The Indian Ocean Drive is the southern gateway to the Coral Coast region, just 2 hours' drive north of Perth, and a scenic journey past the picturesque coastal towns of Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Green Head, Leeman, and the twin towns of Dongara-Port Denison.

The coastal route is packed with attractions, from the Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park and Lake Thetis thrombolites, to the Jurien Bay Sea Lions, sheltered swimming and snorkelling bays, wildflowers and caves. The adventure doesn't stop there though, with WWII ruins, world-class rum, a working rock lobster (crayfish) factory, walk and cycle paths, 4WDing and eco-camping sites.

An aerial view over the Lake Thetis thrombolites, near Cervantes, Western Australia
Hansen Bay at Cervantes, Western Australia
An Australian sea lion, seen on tour from Jurien Bay, Western Australia
Irwin River Boardwalk in Dongara-Port Denison, Western Australia
Sunset at the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, near Cervantes, Western Australia
An image of a lobster (crayfish) and prawns, Western Australia

Discover the Coastal Towns

Cervantes

Gateway to the Coral Coast region and to the Pinnacles Desert, Cervantes is a fishing town boasting white sandy beaches, turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and incredible 4WDing and sand-duning opportunities. A visit to Lobster Shack is a must for all visitors.

Check out Cervantes

Jurien Bay

With great beaches for swimming, snorkelling and fishing, cute Australian sea lions, skydiving, scenic walk and cycle paths, and stunning coastline to explore, it's no surprise that Jurien Bay is a family favourite holiday destination.

Jump into Jurien Bay

Green Head

Green Head is a coastal delight, with white sandy beaches and scenic bays, but also a prime base for bushwalking with nearby National Parks home to an abundance of flora, fauna and seasonal wildflowers.

Get around Green Head

Leeman

With white beaches and turquoise waters to the west, and 4WDing and caves to the east, Leeman offers an array of attractions. Spend your days swimming, snorkelling or kayaking along the coast, or adventure inland and get off the beaten track to discover 4WD adventures and secluded caves.

Let's explore Leeman

Dongara-Port Denison

Boasting coastal village charm with the Irwin River meandering between the two, the twin towns of Dongara-Port Denison offer a laid back, family friendly holiday. Families will love the Dongara Denison Drive In movies, and rum and gin lovers must visit the multi-award winning Illegal Tender Rum Co.

Discover Dongara-Port Denison

Top 10 Things to See + Do

Explore the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park

You'll find the mystical Pinnacles just 2 hours' drive north of Perth. Covering an area of 14,487 hectares, some of these limestone formations tower up to 3.5 metres high. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife.

The Pinnacles

Taste world-class rum

Go behind the scenes at Dongara's Illegal Tender Rum Co and sample internationally award-winning rum.

Illegal Tender Rum Co

Walk or cycle the Three Bays Walkway

Soak up panoramic views of the coast along the Three Bays Walkway in Green Head.

Three Bays Walkway

Explore Stockyard Gully Caves

Jump in the 4WD and head to Stockyard Gully National Park, near Leeman, and explore the cave system.

Stockyard Gully Caves

Meet endangered sea lions

Jurien Bay is home to one of the main breeding grounds for the rare Australian sea lion. Jump on tour with Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience, Sea Lion Charters or Turquoise Safaris to see these playful puppies of the sea in their natural environment.

Join a Sea Lion Tour

Snack on fresh crayfish

Gain insight into Western Australia's rock lobster (crayfish) industry with a factory tour at Lobster Shack in Cervantes, or set off on a catch-and-pull tour to experience a day in the life of a lobster fisherman.

Visit Lake Thetis

See the living thrombolites at Lake Thetis near Cervantes - one of just 5 sites in Western Australia that features thrombolites. The thrombolites here are believed to be over 3,000 years old!

Get your adrenalin pumping

Take to the skies and feel the rush with Skydive Jurien Bay. Soak up incredible views over the coastline before landing on the beach.

Go skydiving

Explore Lesueur National Park

A global biodiversity hotspot, Lesueur National Park is one of the most significant reserves for flora conversation in Western Australia. Visit during wildflower season (July to October) to discover rare and unique wildflowers.

