Perth to Exmouth Road Trip: Basics, Itinerary, Tips

Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Overview 

With 91% of Western Australia's population living in the South West, the journey north is quieter, and the cities are farther apart. Sometimes, you can drive for hours without passing a town of over a few hundred people, with endless plains on the horizon.

The journey from Perth to Exmouth has become one of the oldest road trips in Western Australia. There are many coastal towns, beautiful beaches and fantastic experiences such as swimming with manta rays and whale sharks and driving through Australia's version of the Grand Canyon.

Most of the regional attractions on this route are sleepy towns, far less busy than the Gold Coast or Byron on the East Coast, where residents live a simple life.  

Best Time to Drive from Perth to Exmouth

Travel from Perth to Exmouth is best in April and October. Even in Western Australia's winter, it's warmer and less windy than summer, making it perfect for snorkelling, hiking and walking. April to August is also the time for whale shark watching.  

If you plan a Perth to Exmouth road trip between April and the end of October, we recommend booking your accommodation in advance. Everything from condos to campsites can be hard to find during peak season. In particular, Jurien Bay, Coral Bay and Exmouth are busy and lively.

Highlights of The Perth to Exmouth Road Trip

As in much of Western Australia, the main attraction is the natural landscape, not the cities. Island tours, moonlit dunes and desert drives, hiking, snorkelling, stargazing, beach walks, outdoor barbecues and picnics are great experiences from Perth to Exmouth. You'll also have the chance to stop at a beach made entirely of seashells and swim with various animals, including sea lions, manta rays, turtles and whale sharks.

• Snorkel at Ningaloo Reef
• Kalbarri National Park, before the race to the Grand Canyon
• Dolphin watching at Monkey Mia
• Quad biking in the dunes
• Swim with sea lions
• Jungle to see the world's most colourful wildflowers
• Visit the Abrolhos Islands
• Enjoy starry nights and meteor showers
• On clear nights, spectacular views of the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds

Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary (7 Days) 

The best way to experience this is by self-driving from Perth to Exmouth, a distance of approximately 2,000 kilometres. This detailed Perth to Exmouth self-drive itinerary is for seven days. Of course, visiting unique attractions can take days or weeks, including more days.

Most 7-day journeys from Perth to Exmouth take less than four hours to drive, with the most extended trip being eight to nine hours.

Day 1: Perth to Jurien Bay

Total Length: 246km

Time: 2 hours 47 min

Best Stops: Yanchep National Park, Lancelin, Wedge Island, The Pinnacles, Cervantes, Jurien Bay

(Data Source: Google Maps)

Although the journey is short, there are many great attractions and great times to be had on this stretch from Perth to Jurien Bay.

Lancelin: The first stop on your road trip to Exmouth is the stunning Lancelin Sand Dunes. At Lancelin Sand Dunes, you can spend hours exploring the dunes and sandboarding.

The Pinnacles Desert: The second stop is Nambung National Park, home to The Pinnacles Desert. In Nambung National Park, substantial limestone formations rise from the yellow desert for kilometres. To enter the park, you need to pay an entrance fee (currently $17 per vehicle) or have a WA Parks Pass.

Cervantes: The third stop is Cervantes, a small coastal fishing village. In Cervantes, you can taste fresh lobster and visit a lobster factory.

Jurien Bay: The final stop is Jurien Bay, where you can swim with sea lions.

Day 2: Jurien Bay to Geraldton

Total Length: 235km

Time: 2 hours 35 min

Best Stops: Lesueur National Park and Leaning Trees

(Data Source: Google Maps)

There isn't much to see between Jurien Bay and Geraldton, but you can stop for gas, coffee and refreshments along the way.

Lesueur National Park: Any time of year is excellent for seeing wildflowers in Lesueur National Park. Several trails in Lesueur National Park will appeal to hikers, such as the 2.5-kilometre Gairdner Loop and the 4.6-kilometre Irwin Heritage River Loop.

Geraldton: Twenty minutes before arriving in Geraldton, watch for the Greenough Leaning Tree that touches the ground. (The Greenough Leaning Tree is a testament to the strong winds on the west coast.)

Once you've reached the coastal city of Geraldton, you can visit the impressive Royal Australian Navy Sydney II Memorial. You can also relax at the Esplanade, stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the charming cafes and watch the stunning sunset. 

