Read till the end for an exclusive promo code to save on your next trip to Western Australia and beyond!
First published: 26 August 2019
Despite the cramped legs and atrocious singing (kidding, friends), road trips are still my favourite kind of holiday. You’ve gotta love that feeling of adventure from covering miles of shifting, scenic landscapes to exploring quiet towns to mind-blowing attractions across the country.
The most iconic road trips are through the California coast and the Ring Road, but USA and Iceland aren’t that easy to get to from Singapore. Lucky for us, there’s an equally epic road trip just a 5-hour flight away!
Our Western Australia road trip map!
We had the most surprising road trip in Western Australia, which is crazy exotic despite being near. Other things that were near: whale sharks swimming beside us just an arm’s length away, and sea lions that gave us kisses as we snorkelled by them.
We also flew over an island of wallabies, posed by a pastel pink lake and much more — so read on for the most underrated road trip adventure just a short flight away!
Read also: Western Australia Instagram Hotspots: 10 Out-Of-This-World Places That Can Only Be Found Here
Pre-trip Essentials
Connectivity: Make sure you can access your phone’s navigation app anytime with an eSIM (~S$2/day, unlimited data). Do note that while connections are strong in Perth city and main towns along the route, there’s no connection during the long stretches of countryside. This is unavoidable no matter what SIM or WiFi device you use.
Visa: Don’t forget to apply for your ETA Visa if it applies for your passport. Singaporeans need one!
National Park Pass: Access to each national park costs AU$17 (~S$15) per vehicle. Save time and money with a Holiday Pass (AU$70, ~S$63), which lasts up to four weeks and gives you access to all the national parks.
Read also: 13 Unbelievable Accommodation In Western Australia — Perth, Margaret River, Broome And Surrounds
Day 1: Perth to Cervantes
Australia’s Coral Coast
Rent a car in Perth
The most important ingredient for your road trip is a comfy car, which you can rent and pick-up from Perth Airport. We recommend at least a 4-wheel drive (4WD) to explore off-road terrain at the sand dunes and national parks.
Sand-board at the Lancelin Sand Dunes
Get your heart pumping from the get-go at Lancelin Sand Dunes! The brave can sit and whizz down, while the braver can stand up, snowboard-style. While there’s no real danger involved — the sand is silk-pillow soft — the steeper hills are quite thrilling.
*Pro-tip: There’s lots of wind and sand so bring along sunnies and a jacket.
Cost: From AU$10 for 1hr (excl. booking and admin fees)
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM
How to get there: 2hr drive from Perth Airport (Google Maps). If you have a 4WD, you can drive right up to the base of the dunes. If not, it’s a 5-min walk from the carpark.
For the non-road-trippers, join a guided day tour to Lancelin Sand Dunes and The Pinnacles Desert from Perth (~S$180/pax), with complimentary hotel pick-up service! Get 10% off your tour booking when you enter our promo code <THETRAVELINTERN> at checkout. More details at the end!
Accommodation in Cervantes: RAC Cervantes Holiday Park — from AU$327/night for a two-bedroom villa, good for six guests. Comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, living room, and even your own BBQ pit. This was also just a 20-minute drive from the Pinnacles Desert, for stargazing on Day 2!
Day 2: Cervantes
Australia’s Coral Coast
Admire thrombolites at Lake Thetis
The strange rocks of Lake Thetis are in fact 3,000-year-old thrombolites — one of the earliest lifeforms on earth to produce oxygen, paving the way for all subsequent life like you and I!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
How to get there: 4min drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park (Google Maps)
Have a seafood feast at Lobster Shack Cervantes
Cervantes is famous for its Western Rock Lobsters, and there’s no better place to try some than at the Lobster Shack, a family business established in 1966.
Find out all about this tasty tradition with a 30-min factory tour (AU$15) — we even got to see the sorting process firsthand! Factory tours are subject to availability, do call beforehand at 08 96527010 to check.
It’d be a sin to leave without having a huge feast at the famous Lobster Shack restaurant, most famous for its Lobster Shack Roll (AU$30).
