Discover Australia’s Coral Coast on a 6-day road trip

There’s no place better for a road trip than Australia. There's the Great Ocean Road, the world's largest war memorial, and the beloved coastal drive from Sydney to Brisbane. Beautiful landscapes and views for miles make for an unforgettable experience when you explore Australia by car! Not to be confused with our road trip to the Great Barrier Reef, this adventure through Western Australia covers more than 1,200 km of coastline from Perth to Exmouth.

From surfing to sand boarding, walking to whale watching, and every outdoor activity in between, it's a natural playground. You will see native Australian wildlife and migrating marine mammals as you tour the Coral Coast Highway. The Indian Ocean coastline runs from Perth to the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef at Exmouth, and the turquoise waters will be beckoning you to take a dip. There’ll be plenty of time to explore the very best of Western Australia’s coast when you book your transfers with Daytrip!

Australia’s Coral Coast itinerary

Day 1: Perth to Cervantes

Perth, Australia’s sunniest capital, is both wild and cosmopolitan. If you’re feeling urban, walk among the vibrant street art on Wolf Lane or sip a coffee or cocktail at one of the city’s many cafes and bars. Want to feed your wild side? Chill with quokkas on Rottnest Island or take a whale-watching cruise. Once you’re done, set out from Perth to Cervantes to discover the beauty of the Coral Coast.

Nambung National Park

Nambung National Park is like something from another planet or, at the very least, a sci-fi movie set. Thousands of massive limestone pillars rise from the yellow sands of the Pinnacles Desert and make for an out-of-this-world 2-hour visit.

Lancelin

It’s no secret that Australia is known for its surf, but things are done a bit differently at Lancelin. At Australia's largest sand dunes, you surf, sled, or slide! On your 90-minute visit, it’s up to you how to ride - and if you need to cool off, there are real waves, too.

Arrival in Cervantes

Aerial view of Cervantes coastline with turquoise waters and sandy beaches — Cervantes is a coastal town known for its stunning beaches and fresh rock lobster

At the beginning of the Coral Coast and just off the Indian Ocean Drive route sits Cervantes, the gateway to Western Australia's Pinnacles Desert. The water here is bright blue and crystal clear and teeming with marine life. It’s a popular spot for swimmers, snorkelers, and those looking to do a little cray fishing. If you prefer to stay above the water, take a boat trip, or enjoy the soft, white sand, ideal for relaxing in the hot Australian sun.

Pop into one of the cafes and bars surrounding the coastal areas that serve up top-notch local seafood. Western Rock Lobster is a must-eat while you’re here, and family-run Lobster Shack can’t be beaten. Take a factory tour before dinner for a first-hand look at the region’s multi-million dollar lobster industry! Lake Thetis is a must-see, where 3,000-year-old thrombolites provide insights into what life was like at the dawn of time.

Book a ride from Perth to Cervantes

Day 2: Cervantes to Geraldton

Once you’ve soaked up the Cervantes sun, you’ll be on your way to small but cosmopolitan Geraldton for a coastal city escape.

Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is a sea-lovers paradise with amazing beaches and bright blue crystal clear waters. The bay is sheltered by a string of islands, so the waves are calm, making for good swimming conditions. On your 1-hour visit, you might even spot one of the rarest sea lions in the world lounging on the sandy shore.

Illegal Tender Rum

Australia has a rich rum history, and the sweet spirit was once even used as currency in the early colony. Visit the Illegal Tender Rum Co. for a simple tasting session or a guided tour of the facility. You’ll not only enjoy its award-winning spirits but also learn about its history and production.

Arrival in Geraldton

Aerial view of Geraldton coastline with stunning pink salt lake and turquoise ocean waters — Geraldton is known for its coastal beauty and proximity to the famous Pink Lake, a stunning natural phenomenon

The Coral Coast shoreline is the key feature of Geraldton, with its pristine beaches, turquoise ocean, and endless watersports on offer. Make the most of Australia’s Indian Ocean with a boat trip out to the Abrolhos Islands. This group of 122 islands is surrounded by stunning coral reefs and picturesque scenery. The environment is packed with biodiversity, and it’s a diver’s paradise and a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Back on the mainland, go to the Chapman Valley for some great biking trails or visit Ellendale Pool, a naturally formed water hole surrounded by gum trees and a rocky gorge. Spend sunset at Point Moore Lighthouse to see the sky change the most magical colors! The candy-cane lighthouse is a great place for a photo opportunity. Famous for its wildflowers, while in Geraldton, see the bright and beautiful colors that explode throughout the region as wildflowers burst into bloom. Try the Chapman River Regional Park or the Mills Point Lookout for some of the best viewing spots!

Book a ride from Cervantes to Geraldton

Day 3: Geraldton to Kalbarri

It’s now time to head from flowery Geraldton to Kalbarri. Lovers of the great outdoors will thrive there, and we’ll take you to some great places along the way.

Hutt Lagoon

Imagine a pool of water bursting with shades of bright bubblegum pink or lightly shimmering with a lilac hue. You’re picturing Hutt Lagoon! This surreal salt lake changes color throughout the day and is best enjoyed as the sun begins to set. Expect pink, purple, and red shades as the sun slowly goes down. What you see all depends on when you make your 90-minute stop!

Nature’s Window

Formed from layers of Tumblagooda Sandstone, this bright red arch is one of Australia’s most iconic rock formations. The views are insta-worthy and worth the trip in themselves! If you want a little adventure, hit one of the hiking trails - though you might want to extend your visit past 75 minutes.

