Perth to Exmouth: Coral Coast Campervan Adventure

From golden beaches and limestone pinnacles to red-rock gorges and world-class reefs, Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a dream drive. The Perth to Exmouth road trip delivers 1,250 kilometres of classic Aussie scenery, wildlife encounters, and bucket-list snorkelling, all best explored at your own pace in a comfy campervan.

This guide is your complete trip planner and inspiration hit. You will find route highlights, day-by-day itineraries, where to camp, when to go, safety tips, and the experiences worth booking in advance. If you are picturing sunrise coffees at quiet coastal camps, turquoise bays at lunchtime, and starry skies after dinner, you are in the right place.

Why a Campervan is the Best Way to See the Coral Coast

• Freedom to follow the weather, the tide, and the wildlife
• Sleep near beaches, wake up steps from the reef
• Save on accommodation and eat well with your onboard kitchen
• Pack the toys: [snorkel](/articles/best-off-the-beach-snorkel-spo/ "Best Off-the-Beach Snorkel Spots in Queensland") sets, bodyboards, fishing rods, paddleboards
• Family friendly with flexible daily distances and downtime built in
• Choose your style: 2WD campervan for sealed roads or a 4WD camper for sandy tracks

The Coral Coast is tailor-made for slow travel. With a campervan, your accommodation has ocean views more nights than not, and your itinerary can flex with the magic moments.

Essential Trip Facts at a Glance

• Distance Perth to Exmouth: about 1,250 to 1,270 kilometres via the coastal route
• Driving time: about 12 to 13 hours without stops, plan 7 to 14 days for a holiday pace
• Best time: April to October for dry, sunny weather and cool nights
• Whale shark season: typically March to July
• Humpback whale swims: usually August to October
• Turtles: nesting around November to February, hatchlings around January to March
• Road conditions: sealed highway all the way to Exmouth with good services, side trips can include gravel or sand
• Vehicle choice: 2WD is fine for the main route, 4WD needed for Francois Peron National Park and some station tracks
• Park passes: entry fees apply to national parks such as Kalbarri and Cape Range, book camps online in advance
• Fuel planning: regular roadhouses but distances can be long, top up when you can
• Connectivity: expect patchy signal outside towns, Telstra has the broadest coverage
• Safety: avoid driving at dusk or after dark due to wildlife, be cautious around road trains

The Classic Perth to Exmouth Route

The most scenic route hugs the Indian Ocean north of Perth, taking in the Pinnacles, Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Coral Bay, and Exmouth. You can add detours to station stays, blowholes, and pink lakes. Drive times below are approximate.

Perth to Cervantes and the Pinnacles

• Distance: about 200 kilometres
• Drive time: about 2.5 hours via Indian Ocean Drive or Brand Highway

Highlights:

• Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles Desert at golden hour or under the Milky Way
• Lancelin sand dunes for sandboarding or a quick dune buggy tour
• Thirsty Point and Hangover Bay for an early swim
• Fresh seafood in Cervantes with a sunset beach stroll

Where to camp:

• RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, or head a little further to Jurien Bay for more facilities

Travel tip: The Indian Ocean Drive is scenic and can be windy. Stay within speed limits and factor in photo stops.

Jurien Bay and Green Head

• Distance Cervantes to Jurien Bay: about 26 kilometres
• Drive time: about 20 minutes

Highlights:

• Jurien Bay sea lion snorkel tour to meet playful local residents
• Jurien Bay Marine Park beaches for calm, family-friendly swimming
• Lesueur National Park wildflowers in season from late winter to spring
• Green Head’s Dynamite Bay and the easy loop walk between sheltered coves

Where to camp:

• Jurien Bay Tourist Park or Green Head Caravan Park

Add a thrill: Skydive Jurien Bay is famous for beach landings and sweeping coastal views.

