Travel
Coral Coast: Is this the best coastal road trip in Australia?
Ningaloo Reef, turtles, Shark Bay, pink lakes: WA’s coast packs in some unforgettable adventures. This extract from As We Wander: Road Trip Australia shows why it might just be the country’s best coastal drive.
By Jess & Luke Riddle
This may just be the best coastal road trip in Australia. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel and swimwear because you’re in for a series of epic ocean adventures all along this breathtaking coastline, including snorkelling one of the largest fringing reefs in the world.
DESTINATIONS: JURIEN BAY → KALBARRI → SHARK BAY → CARNARVON → CORAL BAY → EXMOUTH
Prepare to immerse yourself in the wonders of 2 of Western Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasures: the majestic Ningaloo Reef and the awe-inspiring Shark Bay.
As you journey through the small towns along the way, you’ll be treated to a range of unforgettable experiences, including visiting unique bubblegum pink lakes, having captivating marine life encounters, seeing picturesque fields of wildflowers and hiking through ancient gorges. Plus there’s the opportunity to camp at outback stations and along pristine coastline.
Read this too: Incredible reasons to visit Rottnest Island (apart from quokka selfies)
How long to wander
This road trip is great for those wanting to experience the beauty of Western Australia but who are tight on time. It could be done in 2 weeks if you don’t mind a jam-packed itinerary, but to really enjoy it and spend a few days at each stop you’ll want at least a month. If you need to head back to Perth/Boorloo, add on an extra 2 to 3 days to make the return trip.
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How far
This road trip starts 218km north of Perth/Boorloo in Jurien Bay, and you’ll cover around 1500km one way.
→ Jurien Bay to Kalbarri (via Hutt Lagoon) 382km (4hr)
→ Kalbarri to Shark Bay 374km (3hr, 45min)
→ Shark Bay to Carnarvon 327km (3.5hr)
→ Carnarvon to Coral Bay 237km (2.5hr)
→ Coral Bay to Exmouth (via Bullara Station) 162km (1hr, 45min)
When to wander
Anytime from April to September is a great time to travel. Whale sharks are around the Ningaloo Reef area from March to late July, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to see them.
Why we love it
The Coral Coast is one of the only places in Australia where you can go snorkelling and encounter turtles straight off the beach.
More on this: 8 amazing Aussie wildlife volunteer experiences
Best wandering
Nyinggulara National Park (ex-Ningaloo)
Driving tips
Western Australia’s highways are in pretty good condition and are pleasant to travel along.
A 4WD is required for some parts of this road trip and to get into certain campsites.
There can be some large stretches of road without fuel stations, so always plan your fuel stops ahead of time.
Traditional owners
Jurien Bay is the traditional land of the Yued People. Kalbarri is the traditional land of the Nanda People. Shark Bay is the traditional land of the Malgana, Nanda and Yinggarda Peoples. Nyinggulara National Park (ex-Ningaloo) is the traditional land of the Baiyungu and Thalanyji Peoples.
Tell me more
For more road trip inspo head to australiascoralcoast.com. Check out Coral Coast on Instagram @australiascoralcoast
Images and text from As We Wander: Road Trip Australia by Jess and Luke Riddle, photography by Jess and Luke Riddle. Murdoch Books RRP $49.99.
Citro may receive a small commission at no cost to you on any orders placed using the book link in this article.
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