The west coast of Australia is a bucket list item for many adventurers. Wild open coastlines of white sand beaches, with towering peaks of national parks and coral reefs teeming with marine life. The west coast of Australia really has something for everyone. But whilst it might be full of incredible things to see and do, the west coast of Australia is not a trip to take lightly. It requires proper planning, thought and preparation. This is our guide for the Australia west coast road trip, including things to see and do, top tips, and a full budget breakdown.
- The West coast road trip: A summary
- Interactive map of the Australian West Coast
- 11 top things to see and do on the West Coast of Australia
- Renting or buying a car / van for the road trip
- Where to stay or camp on the Australian West Coast
- How much does it cost to drive the West coast of Australia? A full budget breakdown
- Best time of year to drive the West Coast of Australia
- 6 tips for driving the West Coast of Australia
The West coast road trip: A summary
Many people visiting Western Australia, particularly Perth, will no doubt have heard of the famous Australian West coast. This route takes you from Perth, the most populated city in the region, to Broome, all the way up in the tropical north of the country. Stretching for over 2500 kilometers, it covers a vast distance, and in parts there is nothing or nobody for hours of driving!
In our opinion it is a bucket list road trip for any adventurous traveller and a must see for anyone visiting this part of Australia. It can be completed in as much or as little time as you have available, but to truly see everything this part of the world has to offer, it is best taken slowly over a few weeks.
Interactive map of the Australian West Coast
This is the interactive map of all our stops during the Australian west coast road trip. We recommend to have a close look at where the petrol stations are, and plan your stops around them. The risk of running out of fuel is real in Western Australia!
11 top things to see and do on the West Coast of Australia
1. Wedge Island
Located approximately 160 km north of Perth, Wedge Island makes for an ideal first stop on a road trip from Perth to Broome. It offers a first glimpse of what Western Australia is all about: wild landscapes, remote stretches of coast, rugged terrain, and natural beauty.
Despite its name, Wedge Island is not a traditional island but rather a small sandy outcrop just off the mainland, accessible only by boat. The surrounding area, however, is well known for its laid-back beach camping atmosphere and the striking white sand dunes nearby, perfect for exploring, sandboarding, or simply taking in the unique scenery.
If you have a 4×4, be ready to go camping by the sea as Australians do!
2. Pinnacles National Park
Located about 40 km north of Wedge Island, the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a must-see stop on the same day. It’s one of Western Australia’s most iconic landscapes, featuring thousands of limestone pillars rising from the yellow desert sand. Wandering around them gives you a real otherworldly feeling!
The area is easy to explore, with a loop drive through the desert and walking trails that allow you to wander among the formations. The cost of the park is 17 AUD for the day, the standard price for all the national parks in Western Australia.
3. Jurien Bay
Located about 50 km north of the Pinnacles, Jurien Bay is a convenient and comfortable place to end the first day of your road trip. While the town itself is quiet and doesn’t offer many attractions beyond its long beach and jetty, it’s a practical stop for refuelling, stocking up on groceries, and getting a good night’s rest before diving back into the wilder parts of the Coral Coast.
4. Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake
On the second day, the road continues north for about 290 km from Jurien Bay to Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake, which, as the name suggests, is a stunning lake with a natural pink hue.
The lake’s intense pink bubblegum colour comes from naturally occurring algae, and its hue changes with the light and time of day. Leaving early in the morning will give you plenty of time to enjoy the Pink Lake in the best light, that goes from midday to early afternoon, when the colours tend to be more vivid.
The road that runs alongside the lake is truly scenic, especially if you have a drone. Take your time to find the best spot and capture some amazing shots!
5. Kalbarri National Park
After Hutt Lagoon, it’s about 170 km north to Kalbarri National Park, which will take roughly 2 to 2.5 hours to reach. Kalbarri is one of Western Australia’s most famous natural parks, known for its wide and vast landscapes, gorges, cliffs, and the iconic Murchison River.
The park offers a variety of stunning viewpoints, including the Z-Bend Gorge and Nature’s Window, a rock formation that frames a breathtaking view of the river below, easily reachable in only 10-15 minutes of easy walk. The park offers plenty of trekking opportunities for all levels and duration!
The entrance fee is the standard 17 AUD for all the national parks in Western Australia.
Don’t forget to fuel the car/van in Kalbarri town! After that, you will not have another chance for another 160 kms!
6. Monkey Mia and Shark Bay
From Kalbarri National Park, you can continue to Monkey Mia, the heart of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The 400 km drive takes around 4.5 to 5 hours, so it’s best to leave early to make the most of the day.