Geraldton to Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake

• Distance Jurien Bay to Geraldton: about 220 kilometres
• Drive time: about 2.5 hours

Highlights:

• Geraldton foreshore, cafes, and the poignant HMAS Sydney II Memorial
• Houtman Abrolhos Islands day trips for diving, snorkelling, and fishing
• Hutt Lagoon near Port Gregory for pink lake photos, brightest under midday sun on clear days

Where to camp:

• Belair Gardens Caravan Park or Sunset Beach Holiday Park in Geraldton
• Lucky Bay campsite near Port Gregory for beachside camping, conditions vary and bookings may be required

Kalbarri National Park and Coastal Cliffs

• Distance Geraldton to Kalbarri: about 155 kilometres
• Drive time: about 1.75 hours

Highlights:

• Kalbarri National Park inland gorges: Nature’s Window, Kalbarri Skywalk, Z Bend
• Coastal cliffs drive: Island Rock, Natural Bridge, Red Bluff and Pot Alley walks
• Wildflowers from late winter to spring transform the landscape
• Murchison River kayaking and sunrise birdlife

Where to camp:

• Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park for ocean views
• Kalbarri Anchorage Caravan Park by the river

Good to know:

• Inland gorge areas get very hot in warmer months, carry plenty of water and start early
• Park entry fees apply, book ahead in peak seasons

Shark Bay, Denham, and Monkey Mia

• Distance Kalbarri to Denham: about 375 to 400 kilometres, depending on route
• Drive time: about 4 to 4.5 hours

Highlights:

• Shell Beach, made from billions of tiny shells, perfect for a picnic stop
• Hamelin Pool stromatolites to learn about ancient life on Earth
• Monkey Mia dolphins that visit the shore most mornings, park rangers manage interactions
• Francois Peron National Park for red dunes meeting turquoise sea, 4WD and tyre deflation strongly recommended
• Big Lagoon, Bottle Bay, and Skipjack Point for vibrant colours and wildlife

Where to camp:

• RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Denham Seaside Tourist Village, or Francois Peron NP campsites for 4WD adventurers

Add a soak: The Peron Homestead hot tub is a favourite after a day’s driving.

Carnarvon and Quobba Blowholes

• Distance Denham to Carnarvon: about 325 kilometres
• Drive time: about 3.5 to 4 hours

Highlights:

• Gascoyne Food Trail with tropical fruit, bananas, and local produce
• Space and Technology Museum for a slice of space history
• Quobba Blowholes and the King Waves Kill sign as a stark safety reminder
• Point Quobba Aquarium for a sheltered snorkel on calm days

Where to camp:

• Carnarvon Coral Coast Tourist Park or Wintersun Caravan Park
• Quobba Station camping for a remote coastal stay, check access and bookings

Coral Bay

• Distance Carnarvon to Coral Bay: about 240 kilometres
• Drive time: about 2.5 to 3 hours

Highlights:

• Snorkel straight off the beach at Bill’s Bay, coral gardens are close to shore
• Manta ray tours operate year round out of Coral Bay
• Quad bike sunset tours along the dunes
• Gentle family-friendly vibe with two holiday parks and a handful of cafes

Where to camp:

• Ningaloo Coral Bay Bayview or Peoples Park, book early in peak season
• Limited free camping in the region, use designated campsites

Exmouth and Cape Range National Park

• Distance Coral Bay to Exmouth: about 150 kilometres
• Drive time: about 1.75 hours

Base yourself in town for supplies and day trips, or stay inside Cape Range National Park for that barefoot beach lifestyle.

Highlights:

• Turquoise Bay for the famous drift snorkel on a rising tide
• Oyster Stacks best at higher tide, check local tide charts
• Lakeside, South Mandu, and Oyster Stacks for sheltered snorkelling spots
• Yardie Creek Gorge boat tour or guided walk for black-flanked rock wallabies
• Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for sunsets and whale watching from the shore in season
• Charles Knife Road and Shothole Canyon for panoramic views and short hikes
• Navy Pier dive for advanced divers with licensed operators, often called one of the best shore dives in the world
• Muiron Islands by boat for pristine coral gardens and turtles

Where to camp:

• Exmouth Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort or RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park
• Cape Range NP sites such as Osprey, Mesa, Kurrajong, North Kurrajong, Tulki, and Yardie Creek. These sell out quickly, book online well ahead

Good to know:

• Park entry fees apply for Cape Range. Day-use areas can fill during peak holiday periods
• The Ningaloo Reef sits close to shore, respect sanctuary zones and follow local advice for currents and tides

Suggested Itineraries

Pick your pace and plug in the highlights that matter most to you.

