Monkey Mia–Geraldton (433 km, 4 h 28 min)

Day 13: Geraldton

Day 14: Geraldton–Perth (419 km, 4 h 23 min)

Open

Highlights

Natural wonders

Everywhere you go, you’ll see vibrant wildflowers framing the roads that lead to many of Western Australia’s awe-inspiring landscapes and ancient sites. First, you’ll visit the ancient Pinnacles near Cervantes—best seen at sunrise or sunset. As you visit Kalbarri National Park, it’s worth taking a few small detours to see rock formations that have stood the test of time on the Mushroom Rock Walk, Island Rock and Natural Bridge.

Dive 'n snorkel

This is the ultimate trip to dive, fish and snorkel your way from Perth to the world’s largest fringing coral reef—Ningaloo. Jump in the water and see a world of colour and life at Kangaroo Point in Cervantes or gaze through a glass-bottom boat in Coral Bay. All lovers of the sea and marine life will have Ningaloo Marine Park at the top of their list. Its blue waters are positively teeming with fish, turtles, humpback whales and whale sharks.

Feed the dolphins

The wild bottlenose dolphins of Monkey Mia visit the shore every day to say hello and feed on fish. This rare experience is perfect for kids and adults of all ages. To catch the first feed of the day, try to arrive before 7.30am. Located within the striking Shark Bay region, Monkey Mia is also home to rolling red dunes that open up to crystal-blue shores. You might also encounter the local birdlife, including emus and pelicans.

Feasts for the eyes

If gourmet dining is on your agenda, you can’t go past Carnarvon. Though the town is surrounded by arid land, it’s the thriving garden bed of Western Australia—complete with a budding foodie scene, grower’s markets and fresh seafood. On your return journey south, stop at Geraldton for a sunset walk along Foreshore Drive followed by an evening of sipping cocktails and tasting rock lobsters by the marina.