Perth → Exmouth : The Turquoise Coast Overland Guide

From limestone pinnacles to red-sand desert and a reef you can swim to from shore—this run up the Coral Coast Highway is Western Australia at full volume. It’s roughly 1,250 km from Perth to Exmouth, best enjoyed over 7–12 days with time to hike gorges, roll into beach camps, and snorkel Ningaloo’s turquoise lagoons.

Not into logistics Tetris? Small-group Australian Adventures cover this route so you can focus on sunsets, not spreadsheets.

At a glance

• Total distance: ~1,250 km (sealed highway; a 4WD unlocks bonus detours).

• Best windows:

  • Autumn & Spring for milder temps south of Shark Bay.

  • Dry season (Jun–Sep) for Ningaloo & Cape Range (cooler days, warm water).

  • Whale sharks: most reliable Mar–Jul (often lingering into late winter).

  • Humpbacks: typically Jul–Nov along Ningaloo.

• Cyclone awareness: Northwest WA cyclone season is roughly Nov–Apr—always check current alerts.

The Route: 7–12 days (mix & match)

Day 1: Perth → Cervantes/Jurien Bay

Cruise the Indian Ocean Drive. Detour for a sunset wander among the Pinnacles, then settle into a beach camp or motel.

Day 2–3: Geraldton → Kalbarri National Park

Switch between inland gorges and ocean cliffs. The Loop, Nature’s Window and Z-Bend deliver big views without big mileage. Download official park maps before you go.

Day 4–5: Shark Bay World Heritage Area

Red dunes meet glassy lagoons. Soft-sand 4WD in François Péron NP if you’re confident airing down; otherwise base in Denham/Monkey Mia for wildlife time and sea-kayak sessions.

Day 6: Carnarvon → Coral Bay

Slide into reef-life mode: stroll off the beach into a snorkel. Great warm-up before Exmouth.

Day 7–10: Exmouth & Cape Range National Park

Headline acts: Turquoise Bay drift snorkel, Oyster Stacks (tide-dependent), Yardie Creek gorge on foot or by boat, and lighthouse sunsets. Reef in the morning, canyon after lunch. Chef’s kiss.

Add extra days for manta trips from Coral Bay or a 4WD beach-camp rotation inside Cape Range (book well ahead).

Snorkel & Wildlife Calendar (quick hits)

• Whale sharks: reliable Mar–Jul; late winter sightings still possible in some years.

• Humpbacks: typically Jul–Nov migrations; peak activity mid-season.

• Manta rays: common around Coral Bay much of the year—ask locally for current hot spots.

Camps, Parks & Permits

• Park entry & campsites: Popular beach camps (e.g., Osprey Bay) book out quickly—reserve online where required.

• 4WD detours: François Péron NP and selected coastal tracks are soft sand—air down, carry recovery gear, and follow local advice.

• Culture & country: Respect signed cultural sites; take only photos, leave only footprints (and even those, lightly).

Fuel, Food & Road Notes

• Towns and fuel are regular enough on the highway, but distances stretch north of Geraldton. Top up at half-tank, carry extra water, and plan for long daylight driving.

• Common hazards: stock on roads, roos at dawn/dusk, and coastal wind gusts.

Safety & Seasonality (read this bit)

• Heat & sun: Early starts, UPF layers, electrolytes.

• Ocean: Drift only where signed safe; heed tides and currents.

• Cyclones: If travelling Nov–Apr, monitor official updates and park alerts; keep plans flexible.

• Comms: Expect long gaps between towers—consider a PLB/sat messenger for self-drive sections.

Packing for a 4WD + Reef Combo

On land

• Light hiking kit, brimmed hat, wind shell

• 20–30L daypack, 2–3L hydration, compact first aid

• Headlamp for dawn starts & night skies

In water

• Mask/snorkel/fins (hireable in town), long-sleeve rashie

• Reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, microfibre towel

Vehicle

• Compressor/tyre deflator, basic recovery kit

• Offline maps, spare water, snacks, and shade

The Ultimate Itinerary

7 Days (express, still dreamy)
Perth → Kalbarri (1N) → Shark Bay (2N) → Coral Bay (1N) → Exmouth/Cape Range (2–3N)

10–12 Days (balanced)
 Add an extra night in Kalbarri and Cape Range, plus a manta day from Coral Bay and a Yardie Creek kayak/hike combo.

Responsible Travel, Real Impact

Choose small groups, stick to formed tracks, and follow marine guidelines. Booking via Zero Trace supports landscape restoration—so the places that change you get a little love back.

References

• Australia’s Coral Coast — Coral Coast Highway overview & distance (~1,250 km). (Australia's Coral Coast)

• WA Department of Fire & Emergency Services — Cyclone season timing & regional risk notes. (dfes.wa.gov.au)

• Explore Parks WA — Kalbarri NP (Loop & Nature’s Window) official site. (Explore Parks)

• Explore Parks WA — Shark Bay World Heritage Area overview. (Explore Parks)

• Explore Parks WA — Cape Range National Park highlights (Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks). (Explore Parks)

• Australia’s Coral Coast — Oyster Stacks snorkel site info. (Australia's Coral Coast)

• Explore Parks WA — Camping & online bookings info (availability and terms). (Explore Parks)

• Three Islands Whale Shark Dive — Whale shark season guidance (Mar–Jul). (whalesharkdive.com)

• Ningaloo Whale Sharks — Humpback season window and marine calendar context. (ningaloowhalesharks.com, whalesharkdive.com)