The 4-9 day Indian Ocean Drive highlights the natural coastal experiences this region has to offer.The following itinerary is a guide only and can be a useful tool for your holiday planning.
Day 1:
Travel north along the Brand Highway through the historic twin towns of Dongara and Port Denison. Continue via Greenough Hamlet, a National Trust town on your way to the port city of Geraldton, also referred to as the 'crayfish capital of the world' beacause of its multi-million dollar lobster fishing industry. Here you'll sample some of the freshest and most succulent seafood in Western Australia.
Overnight: Geraldton
Day 2:
Before leaving Geraldton, be sure to visit the HMAS Sydney War Memorial which provides panoramic views across the town to the Indian Ocean. Continue north to the tropical fruit town of Carnarvon, a popular holiday spot for those chasing the winter sun. Explore and sample the abundant mango, banana and papaya plantations and the natural spectacle of the coastal blow holes 70kms north of Carnarvon.
Overnight: Carnarvon
Day 3:
Head north to Coral Bay, the southern gateway to the incredible Ningaloo Marine Park. Experience the dazzling underwater coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef just metres from the pristine white shores. Travel north to Exmouth and experience swimming with the world's largest fish, the Whale Shark (seasonal).
Overnight: Exmouth
Day 4:
Take a boat cruise or drive through the rugged and ancient landscape of Cape Range National Park, dive or snorkel the Ningaloo Reef, fish or simply enjoy the relaxed beach lifestyle that Exmouth has to offer.
Overnight: Coral Bay
Day 5:
Head south along the Northwest Coastal Highway to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. As you approach Shark Bay be sure to visit the Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, one of only two places on earth where living marine stromatolites exist. Take a walk along Shell Beach - a beach made up of billions of tiny white shells. Further on enjoy the breathtaking views from Eagle Bluff.
Overnight: Monkey Mia or Denham
Day 6:
Spend some time at the waters edge this morning where you can encounter the famous Monkey Mia dolphins. Experience more of the marine life that Shark Bay has to offerby taking a wildlife cruise on a catamaran with a local tour operator. In the evening enjoy the vivid blaze of Monkey Mia's stunning sky with an astronomy tour along the beach.
Overnight: Monkey Mia or Denham
Day 7:
Continue South to the popular coastal town of Kalbarri, situated along the winding banks of the Murchison River and adjacent to the Kalbarri National Park. The Murchison River carves through the rugged gorges of the National Park providing excellent bushwalks and scenic outlooks.
Overnight: Kalbarri
Day 8:
Head to the river for your chance to feed Kalbarri's pelicans, spend the day aboard a fishing tour or simply relax and explore the sights of this unique town and coastline.
Overnight: Kalbarri
Day 9:
Drive south along the West Coast Highway to Geraldton. Continue through to Cervantes and the splendour of the Pinnacles before making your final journey back to Perth.
For more information on Accommodation and tours in Australia's Coral Coast contact the local visitor centres
