posted on June 10, 2024
As one of Australia’s most scenic drives, the Perth to Geraldton road trip takes you through the stunning Coral Coast Highway and Indian Ocean Drive. You’ll be treated to unbeatable coastal views and stunning beaches, along with small fishing towns serving up local flavours and fresh produce. And with countless national parks and hiking trails, there are plenty of outdoor adventures that await you.
Ready to experience the natural beauty of Western Australia with its sandy beaches and vibrant culture? Whether you’re looking to explore the national parks or want to experience some of Australia’s most delicious seafood, the Perth to Geraldton drive promises to be the trip of a lifetime.
In this complete guide, we’ll be covering:
- An overview of the Perth Geraldton road trip
- Top tips for driving from Perth to Geraldton
- Choose your Perth to Geraldton road trip itinerary
- The top places to stop between Perth to Geraldton
- How to plan the perfect family road trip from Perth to Geraldton
- Frequently asked questions about the Perth to Geraldton drive
Plan your drive: An overview of the Perth to Geraldton road trip
- Route options:
- Perth to Geraldton Express (2 days): 760 kilometres, 8 hours 16 minutes total driving time
- The Coral Coast Highway Scenic drive (4 days): 760 kilometres, 8 hours 17 minutes total driving time
- Perth to Geraldton distance and drive time: 418 kilometres; 4 hours 27 minutes total driving time
- Top stops: Yanchep National Park, Gravity Discovery Centre, Western Australian Maritime Museum, Ningaloo Marine Park, Nambung National Park, Jurien Bay, Cape Range National Park, Lancelin sand dunes, and Moore Point Lighthouse.
- Best time to drive from Perth to Geraldton: You can expect peak tourist season during the summer months. Generally, the best time to drive from Perth to Geraldton is spring, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds between September and November. Western Australia’s iconic wildflowers are also in bloom during this time, which makes the landscapes a particularly stunning sight.
What to know before you go: Top tips for the Perth to Geraldton drive
With breathtaking ocean views as you take in the Indian Ocean Drive, you’ll take in the diverse landscapes of Western Australia and its countless attractions. While you can expect smooth and well-maintained roads throughout the Perth to Geraldton drive, consider these top tips to maximise your trip.
- Depart early: Avoid driving at peak hours when the roads are likely to be congested. Our tip? Leave before 7 am to ensure you’re not rushed and have time for detours and stops along the way while also beating the traffic!
- What to bring: With plenty of national parks and walking trails, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for exploring the outdoors. Pack sunscreen and a hat to enjoy the countless coastal beaches safely, along with water and snacks. Consider optional add-ons from your Turo host, like GPS navigation, beach umbrellas, or camping gear.
- Mobile reception: You can generally expect reliable mobile reception on the drive from Perth to Geraldton. However, you may have poor reception when taking scenic detours or exploring national parks.
- Best vehicle to drive: With sealed roads, a small compact vehicle or car will easily get you from Perth to Geraldton. Whether you want the comfort of a larger SUV or want to trial a sleek EV, on Turo you can easily find the perfect drive to tackle this road trip.
Choose your Perth to Geraldton road trip itinerary
With unbeatable coastal views, charming local towns, and some of Australia’s most diverse landscapes by way of national parks and walking trails, the Perth to Geraldton drive is special no matter which itinerary you choose.
Option 1: Perth to Geraldton Express
- Driving time: 8 hours 16 minutes total driving time
- Driving distance: 760 kilometres
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Kalbarri via Cervantes (605 kilometres, 6 hours 31 minutes)
- Day 2: Kalbarri to Geraldton via Northampton (155 kilometres, 1 hour 45 minutes)
- Best for: Those seeking a weekend getaway that takes in coastal views, white sandy beaches, and Western Australia’s top attractions.
This road trip might only be two days, but it packs in a lot of activities that range from natural wonders to relaxed coastal towns and more adrenaline-fuelled outdoor adventures. From Perth, consider stopping off at Yanchep National Park where you can explore the underground Crystal Cave, there’s also Guilderton (Moor Rier) where you can swim, kayak, or paddleboard in the water before arriving at Cervantes. Here, enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and take a tour of the lobster processing factory at Cervantes Lobster Shack where you can enjoy a delicious seafood meal.
From Cervantes, you’ll drive to Kalbarri where you can try your hand at fishing or take a boat tour as you cruise along the river and learn more about the rich history of the region. From June to November, you’ll be able to see humpback whales migrating along the coast with tours running during this time.
There are plenty of secluded beaches to explore, including Chinaman’s Beach and Jacques Point, while Rainbow Jungle is an exotic bird park with an incredible landscaped garden and maze. Kalbarri National Park is also worth a visit for those who want scenic views, while the 8-kilometre Loop Walk is a hike that takes you through incredible scenery.
From Kalbarri, you’ll then drive to Northampton, which has an incredible heritage trail showcasing the town’s historic buildings, including Chiverton House Museum and Our Lady in Ara Coeli Church. Those visiting from July to October will enjoy the Northampton Botanic Line, which comes to life with wildflowers during this time. There are also plenty of markets where you can savour fresh produce and handmade goods.
