Ready for an adventure? Our three-week road trip, starting in Perth and ending in Exmouth, took us on an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
From the pristine beaches of Cape Le Grand to the rugged coastlines of Kalbarri National Park, we experienced the stunning beauty of Western Australia firsthand. We hiked through towering gorges, snorkeled with marine life, swam with sea creatures, and discovered the most beautiful places along the way.
In this blog article, I'll take you through our itinerary, starting in the vibrant city of Perth, doing the southern loop and then all the way up north towards the rugged landscapes of Exmouth. Whether you're looking to plan a similar journey or just seeking inspiration, I hope to inspire you to hit the road and discover the natural wonders and cultural richness of Western Australia.
Pick up your van in Perth. We rented our van at Britz, close to the airport. As always, I recommend using an Airalo eSIM to stay connected and share your adventures during your trip. Simply download the Airalo App, select the country and choose your data package. After activating the eSIM you're good to go, no physical SIM card change, no struggle (and more importantly - easy to top up, if you're running out of data). After leaving Perth, it's time to head south towards Busselton. The highlight of this town is its jetty, which is the longest in the southern hemisphere, stretching for almost 2 kilometers out to sea. Take a stroll along the jetty, visit the underwater observatory, and admire the crystal-clear waters below.
From there, it's just a short drive to Dunsborough, where you can visit Meelup Beach, Cape Naturalist Lighthouse, and Sugar Loaf Rock for a stunning sunset.
For your first night on the road, I recommend staying at Dunsborough Lakes Holiday Resort, where you can rest up and prepare for the adventures to come.
Start your day with a visit to Injidup Natural Spa, where you can take a refreshing morning swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. After that, it's time to hit the road and head to Margaret River, where you can park your van at your preferred campground (I recommend Olive Hill Farm for fully self-contained vehicles or alternatively Conto Campground or Prevelly Caravan Park).
Once you're settled in, it's time to explore the Margaret River wine region. Take a highly recommended wine tour or visit your preferred wineries on your own – if you're not into group tours we highly recommend visiting Voyager Estate and Leeuwin Estate for their picturesque settings and delicious wines. When the day is done, head back to your campground for a good night's rest.
If you're visiting on a Saturday, start your day with a visit to one of Margaret River's farmers' markets for breakfast. After that, head to Hamelin Bay to see the stingrays – it's best to arrive around 9 or 10 in the morning for the best chance of spotting them.
Next up is Jewel Cave, a stunning natural wonder that's definitely worth a visit. Take a cave tour to see the cave's impressive stalactites and stalagmites up close. From there, make a lunch and swim stop in Pemberton before driving on to William Bay National Park. This park is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Western Australia, including Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.
For an optional additional day, I recommend sleeping close to William Bay National Park at Boat Harbour Camp and taking a beach day off at Greens Pool before driving to Shelley Beach. Alternatively, you can drive directly to Shelley Beach and sleep at Shelley Beach Carpark in West Cape Howe National Park for just $15 per vehicle.
Starting at Shelley Beach, make your way to Torndirrup National Park, just a 50-minute drive away. Here, marvel at the rugged coastline and witness the power of nature at work with the Gap, Natural Bridge, and Blowholes. Take a walk along the trails and breathe in the fresh ocean air, feeling the invigorating mist of the Blowholes on your skin.
Next, head over to Albany, a 20-minute drive from the national park, and bask in the sun at Middleton Beach. Take a leisurely drive along Marine Drive, soaking up the panoramic views of the coastline, and stop for some fresh seafood at one of the local eateries.
After lunch, make your way to Bremer Bay, a two-hour drive from Albany, for an unforgettable orca whale watching tour. Get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures and be sure to stop by Orca Café for a delicious hot beverage.
For your overnight stay, book a spot at Tozers Bush Camp, located near Bremer Bay, and marvel at the incredible night sky.
On day five, hit the road for a full day of driving as you make your way from Bremer Bay to Esperance, a five-and-a-half-hour journey. Don't worry; you'll have plenty of time to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat on the way. If you're tired of camp kitchens I recommend a nice dinner at the Loose Goose restaurant.
Settle in for the night at Pink Lake Tourist Park in Esperance.
