Top Attractions for Coral Coast Road Trip – Perth to Exmouth

The Coral Coast Road Trip from Perth (Boorloo) to Exmouth is one of Australia’s most scenic and breathtaking coastal drives, stretching over 1,200km along Western Australia’s pristine coastline. This epic self-drive adventure takes you through a landscape of turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, vibrant marine life and striking natural wonders - making it a must-do road trip in Australia.

Coral Coast Highway: the ultimate road trip in Western Australia

Whether you’re exploring the surreal Pinnacles Desert, sandboarding the Lancelin Sand Dunes, spotting dolphins in Shark Bay, or snorkeling alongside whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, this journey offers unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Before hitting the road, check out our Coral Coast Highway guide which is packed with the top attractions and hidden gems from Perth to Exmouth to help you plan your perfect itinerary.

Lancelin Sand Dunes: ride the waves of soft white sand

Location: Lancelin (Wangaree) – 1.5 hours from Perth
Best for: Sandboarding, 4WD adventures, panoramic views

3 people person sandboarding down the Lancelin Sand Dunes, Western Australia.

Kickstart your trip with an adrenaline-fueled stop at the Lancelin Sand Dunes – the largest in Western Australia. Towering at 45-degree angles, these snow-white dunes provide an exciting playground for sandboarding and off-road adventures. Climb to the top for sweeping views of Lancelin’s coastline before heading north to your next stop.

The Pinnacles: otherworldly rock formations

Location: Nambung National Park – 2.5 hours from Perth
Best for: Photography, nature walks, wildlife spotting

Sunset shot of monolithic rocks jutting out from the desert ground at The Pinnacles, Western Australia.

One of Western Australia’s most iconic attractions, the Pinnacles Desert features thousands of limestone pillars rising from golden sands. These formations, created over 25,000 years, offer a surreal landscape best visited at sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting. Wander the Pinnacles Loop Walk and keep an eye out for native wildlife like emus and kangaroos.

Jurien Bay: swim with playful sea lions

Location: Jurien Bay – 3 hours from Perth
Best for: Swimming with sea lions, fishing, skydiving, hiking

A curious sea lion in the ocean at Jurien Bay, Western Australia.

Jurien Bay is one of the best places in Western Australia to experience a sea lion encounter in the wild. The Jurien Bay Marine Park is home to the world's rarest sea lion species - the Australian sea lion, with one of their key breeding grounds located just offshore. Join a guided sea lion tour for the unforgettable chance to swim alongside these playful and curious marine creatures. To protect their habitat, strict wildlife interaction guidelines apply, including maintaining a safe distance, avoiding island landings and never touching the sea lions.

Hutt Lagoon: the pink lake of dreams

Location: Between Geraldton (Jambinu) and Kalbarri (Wurdimarlu)- 5.5 hours from Perth
Best for: Photography, drone shots, natural wonders

The vibrant pink waters of Hutt Lagoon, Port Gregory, Western Australia.

A vibrant pink lake? Absolutely! Hutt Lagoon’s striking colour comes from high salinity and algae, shifting from bubblegum pink to deep red depending on the season and sunlight. For the most intense colors, visit between 10 AM and 2 PM on a sunny day.

Kalbarri National Park: nature’s grand masterpiece

Location: Kalbarri (Wurdimarlu) – 6 hours from Perth
Best for: Hiking, dramatic landscapes, wildflowers (July–October)

2 people standing near the rock formation at Nature’s Window, overlooking the vast Kalbarri landscape in Western Australia.

Home to rugged gorges, soaring cliffs, and seasonal wildflowers, Kalbarri National Park is a paradise for adventure lovers. Hike to Nature’s Window, a rock arch framing the Murchison River, or walk out onto the Kalbarri Skywalk (Kaju Yatka) for breathtaking views over the gorges.

Monkey Mia: meet the friendly dolphins

Location: Shark Bay – 8.5 hours from Perth
BestfFor: Dolphin encounters, relaxing beach days

A wild dolphin swimming near the shoreline at Monkey Mia, Western Australia.

A bucket-list experience, Monkey Mia is world-famous for its wild bottlenose dolphins, which swim close to shore daily. Located in the UNESCO-listed Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Monkey Mia is a must-visit for families and nature lovers.

As these dolphins are wild, their visits vary in timing and numbers. However, they usually appear several times a day, mostly in the mornings. Interactions are strictly regulated, with rangers selecting a few lucky visitors to hand-feed them a small amount of fish. However, swimming with or touching them is prohibited by law to protect their welfare. Beyond the dolphins, Monkey Mia offers pristine beaches and rich marine life. You may see dugongs, sharks, rays, turtles and a variety of fish. There are also cultural experiences with the Malgana people, Traditional Owners of the region.

Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef: swim with gentle giants of the sea

Location: Exmouth – 13 hours from Perth
Best for: Snorkeling, whale shark swims, marine life encounters

A snorkeler swimming alongside a whale shark in the crystal-clear waters of Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia.

The Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu) is one of the most pristine fringing reefs in the world, teeming with turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish. Between March and August, visitors can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience – swimming alongside gentle whale sharks. From June to October, you might also spot humpback whales on their migration.

Cape Range National Park: wild beauty at its best

Location: Near Exmouth– 13.5 hours from Perth
Best for: Hiking, wildlife spotting, rugged scenery

2 travellers sitting on a clifftop, looking at the deep red cliffs of Yardie Creek Gorge at Cape Range National Park, Western Australia.

Discover a dramatic landscape of limestone canyons, secluded beaches, and abundant wildlife in Cape Range National Park. Take a boat tour through Yardie Creek Gorge, hike Charles Knife Canyon, or spot kangaroos, emus, and echidnas in their natural habitat.

Plan your Coral Coast adventure with BKB Holidays

Experience the best of Western Australia’s Coral Coast with our 8-Day Coral Coast Highway Self-Drive package. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of sandboarding, the tranquillity of pink lakes or the magic of marine encounters, this road trip promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Explore our Coral Coast Highway Self-Drive Package

For bookings, please contact our travel specialists on 1300 357 057 or email [email protected].

Image credits: Tourism Western Australia

Posted by Suzanne Thien on October 10, 2024