Choose the shape of your trip
Perth to Exmouth can be driven by the main highway or turned into a longer coastal journey. Cervantes, Geraldton, Kalbarri and Carnarvon make useful reference points; Coral Bay and Exmouth provide different ways to explore the Ningaloo region. Side trips to Kalbarri, Shark Bay or Cape Range add driving beyond the direct road, so compare the actual stops rather than relying on a single distance.
Australia’s Coral Coast suggests ten to fourteen days for its Coral Coast Highway itinerary. You can travel faster, but each overnight stop you remove also reduces the time available to see the coast. Build in an extra day if you want flexibility for weather or a long drive.
Four places to pause
- Cervantes and the PinnaclesLeave Perth early enough to explore the limestone formations in Nambung National Park, then continue north or stop on the coast.
- Geraldton and KalbarriGeraldton is a practical place to restock. Kalbarri is a detour from the highway, with river gorges and coastal viewpoints; check park access before setting out.
- Shark BayDenham and the Shark Bay peninsula add a substantial side trip. Include the return to the highway when calculating your day.
- Coral Bay and ExmouthChoose where to stay according to the experiences you want, and check access to Ningaloo and Cape Range before travelling.
Driving days and supplies
The northern legs are longer and more exposed than a quick look at the map may suggest. Plan fuel, water, meals and a realistic stopping point before leaving larger towns; service hours can change. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially near dawn and dusk, and avoid turning a late departure into a night drive.
Phone reception is not guaranteed throughout the route. Save directions offline and tell someone your plans if you are heading to a remote area. Check the Main Roads WA travel map for current closures.
Which vehicle?
The main highway and many popular town-to-town approaches are sealed, so a campervan can suit a road-focused itinerary. Individual beaches, tracks and park roads may have different surfaces or restrictions. Decide which detours matter before choosing a vehicle, and ask the hire operator which roads are permitted.
Starting in Perth? Explore Wicked Campers’ campervan hire in Perth and check vehicle details and one-way conditions for your dates.
Questions before you go
Can I visit Ningaloo without a 4WD?
Some destinations are reached by sealed roads, but access varies by beach and park site. Check the specific road and your hire terms before choosing a detour.
Do I need to return to Perth?
Not necessarily. Your choice depends on the itinerary and the operator’s current one-way availability and conditions. Check before booking.
When should I check the weather?
Check before booking and again immediately before each longer leg. Heat, heavy rain and storms can affect activities and roads.
Keep planning
Explore all routes Plan your driving days Consider the seasons