Cost: ~AU$35 for mains
Opening hours: 11AM – 3PM
How to get there: 6min drive from Lake Thetis (Google Maps)
Stargaze among the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park
Western Australia’s most-visited attraction is among the world’s most spectacular sights — a massive 190-hectare desert littered with limestone Pinnacles. Shaped by centuries of wind, you’ll find that no two pinnacles are exactly alike.
Have dinner and return after dark for a stunning stargazing session, with the Milky Way shining bright above the ancient sculptures.
Another way to experience the Pinnacles is via a day tour, so you don’t have to worry about the drive back home at night. The guides will also help you take photos of the clear night skies!
Nambung National Park
Entrance fee: AU$17 per car (up to 12 pax); free with WA Park Pass
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 20min drive from Lobster Shack, and from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park (Google Maps)
Pinnacles Stargazing Tour
Cost: ~S$175/pax
Tour timings: 3PM – 11PM
Pick-up point: Multiple options; check tour details before booking
Day 3: Cervantes to Geraldton
Australia’s Coral Coast
Raise your spirits at Illegal Tender Rum Co.
Australia is famous for its wine, but did you know — rum was so popular that it was accepted as payment for over 200 years, until being declared ‘illegal tender’ in 1808.
Illegal Tender Rum Co. pays cheeky homage to this period in Australia’s history. The staff’s passion for their craft is infectious, and we were fascinated by the ingenious methods used at the boutique distillery.
You’ll also get to sample their award-winning rums, which taste especially smooth as they’re made with only dark brown cane sugar, compared to the cheaper molasses used in most rums. We got tipsy just from the tasting; please don’t drink at all if you’re the designated driver!
Cost: AU$30/pax for 30min tour and tasting
Tour timings: 11AM – 4PM (Thu – Sat), 11AM – 5PM (Sun), closed from Mon – Wed
How to get there: 2hr drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park (Google Maps)
Catch the sunset at Point Moore Lighthouse
Witness one of Western Australia’s best sunsets by the candy cane Point Moore Lighthouse, as the sky lights up in warm pink and yellow hues.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 55min drive from Illegal Tender Rum Co. (Google Maps)
Dinner at Stirlings Central
Reward yourself after a day of driving at the nearby shopping centre, Stirlings Central. Taste the Aussies’ take on Asian food at Brown Boys Curry House, or Sushi Mama.
On our last trip in 2019, we enjoyed build-your-own-bowls at Pastacup, but their branch at Stirlings has since closed. However, they have many stores across Western Australia, so keep an eye out for it during your trip.
Opening hours: Varies depending on each shop
How to get there: 7min drive from Point Moore Lighthouse (Google Maps)
Accommodation in Geraldton: Geraldton Backpackers — AU$86 for a twin bedroom.
Day 4: Geraldton to Kalbarri
Australia’s Coral Coast
Snap photos at Hutt Lagoon
Few places in the world are as beautiful as Hutt Lagoon, which gets its stunning hues from the high water salinity. It’s definitely worth a repeat visit as you’ll find that the colour changes according to season and time of day — from orange to lilac to hot pink!
The best photo spot (with views of the entire lake) is at the parking bay down the road toward Port Gregory, a 15-minute drive after the first parking point along the lake.
Parking area at the best photo spot for Pink Lake.
PSA: If you’re only planning a short trip to Perth, consider a two-day guided Western Australia tour which covers Lancelin Sand Dunes, Hutt Lagoon, and The Pinnacles!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs (Best visited at mid-morning or sunset)
How to get there: 1hr 15min drive from Geraldton Backpackers (Google Maps)
Spot whales at Island Rock
These dramatic cliffs are an impressive sight on its own, but if you’re lucky, the real highlight of Island Rock are the migrating humpback whales that splash about close to shore!
*Pro-tip: Bring your own zoom lens or binoculars for a clear shot of the whales.
Photo credit: Western Australia
Alternatively, hop on a whale-watching cruise from Perth to witness the sea giants up close! It’s a good option for those who want to take pictures of humpback whales but don’t have the proper equipment to do it from a distance.
You can easily squeeze it in your Western Australia itinerary before you depart for Cervantes, or the day before you fly out from Perth.