Monkey Mia is best known for its wild dolphins, which come close to shore most mornings. For only 15 AUD, the park rangers offer informative sessions and supervise the feedings, keeping it respectful and controlled. While it’s a bit touristy, it’s still special to see the dolphins so close in their natural environment.
That day, our old van had a problem, so unfortunately, we personally didn’t make it to the dolphins. However, we chose a beautiful camping spot by the beach to relax and enjoy the magnificent nature all around us! The cost was only 20 AUD, and you can find the location here.
Other places not to miss in Shark Bay are:
- Shell Beach: a beach made entirely of tiny white shells instead of sand, which stretches for over 60 km.
- Eagle Bluff: a viewpoint overlooking the ocean where you can sometimes spot sharks, rays, and dugongs from above.
If you’re short on time, we recommend skipping this stop and heading straight to the Ningaloo Reef. While the area is certainly beautiful, the detour to reach Monkey Mia is quite long, and in our experience, it’s not as striking as some of the other destinations along this road trip.
7. Kennedy Range National Park (4×4 only)
Kennedy Range National Park is quite far, about 500 to 600 km inland from Monkey Mia or Kalbarri, so it’s a big detour that requires a 4WD and plenty of time.
The park is known for its raw, remote beauty and is a great spot for those looking for a bit of adventure. With its rugged cliffs, deep gorges, and peaceful outback setting, it’s perfect if you’re after something wild and off the usual tourist track. Unfortunately, since we were travelling with our van, we decided to skip this stop!
8. Coral Bay
From Monkey Mia, it’s about 580 km (around 6.5 to 7 hours of driving) to reach Coral Bay, a small coastal town that sits right on the edge of the famous Ningaloo Reef. Coral Bay is relaxed and tiny, with just a handful of shops and restaurants, but the main attraction is the ocean. The main beach is heavenly, and there are plenty of snorkelling tours if you want to explore the reef more deeply.
However, we were saddened to see that many of the corals close to shore were dead or severely bleached, likely due to climate change and the rising sea temperatures.
9. Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef
From Coral Bay, it’s a short 1.5-hour drive (about 150 km) to Exmouth, an easy journey that takes you further into the heart of the Ningaloo Reef region. Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef was the main highlight of our west coast adventure, we absolutely loved it!
The marine life of the Ningaloo Reef is absolutely stunning and really accessible to everybody. With only a 17 AUD fee you can enter the National park area, and you can literally jump straight into the coral reef from the shore and be surrounded by vibrant corals and an incredible variety of marine creatures, like turtles, reef sharks, mantas and much more!
Based on our experience, these are the must-see spots in the Ningaloo Reef:
- Turquoise Beach: one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen, with clear, warm waters and powdery soft sand. Don’t miss the drift snorkel on the left side of the beach!
- Oyster Stacks: one of the best spots to snorkel in the Ningaloo reef;
- Vlamingh Head Lighthouse: the highest point in the peninsula, ideal for whale watching during the right season!
Moreover, the whale shark tour is an absolute must-do! Yes, it’s a bit pricey (around 500 AUD per person), but it’s worth every dollar. We were almost brought to tears in the water, witnessing the majesty of these gentle giants up close. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, and being in the water with them is truly humbling. If you don’t spot any on your first tour, you can come back the next day for another chance to swim with them. The experience is something you’ll never forget.
When spending money abroad we always use our WISE international debit card. You can withdraw up to 200 euros in cash per month free of charge and won’t pay any conversion fees on transactions. Check out the WISE international debit card here.
You’ll need at least 3 days to fully enjoy this place, and take your time to soak in the laid-back charm of Exmouth itself. The town has a great vibe, with cool venues, live music, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax after exploring the reef.
Hotels in Exmouth View all
10. Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park is without a doubt one of the highlights of any outback adventure. Located about 650 km inland from Exmouth, it’s an absolutely worth it 7 hour drive.
While the drive from the coast can feel a bit repetitive, with mostly straight roads cutting through dry bushland, everything starts to change as you approach the park. The landscape gradually transforms into lush vegetation, rolling hills, and rugged red rock formations.
We spent three days exploring Karijini, and we’d recommend nothing less to really experience the place. On our first day, we made a quick stop in Tom Price, a handy town to fuel up and stock up on groceries before heading deeper into the park.