Day 3: Geraldton to Kalbarri

Total Length: 192km

Time: 2 hours 12 min

Best Stops: Hutt Lagoon, Red Bluff, Pot Alley, Blue Holes

(Data Source: Google Maps)

The sealed road from Geraldton to Kalbarri is primarily inland, relatively flat, and fast. On the way, you can visit the ruins of the Linton convict depot and the beautiful Hutt Lagoon.

Hutt Lagoon: The main attraction on the way to Kalbarri is the famous pink lake. The lake changes colour and depth depending on the time of day and cloud cover. Hutt Lagoon is a salt lake, and its bright colour comes from a type of salt algae that produces carotenoids. But be careful not to dip in the lake as the crystals at the bottom are very sharp.

Kalbarri: Kalbarri is a bustling town with stunning coastal cliffs and beautiful beaches. Red Bluff is just 5 minutes from town, offers spectacular views of the Kalbarri coastline, and is a great place to watch the sunset.

If you are lucky, Red Bluff is a great place to see humpback whales migrating north from May to November. Pot Alley is another stunning coastal lookout with views of the red cliffs. The Blue Hole is a sheltered swimming bay and a great snorkelling spot just south of town.

Day 4: Kalbarri to Shark Bay

Total Length: 400km

Time: 4 hours 11 min

Best Stops: Cape Nelson Lighthouse, Cape Bridgewater Seal Walk, Mount Gambier, Point Danger, Petrified Forest, Umpherston Sinkhole

(Data Source: Google Maps)

Driving along the main road from Kalbarri to Shark Bay, you will see many unique attractions.

Shell Beach: Shell Beach is a unique and impressive attraction. As the name suggests, Shell Beach comprises billions of tiny white shells and stretches for 70 kilometres. Parts of the beach are 7 to 10 meters deep. The water near Shell Beach is highly salty, and you can easily float on your back, but be careful not to get water in your eyes.

Monkey Mia: Monkey Mia is about 24 kilometres from Denham and is famous for watching wild dolphins. The highlight here is the daily interaction with the dolphins, who regularly come to the sheltered waters to feed. Rust-red dunes and white sand beaches surround Monkey Mia, and the waters teem with marine life.

There is an entrance fee to enter the Monkey Mia sanctuary.

Day 5: Shark Bay to Carnarvon

Total Length: 362km

Time: 3 hours 49 min

Best Stops: Eagle Bluff, Gladstone Scenic Lookout, Carnarvon, Wooramel River Retreat

(Data Source: Google Maps)

From Shark Bay to Carnarvon, it’s another sealed road through flat landscapes with plenty of bush and desert scenery.

Eagle Bluff: En route, stop at Eagle Bluff overlooking the Denham Sound. Eagle Bluff will allow you to watch sea eagles fly and even see some fish jump.

Gladstone Scenic Lookout: As you continue north, Gladstone Scenic Lookout is located on the edge of a plateau and is a great place to stop and take 360-degree views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Carnarvon: Carnarvon is most popular with tourists during the Australian winter, as visitors come here to chase the winter sun. Carnarvon is also famous for its fruit farms, and you can visit the local market, which is filled with produce, food stalls, and handmade products.

Day 6: Carnarvon to Coral Bay

Total Length: 237km

Time: 2 hours 29 min

Best Stops: Carnarvon Cactus Garden and Coral Bay

(Data Source: Google Maps)

The road from Carnarvon to Coral Bay is sealed, and the terrain is vast and flat.

Carnarvon Cactus Garden: Carnarvon Cactus Garden has become a well-known attraction on social platforms. Located in the front garden of a local fruit plantation, Carnarvon Cactus Garden is an exciting place with many cacti.

Coral Bay: Coral Bay is rich in marine life. You can spend a leisurely day on the pure white sand beach and snorkel with turtles, sharks and colourful fish. Coral Bay is also famous for water activities such as swimming, diving and fishing.

Day 7: Coral Bay to Exmouth

Total Length: 167km

Time: 1 hour 58 min

Best Stops: Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Lookout, Turquoise Bay, Charles Knife Canyon Gorge

(Data Source: Google Maps)

The road from Coral Bay to Exmouth is sealed and not very scenic but primarily flat with desert views.

