When most people plan to travel to Australia, their minds jump straight to Sydney's port or Melbourne's laneway cafe. Western Australia? Often overlooked. Unfortunately, the coastline of Western Australia is longer than the entire United States, extending 12,000 kilometers and is diverse.
From desert landscapes and abundant reefs to the towering Kari Forest and boutique wineries to the south, it is a corner of the world of car experience, with windows running downwards and roads stretching.
Perth may not have the buzz of Eastern cities, but its backyard makes up for it. Road trips here mean that the original beaches are without crowds, eccentric little country towns and a kind of “endless blue sky” landscape makes you feel like you stumbled upon the opening shot of the movie.
Whether you're going through a quick weekend getaway or starting to start in Brim, these five road trips in Perth showcase the best rugged beauty and laid-back lifestyles in Western Australia.
1. Perth to Exmouth: Epic Northwest Adventure
distance: 1,250 km (approximately 13-14 hours of driving)
Best for: Desert landscape, unique wildlife, remote adventure
If you are going to take the final road trip in Australia, Exmouth is the award you get at the end of the very long and scenic drive. It's not a quick dash – more thought of the Odyssey of the vast northwest region, where the scenery changes from rolling farmlands to red desert plains, stretching miles under the huge empty sky.
On the way, you can stop at Kalbari National ParkThe Murchison River has carved the dramatic canyon to the earth, and then Shark Bayis the famous monkey dolphin. The drive itself is a place to immerse itself in the Australian outback – the heat rays are on the asphalt, the wedge-tailed Eagles hover overhead, the kangaroo plates, and they may jump across the road if you are not on the ball.
Once you arrive at Exmouth, you will go out and have a cold ride at a local brewery. Sit down, relax, soak up the laid-back desert atmosphere, prepare for a few days of snorkeling, dance, and enjoy in some magical coastal sunsets.
If you travel between March and August, you will also have the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks. There are some travel agencies that let you join these gentle giants as they glide gracefully in these waters.
Other highlights include:
- Cape Town National Parkthe rough limestone range encountered the turquoise bay.
- Turquoise Bayfamous for its “drift snorkeling”, where the current takes you through the fish on the reef.
- Seasonal turtle nesting On the beach.
Yes, it's a long way to go, but it's also one of Australia's most iconic road trips – far away, original and memorable.
2. Perth to Margaret River: Escape on weekends
distance: 270 km (about 3 hours)
Best for: Wine, food, surfing and laid-back coastal charm
If Esmouth is a marathon, the Margaret River is a simple sprint. Just three hours south of Perth, it is a typical weekend escape for locals and visitors who want to taste Western Australian food and wine scenes.
This is one of the few places in the world for top breweries, craft breweries and fine restaurants, sitting side by side with surfing breaks and gorgeous beaches. Spend morning wine tasting in the rolling vineyards and explore caves in the afternoon Lake Cave or Jewelry Holeat night, watching the sun melt to the Indian Ocean Surfers pointed out.
Some experiences that cannot be missed by:
- Wine tasting In iconic estates like Vasse Felix, Voyager or Leeuwin.
- Lunch In one of the many vineyard restaurants (Glenarty Road and Amelia Park are personal favorites).
- Coffee and boutiques In the Margaret River Town, there is an artistic atmosphere.
- Beaches like Redgate or Hamelin BayStingrays sometimes swim on the shore.
From world-class waves to mellow beginner breaks, it is also a great foundation for exploring more of the surfing coast of Western Australia. For surfing fans, I've shared some of my favorite attractions here Tamraght GuideThis is the laid-back Moroccan surfing village I spent this year in the year. On the other side of the globe, it has the coastal magic of the Margaret River.
It's the perfect combination of indulgence and nature. Come a weekend and you have left planning your next visit.
3. Perth to Denmark: Huge forests and untouched beaches
distance: 420 km (about 5 hours)
Best for: Lush forests, pristine beaches, wildlife encounters
Drive east from Perth and you end up swapping the malt plains for towering Karri and Jarrah Trees, some of the tallest hardwoods in the world. This is the road to Denmark, another kind of town where forests meet the sea.