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at Cloud Eleven before embarking on a breathtaking journey along the Great Ocean Drive route loop. This scenic drive takes you to some of the most beautiful beaches and lookouts in Western Australia, including West Beach, Salmon Beach, Twilight Beach, Blue Haven Beach, Observatory Point Lookout, Ten Mile Lagoon, Eleven Mile Beach, the Lucky Bay Brewing Company and the Pink Lake look out. But be aware, the Pink Lake isn't pink anymore. Consider taking a helicopter flight to Lake Hillier, if you want to see a very pink lake!
Make your way to Cape Le Grand National Park, where you can hike up Frenchmans Peak for a stunning panoramic view of the park. Don't forget to stop by Hellfire Bay and soak up the sun on the pristine white sand beach.
For the ultimate Western Australia road trip experience, park your van directly at the beach at Lucky Bay, where you'll be greeted by friendly kangaroos. This was our favorite stop of the whole trip, and we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot at Lucky Bay Campground.
On day seven, set off from Esperance on a four-hour drive to Hyden, where you'll find one of Western Australia's most famous landmarks, Wave Rock. This stunning rock formation, towering over 14 meters high and 110 meters long, is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Be sure to bring a fly net if you have one, as flies can be quite persistent in the area. The entrance fee to the Wave Rock reserve is $12 per vehicle.
After admiring the beauty of Wave Rock, check into Wave Rock Caravan Park in Hyden for a good night's rest. This cozy and peaceful accommodation is the perfect place to recharge your batteries for the next stretch of your journey.
On day eight, it's time to bid farewell to Hyden and make your way back to Perth, the vibrant capital city of Western Australia. As you drive along the picturesque countryside, you'll pass through charming towns and villages, each with its unique character and charm.
Once you reach Perth, indulge in some of the city's best cuisine at Simple Italian, a popular restaurant serving authentic Italian pizza and cocktails. If you're in the mood for something else, Perth has a vast array of dining options to suit every taste and budget.
After a long day of driving and feasting, settle in for the night at your chosen accommodation in Perth. Advent Park is an option comparably close to the city.
On day 9, it's time to explore the charming port city of Fremantle. Start your day at the Fremantle Market, a bustling hub of activity where you can sample a wide variety of delicious food from local vendors. From fresh seafood to artisanal baked goods, there's something for everyone here.
Afterward, make your way to the Omeo Wreck dive trail, a unique snorkeling adventure that takes you through the historic shipwreck of the Omeo. Along the way, you'll encounter a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs.
Next, visit the Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Western Australia and the convict era. Take a guided tour of the prison's tunnel system, a must-see attraction for adventure seekers and very recommended (advance booking required).
On day ten, take a break from the road and spend the day exploring the picturesque Rottnest Island, just a short ferry ride from Perth. We recommend booking at least one night (if you have more time, two nights are recommended) at Discovery Rottnest Island in a glamping tent, where you can relax and unwind in the tranquil natural surroundings.
Book the fast ferry with included bike rental and cycle around the island, taking in the stunning views and getting up close with the island's cutest inhabitant: the quokka! Be sure to bring your snorkels and fins for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters and some exploration of the colorful reefs around the island.
On day 11, take the ferry back to Perth and head up north to Yanchep National Park, a nature lover's paradise just 45 minutes away. Walk along the Koala Boardwalk and admire these adorable creatures in their natural habitat, or explore the crystal cave and marvel at the stunning rock formations.
Next, make your way to Lancelin, a charming coastal town that's home to one of Western Australia's most iconic landmarks, the sand dunes. Take a thrilling ride down the dunes on a sandboard or quad bike, or simply admire the stunning views.
From Lancelin, drive another hour to reach the Pinnacles Desert, a mesmerizing natural wonder that's best visited during cooler weather. Marvel at Spend the night at Nambung Station, a working cattle farm that offers cozy and comfortable accommodation, and enjoy the cute animals and incredible night sky.
On the next day, start with a refreshing dip at the secluded and beautiful Hangover Bay. Next, head to Cervantes, a charming coastal town known for its delicious seafood, especially the famous rock lobster. Treat yourself to a mouth-watering lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants in town.
After lunch, visit Lake Thetis to witness a stunning sunset over the tranquil waters. The lake is home to unique marine life, including stromatolites, one of the oldest life forms on Earth.
For your overnight stay, we recommend RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, where you can relax and unwind after a day of adventure.