7-Day Express Perth to Exmouth

Ideal if you are short on time and comfortable with longer driving days.

• Day 1: Perth to Cervantes or Jurien Bay. Pinnacles at sunset, stay in Jurien Bay
• Day 2: Jurien Bay to Kalbarri. Quick stop in Geraldton, sunset at Red Bluff
• Day 3: Kalbarri National Park. Skywalk and Nature’s Window in the morning, coastal cliffs in the afternoon
• Day 4: Kalbarri to Carnarvon with Hutt Lagoon stop. Gascoyne Food Trail tastings
• Day 5: Carnarvon to Coral Bay. Afternoon snorkel at Bill’s Bay, sunset walk
• Day 6: Coral Bay to Exmouth. Lighthouse at sunset
• Day 7: Cape Range National Park. Turquoise Bay drift snorkel, Yardie Creek, celebrate with fish and chips in Exmouth

Tip: If whale sharks are in season, book a tour in Exmouth on Day 6 or 7. Consider flying back from Learmonth to save time if you do not want to drive the return leg.

10-Day Classic Campervan Adventure

Balanced mix of driving, swims, and sightseeing.

• Day 1: Perth to Cervantes with Lancelin dunes
• Day 2: Cervantes to Geraldton with a detour to Jurien Bay sea lions
• Day 3: Geraldton to Kalbarri, Hutt Lagoon en route, sunset on the cliffs
• Day 4: Kalbarri inland gorges early, beach time later
• Day 5: Kalbarri to Shark Bay, Shell Beach and Monkey Mia dolphins
• Day 6: Francois Peron NP 4WD day or a rest day with a sunset cruise
• Day 7: Shark Bay to Carnarvon, afternoon at Quobba Blowholes
• Day 8: Carnarvon to Coral Bay, manta ray tour or relaxing snorkel
• Day 9: Coral Bay to Exmouth, Charles Knife Gorge lookout and town dinner
• Day 10: Cape Range day, Turquoise Bay and Yardie Creek. Stay in the park if booked

Return at your leisure or add a day for a whale shark or humpback swim.

14-Day Slow Travel with Extra Beach Time

Two weeks lets you linger in national parks and enjoy more off-grid nights.

• Days 1 to 2: Perth to Jurien Bay, sea lion tour, coastal walks
• Days 3 to 4: Geraldton base, Abrolhos day trip or pink lake photography
• Days 5 to 6: Kalbarri gorges and coastal trails
• Days 7 to 8: Shark Bay with a full day in Francois Peron NP
• Day 9: Carnarvon and Quobba station stay
• Days 10 to 11: Coral Bay with a manta tour and a sunset quad ride
• Days 12 to 14: Exmouth and Cape Range NP with two nights inside the park plus a whale shark or humpback swim

Campsites and Holiday Parks We Love

• RAC Cervantes Holiday Park: easy beach access and a great base for the Pinnacles
• Jurien Bay Tourist Park: stroll to the jetty, cafes, and the sea lion departure point
• Belair Gardens Caravan Park, Geraldton: close to the foreshore
• Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park: ocean views and new facilities
• Denham Seaside Tourist Village: beachfront sites
• RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort: wake up steps from dolphin interactions
• Carnarvon Coral Coast Tourist Park: central, tidy, friendly
• Ningaloo Coral Bay Bayview or Peoples Park: stay steps from Bill’s Bay
• RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort: pools and shaded sites
• Cape Range National Park camps: Osprey and Kurrajong are favourites for waterfront sunrises, book well ahead

Free camping note: Western Australia has limited freedom camping near towns and popular sites. Fines apply for camping outside designated areas. Use national park camps, station stays, and shires’ designated overnight stops.

