After completing the well-trodden path of the East Coast, my curiosity instinctively shifted to the natural wonders of Australia’s West Coast specifically Perth to Exmouth road trip. Reluctant to hire a car and take on the drive alone, an organised tour seemed like the next best option. Though I have been arrogantly sceptical of guided tours and ‘organised fun’ in the past, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with my compact Adventure Tours family and our energetic tour guide Jenai.
Given the sheer amount of land that Western Australia stretches across, covering all ground was simply not an option, especially within my short time frame. I settled on the Coral Coast Highway, travelling from Perth to Exmouth, with promises of majestic wildlife and whisperings of a pink lake. Given my short window of travel, I was only able to see a snippet of what West Australia has to offer, with members of my group venturing further afield and embracing more of the scenic landscapes. Following an early wake-up and morning downpour, our bus screeched away from the silent Perth CBD; the Perth to Exmouth road trip had begun.
Perth to Kalbarri
If day one of my Perth to Exmouth road trip taught me anything, it foreshadowed just how jam-packed the remainder of the trip would be. Stop one was an exploration of the famous Pinnacles. Situated in West Australia’s Wheatbelt, the natural limestone formations are nestled within the country’s farming land region. Exploring the vast desert felt like a step back in time or touchdown on the moon, given the lunar-like quality of the structures. The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park are thought to have formed up to 30,000 years ago, with pathways allowing visitors to walk or drive around the ancient pillars.
One benefit to not driving, aside from the countless opportunities to doze off, included the ability to fully embrace the surrounding views. Visitors to our trusty bus (‘Dolly’ as she was affectionately referred to) included, grey haired kangaroos, emus, alpacas and curious goats who looked on defensively from afar (I felt a strange affinity to them).
The Leaning Trees of Greenough definitely called for a double take, showcasing an unmissable lean, resulting from consistent southerly winds that burn off growth on the windward side. Belonging to a native Western Australian species, Eucalyptus Camaldulensis (the river red gum), The Wirnda Ngadara (their Wajarri name) take the term ‘windswept’ to the next level.
Rumours of a vivid pink lake had caught my attention earlier in the trip. They say don’t meet your heroes, but also don’t rush down to a pink lake without checking the saturation and pink tint used on the Instagram photos you were just scrolling through. That’s actually quite dramatic; Hutt Lagoon did pull through with its pink-tinged water, and my photos actually required minimal editing, which is always a win.
Kalbarri to Monkey Mia
I now consider myself a converted sunrise lover, despite struggling with the early rise part. Sipping on a hot cup of coffee, with jam toast in hand, while taking in the beautiful golden glow cast over Kalbarri National Park from the edge of the Skywalk was certainly one of my better mornings.
Given the succinct nature of the Perth to Exmouth road trip, each day was crammed full of iconic sights and invigorating activities. Day two of the journey was no different. We couldn’t leave Kalbarri National Park without a photo at Nature’s Window. Of course, an orderly queue formed for the iconic shot, but the views of the Murchison River below and the red and white Tumblagooda sandstone were truly unmatched.
After our serene morning, abseiling was the only logical next activity. It’s always a humbling experience to muster up all your courage to take on a task that you just watched a ten-year old complete in under 20 seconds. We also made pit stops at Billabong Roadhouse and Shell Beach, which you guessed it, was formed from shells, ending the day with a gorgeous sunset in Monkey Mia.
Monkey Mia to Coral Bay
Observing the undisturbed waters and spotlighted boats, cast under the glimmer of yet another sunrise was a welcome start to the day. Much of the tour gathered across the shoreline and along the jetty for the ‘dolphin experience’.
The Parks and Wildlife Service officers assured us that the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins were only fed following strict guidelines, without fulfilling their entire appetite, ensuring they still hunt naturally for food.
Continuing the aquatic theme of the day, our Perth to Exmouth road trip took us to The Old Pearl Restaurant, a building fashioned entirely from shells. As we ventured on, we visited the 3-billion-year-old stromatolites located beside the sea at Hamelin Pool. Referred to as ‘living fossils,’ the stromatolites are a rare insight into the earth’s history. The day cyclically rounded off with a burning terracotta sunset at Coral Bay.
