posted on July 20, 2024
From hiking through 400-million-year-old gorges to chasing surf breaks, there’s no shortage of things to see or do on the Perth to Kalbarri road trip. Situated around 6 hours north of Western Australia’s capital city, the Perth to Kalbarri drive is best tackled over four to five days for an epic road trip across WA’s coastline.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover:
- An overview of the Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary
- Your road trip map from Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary
- Top tips for driving from Perth to Kalbarri
- The best driving itineraries for the Perth to Kalbarri road trip
- Top places to stop between Perth and Kalbarri
- Frequently asked questions about the Perth to Kalbarri drive
An overview of the Perth to Kalbarri road trip
- Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary options:
- Direct Route: The fastest route from Perth to Kalbarri follows National Route 1 for 574 km.
- Perth to Kalbarri Explorer Route (5 nights): 725 km, 8 hours 30 minutes
- Suggested road trip length: While you can tackle the drive in one day, we recommend spreading this road trip itinerary across four to five days.
- Top stops: Lancelin Sand Dunes, The Pinnacles Desert, Dongara, Jurien Bay, Geraldton and Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake.
- Best times to drive from Perth to Kalbarri: Temperatures in WA can soar during the summer months, so plan your Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary between April and October for mild temperatures. Just be warned that July is a busy month, which coincides with the WA school holidays.
Perth to Kalbarri drive time
The driving time from Perth to Kalbarri is roughly six hours, not including any breaks or pit stops along the way.
Perth to Kalbarri drive distance
The driving distance from Perth to Kalbarri is 574 km along the direct route travelling across National Route 1.
Your Perth to Kalbarri road trip map (direct route)
Dive into your interactive map, which will help you experience the ultimate Perth to Kalbarri road trip with easy-to-follow directions ready to plug into your own Google Maps app.
Top tips for driving from Perth to Kalbarri
The good news about the Perth to Kalbarri road trip is you won’t need a 4WD. With sealed roads along the way, any 2WD in good condition can tackle this Western Australia road trip.
To maximise your time on the road, keep these top expert driving tips in mind:
- Animals on the road: With long stretches of road to cover, it’s best to avoid driving at dawn, dusk and after dark as this is when animals (such as kangaroos) are most active and likely to enter the roads.
- Reception can be patchy: It’s not uncommon to experience poor reception on this drive. If you’re planning an extended stay in WA, consider purchasing a Telstra SIM card (as Telstra has the best mobile phone reception and coverage in Western Australia).
- Beware of road conditions after rain: While the roads are sealed along this itinerary, reduce speed and drive cautiously after rain as the roads can become slippery.
The best Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary
While you can tackle the most direct route from Perth to Kalbarri in a day or two, we recommend this scenic 5-day Perth to Kalbarri Explorer itinerary instead.
- Driving time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Driving distance: 574 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Lancelin Sand Dunes (1 hour 30 minutes, 128 km)
- Day 2: Lancelin Sand Dunes to The Pinnacles (1 hour 25 minutes, 101 km)
- Day 3: The Pinnacles to Jurien Bay (1 hour 29 minutes, 114 km)
- Day 4: Jurien Bay to Geraldton (2 hours 30 minutes, 227 km)
- Day 5: Geraldton to Kalbarri via Hutt Lagoon (~2 hours, 155 km)
Start your road trip with an easy 90-minute drive north from Perth to Lancelin Sand Dunes. From dirt biking to sand boarding, these dunes are situated at 45-degree angles and are some of the biggest in WA.
Rise early the next day and head from The Pinnacles of Nambung National Park (the most visited attraction in WA, outside of Perth). Considered the gateway to WA’s Coral Coast, these incredible limestone structures are thought to date back over 30,000 years and stand up to 3.5 metres tall. It’s an easy day of driving along the Indian Ocean Drive.
Next, you’ll be off to Jurien Bay. Look out for sea lions lounging along the beach (a sight you’ll only see in WA), take a dip in the nearby Sandy Cape beach or try the 14.5 km coastal Turquoise Way Trail from the Jurien Bay Marina to the mouth of Hill River.
Break up your road trip with an overnight stay in the coastal town of Geraldton. Explore awe-inspiring pink lakes, take a day trip to Abrolhos Island, visit the Point Moore Lighthouse or experience famed rock lobster at a local restaurant.
The final leg of your journey takes you through Hutt Lagoon, another lake that changes from pink to lilac (situated between Port Gregory and Kalbarri).
Tip from the author: Planning to book this road trip between July and September? This is wildflower season, the perfect chance to see fields of flowers in bloom across the Kalbarri region. You’ll also find wildflowers dotted along the roadside of the Brand Highway and North West Coastal Highway.
Top places to stop between Perth and Kalbarri
From coastal cliffs and beautiful beaches offering world-class surfing to walking trails across national parks, there are plenty of top-notch places to stop between Perth and Kalbarri (including accommodation and dining options).
Best national parks between Perth and Kalbarri
The best bit about the scenic route from Perth to Kalbarri? You’ll have plenty of time to stop in at the best national parks along the WA coast, including:
- Nambung National Park: Home to The Pinnacles Dessert and Lake Thetis, the Nambung National Park features incredible Stromatolites (a.k.a. structures similar to giant rocks) that are thought to date back to the dawn of earth! Nambung National Park truly feels like an otherworldly experience.
- Kalbarri National Park: Spanning over 186,000 hectares, Kalbarri National Park is home to stunning gorges that have been shaped by the flowing Murchison River over the past 400 million years. Don’t miss Nature’s Window, a famous attraction made from layers of sandstone, or the Z Bend River Trail, a demanding hike in the heart of Kalbarri National Park.