Your final stop is Geraldton, where you’ll soak up the vibrant nightlife and culture by exploring the incredible restaurants and local markets along Geraldton Foreshore. Check out local art exhibitions at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, or take a boat tour to the Abrolhos Islands, which have incredible coral reefs and abundant marine life. You can also make a detour to Chapman Valley, which serves as a scenic drive with rolling hills and diverse landscapes, before you sample delicious wines at renowned wineries.
Option 2: The Coral Coast Highway Scenic drive
- Driving time: 8 hours 17 minutes total driving time
- Driving distance: 760 kilometres
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Cervantes (197 kilometres, 2 hours 8 minutes)
- Day 2: Cervantes to Jurien Bay (25.7 kilometres, 17 minutes)
- Day 3: Jurien Bay to Northampton (278 kilometres, 3 hours 6 minutes)
- Day 4: Northampton to Kalbarri (105 kilometres, 1 hour 9 minutes)
- Day 5: Kalbarri to Geraldton (155 kilometres, 1 hour 45 minutes)
- Best for: Travel enthusiasts looking for a week-long road trip that takes in the natural beauty and stunning coastline of Western Australia’s Coral Coast Highway, along with charming seaside towns and sprawling national parks.
You’ll start off along the Indian Ocean Drive, where you can visit Yanchep National Park to explore scenic walking trails, including Lakeview Trail and the Ghost House Trail, and Lancelin, with its sand dunes and beautiful beaches. In Cervantes, enjoy a dip in the water at Hangover Bay, where you can snorkel and picnic along its sandy shores.
You can also visit Lake Thetis to view the stromatolites in the saline lake. At Jurien Bay, enjoy snorkelling at Jurien Bay Marine Park with its vibrant coral reefs, or enjoy a sea lion tour by boat. You can also relax and enjoy some delicious seafood at Jurien Bay Jetty before taking to Sandy Cape Recreation Park, Lesueur National Park, or Nambung National Park for the iconic Pinnacles Desert.
From there, you’ll head to Northampton, where you can enjoy a heritage walking tour or visit the Northampton Family Story, which has its rustic charm and range of local products that have been in operation since the 1800s. Enjoy a picnic at Hampton Road or make a scenic drive to Nokanena Brook, which has greenery and stunning scenery.
From Northampton, make the journey to Kalbarri where you can enjoy outdoor adventures like abseiling and rock climbing, or sandboarding down the nearby sand dunes. Get up close to Australian wildlife including western grey kangaroos, emus, and bird species at the Kalbarri National Park Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy coastal walking trails offering views of the Indian Ocean.
You’ll then begin your journey to your final destination of Geraldton. Visit Greenough Wildlife Park to see native animals like kangaroos and wombats, or make a detour to Mullewa, where you can take in colourful fields of wildflowers from July to October. With local art galleries, picturesque beaches, and local markets, there’s no shortage of things to keep you entertained at Geraldton.
Top places to stop between Perth and Geraldton
Best beaches between Perth and Geraldton
Skip the swimming pool and cool off at these secluded beaches and sparkling swim spots along the Coral Coast.
- Cottesloe Beach: This iconic beach is just 15-minutes from the Perth city centre. With stunning views of the Indian Ocean, it’s the perfect location for those seeking a dip in relaxing waters before enjoying local produce from the nearby cafes and restaurants.
- Jurien Bay Beach: With its turquoise waters and white sandy shores, Jurien Bay is a must for those taking on the Perth to Geraldton road trip. Enjoy snorkelling, swimming, or a picnic on the shores.
- Hangover Bay: Just a short drive from Jurien Bay, you’ll find Hangover Bay which boasts a more secluded location. This hidden gem offers crystal clear waters that make it ideal for those wanting to snorkel, swim, or fish. And with stunning views over the Coral Coast, it’s a great spot for photographers.
- Greenough River Mouth Beach: Located near the town of Greenough, this beach is known for its tranquil surroundings and natural beauty. Along with birdwatching, you can enjoy a dip in the water or kayaking.
- Sunset Beach: In Geraldton, enjoy the stunning views of Sunset Beach which is known for its epic sunsets over the water. A popular spot for fishing, this tranquil beach offers the perfect place to enjoy coastal walks and unforgettable views.
- Coral Bay: Admittedly, Coral Bay lies 11 hours north of Perth, but for those looking to continue their journey onwards from Geraldton, it’s a must-see destination as you take in more of Western Australia’s beauty. Known for its crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life, you can enjoy snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef, feed manta rays, or relax at Sandy Bay. It’s also known for its whale sharks, with torus running from March to July.
Best national parks and hiking trails on the Perth to Geraldton drive
Fancy a hike? Check out these national parks and hiking trails dotted along the drive from Perth to Geraldton.
- Yanchep National Park: Just a 40-minute drive from Perth, Yanchep National Park boasts stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. You’ll be able to visit the incredible caves including Crystal Cave with its limestone formations and stalactites. You can also walk along the Koala Boardwalk to view koalas in their national habitat or enjoy a hike along the Ghost House Trail.