Coral Bay to Exmouth
For me, this was a rest day, or more specifically, a saving money day. The group split off, while I sunbathed on the beach, others explored the Ningaloo Reef, snorkelling with manta rays, spotting turtles and grey reef sharks during their swim.
We came together in the evening for some cliché road trip card games (it had to be done), a barbecue and tense games of ‘Spoons’.
Exmouth
Day five was a day to remember. Part of the reason I had chosen this Perth to Exmouth road trip was the opportunity to swim with whale sharks. We ventured out on a tender which took us to the main boat, where we checked our fins and snorkels for size and proceeded to listen closely as the crew used a fluffy toy whale shark to describe how we should position ourselves in the water.
The plane above seemingly spotted the giant fish within minutes, and before I knew it, we were lined up anxiously at the end of the boat, as the crew shouted, ‘Go, go, go!’ and we jumped into the water as though on a secret underwater mission. A mixture of awe and unease filled me as the immense marine creature nonchalantly drifted past, its gaping mouth staring at me, with a posse of fish in tow. Equipped with a large sweeping tail and characteristic white spots, there is no denying the whale shark is majestic.
Our boat trip consisted of many hasty ventures to and from the sea, as we continued our close encounter with the whale shark and even manta rays. The journey culminated in a dazzling sighting of humpback whales, with the photographer onboard, Brooke Pyke, capturing some beautiful images of them sleeping.
Exmouth to Northampton
Having covered a large stretch of ground, we had a big day of driving back home ahead. The morning characteristically began with a serene sunrise, my favourite of the trip. A deep orange glow was cast across Charles Knife Canyon, while camper van visitors alike embraced the movie-like moment.
Much of the day consisted of dramatically looking out the window as I listened to every possible song on my Spotify and attempted escape my reading slump. We ended the penultimate day of the Perth to Exmouth road trip in true style with burgers, marshmallow round the fire and stargazing.
Northampton to Perth
We headed back to Perth for the final Day of the Perth to Exmouth trip, making pit stops at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and St Francis Xavier Cathedral, where we caught the beginning of some choir singers. Sandboarding down Lancelin Sand Dunes, featuring plenty of wipe-outs, was the perfect way to end the road trip. Seemingly out of place as you cruise along the open roads, the expansive white dunes are also constantly shifting.
FAQ: 7-Day Road Trip from Perth to Exmouth
Why did you opt for an organised tour instead of driving yourself?
I was pretty reluctant to hire a car and take on the drive alone, so an organised tour was the next best option. Despite scepticism about tours, my experience with Adventure Tours was honestly great.
What is the Coral Coast Highway, and why did you choose this route?
The Coral Coast Highway is a popular backpackers route from Perth to Exmouth. I opted to take the Coral Coast Highway for the amazing wildlife and attractions like the pink lake and Hutt Lagoon.
What were the highlights of the Perth to Kalbarri leg of the trip?
- The Pinnacles: Ancient limestone formations in Nambung National Park.
- Leaning Trees of Greenough: Eucalyptus trees shaped by consistent southerly winds.
- Hutt Lagoon: A vivid pink lake that lived up to its reputation.
What activities did you enjoy in Kalbarri National Park?
- Watching the sunrise from the Skywalk.
- Taking iconic photos at Nature’s Window.
- Abseiling, which was a humbling and adrenaline junkies experience.
What was special about the visit to Monkey Mia?
We observed the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins during the ‘dolphin experience,’ ensuring they still hunt naturally for food. The day also included visits to The Old Pearl Restaurant and the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Pool.
How did you spend your time in Coral Bay?
I spent day sunbathing on the beach, while some of the others explored the Ningaloo Reef, snorkelling with manta rays, turtles and grey reef sharks. We ended the day with card games, a barbecue, and a few games of ‘Spoons.’
How did you manage the extensive driving and packed itinerary?
The Perth to Exmouth tour was excellently planned, letting us explore a lot while enjoying stunning views and daily activities. Not having to drive meant I could completely appreciate the scenery and rest during the journey.
Leave a Reply