Ultimate Guide to the Coral Coast for when you have Visitors

It’s time to show your friends and family some of Western Australia’s incredible sights and natural attractions. Explore Australia’s Coral Coast with your loved ones and share in some of the unique experiences the region has to offer. Whether it’s a day trip from Perth or a 2-week road trip along the coast, there is something for everyone.

Short on time? Why not take advantage of the one-way rental deal between Perth and Exmouth to save time on driving.

Jurien Bay & Cervantes

Head north from Perth for a day trip or an overnight weekend adventure. Jurien Bay is 2.5 hours north of Perth, making it a great option for a day out with many sights to see along the way.

Visit the thousand-year-old Pinnacles rising out of the yellow desert at Nambung National Park. Next, head to Lake Thetis and admire the 3,000 year old ‘living fossil’ thrombolites. Take a lunch break at the Lobster Shack in Cervantes, joining in on a tour to learn more about the Western Rock industry in Western Australia.

Further north in Jurien Bay, tick off your bucket list with an adrenaline pumping skydive experience. Another popular activity involves meeting some of the friendly residents of Jurien Bay, the playful Australian Sea Lions. Snorkel tours offering a unique experience to get up close with these friendly mammals run all year round.

Geraldton & Kalbarri

On the way further north to Kalbarri you’ll pass through the coastal village of Dongara. Brush up on your rum knowledge with a guided distillery tour at the award-winning Illegal Tender Rum Co. Back on the road, don’t forget to a photo stop at the iconic leaning trees of Greenough before arriving in Geraldton.

With a wide range of amenities and accommodation, the City of Geraldton is a great base for exploring the region. Wander along the Foreshore, where kids will be entertained by the playground and water play area. Head to Marine Terrace for a specialty coffee or meal at some of the café’s along the strip. Watch sunset from the HMAS Sydney II Memorial for panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. Geraldton is the gateway to the Abrolhos Islands, with options for both scenic flights and ocean charters.

On the way to Kalbarri, stop at the strawberry pink waters at Hutt Lagoon or see the iconic pink lake from above on a joy flight.

Kalbarri is home to many natural wonders and adventure experiences; Exploring the red gorges, walking trails and lookouts of Kalbarri National Park is a must. Closer to town, head to Pot Alley and Mushroom Rock for ocean views across the rugged seaside cliffs. Top off a big day of exploring with a local dinner and fresh brewed beer at Finlay’s microbrewery. Before departing Kalbarri, don’t forget to visit the popular snorkelling spot Blue Holes for a swim.

Shark Bay & Monkey Mia

The Shark Bay World Heritage Area has numerous world-class natural sights. From a beach made entirely of shells, wild dolphins that visit the shoreline of Monkey Mia and to the vivid red cliffs of Francois Peron National Park, Shark Bay is a truly remarkable place. Make the most of your visit to the area with this 6-day Perth to Shark Bay itinerary, or visit Shark Bay as part of a longer trip along the coast to Exmouth.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the Ocean Park Aquarium, an eco-friendly aquarium and marine rehabilitation centre. Learn all about the region’s unique and abundant wildlife here, or join an Indigenous eco cultural tour for an ‘on Country’ experience. A 4WD is required to explore Francois Peron National Park, or jump onto a for an adventure like no other.

Stay overnight in the seaside town of Denham, or at the RAC Resort in Monkey Mia.

Carnarvon

Consider staying at Wooramel River Retreat on your way to Carnarvon. This unique farm stay is situated next to the Wooramel River with bush camping and cabin accommodation available. Visitors will delight in soaking in the naturally heated artesian bore baths on the property.

Drive on further north to the coastal town of Carnarvon, commonly referred to as the food bowl of the state. Explore the plantations of the region by following the “Fruit Loop” drive, stopping at the roadside fruit and vegetable stalls along the way. Discover the insta-famous cactus garden, exploring the variety of cacti on display in exchange for a gold coin donation.

Stop in at the family-friendly Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum to learn about Carnarvon’s role in the history of NASA’s space programs in the 1960’s.

Coral Bay & Exmouth

Explore the ocean paradise of the Ningaloo Reef with a visit to Coral Bay and Exmouth. If driving from Perth, allow at least 8 days with this Ningaloo self-drive itinerary.

Coral Bay is a small coastal town with renowned snorkelling and swimming right at its doorstep. Explore the ocean further with a glass bottom boat tour that allows you to clearly see the wonders of the reef from the comfort of the boat. Coral Bay offers manta ray tours where you can swim alongside these graceful creatures.

From Coral Bay it is a 90-minute drive to Exmouth. In between the two towns you’ll find another iconic station stay at Bullara Station. Experience rural Australia at this working cattle station, where fresh made scones are served daily at the homestead.

In Exmouth, don’t miss the opportunity to swim with whale sharks from March to July. Explore the natural wonders of Cape Range National Park with a range of hiking trails and snorkel sites. Popular snorkelling spots in the park include Turquoise Bay, Lakeside and Oyster Stacks. Take a boat tour along Yardie Creek through the gorge as you learn about the unique wildlife and environment on the eco-friendly cruise.

Exmouth can be accessed by a 90-minute flight or 13 hour drive from Perth. To fully explore the unique attractions in the region, fly one-way and drive back the other to maximise your time enjoying all the wonders that await along Australia’s Coral Coast.