Looking for escape and wide-open spaces? The Perth to Exmouth road trip is a must-do adventure for nature and freedom lovers. When spending time in Perth, it’s almost unthinkable not to venture along this iconic route. It’s the perfect opportunity to leave the city bustle behind and immerse yourself in wild, unspoiled Australia. From red earth to turquoise waters and unforgettable encounters, get ready for a truly memorable experience.
How Much Time Should You Plan for a Perth to Exmouth Road Trip?
To fully enjoy this road trip, it’s recommended to plan at least 10 days for the round trip from Perth. This allows you to see the essentials without rushing, though distances are still significant, and some stops deserve more time.
Ideally, a 15-day trip is perfect to avoid spending too much time on the road and to truly savor each destination. This also gives you the chance to take detours, relax on beaches, go diving or snorkeling, and fully experience Australia’s natural beauty.
Best Time to Go on a Perth to Exmouth Road Trip
The best period for this road trip along Western Australia’s coast is from April to November. Temperatures are pleasant, and popular sites are relatively quiet. This is also the ideal time to spot whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, from April to July. You can also see humpback whales between June and November.
Avoid July and August, which is peak tourist season. Campgrounds and accommodations are often fully booked, and prices can rise. If you travel during this period, make sure to reserve your spots in advance to avoid surprises!
How to Organize Your Perth to Exmouth Road Trip
The easiest way to explore Western Australia’s coastline is with your own vehicle, ideally a 4×4. Some areas, including sand dunes or certain national parks like Francois Peron, are only accessible with a well-equipped off-road vehicle. If you want to explore these remote spots and enjoy the wild landscapes, a 4×4 is highly recommended.
If you don’t own a vehicle, many rental companies offer vans and 4x4s specially equipped for this type of road trip. Popular options include Travellers Autobarn, Vanz Travel, Britz, Apollo, and Wicked Campers. These companies offer a range of vehicles, from standard vans to fully equipped 4x4s with roof-top tents, perfect for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Whatever option you choose, book in advance, especially during peak season, and carefully check rental conditions(included mileage, insurance, off-road permissions, etc.).
What to See Along the Way on a Perth to Exmouth Road Trip
1. Pinnacles Desert
Located in Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is a fascinating geological site. It features thousands of limestone formations rising from golden sand, some reaching several meters high. These pillars formed about 25,000 to 30,000 years ago from compacted seashells. With its almost lunar landscape, the desert provides a spectacular backdrop. Sunrise and sunset enhance the contrast between the sand and the rocks. You can explore the site by car via a looped track or on foot for a full immersion in this unique environment.
2. Lancelin and Wedge Island
Lancelin is one of the best spots on the West Australian coast for having fun on white sand dunes. Whether you enjoy sandboarding, thrilling 4×4 rides, or simply breathtaking landscapes, this little paradise does not disappoint. The dunes are easily accessible and offer a unique panorama, especially at sunset.
A bit further north, Wedge Island is a wild and secluded destination. It is famous for its beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters. Accessible only by 4×4 along a sandy track, it’s the perfect spot for a swim away from the crowds. You can also try a surfing session if the waves are good. This island, bordered by the Indian Ocean, is a true playground for adventure lovers and those who appreciate untouched nature.
We loved spending the night at Wanagarren Campground, a spot set in untouched nature that offers a unique seaside experience. This rustic campground, with its 14 well-spaced sites, guarantees peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle of typical campgrounds.
Access is via Grey, along a sandy track, making it only reachable by 4WD. It’s best to be well-prepared, as getting stuck in the sand along the way is not uncommon! But once you arrive, the scenery is absolutely worth it: an incredible ocean view, a peaceful atmosphere, and the chance to have a campfire (season permitting), which adds even more charm to the place.
For $10 per adult and $5 per child, it’s an ideal stop for wild camping enthusiasts, offering a true immersion in the raw beauty of Western Australia’s coast.