Tours Worth Booking

• Whale shark swims from Exmouth or Coral Bay, typically March to July
• Humpback whale swims, usually August to October
• Jurien Bay sea lion snorkel
• Yardie Creek boat tour inside Cape Range NP
• Navy Pier scuba dive with licensed operator on permitted days
• Muiron Islands snorkel or dive
• Quad and 4WD tours in Coral Bay or Francois Peron NP
• Sunset sails in Shark Bay or Exmouth

Book early for peak travel months and school holidays, and confirm age, fitness, and medical requirements for wildlife tours.

Practical Planning Guide

Permits and Bookings

• National parks: entry fees apply at Nambung, Kalbarri, Francois Peron, and Cape Range. Day entry or multi-day passes are available. Check the WA Parks and Wildlife Service website for current prices
• Camping in national parks: book online well in advance, especially Cape Range and Francois Peron
• School holidays and long weekends sell out months ahead across the Coral Coast, including holiday parks

Driving and Safety Tips

• Avoid driving at dawn, dusk, and at night due to kangaroos, emus, stock, and goats
• Leave space for road trains. They can be very long, only overtake with a clear view and ample distance
• Keep fuel topped up. Key roadhouses include Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Northampton, Overlander Roadhouse for Shark Bay, Billabong Roadhouse, Carnarvon, Minilya Roadhouse, Coral Bay, and Exmouth
• Carry at least 10 to 20 litres of drinking water in addition to your tank
• Watch wind and swell on cliff edges and near blowholes, rogue waves are dangerous
• Check tyre pressures regularly. If heading into sand, reduce pressures and re-inflate before returning to sealed roads

Fuel, Water, and Supplies

• Supermarkets: larger shops in Geraldton, Kalbarri, Carnarvon, and Exmouth. Smaller IGA and general stores in Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Denham, and Coral Bay
• Fuel prices rise the further north and the more remote you go. Budget a little extra and fill up before long stretches
• Water refill points are available at most caravan parks. In dry years, some towns place limits so use water wisely

Weather and Seasons

• April to October offers cooler days, light winds, and warm water by northern standards
• Summer can be very hot with cyclone risk in the broader region from November to April. Plan early starts, long lunch breaks, and more time in the water if travelling in warmer months
• Snorkelling conditions vary with wind and swell. The Ningaloo coastline is often best in the morning before the afternoon breeze

2WD or 4WD

• 2WD is perfect for the Perth to Exmouth highway, towns, and sealed attractions
• 4WD is strongly recommended for Francois Peron NP, parts of Quobba, and certain station tracks
• Yardie Creek crossing is tidal and conditions change. Many visitors explore Cape Range NP in 2WD and visit Yardie Creek by road from the southern side without crossing the creek

Power, Dump Points, and Waste

• Choose powered sites if you want air conditioning and regular recharging. Many travellers go unpowered using solar and battery systems
• Dump points are available in larger towns and most caravan parks. Dispose of gray and black water responsibly
• Carry reusable shopping bags and water bottles, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment

Respect Country and Wildlife

• You are travelling through the traditional lands of several Aboriginal groups. Respect cultural sites and signage
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially nesting turtles and rays
• Fishing regulations apply across marine parks. Check sanctuary zones and size limits before casting a line
• Drone rules vary by park. Check current regulations and respect no-fly zones and other visitors

Packing Checklist for the Coral Coast

• License, insurance details, park pass or booking confirmations
• Polarised sunglasses, wide-brim hat, light long sleeves
• Reef-safe sunscreen and zinc
• Snorkel, mask, fins. Hire is available in Coral Bay and Exmouth if you prefer to travel light
• Water shoes for rocky entries
• Compact first aid kit, any medications, seasickness tablets for boat days
• Insect repellent and a fly net if travelling in late spring
• Head torch or lantern, spare batteries
• Reusable water containers and a soft cooler bag for beach days
• Quick-dry towels, travel clothesline, pegs
• Lightweight windproof jacket for boat trips
• Small dry bag for phones and keys on snorkel days
• Car charger and power bank, offline maps downloaded
• If 4WD: tyre deflator, compressor, recovery gear, and a shovel

