Coral Coast Highway Driving Routes

Take a spectacular driving holiday along the stunning Indian Ocean coastline from Perth to the top of the Ningaloo Reef at Exmouth, or even further to Karajini National Park. Along the way you will discover some of WA’s most scenic coastline, stunning national parks, secluded beaches, picturesque country towns, ancient outback landscapes and one of the world’s greatest coral reefs.

With Avis Australia and Hertz Australia's heavily reduced hire car fees between Perth, Exmouth and Karajini National Park (Hertz only) from 1 April to 31 October 2020 and 2021, you've now got options!

You can travel North from Perth, flying home with Qantas OR fly first to Learmonth (Ningaloo) airport and drive your hire car South back to Perth.

Northward Journey - Perth to Exmouth

Drive north from Perth, concluding in Exmouth (Ningaloo Reef) and fly back to Perth.

Follow the 10 Day Itinerary

Southward Journey - Exmouth to Perth

Fly from Perth Airport to Learmonth Airport and drive back to Perth.

Follow the 14 Day Itinerary

Follow a Coral Coast Highway Itinerary

10 Day - Perth to Exmouth (North)

Collect your Avis rental car and start driving north from Perth to Exmouth. Take your time to explore our key experiences and attractions, then fly back to Perth with Qantas.

Jump in the car

14 Day - Exmouth to Perth (South)

Take the road trip to the next level with a slow amble along the Coral Coast Highway. Fly into Learmonth airport from Perth, then drive your Avis rental car back to Perth over a fortnight - really

Drive it today

Learn more about the Driving Routes

Accommodation by Location

Our Key Experiences

Wildflower Hotspot - Depot Hill

Depot Hill reserve 12kms to the northeast of Mingewnew, an easy five minute drive. Depot Hill is wonderful spot for an abundance of wildflowers, native animals and a picnic on the banks of the river

Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool

A visit to the remarkable Hamelin Pool stromatolites in Western Australia is a must when holidaying in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The Hamelin Pool stromatolites are oldest and largest living

Francois Peron National Park

For a four-wheel driving adventure along a scenic coastline with dramatic red cliffs and white sandy beaches, head to Francois Peron National Park in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The ocean

Shell Beach

Formed from billions of tiny shells, the aptly named Shell Beach is located 45 kilometres south-east of Denham in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area not far from the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites. Why is

HMAS Sydney II Memorial Geraldton

For a moving tribute to the sailors who lost their lives on HMAS Sydney II during World War II visit the HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton. With the long awaited discovery of the HMAS Sydney II on

Beach Fishing at Bottle Bay, Shark Bay Western Australia

Fishing in Shark Bay

Shark Bay is teeming with hundreds of species of fish. To get a real piece of the action, join one of the fishing charters operating in this area of WA’s Coral Coast. On a lucky outing, you may see

Aerial Abrolhos Islands Scenic Flight Western Australia

Houtman Abrolhos Islands

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands, more commonly referred to as the Abrolhos Islands, and their surrounding coral reef communities form one of Western Australia's unique marine areas. The Islands lie about

Snorkelling Abrolhos Islands Sea Lion Western Australia

Abrolhos Island Snorkelling

The Abrolhos Islands on Western Australia’s Coral Coast are an undiscovered underwater paradise, boasting world-class snorkelling and diving sites. The crystal clear turquoise water ensures incredible

Ellendale Pool

Ellendale Pool is a stunning water hole naturally formed along the picturesque Greenough River. Located near the historic town of Greenough, it is surrounded by magnificent gum trees and a rocky gorge

Blue Holes

Video: Chris Lewis Renowned for exceptional snorkelling, Blue Holes is located along the Red Bluff Road/George Grey Drive (southern entrance/exit road to Kalbarri). The protected waters and rock pools

Honeycomb Gorge

Honeycomb Gorge is a must-visit location when in Carnarvon. Due east of the town into the Kennedy Range National Park, it's perfect for a four wheel driving bush-camping adventure under a star-filled

Gwoonwardu Mia Carnarvon Aboriginal Centre

Gwoonwardu Mia – Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre

Gwoonwardu Mia – Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre celebrates the region's Aboriginal heritage. The Gascoyne regions five Aboriginal language groups come together to celebrate and recognise

Kalbarri Z Bend Nature's Window National Park

Bushwalking National Parks

Marvel at nature's ability to carve the landscape. Explore the depths and heights of the river gorges and sea cliffs and admire the floral beauty of the vast, rolling sandplains. From Nambung National

Nature's Window

Located just 500 metres from The Loop (or Inyaka Wookai Watju) carpark, Nature’s Window is one of Western Australia’s most iconic natural attractions, formed from layers of Tumblagooda Sandstone. To

Pot Alley

Pot Alley is a picturesque ocean gorge in Kalbarri National Park, boasting spectacular ocean scenery amidst the expansive rugged gorges. Enjoy a swim at the lovely sheltered swimming beach and be sure

Yardie Creek

Go bush walking, boating and see rare native animals at Yardie Creek gorge in Cape Range National Park. Yardie Creek is a highlight of the park and a must-do on any visit to Exmouth. The ancient gorge

Horrocks

Horrocks Beach was named the #1 Mainland Beach in Tourism Australia's Best Australian Beaches for 2018 You'll instantly feel on holidays as you take in the glorious ocean views on your descent into

Jacques/Jakes Point

Jacques Point (better known as Jakes by the locals) is a popular surfing beach in Kalbarri providing a perfect left hand surf break along the point. Experienced surfers will enjoy the safe conditions

Swim child sea turtle Ningaloo Western Australia

Meeting a Sea Turtle

Sea turtles can be encountered on Western Australia's Coral Coast all year round and hatchlings may be sighted during turtle nesting season. You can snorkel with them through the beautiful coral

Greenough Leaning Trees Geraldton Western Australia

Leaning Trees of Greenough

Located approximately two kilometres north of the Greenough Historic Settlement, the iconic leaning trees of Greenough are a must-see when in the region. Buffeted by prevailing southerly winds, the

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Northward Journey - Perth to Exmouth

Follow the 10 Day Itinerary