Perth to Exmouth Coastal Drive Itinerary

Welcome to Perth! Explore Perth on a guided 2.5 km walking tour that reveals the city’s creative laneways, historic arcades and cultural landmarks. Beginning at the heritage-listed Perth Town Hall, the experience uncovers stories of early settlers, modern development and Indigenous history, including the legacy of Yagan. Wander through atmospheric alleys filled with street art, murals and public sculptures, and discover hidden highlights such as The State Buildings, London Court and Wolf Lane. Along the way, your guide shares insights into architecture, local legends and Perth’s evolving identity. The experience concludes at a stylish local bar with a complimentary drink, celebrating the city’s vibrant culture and relaxed atmosphere.

Accommodation: Perth - 1 Night

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and begin your adventure by travelling to the coastal fishing town of Cervantes via one of Australia’s most unique landscapes: the Pinnacles Desert. 

Just ten minutes from Cervantes, prepare for a weird and wonderful sight. The sandy yellow Pinnacles Desert is filled with rocky spires as far as the eye can see. There are thousands of these strange limestone formations, like giant stony desert mushrooms.

As evening falls, the Lumineer Adventure Tour adds magic with a sunset dinner among the Pinnacles, followed by guided stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the night sky comes alive, making it a memorable mix of nature, food and outback wonder.

Included Meals: Dinner

Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Cervantes - 1 Night

En route to Kalbarri, stop at Jurien Bay, a favourite with Western Australian families. Join a boat tour to visit the protected Australian Sea Lions at their island breeding colony and spend 1–1.5 hours watching these curious animals up close, with a chance to spot dolphins along the way. 

Continue to Kalbarri, where the outback meets the sea. Set at the mouth of the Murchison River, the area is famed for towering cliffs, sand dunes, wild pelicans, ancient river gorges, dramatic coastal formations and colourful wildflowers.

Approximate Distance: 410 km | 255 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Jurien Bay - 2 Nights

Join us an unforgettable tour of Kalbarri National Park’s spectacular gorges, led by expert local guides who bring the landscape to life. We begin at Z Bend Lookout with a 1.2 kilometre walk suitable for most ages and fitness levels, with some bushwalking experience recommended. 

Next, visit the iconic Nature’s Window, a natural rock arch framing the ancient river gorge. This easy 1 kilometre walk offers stunning scenery and cultural insight. The tour finishes at the Kalbarri Skywalk, with platforms extending high above the river for sweeping panoramic views.

Included Meals: Morning Tea

Just north of Denham, the Monkey Mia Reserve is surrounded by red sand dunes, white beaches and rich marine waters alive with dolphins, turtles, dugongs, sharks, rays and more. Scientists from around the world study this unique ecosystem, drawn by its extraordinary biodiversity. Tomorrow offers a chance to explore its wonders firsthand. In the evening, enjoy a beachside cultural experience under the stars, beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony and storytelling around the campfire. Savour seafood or bush tucker cooked over flames, listen to didgeridoo music, stargaze, and take part in interactive music traditions for a deeper connection to Country.

Approximate Distance: 400 km | 249 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Monkey Mia - 2 Nights

Take a full-day return trip to Denham in Shark Bay, home to the world’s oldest living fossils—the 3.5-billion-year-old Hamelin Pool stromatolites, one of only two places they can be seen. Spend the day exploring Francois Peron National Park, where outback meets the coast. 

Traverse red sand dunes, acacia shrublands, and hidden tracks, spotting wildlife like dugongs, lizards, and echidnas. Learn survival skills, capture stunning photos, and explore natural aquariums teeming with marine life. The tour includes entry fees, lunch, refreshments, sunscreen, and expert guidance for an unforgettable Australian adventure.

Included Meals: Lunch

Approximate Distance: 25 km | 15 miles   Total Driving Time: 20 mins (each way)

After departing from Monkey Mia, head north to see the Carnarvon blowholes, where ocean water shoots up to 20 m through natural rock formations. This spectacular display is caused by waves forcing water through sea caves and up holes in the rock. 

Next, visit Coral Bay, a marine paradise and one of Western Australia’s top family holiday spots, known for its coral gardens just metres from the shore. Explore Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s only fringing reef starting at the water’s edge, and discover the beauty of this incredible World Heritage Area.

Approximate Distance: 585 km | 364 miles   Total Driving Time: 6 hours 

Accommodation: Coral Bay - 2 Nights

With more than 500 tropical fish species along the 300-kilometre Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay offers endless ways to enjoy the water, all optional and at your own expense. You might join a snorkelling cruise, hire glass-bottom canoes or explore by glass-bottom boat, or take an eco-tour in search of manta rays. Alternatively, relax by your accommodation’s pool or unwind on the beach just 100 metres away. As evening falls, set sail on a sunset cruise aboard the Ningaloo catamaran, gliding over the World Heritage-listed reef while enjoying a grazing platter, drinks and expert commentary on its rich marine life and conservation.

Continue alon g the coast to Exmouth, a small resort town on Western Australia’s North West Cape. Exmouth is the perfect base to explore the grand landscapes of the Cape Range National Park and northern Ningaloo Marine Park. 

Visitors flock here from around the world to swim with whale sharks and even humpback whales! Exmouth is also the gateway to the rugged Cape Range National Park, which features breathtaking canyons, limestone ranges and 50 kilometres of unspoiled coastline.

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Exmouth - 2 Nights

Embark on an exciting ocean adventure today with Exmouth Dive Centre. Depending on the time of year you travel, here is what your day has in store:

Whale Shark Swim (March to August)

Swim and snorkel with gentle Whale Sharks, getting up close and personal with the world’s largest fish as they cruise the waters of Western Australia’s Northwest Cape.

Humpback Whale Swim (August to November)

Thousands of humpback whales grace the waters off Exmouth between June through to the end of October. You will have the opportunity to swim with them, or observe them from the comfort of the boat if you prefer.

Snorkel the Reef by Boat (rest of the year)

Snorkel the Muiron Islands and Ningaloo Reef for a holiday experience you’ll never forget. Enjoy a genuine coral reef adventure in a location unlike anywhere else in the world.

Return your rental vehicle and say farewell to Western Australia today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 11 Day Perth to Exmouth Coastal Drive and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.