- Lesueur National Park: At Jurien Bay, make the detour to Lesueur National Park where you can take in stunning landscapes and explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna along incredible hiking trails. From July to October, the landscape will transform with vibrancy thanks to wildflower season, making it the perfect time for photographers to visit.
- Nambung National Park: Renowned for its unique landscapes, Nambung National Park is a must for anyone passing through Western Australia. Visit the Pinnacles Desert, where you can take in the fascinating limestone formations that are even more magical at sunrise or sunset. You can also visit Hangover Bay to swim and Kangaroo Point to enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. You’ll find plenty of walking trails and diverse landscapes to explore.
- Drovers Cave National Park: This hidden gem is just a short drive from Jurien Bay and features stunning limestone caves, natural scenery, and 4WD tracks that make for an outdoor adventure. Enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and tours of the Drovers Cave.
Tip from the author: Entry to national parks in Western Australia will require an entry fee that can be purchased online. You’ll need to pay $17 per vehicle for a standard vehicle or consider buying a park pass that includes a 4-week, 14-day, or 5-day option. More details can be found at the Parks WA website.
Best foodie destinations between Perth and Geraldton
Specialising in seafood and local produce, this road trip treats you to countless culinary delights. From charming cafes to top dining destinations, be sure to add these foodie stops to your radar when driving from Perth to Geraldton.
- Lulu La Delizia, Subiaco: This restaurant specialises in Italian cuisine, serving up unforgettable comfort dishes with a refined menu that’s made all the better thanks to their use of local ingredients and high-quality produce. With a great wine list to match, you’ll be treated to culinary delights at Lulu La Delizia.
- The Lobster Shack, Cervantes: For those in Cervantes, you must visit The Lobster Shack which serves up delicious seafood. You can even experience what it’s like to be a lobster fisher with a Lobster Catching Tour.
- The Beached Barrel Coffee & Donut Shop, Geraldton: Sometimes you just need a sweet treat, and Beached Barrell excels in delivering the very best. Enjoy a tasty morning coffee and Geraldton’s famed doughnuts. They also serve up a range of savoury doughnuts and burgers that feature Brioche Rolls that are baked in-house.
- Skeetas Restaurant, Geraldton: With over 33 years of experience, this family-owned and operated restaurant serves up delicious food and friendly service, making it a local favourite. With a range of wine varieties and locally sourced ingredients, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal while taking in beautiful views over the water.
Want to secure the perfect ride for your Perth to Geraldton road trip? With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered to you from a local Turo host. Find your drive on Turo.
How to plan the perfect family road trip from Perth to Geraldton
Travelling with little ones during the school holidays? The road trip from Perth to Geraldton is perfect for the whole family. We’ve rounded up some top tips to help prepare you for the road, along with the best family-friendly places to stop along the Coral Coast.
- Pack snacks and water: While you won’t have too many hours on the road, keep the little ones fed and hydrated by stocking up on nutritious snacks like nuts, fruit, crackers, and sandwiches.
- Book accommodation in advance: This is especially important during the peak summer season, as leaving accommodation to the last minute often means fewer options and more expensive rates.
- Plan pit stops at parks or playgrounds: Need to take a break between destinations? There are plenty of parks and kids’ playgrounds to pull into on the way to help tire the kids out during your road trip.
Perth road trip guide: keep the drive going
Don’t want to hand back the keys to your hire car? Keep the drive going with one of these epic road trip itineraries from Perth.
- The ultimate Perth to Exmouth road trip
- The ultimate Perth to Adelaide road trip
- The ultimate Perth to Albany road trip
- The best day trips from Perth
- Perth to Melbourne drive
- Perth to Broome road trip
- Perth to Esperance road trip
- Perth to Darwin road trip
Perth to Geraldton drive: Frequently asked questions
Can you complete the Perth to Geraldton drive in reverse?
Absolutely! Simply reverse the itinerary outlined above and you’re good to go!
How many days does it take to drive from Perth to Geraldton?
The drive from Perth to Geraldton typically takes four and a half hours, making it a journey you can easily tackle in a day. But with plenty of attractions and things to see and do along the way, you’ll want to allow at least two days so detours can be made.
Can you get a flight from Perth to Geraldton?
You can fly from Perth to Geraldton, with domestic flights running consistently throughout the week. Airlines, including Qantas, offer two flights per day, with the flight duration taking approximately one hour.
Is it worth driving from Perth to Geraldton?
It definitely is worth driving from Perth to Geraldton. This adventure-filled journey allows you to take in the incredible waterfront and coastal scenery of Western Australia, and you can even journey to Port Gregory to see its iconic pink-coloured waters. With no shortage of things to see and do including hiking trails, national parks, and secluded beaches, the drive from Perth to Geraldton is a must for any road trip enthusiast.
Final advice for the Perth to Geraldton drive of a lifetime
Ultimately, the drive from Perth to Geraldton is about soaking up the natural beauty of Western Australia’s Coral Coast, delighting in the local flavours, and exploring the outdoors as you visit top beaches and national parks along the way.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