Learn more about the Indian Ocean Drive region

A kangaroo in Cape Range National Park, near Exmouth, Western Australia

World-Heritage, Marine and National Parks

World-Heritage, Marine and National Parks
Australia's Coral Coast is an incredible corner of the world, with significant portions of the region protected under World Heritage (the Coral Coast is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Areas - Shark
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Caving in Stockyard Gully, near Leeman, Western Australia

Leeman

Leeman

Leeman sits on turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and offshore islands harbouring a great diversity of marine life. The picturesque coastline offers great conditions for an array of water
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Green Head Western Australia's Coral Coast

Green Head

Green Head
Green Head is a small, friendly coastal town three hours north of Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive. Its pristine beaches and laid-back lifestyle provide a relaxed holiday atmosphere as well as the home
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Dongara-Port Denison

Dongara-Port Denison
The twin towns of Dongara and Port Denison boast true coastal village charm, with the Irwin River creating a scenic landmark as it meanders between the two towns. Beautiful beaches provide ideal
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Gascoyne Food Festival Carnarvon Western Australia

Eat and drink your way around the Coral Coast

Eat and drink your way around the Coral Coast
The fresh local produce of Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a taste sensation that’s not to be missed. No matter where or how you choose to dine, be sure to sample some of the region’s great
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A couple lean against their 4WD after fishing from the beach in Coral Bay, Western Australia

Fishing in the Coral Coast

Fishing in the Coral Coast
For those interested in recreational fishing, the Coral Coast has variety galore from local beach fishing to catching a big fish on a charter tour. Here's what you need to plan your next fishing
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Scuba diving on the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Diving the Coral Coast

Diving the Coral Coast
Dive sites on Western Australia’s Coral Coast are internationally recognised as some of the most ecologically diverse marine environments in the world. Here are our top picks for your diving adventure
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Cycling in Jurien Bay, Western Australia

Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is Western Australia’s family favourite and fast emerging as popular short break destination. Jurien offers fantastic swimming, coffee, great beaches and a good range of accommodation
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Muiron Islands, Western Australia's Coral Coast

Snorkelling the Coral Coast

Snorkelling the Coral Coast
The Coral Coast is a marine wonderland and provides the most amazing snorkeling adventures along the length of the region for all ages and abilities, most just metres from the shore. Here are some of
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Australian Sea Lion Jurien Bay Western Australia Coral Coast

Australian Sea Lion Encounters

Australian Sea Lion Encounters
Large colonies of Australian sea lions thrive on the Coral Coast of Western Australia (WA). It’s not uncommon to spot these cute creatures lazing in the sun on the beaches of the Jurien Bay Marine
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Sandboarding in dunes near Cervantes, Western Australia

Cervantes

Cervantes

Cervantes is the gateway to Western Australia's Pinnacles Desert and the beginning of Australia's Coral Coast region. It is home to beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters teeming with
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Three Bays Walkway in Green Head, Western Australia

Three Bays Walkway

Three Bays Walkway
The Three Bays Walkway is a 2.5km fully-sealed walkway which is found near Green Head; a small coastal town located 288km north of Perth. This walkway includes the sweeping South Bay, the picturesque
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Tours and Attractions along the Indian Ocean Drive

Skydive Jurien Bay

Skydive Jurien Bay
#WanderOutYonder Deal Solo skydivers: enjoy a free upgrade from 14,000ft to 15,000ft with Skydive Jurien Bay. Book for a 14,000ft solo skydive and quote coralcoast when booking to enjoy a
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Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience

Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience
Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience offers Sea Lion Tours, Fishing Charters and Lobster Tours. Sea Lion Tours The Australian Sea Lion is the most interactive and friendly creature in our ocean! Aboard our
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Jurien Bay Adventure Tours

Jurien Bay Adventure Tours
Jurien Bay Adventures has everything you need to experience everything that the Coral Coast has to offer. From high adrenaline activities to exploring the natural wonders, there is something for
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Midwest Adventure Tours