Travel insurance is a must for any holiday abroad, especially when doing extreme activities. Although problems rarely occur, it is better to be covered in case they do. We use SafetyWing and recommend it to anyone travelling the world. Check out SafteyWing here.
That same day, we drove to the base of Mount Bruce, the second-highest peak in Western Australia. We really recommend starting the hike the following day at sunrise: the early morning light makes the whole experience magical, as you watch the gorges and valleys come to life.
Beware of the dingos in the National Park. Avoid walking by yourself in the dark. Always bring a stick with you, and avoid contact with dingos.
The following days, we explored some of Karijini’s famous gorges, though unfortunately, many were still closed due to seasonal conditions. We arrived in the Park a bit too early (late March), and some of the best spots hadn’t yet reopened for the season. If you’re planning a visit, we highly recommend going from the second half of April onwards, when the weather is more stable and all areas are typically accessible.
11. Broome
After all the kilometres, red dust, reef swims, and outback hikes, you finally reach your final destination: Broome. From Karijini, it’s a long journey (around 1,000 km and at least 10 to 11 hours of driving) but it marks the final destination of an unforgettable road trip through Western Australia.
Broome is a well-known backpacker tropical destination, the perfect place to slow down, recharge, and enjoy some well-deserved fun. Broome is famous for Cable Beach, with its 22 kilometres of white sand, ideal for relaxing, swimming, or watching the iconic sunset camel rides.
Broome also offers a vibrant nightlife for backpackers. From local bars to spontaneous bush doofs (Australian parties that take place in remote settings), it’s easy to find a good time and meet fellow travellers. Whether you’re there to chill or to party, Broome is a great way to wrap up the adventure.
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Renting or buying a car / van for the road trip
Should you choose a 4×4 or camper van?
Depending on the kind of experience you want, you can choose either a 4×4 or a camper van. In this part of Australia some places are only accessible by 4×4 and roads are often ungraded or unsuitable for 2 wheel drive vehicles. We chose the more comfortable option of a van, as we prefer to have a fixed bed, and the ability to pack up and drive away very quickly in the mornings, but if you really want to see all the sights, a 4×4 might be a better option.
Buying a 4×4 or van
As we were in Australia for a few years on a working holiday visa, we chose to buy a van to travel around the whole country. In most of the major cities you can find facebook groups for other travellers buying and selling camper vans and 4x4s. This is of course a more expensive option and you can expect to pay around 10,000 AUD or more for a 4×4 or van in good condition.
Below is a list of Facebook groups in Australia for buying and selling cars and camper vans;
When spending money abroad we always use our WISE international debit card. You can withdraw up to 200 euros in cash per month free of charge and won’t pay any conversion fees on transactions. Check out the WISE international debit card here.
Renting a 4×4 or van
If you are only on holiday in Australia, or don’t want the expense of buying, insuring and registering a vehicle yourself, there are a number of rental companies that can provide you with a fully kitted out van or 4×4 with roof tent, fridge and cooking equipment.
These are the rental companies that we recommend in Perth;
Renting your own car when traveling gives you the freedom to discover the country at your own pace, and it’s often cheaper too! When travelling we always use DiscoverCars.com. They check all the local companies and find you the best car at the cheapest price! Check out DiscoverCars.com here.
Where to stay or camp on the Australian West Coast
Free camping
Free camping is possible in this part of Australia, but in some parts finding a free camping spot is difficult. We used the app WikiCamps Australia to plan our route, including our camping spots, refueling spots and also places to stock up on food and supplies. It costs 12 AUD per year but after using it to find a free sleeping spot for one night, you will have already saved yourselves money compared to the cost of a paid campsite.
Paid campsites
Depending on your budget you might want to opt for paid campsites with electrical hookups. This is especially important if you choose to drive the west coast during the hot months of the year and need an electrical hookup for an air conditioning unit.
Paid campsites are available all over the west coast, and prices range from 15 AUD a night up to 60 AUD depending on the facilities and services available. Some of the national parks offer paid campsites right in the middle of nature, and whilst the facilities are often very basic, they are some of the most beautiful places to camp on the entire trip.
Hotels and Hostels
Some of the larger towns such as Geraldton and Exmouth have paid accommodations suitable for all budgets. We chose to stay for 4 nights in Exmouth at the YHA Potshot Hostel to spend our time there snorkelling and planning a boat trip to swim with the Whale Sharks. This also gives you an opportunity to do laundry and prepare for the second half of the journey.
