In partnership with Tourism Western Australia
With landscapes unlike anywhere else, Western Australia is an incredible road trip destination that feels worlds away but is only 4.5 hours by plane.
Traffic? Never heard of it. The wide wilderness of Western Australia means there’s plenty to explore without a crowd. Get ready for a 15-day road trip filled with views not found anywhere else, ancient history, cultural delights and friendly locals (sapiens and marsupials alike).
Days 1-4: Perth to Margaret River
Start your trip by venturing to an enchanting region where eucalypt forests, wildflower fields and coastal trails await. From Perth (Boorloo), stop in Busselton (Undalup) and take a train ride along its two-kilometre pier, the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere. Then, peek at the coral-encrusted reef at the Underwater Observatory, or for the explorative, join a guided snorkel or dive beneath the waves at Busselton’s unique Underwater Sculptures.
Make your home base in Margaret River, a charming town filled with art galleries, restaurants and cafes all set among towering karri trees. Surrounding Margaret River are over 150 vineyards and 100 cellar doors, where you’ll find your next favourite bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or the region’s specialty Chardonnay.
Image credits: (1, 2, 3) Tourism Western Australia
From Margaret River, day trip to Yallingup for a glimpse of Western Australia’s laidback surf culture and watch as two oceans collide with spectacular sea views from Cape Leeuwin. Whale migration season, from May to December, is one of the best places to watch humpback, southern right and even blue whales they cruise along the Indian Ocean.
Days 4-7: Margaret River to Lancelin
Trees cede to sand dunes when you drive north from Margaret River to Lancelin (Wangaree). Stop in Fremantle (Walyalup), the Western Australian cultural capital, to browse for souvenirs at the Fremantle Markets, wander through historical buildings and sip locally crafted beer from Little Creatures Brewery. There are plenty of cultural events to enjoy year-round too!
Swap four wheels for two and ferry to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), where you’ll enjoy cycling around the car-free island. Western Australia is one of the few places where you can capture a selfie with a quokka, the world’s friendliest marsupial. The snorkelling, swimming and hiking opportunities on Rottnest Island are unforgettable, and you might contemplate missing your ferry ride back to the mainland…
Image credits: (1, 2, 3) Tourism Western Australia
Back in Perth, drive to Lancelin, a small fishing town filled with ethereal sand dunes. Go sand boarding, quad bike riding, and stick around to see the sand dunes turn a rosy shade of pink during an iconic Western Australian sunset.
Days 7-10: Lancelin to Kalbarri
Once you leave Lancelin, it feels like you’ve left planet earth. Along the otherworldly stretch of road to Kalbarri (Wurdimarlu), you’ll notice stars shining brighter and natural wonders taking on a hue that don’t exist elsewhere. In Nambung National Park, ancient limestone Pinnacles make you believe you’re on Mars.
About a half-hour away from the Pinnacles, go on a snorkelling trip and spot Australian sea lions in the seaside town of Jurien Bay, or drive around the biodiversity hotspot of Lesueur National Park; from July to November, it’s a wildflower wonderland.
On the way to Kalbarri, make sure to drive along the Hutt Lagoon, a pink-tinged lake thanks to its high salinity. The best time to see it is in the early morning or sunset, when the colour is ultra-saturated.
Image credits: (1, 2, 3) Tourism Western Australia
End this part of your Western Australia road trip in Kalbarri, a vibrant small town that’ll entice you to linger a few extra days if you have them. The seaside cliffs make for prime whale watching, and it’s wondrous to trek through the rugged gorges of Kalbarri National Park.
Days 10-12: Kalbarri to Carnarvon
Feel the freedom of entering Western Australia’s adventure playground from Kalbarri to Carnarvon. Drive between two large bays to Monkey Mia, where wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins cruise close to the shore for a daily snack.
Snorkel and search for dugongs, reef sharks, sea turtles, rays and other unique marine life taking refuge in Shark Bay (Gathaagudu Gutharraguda), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re up for seeing these creatures from above, glide over the calm waters on a kayak or standup paddle board.
Image credits: (1, 2, 3) Tourism Western Australia
Three hours north of Monkey Mia is Carnarvon, a famously friendly town at the mouth of the Gascoyne River. Pay a visit to Gwoonwardu Mia, an Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre that often hosts interactive art displays, astronomy exhibits and Yarning Circles, where participants share stories from the world’s oldest living culture. This area produces most of Western Australia’s fruit and vegetables – visiting the farmer’s markets are a must.
Days 12-15: Carnarvon to Exmouth
North of Carnarvon, get ready for the dreamscape known as the Ningaloo Coast (Nyinggulu), named after the Ningaloo Reef (the largest fringing reef in the world). Put on your mask and go for a snorkel at Coral Bay for a glimpse at rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, hundreds of reef fish and colourful corals.
North of Coral Bay, wander through the surreal landscapes of Cape Range National Park. The 50,000-hectacre park is a haven for wildlife like kangaroos, emus, wallabies, and birds. Walk along Yardie Creek Trail in search of animals and soak up the sun on the shores of Turquoise Bay.
Image credits: (1, 2, 3) Tourism Western Australia
End your road trip in Exmouth (Warnangoora). This town is one of the few places where you can swim alongside the sea’s most gentle giant, the whale shark. These constellation-studded creatures migrate along Exmouth from March until August, and coming eye to eye with one is bound to be a sight you’ll never forget. For more ocean-themed adventures, learn about a sea turtle’s journey at the Jurabi Turtle Centre (the region is a breeding ground for multiple species of sea turtles), go on a whale watching cruise, or swim straight out from the Exmouth shoreline.
Discover more things to see and do in Western Australia at WesternAustralia.com.
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