Charles Knife Canyon Gorge: The stunning Charles Knife Canyon Gorge along the way is worth a visit. This gorge is located in the beautiful Cape Range National Park and is particularly spectacular, with Exmouth Bay as the backdrop.

Exmouth: Swimming with whale sharks is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The whale shark watching season in Exmouth is from mid-March to August. The beach in Exmouth is also lovely and more significant than Coral Bay. Turquoise Bay is the most popular beach in Exmouth and has been selected as one of the top five beaches in Australia, the South Pacific and the world.

How to Prepare for The Perth to Exmouth Road Trip

Your Perth to Exmouth road trip should be well planned so you and your guests remain secure while savouring the fantastic adventure. Here are some ideas to help you prepare for your trip.            

Step 1: Plan Ahead

Make travel plans in advance. It means taking some time to plan the route and stops with all your travel companions. Starting planning now, or as early as feasible, is the optimum time to do it. RVers should schedule tailored road vacations. For popular locations like national parks, it's wise to reserve camping far in advance. 

Among the many aids for road-trippers—apps, websites, atlases, guidebooks, etc.—a few standouts:

1. Google Maps. Travellers routinely give Google's platform excellent grades. Drivers can choose a starting point and a destination using the free phone app and website and get automatically produced step-by-step driving instructions.

16. Tripadvisor. Consider the free Trip Advisers website and app, which boasts of planning 25 million journeys totalling 16.9 billion miles, for an even more detailed and targeted tool.

1. Books & Road Atlas. "If you're exploring, just seeing the lay of the land, I like the road atlas," Revolinski comments. Visually reviewing his path on the page gives him a general picture to identify fascinating locations off the road.

Step 2: Plan for Stops

Frequent pauses keep you enjoying the road and help you stay vigilant. Pull over every two hours or 100 miles for a little stretch to keep active; if possible, have one observant passenger drive with you in turns.

Do not rule out more frequent stops or detours if something seems appealing. More probable than the McDonald's initially intended for a brief lunch break is a one-of-a-kind wayside café contributing to a lifelong memory.

Step 3: Check Your Vehicle

Giving your automobile a comprehensive check-up is the finest thing you could do before a road trip. Having a professional or at least someone very knowledgeable check your car is advisable. Although a complete inspection is advised, here is a quick list of items to give particular focus:

1. Tyres: Examine yours for wear and tear. Should it be necessary, replace them before your journey. And obtain tyres fit for the circumstances. A pair of highway tyres will be the quietest and provide the best mileage if you plan to stay mainly on the road.  

1. Engine &Breaks: Replace any that seem to be fading or dim. 

1. Lights:Replace any that seem to be fading or dim. 

1. Wiper Blades: Replace your wiper blades immediately if they seem slightly frayed. When the weather turns nasty, you will thank yourself.

1. Wiper Fluid: Ensure that your wiper fluid, for winter travels, is rated to -40 degrees F (-40 C). 

1. Motor Oil: Consider getting an oil change when visiting chilly climates. If you do, request a more winter-friendly oil - motor oils are graded by viscosity levels at various temperatures - that still runs with your particular engine. You might have to consult your owner's handbook.

Step 4: Pack Road Trip Essentials

Bring your licence, car registration, and insurance records. Remember also a road atlas, cellphone charger, a little cash and coins for tolls, jumper cables, first aid kit, spare tyre and tyre repair kit, one gallon per person of drinking water, and a small cooler with nonperishable snacks.

Though the specifics will vary depending on location and season, several things are always a brilliant idea to pack in your car:

• Important Documents
• Flashlights
• Food & water
• Road flares
• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Jackery Solar Generator (portable power solution)
• Multi-tool
• Blankets
• GPS device

A generator is a good thing to bring on car trips because you need power. A solar-powered generator is excellent because it doesn't pollute and can be used repeatedly. The best item to bring on the Perth to Exmouth road trip is the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus or 600 Plus. You can take them with you anywhere because they're small and light.

Step 5: Keep Passengers Fun

Particularly with children, long drives often cause arguing. Such kind of annoyance causes driving tiredness. Books, puzzles, and other time-consuming activities will keep kids occupied. Conversely, road trip games like "Find the licence plate" are incredible for keeping everyone involved with one another.