Arrival in Kalbarri

Scenic view of the Murchison River winding through the rugged landscape of Kalbarri National Park under bright blue sky — The Murchison River has carved deep gorges in Kalbarri National Park over 400 million years

Kalbarri is known for its soaring coastal cliffs, and it sits within more than 180,000 hectares of spectacular national park. The dramatic cliffs at Island Rock have great views, and you might even spot whales. Adrenaline junkies love Kalbarri as hiking, canyoning, rock climbing, and abseiling opportunities are plenty, thanks to the incredible rugged landscape. Go to the Murchison River to kayak and to the nearby beaches to enjoy the sun, swimming, and surf. Between June and November you can witness humpback whales in migration from the soft, sandy shore!

Book a ride from Geraldton to Kalbarri

Day 4: Kalbarri to Monkey Mia

After a wild time in Kalbarri, you’ll be ready to slip back to serenity, and there’s no better place for this than Monkey Mia. This popular tourist destination in the Shark Bay World Heritage area is a picturesque oceanside paradise waiting to welcome you!

Z Bend

Take in dramatic views of the Murchison River Gorge from this natural lookout point. Your 2.5-hour visit gives you plenty of time to follow the trail to the river for a close-up look at the water below and even take a dip if you feel like it.

Arrival in Monkey Mia

A dolphin being hand-fed a fish at Monkey Mia, a famous wildlife attraction in Western Australia — Monkey Mia is famous for its wild dolphins that swim up close to interact with visitors

Monkey Mia is most famous for its wild dolphin experience. We understand that the name doesn’t exactly give that away! “Monkey” actually references the name of a ship that visited the area in the late 19th century, whilst “Mia” is an aboriginal term for home or shelter. For more than fifty years, the resident bottlenose dolphins have been coming to shore daily to meet visitors. We’d highly recommend booking a dolphin experience to get up close and personal with these magical creatures and even partake in their daily feeding if you are lucky. There are also sharks, rays, turtles, and a variety of fish in the water, and it’s fascinating to see marine life in the clean, clear ocean.

Book a ride from Kalbarri to Monkey Mia

Day 5: Monkey Mia to Carnarvon

Now you’ve done some monkeying around in Shark Bay, head from Monkey Mia to Carnarvon, Western Australia’s fresh food capital!

Shell Beach

Shell Beach is a 43-mile white-as-snow beach made up entirely of billions of tiny cockle shells. Take an hour to enjoy this childhood fantasy and a float in the hypersaline water of the UNESCO-listed Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

Arrival in Carnarvon

Sunset view of Carnarvon, Western Australia, with coastal homes, marina, and a long bridge across the bay — Carnarvon is famed for its fresh produce and as the gateway to Ningaloo Reef and the Gascoyne wilderness

You’ve arrived in the “Food Bowl of Western Australia”! Carnarvon produces 80% of Western Australia’s fruit and vegetable crops and most of the state's delicious seafood. Crab, prawns, scallops, and various fish come straight from Carnarvon, so it’s safe to say you’ll be eating well during your time there. Carnarvon is nestled between two World Heritage areas – Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef - and sits at the mouth of the Gascoyne River.

In the town, there are several points of interest, including the Heritage Precinct for history buffs, the Railway Station Museum for train lovers and for extraterrestrial enthusiasts, and the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. The main street has boutiques and cafes and features wall murals by talented local artists. The Fascine, a picturesque bay, and Carnarvon’s central waterway is the ideal place to sit and watch the water sparkle as the sun slowly sets.

Book a ride from Monkey Mia to Carnarvon

Day 6: Carnarvon to Exmouth

Once you’re full of fresh produce and fresher seafood, drive north from Carnarvon to Exmouth. This town on the tip of the North West Cape has some of the best snorkeling and diving in Australia!

Coral Bay

With one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world, Coral Bay is a marine paradise with near year-round perfect beach weather. The huge reef and crystal-clear water make for great snorkeling opportunities. During your two-hour visit, you could swim with manta rays, whale sharks, and even humpback whales if you’re there at the right time! If you prefer to stay dry, take a tour on a glass-bottomed boat to see some spectacular underwater scenery, including whale sharks and giant marine turtles!

Arrival in Exmouth

Aerial view of Exmouth’s coastline, with turquoise waters and a road cutting through the arid landscape — Exmouth is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef and a top spot for swimming with whale sharks

Home to the world’s largest fringing reef and some of the clearest waters on earth, Exmouth is seaside heaven. The UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef is the largest fringe reef in the country and the largest reef that's near land. This means that you can snorkel it right from the beach! Below the waves, you'll find hundreds of species of colorful corals and flamboyant fish. And most famously, you can swim with whale sharks from March through June. Then there are dolphins, manta rays, and humpback whales that migrate through in the winter.

If you don't feel like getting your feet wet, hop on a glass-bottom boat tour to see some of the 500 species of fish that live in the reef. And if you like turtles, don't miss Exmouth's Jurabi Turtle Centre. You can learn about the four species that call WA home, and from December through March, join a guided tour to look for female turtles coming to lay their eggs or hatchlings making their way back to the sea.

Book a ride from Carnarvon to Exmouth

Ready to tour Australia’s Coral Coast?

Ready to swim with the fishes, and maybe eat them too? Here are the links to each leg of our trip up Australia’s Coral Coast. If you ever need any help, just contact Daytrip customer service - we’re cooler than an esky.