Budgeting Your Road Trip

Budgets vary by travel style, season, and vehicle. Plan for:

• Campervan hire: seasonal rates vary, book early for peak months
• Fuel: the route is about 2,500 to 3,000 kilometres return, plus detours. Fuel prices are higher up north, so set a buffer
• Parks and camping: national park entry plus holiday park or NP camping fees
• Tours: whale shark or humpback swims are premium experiences priced accordingly. Sea lion tours, snorkel trips, and the Navy Pier dive add to the fun. Booking ahead helps secure spots and sometimes early-bird rates
• Food: stock up in larger towns for best range and value. Treat yourself to fish and chips, bakery stops, and a pub meal or two

Money-saving tips:

• Travel outside school holidays for better rates and availability
• Mix national park camps with holiday park stays to balance cost and comfort
• Cook most meals in your campervan and carry snacks to reduce roadhouse impulse buys
• Choose one big-ticket tour and complement with free snorkelling inside marine parks

Perth to Exmouth FAQs

Q: How long does it take to drive from Perth to Exmouth? A: About 12 to 13 hours of pure driving, not including stops. Most travellers take 7 to 14 days to enjoy the route.

Q: What is the best month to do the Coral Coast road trip? A: April to October offers the most comfortable conditions. For whale sharks, plan between March and July. For humpback swims, aim for August to October.

Q: Is 2WD enough for this road trip? A: Yes for the main highway and attractions, including Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay, Exmouth, and most of Cape Range NP. A 4WD is needed for Francois Peron NP and some station tracks.

Q: Can I free camp along the Coral Coast? A: Free camping is limited and often prohibited near towns and attractions. Use national park camps, shire-operated rest areas where signed, and established caravan parks.

Q: Are there crocodiles at Ningaloo? A: No. Saltwater crocodiles live far to the north in Western Australia. You can safely enjoy the water at Ningaloo with standard ocean awareness.

Q: Are stingers a problem? A: Serious stingers are far less common than in tropical Queensland. Occasional jellyfish do occur. Follow local advice, heed beach signage, and consider a stinger suit if recommended on the day.

Q: Do I need to book national park camps? A: Yes for popular parks such as Cape Range and Francois Peron. They often book out months ahead during peak seasons.

Q: Where can I snorkel from the beach? A: Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks at higher tide, Lakeside in Cape Range NP, and Bill’s Bay in Coral Bay are top picks. Always check local conditions and tide charts.

Q: Is night driving safe? A: It is not recommended due to wildlife. Plan to reach camp well before sunset.

Q: Can I swim with whale sharks if I am not a strong swimmer? A: Operators provide flotation aids and guides. You will need to be comfortable in open water and able to snorkel. Discuss your comfort level with your chosen operator before booking.

Pro Tips for a Seamless Campervan Trip

• Book key items first: your campervan, whale shark or humpback tours, and Cape Range NP camps
• Plan around tides for the best snorkelling at Oyster Stacks and the safest drift at Turquoise Bay
• Carry paper maps or download offline maps in case coverage drops
• Start hikes early on warmer days and pack double the water you think you need
• Respect sanctuary zones. A quick look at the Ningaloo Marine Park zoning map will keep your activities legal and the reef healthy
• Keep your itinerary flexible. If a day is windy, flipping a snorkel day with an inland gorge or lighthouse day works well

Ready to Roll

From the spires of the Pinnacles to the manta rays of Coral Bay and the drift at Turquoise Bay, the Perth to Exmouth road trip is a greatest hits album of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. A campervan makes it effortless. Sleep close to the action, cook under the stars, and choose your own pace as you head north from Perth.

Secure your campervan early for the best choice of layouts and rates, lock in those must-do tours, and book national park camps as soon as your dates are firm. The rest is simple. Point your bonnet north, queue a road trip playlist, and let the Coral Coast adventure begin.