Perth to Exmouth

Travelling north along the Indian Ocean Drive (continues north from Wanneroo Road), the first leg of the Ultimate Road Trip, from Perth to Exmouth takes you through the coastal towns of Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Dongara, Port Denison and Greenough.

First stop is Cervantes and the splendour of the Pinnacles Desert. The road into the Pinnacles is sealed, and there is a car park within walking distance of the limestone structures. After exploring the Pinnacles, head to the Desert Discovery Centre to learn more about these mystical formations. Enjoy a swim at Hangover Bay or Thirsty Point in Cervantes before continuing north.

On arriving in Geraldton, treat yourself to some of the freshest seafood in WA, particularly the region’s famous western rock lobster. Enjoy Geraldton’s cosmopolitan vibe by eating out at one of the numerous restaurants and be sure to head up to the impressive HMAS Sydney II Memorial. Commemorating the lives of 645 sailors who died in World War II, it provides sweeping views across Geraldton and the Indian Ocean.

Stay overnight at: Geraldton – Belair Gardens Caravan Park
Address: 463 Marine Terrace Geraldton, WA, 6530
Phone: +61 8 9921 1997
Email: bookings@belairgardenscaravanpark.com.au
Website: www.belairgardenscaravanpark.com.au

Continue north to the tropical fruit town of Carnarvon – a popular holiday spot for those chasing the winter sun. Sample the abundance of fresh flavours at local mango and banana plantations, or take a detour from your Ultimate Road Trip and follow the Gascoyne Food Trail. Stopping at various producers, you can taste their delicious offerings, from fresh seafood to irresistible condiments. Take an evening stroll along the Fascine, enjoying the magnificent sunset views before heading out to dine on fresh local produce.

Overnight: Carnarvon – Wintersun Caravan Park
Address: 546 Robinson Street, Carnarvon, 6701
Phone: +61 8 9941 8150
Email: wintersuncpk@wn.com.au
Website: www.wintersuncaravanpark.com.au

Coral Coast Tourist Park
Address: 108 Robinson Street, Carnarvon, 6701
Phone: +61 8 9941 1438
Email: info@coralcoastpark.com
Website: www.coralcoasttouristpark.com.au

As you head north out of Carnarvon be sure to stop at the blowholes, watching the water spray meters in to the air as it surges through the rocks. Heading north along the North West Coastal Highway, today you complete your outward journey from Perth to Exmouth, arriving at the pristine Ningaloo Reef and its unspoiled beaches. Starting just metres from the shore, this fringing reef is teeming with unique marine life. And should you visit between late March and early July, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience a swim the whale sharks – the world’s largest fish.

Overnight: Exmouth Cape Holiday Park
Address: 3 Truscott Crescent, Exmouth, 6707
Phone: +61 8 9949 1101
Email: exmouth@aspenparks.com.au
Website: www.aspenparks.com.au

Take a glass bottom boat cruise to view the reef’s diverse marine life, or spend your day snorkelling the vibrant coral gardens of the Ningaloo Marine Park. Nearby, Cape Range National Park offers rugged scenery of deep canyons, limestone ranges and spectacular gorges. Explore the park in your own four wheel drive, or take a tour from Exmouth.

Overnight: Exmouth Cape Holiday Park

Day 5: Exmouth to Coral Bay

The shortest leg of the Ultimate Road Trip brings you to Coral Bay – a snorkeller’s paradise with calm, protected waters and hundreds of fish and coral species. Here, the reef literally touches the shore, creating an endless underwater garden of marine life. To explore further out, take a glass-bottom boat trip or join a snorkelling tour. Spend the evening watching the sunset and dining at one of Coral Bay’s restaurants.

Overnight: Bayview Coral Bay
Address: Robinson Street, Coral Bay 6701
Phone: +61 8 9385 6655
Email: stay@coralbaywa.com
Website: www.coralbaywa.com.au

Stay another day in Coral Bay for more swimming and snorkelling, or throw in a line and try your luck at beach fishing. Fishing charters head out to sea regularly and adventurous types can join a scuba diving trip, a manta ray tour or swim the whale sharks (mid-March to mid-July). When it’s time to dry off, take a 4WD along the coast or hire a quad bike for some rugged adventure.

Overnight: Bayview Coral Bay

Head south on the Northwest Coastal Highway to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Follow the interpretive signage along the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive. Sites along the drive include the remarkable Hamelin Pool stromatolites – the oldest living fossils in the world – and the calm, crystal waters of Shell Beach – a 110km stretch of beach made entirely of millions of tiny shells. Stop at Eagle Bluff for spectacular ocean views along a 100m walkway, where reef sharks, dugongs and rays are regularly spotted. If you’ve made good time on this leg of the Ultimate Road Trip, head to Peron Homestead, with its remarkable history of a late era around Shark Bay. Enjoy a drink on the foreshore at Denham or Monkey Mia and watch a magical sunset.

Overnight: Monkey Mia Resort
Address: Monkey Mia Road, Denham, 6537
Phone: +61 8 9948 1320
Email: enquiry@monkeymia.com.au
Website: www.monkeymia.com.au

Spend some time at the water’s edge, meeting the friendly bottlenose dolphins of Monkey Mia. The dolphins are fed up to three times each day, which accounts for just one third of their daily diet. The first feeding is at around 7.30am. In the afternoon, enjoy Monkey Mia’s facilities or take one of the many tours on offer throughout the region. Unwind on a sunset cruise aboard a magnificent catamaran before ending your day wining and dining by the beach. After dinner, join an astronomy or indigenous cultural tour.

Overnight: Monkey Mia Resort

The popular coastal holiday town of Kalbarri is located at the mouth of the Murchison River, and is the last destination on your return journey along the Ultimate Road Trip from Perth to Exmouth. Enjoy the rugged coastal scenery as you approach the Kalbarri township. Take in Kalbarri’s famous sunset views from one of the many coastal walk trails. Or grab a surfboard and head for the renowned surf break Jacques Point, before tucking into a fresh seafood feast for dinner at one of the many local restaurants. After dinner, sit back and relax under the stars at the outdoor cinema.

Overnight: Murchison Caravan Park Kalbarri
Address: 29 Grey Street, Kalbarri, 6536
Phone: +61 8 9937 1005
Email: mcp@wn.com.au
Website: http://murcp.com

Wake up early and watch the daily pelican feeding on the foreshore at around 8.45am. Enjoy a fishing tour, river cruise or spend your day relaxing and taking in the sights of this unique coastline. Adventure lovers can join a range of extreme tours that take you abseiling, canoeing, sand boarding or touring the region on quad bikes.

Overnight: Murchison Caravan Park Kalbarri

Pack up the car this morning and head south for the final leg of your Ultimate Road Trip. Stop in at the Kalbarri coastal gorges on your way south, and be sure to stop in for a picture at the Pink Lake, incredibly pink in colour. Stop in at the charming town of Northampton, declared a historic town by the national trust in 1993. Explore the sites around town before continuing your journey south to Perth.