Whale-spotting at Island Rock
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 31min drive from Hutt Lagoon (Google Maps)
Whale-watching cruise from Perth
Cost: ~S$68/pax
Tour timings: 12PM – 2PM
Pick-up point: Multiple options; check tour details before booking
See the quirky Mushroom Rock
Catch the last of the light with a scenic hike to Mushroom Rock, which makes a dramatic silhouette during golden hour. Wear proper shoes as the hike involves rocky paths and cliff faces!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 9min drive or 15min hike from Island Rock (Google Maps)
Feast At Finlay’s Kalbarri
Grab a craft beer or two (from AU$6) at Finlay’s Kalbarri, a lively dinner place perfect for unwinding.
We got the beer-battered Fish N Chips (AU$29), Seafood Linguine (AU$35), and Beef Burger (AU$26). We recommend them all! 😛
Opening hours: 12PM – 10PM
How to get there: 7min drive from Mushroom Rock (Google Maps)
Accommodation in Kalbarri (Day 4, Day 9): Riverview Holiday Apartments (formerly known as Kalbarri Beach Resort) — from AU$150/night for a two-bedroom apartment. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen and spacious living space!
Day 5: Kalbarri to Carnarvon
Australia’s Coral Coast
Fly above the Abrolhos Islands in a private plane
Tick off that bucket list with a scenic flight on a private plane! With Kalbarri Scenic Flights, we flew over the Abrolhos Islands and spotted dozens of playful humpback whales scattered around stunning reef-rich waters.
Our 5-hour Abrolhos Islands tour included a ride to and from East Wallabi Island, and it was exceptionally smooth — no motion sickness whatsoever! It was surreal knowing we were the only humans on the island, a common occurrence given that there aren’t any fishermen or other private flights at the time.
The (mostly) private island is a perfect way to disconnect and while away a beautiful morning. We had a picnic of hot tea, sushi, and dessert slices as our pilot/guide Elise told stories about the island’s notorious history, before taking us on a nature walk to spot birds and wildlife.
Watching for wallabies at East Wallabi Island — one of the best places the spot the animals!
Another popular activity is snorkelling in the sparkling waters around the island.
If you’re short on time, another epic option is the 45-minute scenic Pink Lake Flight, where you get a jaw-dropping view of the different hues — who knew it could get even prettier from above!
Cost: AU$420/pax for the 5hr Abrolhos Islands Tour (incl. lunch and beverages); AU$250/pax for the 45min Pink Lake Flight
Activity timings: To be arranged upon booking a Kalbarri Scenic Flight
How to get there: 2min drive from Riverview Holiday Apartments (Google Maps)
Get creative at Shell Beach
Though many may try, few can create a decent heart-shape at Shell Beach.
It’s not sand that you’ll find at Shell Beach, but instead, billions of tiny white shells. They’re lovely to look at and even more fun to play with — try forming shapes as you throw them into the air!
Stay for the sunset, which is amongst the most picturesque in the world — an ombre mix of warm yellow and pink skies.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 3.5hr drive from Nationwest Aviation (Google Maps)
Accommodation in Carnarvon: Carnarvon Caravan Park — from AU$180/night for a two-person cabin. Comes with cosy beds, a dining area, and a kitchen.
Day 6: Carnarvon to Exmouth
Australia’s Coral Coast
Breakfast At Gascoyne Growers Market
If you’re around on a Saturday, head for a farm-fresh breakfast at Gascoyne Growers Market, with local produce from regional farms, as well as small-town coffee joints and bakeries. Don’t miss the juicy Church Burger and Homestead Hamper’s Moroccan goat pie.
Opening hours: 8AM – 11:30AM (Sat)
How to get there: 6min drive from Carnarvon Caravan Park (Google Maps)
Relax on the beach at Point Quobba
Enjoy the cool breeze on the beach at Point Quobba, and snorkel in its waters (dubbed ‘The Aquarium’ for its vast marine life) during the summer months.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 1hr drive from Gascoyne Growers Market (Google Maps)
Get soaked (or not) at Quobba Blow Holes
The massive Quobba Blowholes are quite a sight — just be careful not to get soaked!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 4min walk from Point Quobba (Google Maps)
Snorkel at Turquoise Bay
The aptly-named Turquoise Bay is famous for its rich corals, clear waters, and colourful marine life like turtles and manta rays. Bring your own snorkels or rent them from your accommodation (see below).