On day 13, start your day with an extraordinary experience by swimming with the friendly and playful sea lions in Jurien Bay. Next, visit the stunning Ellendale Pool, where you can cliff jump and enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Drive to the unique Leaning Tree, an iconic photo spot where you can capture a memorable photo with a tree that appears to be leaning due to the strong coastal winds. From there, make your way to the HMAS Sydney War Memorial and Sunset Beach in Geraldton before continuing on to the stunning Hutt Lagoon, where you spend the night at Linga Longa Lynton Station, a cozy and peaceful accommodation option that offers a unique and authentic outback experience.
On day 14, start your day by admiring the breathtaking views of the Hutt Lagoon, a stunning pink lake that's sure to leave you in awe, best seen between 10 am and 2 pm. From there, make your way to Kalbarri, where you can explore the iconic Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock, Natures Window, and Hawks Head. Don't forget to take a walk on the Kalbarri Skywalk, which offers stunning views of the Murchison River Gorge.
Take a refreshing swim at Pot Alley, or snorkel at Blue Holes, a must-see destination for any avid snorkeler. End the day by watching the sunset at Island Rock or Natural Bridge, where the orange and red hues of the sky meet the clear turquoise waters.
For your overnight stay, we recommend the Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park, a comfortable and convenient option that's close to all the action.
On day 15 of your Western Australia road trip, make your way to Hamelin Pool, where you can witness the unique and ancient stromatolites, one of the oldest life forms on Earth. These structures have remained virtually unchanged for billions of years and are a must-see for anyone interested in natural history.
Next, visit the stunning Shell Beach, a unique beach made entirely of shells, and take in the beauty of your surroundings while floating in the hypersaline ocean. Finish your day by settling in at the Denham Seaside Caravan Park, a comfortable and convenient option with a beautiful view that's perfect for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing stay.
On day 16, start your day by exploring the stunning Francois National Park, where you can either visit the Little Lagoon with your own van and admire the whole park's with an exciting 4WD tour. From there, make your way to the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, where you can witness the playful and friendly dolphins up close. The dolphin interaction experience in the morning is a must-see for anyone interested in marine life, and it's only $15 per adult.
On day 17, wake up early to witness the playful dolphins at their best around 7 am. Afterward, book a self-guided kayak tour to explore the clear waters and spot sharks and stingrays in their natural habitat at your own pace. Take in the stunning coastal scenery and relax in the peaceful surroundings of Monkey Mia.
Stay another night at the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort before making your way up further north.
On day 18 of your Western Australia road trip, visit the Ocean Park Aquarium, a must-see destination for any marine life enthusiast. Take a guided tour by marine biologists including an exciting shark feeding and learn about the fascinating marine life that calls this region home. The tours run from 9 am to 3 pm, and they're highly recommended for anyone interested in marine biology.
Afterward, make your way to Coral Bay, a charming coastal town that's perfect for unwinding and enjoying the stunning natural surroundings. Spend the night at Ningaloo Coral Bay, a comfortable and convenient accommodation option that's close to all the action.
Begin your day by exploring the mesmerizing turquoise waters and abundant marine life of Coral Bay. Snorkeling at Ningaloo Reef is a must-see experience, where you can swim with graceful manta rays, curious turtles, and schools of colorful fish. Then, make your way to Exmouth, a charming coastal town surrounded by ruggedly beautiful landscapes. For the ultimate adventure spend a day out on the water and experience the thrill of swimming alongside whale sharks on a Whale Shark Safari. If that's not for you, relax at one of the stunning beaches or take a hike to explore the unique flora and fauna of the region. For your overnight stay, I recommend the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
On day 20, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Exmouth. Visit the stunning Exmouth Beach and Turquoise Bay to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and pristine sands. Take in the breathtaking views from the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse or take a hike through the unique and stunning landscapes of Yardie Creek. You might even spot some kangaroos or other wildlife along the way! In the evening, relax and reflect on your journey at the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park.
As your Western Australia road trip comes to a close, it's time to return the van and head to the airport for your flight home. As you look back on the incredible experiences and natural wonders of the past three weeks, take a moment to appreciate the rich culture and history of Western Australia. I hope this itinerary has inspired you to explore the unique and breathtaking natural landscapes, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Until next time, farewell Western Australia!