Midwest Adventure Tours
Based in Geraldton, Midwest Adventure Tours operate to locations such as Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake), Kalbarri National Park, Coalseam Reserve, Mullewa and Mingenew for the seasonal wildflowers, including
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WA NT Tours

WA NT Tours
The West Coast is our home! WA NT TOURS are the specialists for guided small group tours (English, German, Swiss-German, French and other languages on request) with more than 21 years of experience We
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New Leaf Connect

New Leaf Connect
Turn over a new leaf - explore, discover, and experience, locally. New Leaf Connect is all about creating connections between people, places and produce across the Midwest in celebration of all things
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Lobster Shack

Lobster Shack
Based on the shores of the Coral Coast, just 17km from the famous “Pinnacles National Park”, the lobster processing factory offers the complete lobster experience from lobster pot to cooking pot! The
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Seaestar Boat Charters

Seaestar Boat Charters
Seaestar Fishing Charters offer the ultimate fishing experience only a short drive from Perth in Jurien Bay, WA. Our boat is crewed by a dedicated team of fishing professionals who are passionate
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Accommodation along the Indian Ocean Drive

Green Head Caravan Park

Green Head Caravan Park
Stay 4, pay 3 in a powered or unpowered site at Green Head Caravan Park. Terms and conditions apply: valid during off peak periods only (not valid during school holidays or long weekends), for powered
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Pinnacles Edge Resort

Pinnacles Edge Resort
Stay in the heart of The Pinnacles at Pinnacles Edge Resort. Offering free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar, Pinnacles Edge Resort is 5 minutes’ walk from Cervantes Golf Course. All
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Leeman Caravan Park

Leeman Caravan Park
Welcome to Leeman Caravan Park. With fantastic weather almost all year-round and the glorious Indian Ocean just a short walk away, Leeman Caravan Park is the perfect place to pitch your tent, park
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Jurien Bay Hotel Motel

Jurien Bay Hotel Motel
Jurien Hotel is situated in the middle of the Coral Coast, a scenic drive between Perth and Geraldton in Western Australia. Situated in the heart of Jurien Bay and just a short walk to the shopping
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Dongara Hotel Motel

Dongara Hotel Motel
The Perfect Seaside Break The Dongara Hotel Motel is situated on Western Australia’s stunning Coral Coast and has become a favorite stop for a relaxing drink, meal and accommodation whether you’re
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Nambung Station Stay

Nambung Station Stay
Nambung Station is a farming property located in the Shire of Dandargan. Just two hours drive north of Perth, and inland from Cervantes, Nambung Station is a working sheep and cattle station that is
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Dongara Tourist Park

Dongara Tourist Park
Dongara Tourist Park is the hidden secret of the Coral Coast. Let all you senses enjoy the beautiful water of the Indian Ocean. The park is set in beautiful bushland and sand dunes adjoining South
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Port Denison Beach Resort

Port Denison Beach Resort
Welcome to Port Denison Beach Resort, your home away from home in the twin towns of Dongara/Port Denison, the gateway to the Coral Coast. ​We offer spacious 4-bedroom 3-bathroom, and, 3-bedroom, 2
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Stories from the road - learn more about the Indian Ocean Drive from fellow travellers

Cactus Garden

Top 20 most instagramable places you need to visit along Australia's Coral Coast

Top 20 most instagramable places you need to visit along Australia's Coral Coast
Australia’s Coral Coast is home to pristine coastlines and arid outback landscapes that make for the perfect opportunity to create a sense of FOMO between your friends. Here are the top 20 most
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The discovery of ancient treasures along the Coral Coast

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Guest Blog by @fortunehunter_ for Australia's Coral Coast. Western Australia’s coast has so much uncharted history just waiting to be explored. The Coral Coast known for several ancient wrecks might
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It’s not a trip along Australia’s Coral Coast without some adrenalin pumping activities! We can agree that seeing the pristine beaches, carpets of wildflowers and the arid outback landscapes of this
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Mavis on Hiatus began the day we knew we could no longer travel overseas as we had planned. Before she had her name and her camper van status, she was a cargo van, being used for transporting audio
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