- Lesueur National Park: If you’re on the hunt for wildflowers, don’t miss a trip to Lesueur National Park. Expect to find over 900 plant species (many of which you’ll only find in a few national parks in WA), coastal dunes, salt lakes and walking trails (like the summit hike to Mount Lesueur).
Tip from the author: When visiting any national park in WA, you’ll need to pay a national park entrance fee per vehicle. If you’re planning an extended stay in WA, consider a 5-day, 14-day or 4-week park pass, offering unlimited access to national park areas across the state.
Best swim spots between Perth and Kalbarri
Skip the swimming pool and take a dip in the turquoise waters of these stunning beaches and bays located on the drive between Perth and Kalbarri.
- Jurien Bay: From snorkelling off Boulanger Island to exploring the beach camping area of Sandy Bay Recreation Park, the beautiful coastal town of Jurien Bay is brimming with swim spots to explore.
- Horrocks Beach: Just 1 hour from Geraldton, Horrocks Beach is the perfect spot to swim, fish, or snorkel off the coast of WA.
- Chinaman’s Beach: Situated just a short drive from the centre of Kalbarri is Chinaman’s Beach, with pristine waters and perfect swimming conditions all year round.
- The Blue Holes: Take a dip in the calm waters of The Blue Holes in Kalbarri. The area also offers plenty of rock pools brimming with marine life, too.
Best foodie destinations between Perth and Kalbarri
From bakeries to restaurants and beyond, these are the top dining spots to check out when road-tripping from Perth to Kalbarri.
- Lobster Shack: Head to Cervantes for an incredible dining experience overlooking the Coral Coast. Expect succulent lobster, fresh seafood and water views.
- Meraki: Located in Jurien Bay, this is one of the best spots in the region to grab coffee and breakfast.
- Flow Cafe: Feel like a local at Flow Cafe, the perfect spot to grab brunch alfresco in the heart of Geraldton.
- Finlay’s: Once you’ve arrived in Kalbarri, head to Finlay’s for a relaxed open-air dining experience. Situated right next to the beach, expect fresh seafood, craft beers and live music every Sunday afternoon.
Best places to stay on the Perth to Kalbarri drive
Pull up stumps at one of these top accommodation spots located along your road trip itinerary.
- Jurien Bay Tourist Park: Located right on the beach, this waterfront tourist park offers everything from holiday units to powered and unpowered sites for tents and caravans.
- Ocean Centre Hotel Geraldton: Treat yourself to a good night’s sleep in Geraldton at this waterfront 4-star hotel.
- Kalbarri Edge Resort: Positioned in the heart of Kalbarri town, this resort offers studios as well as 1 and 2-bedroom apartments.
- Kalbarri Anchorage Caravan Park: From camping sites to cabins, this caravan park offers pool facilities, free wifi and it’s even pet friendly, too!
- Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park: Situated just a 4-minute walk from Kalbarri’s restaurants and cafes, you’ll find cabins, villas, units and camping spots at this holiday park.
Best family-friendly spots to visit between Perth and Kalbarri
Travelling with little ones? These are the top kid-friendly activities, attractions and sights to add to your road trip itinerary.
- Lancelin Sand Dunes: Sandboarding is one of the best ways to keep the kids entertained, and Lancelin Sand Dunes offers some of the best dunes in the state.
- Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake: Take a scenic flight over this incredible pink lake, which is best experienced at mid-morning or sunset. Alternatively, dive along Port Gregory Road on a clear day for the best chance of seeing this pink lake in action.
- Jurien Bay Marine Park: This is the only breeding area for Australian sea lions in WA, giving the whole family the chance to spot the rarest sea lions in the world.
- Irwin Heritage River Trail: Grab your walking shoes and explore the 4.6 km loop, beginning at the Irwin River Lookout. Expect to see wildflowers in bloom between August and October.
- Kalbarri Skywalk: Located in Kalbarri National Park, this skywalk offers panoramic views of the Murchison River. For thrill-seekers, walk out along the viewing platforms hanging 100m above the gorge below.
WA road trip guide: Keep the drive going
Want to put your rental car to good use? Once you’ve ticked off your Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary, consider one of these WA road trip guides next.
- Albany to Bremer Bay road trip
- Perth to Adelaide road trip
- Perth to Melbourne road trip
- Perth to Darwin road trip
Perth to Kalbarri drive: Frequently asked questions
How far is Kalbarri from Perth?
The driving distance from Kalbarri to Perth is around 6 hours, covering 575 km along National Route 1.
How long should you stay in Kalbarri?
If you have the time to spare, we’d recommend staying in Kalbarri for at least a few days to soak in the sights, flavours and attractions of the area. Many of Kalbarri’s best attractions (like Kalbarri National Park) offer full-day activities that are best explored over multiple days at your own pace.
Do you need a 4WD to visit Kalbarri National Park?
No. All roads leading in and out of Kalbarri National Park are sealed, meaning they can be accessed with a 2WD car.
What other ways can you travel from Perth to Kalbarri?
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Perth to Kalbarri. However, you can catch a bus from Perth to Kalbarri using TransWA. Coaches depart from East Perth Terminal at 8.30 am from Monday to Saturday.
However, this means you won’t be able to explore the sights and destinations dotted along the coast. Plus, you’ll likely need to rent a car once you arrive in Kalbarri, as public transport options are limited.
Final advice for the Perth to Kalbarri drive of a lifetime
With so much on offer, the Perth to Kalbarri drive promises to be the trip of a lifetime as you explore Australia’s best national parks and pristine coastline.
Want to secure the perfect car for your Perth to Kalbarri 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.
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
