Indian Ocean Drive

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.

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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

Camp at secluded eco-campsites

Sandy Cape, Cliff Head and Milligan Island are all oceanfront, eco-campsites along the Indian Ocean Drive.

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

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

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

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

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

Muiron Islands, Western Australia's 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

Gascoyne Food Festival Carnarvon Western Australia

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

Scuba diving on the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

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

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

Australian Sea Lion Jurien Bay Western Australia Coral Coast

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

A couple lean against their 4WD after fishing from the beach in Coral Bay, Western Australia

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