Hotels in the Australian West Coast View all
How much does it cost to drive the West coast of Australia? A full budget breakdown
Below is a breakdown of our total costs for driving the West coast of Australia from Perth to Broome over the course of 2 weeks. As we bought a van in Perth, that cost is not included in the breakdown, so if you choose to rent a van or car you can expect to add 150-200 AUD per day for the rental costs. All the costs are based on 2 people sharing.
- Petrol Costs – 580 AUD
- Pinnacles National Park – 17 AUD
- Kalbarri National Park – 17 AUD
- Monkey Mia National Park – 17 AUD
- Shark Bay Campsite – 20 AUD
- Ningaloo Reef National Park – 17 AUD
- Exmouth Hostel for 4 nights – 320 AUD
- Whale Shark Swimming Experience – 1000 AUD
- Karijini National Park – 17 AUD
- Karijini Eco Retreat Campsite – 40 AUD
- 80 Mile Beach Campsite – 25 AUD
Average daily food costs for 2 people – 30 AUD = 420 AUD
Total cost = $2490 AUD / $1245 AUD per person
| Australian Dollar | British Pounds | US Dollars | Euros | |
| Total | $2490 | £1200 | $1590 | €1398 |
| Per person | $1245 | £600 | $795 | €700 |
| Per person / Per day | $89 | £43 | $57 | €50 |
Best time of year to drive the West Coast of Australia
Choosing the right time of year to drive the West coast of Australia is paramount!
❌ Between the months of September and March the weather is extremely hot, making sleeping in a roof tent or a camper van very hard. We left Perth in the middle of March, and whilst for the first part of the journey the weather was pleasant, when we arrived at Exmouth the daily temperatures were over 40 degrees celsius and we had to resort to a hostel for a few days to cool down!
✅ The best time of the year is between April and August where temperatures rarely go above 30 degrees celsius in the day and during the night the temperatures are cool and dry. The added benefit of choosing this time of year is that all the national parks are in full tourist season, so more trekking routes and attractions are open for visiting.
6 tips for driving the West Coast of Australia
1. Refuel at every gas station
Gas stations after Perth are few and far between. Once you pass Geraldton there are stretches for hundreds of kilometers where there are no gas stations and no phone signal. We recommend refueling to full at every gas station you come across, even if the price seems high! The last thing you want is to be stuck in the outback with no fuel and no signal to call for assistance.
2. Choose your SIM card wiseley
Some SIM card providers have better coverage than others in this part of Australia. We went with Amaysim as it was cheap, and whilst coverage in Perth was great, once we started the road trip we were frequently without any phone signal for hours. Telstra and other companies that use the Telstra network have the best phone signal coverage in this area.
Travel insurance is a must for any holiday abroad, especially when doing extreme activities. Although problems rarely occur, it is better to be covered in case they do. We use SafetyWing and recommend it to anyone travelling the world. Check out SafteyWing here.
3. Buy enough groceries when you have the chance
If you are concerned about keeping costs down, we recommend you buy most of the food for the trip in Perth before leaving. Geraldton also has some cheaper supermarkets like Aldi and Coles, but most of the small towns and villages on the West Coast only have local IGA grocers. Costs in IGA grocers are considerably more expensive than the main supermarket chains in Australia like Woolworths, Coles and Aldi. When you get the chance to visit a proper supermarket, stock up for at least a few days!
4. Use a 4×4 if you want to see everything
Whilst using a camper van is considerably more comfortable than sleeping in a roof tent or tent, a lot of the main attractions on the West Coast are only accessible for 4×4 vehicles. If you want to visit some of the more remote attractions such as the Kennedy Range national park, or parts of the outback, then you need to have a 4×4 vehicle.
5. Buy a drone
This tip may sound like an odd suggestion, but in our opinion the incredible coastline of Western Australia really needs drone pictures and footage to do it justice. Whilst the beaches look incredible in person, it’s very difficult to convey this beauty with a smartphone camera. For truly unforgettable memories of this road trip we think a drone is a must have. We bought our DJI Mini 2 Pro on Facebook marketplace for just 250 AUD!
6. Take it slow
Because of the long distances on the roads, the last thing you want is to be driving for 4-5 hours a day whilst visiting the attractions of the West Coast. We heard from people who did the road trip in just a week and their experiences were marred by long drives and little time to enjoy themselves. In our opinion it is best to spend 2 or even 3 weeks really enjoying this part of Australia rather than to rush yourselves!
Planning your own trip to the Western Coast of Australia and found our itinerary useful? Leave us a comment below! We would love to hear from you!
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