Starting from Cervantes spanning north, the Indian Ocean Drive (road extension off Perth's Yanchep suburb) offers a scenic journey to the coastal towns of Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Green Head, Leeman, Dongara and Port Denison. Cervantes is a short 2 hours' drive north of Perth.
The Indian Ocean Drive is a scenic but quick road trip, making the journey an excellent day trip from Perth, or the first port of call on your journey north along Australia's Coral Coast. These seaside towns are great short break destinations offering plenty of things to see and do on the coast and inland.
* Top Five *
- Explore: The Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park
- Taste: Dongara-Port Denison's award-winning Rum
- Explore: Walk or cycle the Three Bays Walkway, or go caving in Stockyard Gully National Park (4WD required)
- Camp: At secluded eco-campsites Milligan Island or Sandy Cape
- Meet: The endangered sea lions of Jurien Bay
Cervantes is known across the globe for the fascinating Pinnacles Desert in the Nambung National Park. Learn more at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre. Travel a little further north to Lake Thetis - one of only five thrombolite, or ‘Living fossils’, sites in Western Australia. An easy 1.5 kilometre walking loop around the lake showcases the experience via interpretive signage. Cervantes also boasts beautiful beaches for fishing, swimming, and fresh seafood. Learn more about the region's multi-million dollar lobster industry, and the Western Rock Lobster industry at the Lobster Shack, and enjoy some or other tasty seafood for lunch!
Located just 20 minutes’ drive north of Cervantes, along the Indian Ocean Drive, Jurien Bay is fast emerging as a popular short break destination for families and adventure seekers. Whether you’re a scuba-diver discovering the Marine Park, a skydiver landing on the pristine white beaches, or love 4WDing in all-terrain conditions, Jurien Bay has a lot to offer the holiday maker.
Green Head is a town all about nature. Picnic at nearby Lesueur National Park, featuring 10% of the State’s total known flora. It's also home to WA's largest resident population of endangered Australian sea lions which can be viewed as part of a tour from Green Head or Jurien Bay.
Leeman offers great caravan and camping experiences. Milligan Island is a "nature-based" short term (48 hours maximum) camping site set amongst natural vegetation and dunes, while inland the Stockyard Gully National Park features caves and fantastic 4WDing opportunities.
The twin-towns of Dongara and Port Denison are found just 4 hours north of Perth and mark the end of the Indian Ocean Drive region. With true coastal village charm, the Irwin River meanders between these two towns. Dongara’s drive-in is one of two operating in Western Australia (opened in the 1960’s) and screens movies every second Saturday night from October until May. Of all the locations on the Coral Coast, Dongara-Port Denison has the most amount of pet-friendly accommodation available for those who like to travel with a furry friend.