Get apps for the extended vehicle drive. Downloading family-friendly and instructive apps will enable you to entertain the entire family for free. These apps cover car trip bingo, fruit Ninja, Furious Birds, and Heads Up. Besides, listen to audiobooks. Audiobooks keep the brain active without causing a dangerous diversion. 

Jackery Solar Generators for Road Trips

A Portable Power Station and Jackery Solar Panels comprise the Jackery Solar Generator. This portable solar system is handy in your Perth to Exmouth road trip. Its pure sine wave inverter, MPPT regulator, and superior lithium battery help to guarantee that your personal devices and outdoor appliances constantly run.  

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus and the 300 Plus are two excellent models for this road trip. You need to place the Jackery Solar Panels on the ground and use cables to wire them with Jackery Portable Power Stations; they occupy little additional space to fit in your car, have enough power to meet your basic electrical demands, and are easy to operate. 

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is optimal for road trips owing to its lightweight design and portability. This tiny device delivers a robust 300W output. The 288Wh LFP battery supplies sufficient power for multi-day excursions, including prolonged road drives in remote regions such as the Outback. SolarSaga 40W solar panels efficiently charge the station, reducing users' dependence on conventional camping power sources.

Two 100W Max USB-C Power Delivery connectors enable simultaneous rapid charging of multiple high-drain smartphones and tablets at optimal speeds. Thus, they maintain the power supply of devices. To ensure safety and functionality, a luminous LED work light and a loud alarm feature assist in illuminating work areas or alerting others in isolated circumstances. The Explorer 300 Plus assures solo journeys in Australia.

An easily understandable LCD screen boldly exhibits the remaining power percentage for a clear awareness of charge level and charging source status. This facilitates meticulous preparation for excursions into Australia's remote regions with few replenishment opportunities.

Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus

Get the best portable power option with the Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus. From coolers to camping lights, this 800W output and 632Wh capacity accommodate various outdoor appliances - team up for maximum charging efficiency with the Jackery SolarSaga 100W bifacial high-efficiency Solar Panel. 

• Versatile and Powerful

Its 632Wh capacity and 800W output efficiently run phones, laptops, cameras, portable coolers, and emergency communication devices, ensuring you capture every moment and remain ready.

• Dependable Power Source

The UPS feature has a switch time of less than 20ms and keeps critical electronics running smoothly during road trips, ensuring essential equipment's continuous operation.

The recently introduced portable power station with Charge Shield 2.0 and an LFP battery with a 4000-cycle lifespan provides long-term efficiency and dependability, providing continuous power and peace of mind during your trips.

• Lightweight and Portable

Just 16.1 pounds (7.3 kg), it's easy to carry on board. Its robust protection against the elements and shockproof and fireproof building makes it perfect for road trips.

Tips for Perth to Exmouth Road Trip

Apart from being well prepared, you should also pay attention to some tips for a weekend trip from Perth to Exmouth.

• Australia is home to many wildlife, often appearing on the roads. So be careful with animals like kangaroos, emus, cows, etc., while driving, especially in the morning and evening. (Because that's when the kangaroos are most active.)
• Take regular breaks, and don't drive when you're tired. You should plan your trip so you don't have to drive after sunset.
• There is usually no signal between towns along the way, so it is better to download an offline map before the trip or take a paper map with you.
• Use gas stations along the way and fill the tank as often as possible to no less than half a tank. If you have a diesel car, some gas stations require prepayment. So please carry some cash with you in case there is no signal.
• Western Australia has many beautiful national parks, most requiring an entrance fee. So, it is worth purchasing a Western Australia Holiday Park Pass.
• Palms and coastal trees are few and far between on Western Australian beaches, unlike the natural sunshades on the east coast. If you plan on spending a long day at the beach, you'll want to find a parasol that can be anchored to the ground. (Lightweight pop-up awnings are best avoided during the summer and winter because they can easily blow away.)

Is The Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Worth It?

That's it for the Perth to Exmouth road trip guide. You can change the route according to your schedule. If you have time, it is recommended that you extend the trip to enjoy the beauty of Western Australia. From the moon-like pinnacles to the vastness of the Western Australian Outback and the turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Reef, the road trip from Perth to Exmouth is spectacular.