3. Jurien Bay: Snorkeling and Sea Lion Encounters
Jurien Bay is a perfect stop for a refreshing swim or a snorkeling session in crystal-clear waters. But what truly makes this place special are its sea lions, which can be observed on boat tours. These adorable, curious, and playful creatures often swim around visitors, providing a memorable experience in their natural habitat.
4. Geraldton: Last Major Town Before the Outback
Geraldton is a good logistical stop before entering more remote areas. Take the time to explore its beaches, harbor, or simply restock supplies and fuel. As you head further north, large supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles become scarce. From there, you’ll mostly find IGA stores and roadhouses, which offer basic products at often higher prices.
5. Shark Bay and Denham: A Wild and Pristine Stop
François Peron National Park is a must-see in the region, known for its turquoise waters, spectacular landscapes, and a true sense of isolation. Camping at Shark Bay is a significant detour, but if you can spend at least two nights, it’s absolutely worth it.
The terrain is sandy and only accessible by 4WD, which extends travel times but allows you to discover incredible spots like:
- Little Lagoon, perfect for a relaxing swim.
- Big Lagoon, offering a stunning elevated viewpoint and the chance to camp on-site.
- Cape Peron, located at the northern tip of the park. We chose not to go after a long day on the road, but for the more adventurous, it’s an exceptional location.
If you want to see dolphins, Monkey Mia is one of Australia’s most famous sites. We decided to skip it, but the beach is beautiful, and canoeing or paddleboarding are great alternatives to explore the area.
On the way back, don’t miss Shell Beach, a beach made entirely of millions of shells, creating a truly unique landscape. Finally, taking a coffee break by the sea in Denham before hitting the road again is a perfect way to wrap up this stage of the trip.
6. Red Bluff: A Wild Spot Between Ocean and Desert
Red Bluff is a true gem for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. This remote camping site offers spectacular ocean views, with a wild beach where you can easily spend hours just watching the horizon.
It’s also a well-known surf spot, especially for its powerful left-hand wave, which works perfectly when conditions are right. But even without a surfboard, the peaceful atmosphere makes it well worth the detour.
⚠️ Challenging access: Reaching Red Bluff can be difficult. The road is long, rough, and sometimes sandy, requiring a well-equipped 4×4. This significantly increases travel time, so it’s best to plan several days on-site to fully enjoy the area without rushing.
7. Coral Bay: The Jewel of Ningaloo Reef
Coral Bay is a true little paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, where you have to travel several kilometers by boat to reach the reefs, here, the Ningaloo Reef is accessible directly from the beach.
The water is crystal clear, and you can easily swim alongside a multitude of tropical fish, manta rays, and even whale sharks, depending on the season.
Beyond snorkeling, Coral Bay is also a perfect spot for a simple swim, a boat excursion, or paddleboarding. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the setting is idyllic, making it an essential stop on your road trip between Perth and Exmouth.
8. Carnarvon: A Pleasant Stop Along the Way
Carnarvon is often a passing town for those traveling along Western Australia’s coast. However, it’s worth stopping, even if just for a night. We especially enjoyed strolling along the jetty at sunset. It was a peaceful moment with beautiful views of the ocean.
It’s also a good stop for resupplying. You’ll find supermarkets and gas stations before tackling the long roads north. For those looking to enjoy a nice evening, Carnarvon has a few local bars and restaurants, where you can have a drink and grab a bite in a relaxed atmosphere.
9. Exmouth and Cape Range National Park: The Gateway to Ningaloo
Exmouth is the perfect entry point to explore Cape Range National Park and the famous Ningaloo Reef. This small, peaceful village has a few cafés and local shops, ideal for strolling around after a long drive.
The conditions around Exmouth attract surfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. Its crystal-clear waters offer some of Australia’s best diving and snorkeling spots. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ningaloo Reef is home to exceptional marine life: colorful fish, turtles, sharks, manta rays, and depending on the season, humpback whales and whale sharks. An unforgettable experience for all lovers of underwater life!
Things to Do in Exmouth
- Explore Exmouth Village: This coastal village offers a pleasant setting for a stroll. You’ll find small cafés and local shops, perfect for a relaxing break after a day of exploration.