Route takes you through Walpollwhere you can walk on the treetops Walking on the top of the Giant Valley – A suspension bridge swaying gently 40 meters above the forest ground. The drive itself is a highlight, and the winding roads are obscured by forests that seem to buzz with life.
Once you arrive in Denmark, you will find a mix of tranquil entrances, wild surf beaches and boutique wineries. Green swimming pool and Elephant Rock Two of Australia's most photogenic swimming attractions, the turquoise water and boulders resemble the elephants that elephants emit in the shallows.
From June to October, the southern coast has also become a major attraction for whale watching as the head and waist and the southern rights migrate along the coast.
Denmark has tender, almost mysterious energy. This is where time slows down, and a simple walk through the forest is like medicine.
4. Perth to Nannup: Weird National Resort
distance: 265 km (about 3 hours)
Best for: Relax, quirky shops, affordable retreats
Nannup is located on the Blackwood River and is often driven toward the Margaret River or Albany by travelers. But that's what makes it unique. This underrated town has a quirky charm, with colorful storefronts, antique shops and a large number of local artists selling merchandise.
Nannup is surrounded by forests, in spring, the area is Nannupu Flowers and Garden Festivalwith tulips, daffodils and wild flowers overflowing to every corner. The nearby Blackwood River is perfect for kayaking or picnicking on the river bank.
One of Nannup's biggest attractions is its unique vacation home. There are plenty of affordable and beautifully designed cottages, farm accommodation and ecological remakes, many hiding in bushes with wood fires and large balconies for stargazing. It's a slower, quieter escape – perfect for charging.
If you are on a trip, it's like returning to a small Australian town in time, Nannup is where you are.
5. Perth to Coral Bay: Ningaloo's leisurely cousin
distance: 1,120 km (approximately 12 hours of driving)
Best for: Snorkeling, beachfront camping, barefoot life
If Exmouth is a bustling base for exploring the Ningaloo reefs, Coral Bay is its siblings. Coral Bay is a small coastal settlement with a main street and a handful of cafes, just to slow down and sink into the beach to live.
Here, the reef is on the shore. You can walk into the water, stretch your head below, and find yourself in a world of coral-crazy, tropical fish, if lucky, a wheat field ray or two. There are few such incredible snorkeling in the world that are just a jump, jump, jump from where you are on the beach.
Coral Bay has a barefoot, backpacker-friendly atmosphere with a caravan park, a beachfront bar and tour operators, offering everything from glass bottom boat rides to fishing charters. It is also a gateway to the best wildlife encounters in Ningaloo, such as manta, whale sharks and humpback whales.
Yes, yes, but it captures the essence of Western Australia: the original nature, the earthy charm and a sense of adventure that makes your time in heaven very special.
Road trip tips in Western Australia
Before you get on the road, some practical notes:
- The distance is very large. WA is big and travel time will surprise you. Always check the fuel before leaving town, especially on the northern route. and lots of water.
- Best time to travel: The north is best visited between April and October (dry season), while the south is beautiful year-round but especially lush in the spring.
- stay: From boutique resorts to Inland Caravan Park, you'll find a range of accommodation, but book in advance during school holidays.
Driving Safety: Beware of wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk, when kangaroos are most active.
Why Western Australia Should Have a Place in Your Itinerary
It's easy to underestimate Western Australia when you're drawing an Australian adventure. But those who work hard will gain landscape and experience that competes with anything on the East Coast without the crowd.
From desert roads to Exmouth, the vines of the Margaret River, the forests of Denmark, the hidden charm of South Nupp and the coast along the reefs of Coral Bay, these five road trip shows How diverse and extraordinary this corner of Australia.
So if you dream about long and open roads, endless skies and the kind of natural beauty that has wandered long after the journey, then Western Australia will call. Pack your car, prompt the road trip playlist, and go see what everyone else is missing.
Jessie runs daytripsetc.com