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 4hr 50min drive from Quobba Blowholes (Google Maps)
Accommodation in Exmouth: Yardie Homestead — AU$225/night for a six-person cabin. This was one of the coolest places we stayed in — a huge outback campsite with big rustic cabins, a BBQ pit and an outdoor dining patio. We could conveniently rent snorkelling equipment from the main office!
*Pro-tip: If you’re planning to BBQ, drop by the Exmouth IGA (28min drive away) for groceries — it’s cheaper than the Yardie Homestead grocery store.
Day 7: Exmouth to Ningaloo
Australia’s Coral Coast
Swim with whale sharks
This experience was undoubtedly the highlight of our road trip — swimming up close with the world’s biggest, friendliest fish, the whale shark!
Our tour with Exmouth Dive was worth every cent, with our own spotter plane making sure that our boat could get close to the whale sharks. Seeing a whale shark is pretty much a guarantee and if you don’t see any on the tour, you’ll even get a voucher to go again for free (usable within three years).
Not like we needed it though — we got a total of seven dives with the gentle giants, breaking into celebration back on the boats each time.
The tour also came with breakfast snacks, a generous lunch buffet, and post-swim champagne!
Cost: AU$550 for the 8hr whale shark tour (includes up to 10 dives depending on conditions)
Tour timing: 7AM, ends anytime between 2:30PM and 5:30PM
How to get there: Pick-up from Yardie Homestead
Accommodation in Ningaloo: Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers — from AU$130/night for a budget double room. This had real tropical 80s vibes, from the decor to the small-town friendliness of the super-chill staff.
*Pro-tip: Guests also get a 10% discount at the nearby Coral Bay Boats office, where we did our Glass Bottom tour the next day! Just use the code NCB10 when booking online.
Day 8: Ningaloo to Monkey Mia
Australia’s Coral Coast
Take a glass bottom boat on Coral Bay
Coral Bay earned its name for a reason — find out why on a glass bottom boat tour! This was by far the best glass bottom boat tour I’ve been on, as we saw so many corals and learnt about them from our guide. We also got to feed the colourful reef fish that kept following our boat!
Cost: From AU$66/pax for a 1hr tour from Ningaloo Coral Bay Boats (10% discount for Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers guests)
Tour timings: 9AM – 10AM
How to get there: 2min walk from Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers (Google Maps)
*Pro-tip: Keep an eye on the weather to avoid disappointment. If your tour gets cancelled, you can still snorkel closer to shore.
Hamelin Pool Stromatolites
Once widespread, stromatolites are now found only in isolated places with just the right conditions, and Western Australia is one of the best places to find them.
See some of these ancient marvels at Hamelin Pool — while less aesthetic than the thrombolites of Lake Thetis, these are more geologically significant, having been around for over three billion years!
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 4hr 50min drive from Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers (Google Maps)
Accommodation in Monkey Mia: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort — from AU$96 for private 4-person dorm. It’s the only accommodation there, but it’s good with a fully-equipped kitchen!
Day 9: Monkey Mia to Kalbarri
Australia’s Coral Coast
Feed wild dolphins at Monkey Mia
For all its rich wildlife, Monkey Mia‘s most famous residents are its wild bottlenose dolphins, which appear near the shore every morning for a fishy treat.
These visits date back to the 1960s, and Monkey Mia has since become one of the best places for wild dolphin interactions — it’s rare for any day without them appearing!
Though crowded, your best chances of seeing the dolphins are at the first feeding around 7:45AM, then staying for the subsequent feeding (around 15 minutes later). If you’re lucky, you might even be chosen to feed one of the dolphins!
Entrance fee: AU$15/adult for a day permit to Monkey Mia reserve
Activity timings: Three feedings between 7:45AM – 12PM
How to get there: 6min walk from RAC Monkey Mia (Google Maps)
Spot wildlife on a kayak through Shark Bay
Kayak, stand-up paddle, or paddle-boat through the clear waters of Shark Bay — home to manta rays, pelicans, turtles, and reef sharks! You’ll find plenty of gear and equipment rentals along the shore.