- Surfing and kitesurfing: Water sports enthusiasts will find their paradise in Exmouth, which offers excellent surf spotsand ideal conditions for kitesurfing. The wild and windy coastline makes it a perfect playground for lovers of these activities.
- Diving and snorkeling on Ningaloo Reef: Exmouth is a prime access point to explore Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Several dive centers offer excursions to see turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and depending on the season, the majestic whale sharks.
- Charles Knife Canyon at sunrise: For an unforgettable experience, go for a sunrise hike at Charles Knife Canyon. The changing colors on the cliffs, combined with the spectacular views of the outback and the ocean, make it well worth the visit.
- Vlamingh Head Lighthouse: Perched on a hill, this historic lighthouse offers stunning coastal views. It’s one of the best spots to watch a magical sunset and to spot whales during the season.
Discover Cape Range National Park: a must-see on a Perth to Exmouth road trip
Cape Range National Park is a must-visit stop in Exmouth. This wild park, nestled between the sea and the desert, offers spectacular landscapes and pristine nature, perfect for exploration and adventure.
Snorkeling and Diving: the Best Spots
The park is home to some of Australia’s best snorkeling and diving sites. Among the most popular:
- Turquoise Bay Drift: one of the top spots, where the current gently carries you over the reef.
- Oyster Stacks: accessible at high tide, famous for its vibrant corals and colorful fish.
- Lakeside: perfect for spotting turtles and other marine life in a peaceful setting.
- Osprey Bay: a stunning location, ideal for combining snorkeling with camping.
Camping in Cape Range National Park
Spending one or more nights in the park allows you to be fully immersed in nature and make the most of your visit. There are several official campsites, often located by the sea, at around $15 per adult per night.
💡 Things to know:
- There is an entrance fee of $17 to access the national park.
- Campsites only provide toilets, with no water or electricity, so come prepared.
- Mobile coverage is almost nonexistent, guaranteeing a true escape from everyday life!
My favorite beach during our Perth to Exmouth road trip
While Turquoise Bay is very popular, I truly fell in love with Sandy Beach. Quieter and just as beautiful, it’s the perfect spot to relax by the water without the crowds. The water is crystal clear and the sand is incredibly soft. The atmosphere is ideal for a peaceful break after a day of exploring.
Exploring Cape Range by 4×4 and on Foot
Cape Range National Park is full of spectacular landscapes, some of which are only accessible by 4×4. For hiking and adventure enthusiasts, several spots are definitely worth visiting:
Yardie Creek: an adventure between land and sea
This impressive canyon, where a river flows into the ocean, is a must-see in the park. Accessible only by 4×4, it offers several possibilities:
- Hiking: the Yardie Creek Gorge trail follows the river and provides stunning views of the red cliffs. An easy and accessible walk.
- Kayaking or paddleboarding: exploring the river is a great way to admire local wildlife and enjoy the peacefulness of the canyon.
- Picnic break: a perfect spot for a stop before continuing your journey.
Mandu Mandu Gorge: a wild hike
For a more challenging experience, the Mandu Mandu Gorge hike offers a demanding trail with impressive views of the valley and surrounding bush. It’s an ideal path to fully immerse yourself in the park’s raw nature.
Whether by 4×4, on foot, or on the water, Cape Range is a paradise for adventure lovers and fans of breathtaking landscapes!
My Thoughts on the Perth to Exmouth Road Trip
This road trip is a wonderful immersion into the vastness of Western Australia’s coastline. The long roads flanked by wild landscapes, the feeling of sometimes being alone in the world, and the succession of stunning beaches make it a truly unique adventure.
The isolation of some stops requires a bit of planning, but it’s also what makes the experience so special. Waking up facing the ocean, driving for hours without seeing another soul, and exploring pristine spots gives a real sense of freedom.
If you enjoy self-guided travel and wide-open spaces, this is an adventure worth experiencing at least once. And if this journey inspires you, check out our Portugal-Spain road trip to continue exploring new horizons and enjoying more unforgettable getaways.
Manon – Trip Completed in November 2024