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 18min drive from Monkey Mia Reserve (Google Maps)
Admire the beautiful Big Lagoon
Drive through Francois Peron National Park, and head in to admire the Big Lagoon — a pretty blue next to the striking red sandstone.
Cost: AU$17 per car (up to 12 pax); free with WA Park Pass
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 40min drive from Monkey Mia reserve, 4WD required (Google Maps)
Catch the sunset at Red Bluff Beach
The cliffs of Red Bluff Beach were a prominent landmark for early Dutch explorers. Head to the lookout to catch the sunset before resting up at Riverview Holiday Apartments.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 4hr 20min drive from Big Lagoon (Google Maps)
Day 10: Monkey Mia to Jurien Bay
Australia’s Coral Coast
Gaze through Nature’s Window
Catch the sunrise at the iconic Nature’s Window, which opens to a jaw-dropping view of greenery and wide canyons. Notice the textures of Tumblagooda sandstone, which form a perfect frame — a true geographical marvel.
*Pro-tip: During summertime, it’s best to take pictures of the place at sunrise (around 7AM) and sunset (around 5:45PM).
Entrance fee: AU$17 per car (up to 12 pax); free with WA Park Pass
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 32min drive from Riverview Holiday Apartments (Google Maps)
Watch pelicans play and feed
Catch these lively birds as they visit every morning for an entertaining daily pelican feeding on the Kalbarri foreshore.
Cost: Free
Activity timing: 8:45AM – 9:15AM
How to get there: 33min drive from Nature’s Window (Google Maps)
Peer down canyons at Hawks Head Lookout
Amidst breathtaking views of the Kalbarri Gorges and Murchison River, see if you can spot wild Peregrine Falcons as they hunt along the cliffs at Hawks Head!
Entrance fee: AU$17 per car (up to 12 pax); free with WA Park Pass
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 30min drive from Pelican Feeding Point (Google Maps)
Accommodation in Jurien Bay: Jurien Bay Tourist Park — from AU$163/night for a one-bedroom holiday unit for 2 people.
Day 11: Jurien Bay to Perth
Australia’s Coral Coast
Swim with sea lions in Jurien Bay
Our sea lion tour at Jurien Bay was an experience like no other — play with sea doggos as they nuzzle you and chase you through the waters! The tour brought us up close to the island where they reside (and where no humans are allowed to set foot on).
Set in a protected marine park, we got to splash around with the adorable Australian Sea Lions — the rarest sea lion species in the world!
Cost: From AU$115/pax
Tour timings: 7AM – 9AM and 9:30AM – 11:30 AM (summer), 7:30AM – 9:30AM (winter)
Meeting Point: 5min drive from Jurien Bay Tourist Park (Google Maps)
Yanchep National Park
What’s a trip to Western Australia without seeing its national animals? Make a last stop at Yanchep National Park for a close-up look at kangaroos and cheeky koalas.
Cost: AU$17 per car (up to 12 pax); free with WA Park Pass
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 1hr 48min drive from Jurien Bay Harbour (Google Maps)
Get big savings on your Western Australia trip
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Case in point: From now till 31 July, KKday Western Australia travel vouchers are 70% OFF, which means a S$100 voucher would only cost S$30.
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Here’s some extra savings just for TTI readers:
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*Note:
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– Promo code can be used two times
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– Does not apply to Blacklisted Products
Road tripping in Western Australia? Here’s more Western Australia road trip itineraries for your epic adventure Down Under.
This post was brought to you by KKday.
HI! I am thinking to do a road trip in May 🙂 Can I double check if a 2WD is sufficient for the places that you’ve been in this itinerary? Except for Francois Peron National Park, everywhere else is okay for a 2WD? Looking forward to your reply!
Hey Goy, based on my memory that’s correct. Do double check incase road conditions change though.
Hi,
Just to check, the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park.
1) How long did you stay there?
2) Parked your car and walk or drove around?
3) Stargazing session in your post. Need to join or we can do our own.
4) Roughly what time, we’ll be able to see what the milky way?
5) Driving back to RAC Cervantes, is it too dark and dangerous?
Thank you