posted on June 19, 2024
Ready to discover the unparalleled beauty of The West? Hit the road and tackle the ultimate Western Australia road trip, venturing across WA (the world’s second-largest state). From swimming with whale sharks and marine life in Ningaloo Reef to hopping between quirky outback pubs, WA is the perfect backdrop for an epic road trip.
This complete guide is here to help you choose your perfect road trip itinerary. From nature lovers looking to hike through sprawling national parks to surfers ready to carve up the waves along stunning beaches, keep reading to make your dream WA road trip itinerary a reality.
Western Australia road trips: An overview
In this complete guide to the best Western Australian road trips, we’ll cover:
- The best day trips from Perth
- The best family road trips in Western Australia
- The best outback Western Australia road trips
- The best coastal road trips in WA
- The best time-specific WA road trip itineraries
- Expert tips for planning the perfect road trip in WA
- Western Australia road trip: Frequently asked questions
Best day trips from Perth
Short on time? These road trips from Perth offer just a few hours of driving, making for the ideal day trip if you’re only in Western Australia for a quick visit.
Perth to Fremantle
- Drive time: ~30 minutes
- Drive distance: 23 km
- Best for: Travellers looking for a laid-back coastal spot brimming with rich history, art and even the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison.
Often referred to as Perth’s twin city, a day trip to Fremantle is well worth the drive. Equal parts historic and trendy, Fremantle is brimming with incredible street art, delicious dining spots and the sparkling Fremantle Harbour (don’t miss a trip to the WA Maritime Museum).
Tip from the author: Taste the flavours of Fremantle at Cicerello’s, an iconic local fish and chip shop that was first opened on Fisherman’s Wharf in Fremantle back in 1958 by an Italian fishing family.
Perth to Swan Valley
- Drive time: ~35 minutes
- Drive distance: 25.2 km
- Best for: Foodies looking to discover Western Australia’s oldest wine region.
Want to experience top-notch drops from family-run vineyards? Make the road trip from Perth to Swan Valley, boasting Mediterranean-climate wines. Expect delicious local produce, bustling art galleries, artisanal boutiques and even blooming wildflowers (on show from September to December annually).
Don’t miss a trip to Swan Valley Wines, Harris Organic Wines or Sandalford Winery, some of the best cellar doors located in the region.
Perth to York
- Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Drive distance: 98 km
- Best for: History buffs looking to experience the oldest inland town in Western Australia.
Soak in historic architecture and rolling fields of wildflowers with a day trip to York. Located an easy 90-minute drive via the inland route from Perth, expect everything from fascinating trinket shopping to spectacular hiking trails.
Perth to Busselton
- Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Drive distance: 224 km
- Best for: Whale watching from May to December and strolling along the 1.8 km heritage-listed Busselton Jetty.
Ready to experience the best of the south west edge of WA? Head south from Perth and explore Busselton, located the top of the iconic Margaret River region (famous for top-notch cellar doors and dining destinations).
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a trip to the Busselton Underwater Observatory (a 1.7 km scenic tour along the length of the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere).
Best family road trips in Western Australia
Hitting the road with little ones in tow? These short, family-friendly road trips all begin from WA’s capital city of Perth and offer a range of activities, attractions and must-see sights that will keep kids of all ages entertained.
Top stop: An iconic landmark in the heart of Perth, The Bell Tower is a must-visit on any road trip through Western Australia. Overlooking the Swan River, it’s home to the historic 14th-century bells from London’s St. Martin-in-the-Fields church and the mighty 6.5 tonne ANZAC Bell (the largest swinging bell in the southern hemisphere). Visitors can try bell chiming or watch the official Bell Ringers in action, all while taking in panoramic views of the city and river.
Perth to Rottnest Island
- Drive time: 5-minute drive, followed by a 90-minute ferry ride
- Travel distance: 30 km from Perth by ferry
While not technically a road trip, we couldn’t skip a mention of the unmissable Rottnest Island. With ferries departing from Barrack Street Jetty in the Perth CBD, this is an easy day trip with the kids. Pack your swimmers and explore the 60+ beautiful beaches across the island. Get up close and personal with adorable quokkas or go whale watching from September to November, spotting southern right whales as they migrate off the coast.
Tip from the author: Are your kids WA locals? If so, they can travel for free to Rottnest Island with the Quokka Club.
Perth to the Turquoise Coast
- Drive time: 218 km
- Drive distance: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Top stops: Gingin’s Gravity Discovery Centre, Cervantes’ dunes, The Pinnacles and Jurien Bay’s glow-in-the-dark art gallery.
From sandboarding along sand dunes at Cervantes to conquering the 4-metre-tall leaning tower at Gingin’s Gravity Discovery Centre, there’s plenty for the kids to explore along the Turquoise Coast. Book a night or two at Sandy Cape Recreation Park, boasting 88 campsites with access to white sandy beaches. The best bit? It’s pet-friendly, too, as long as you keep your dog on a leash.
Perth to Dwellingup
- Drive time: 90 minutes
- Drive distance: 107 km
- Top stops: Murray River suspension bridge, Treetop Adventure Dwellingup and Hotham Valley Tourist train.
From national park hikes to old-growth forests, there’s plenty of natural beauty to explore in Dwellingup. But before you get there, the kids will love a stop at the Cantwell Park in Pinjarra, featuring plenty of rope climbing frames and flying foxes to get their energy out. Treetops Adventure Dwellingup is another must-see attraction, offering an incredible 25m climb along the native tree canopy.
Tip from the author: Planning to visit between May and October? Don’t miss a steam train ride at the Hotham Valley Tourist Train centre.
Best outback Western Australia road trips
Experience the golden outback of WA at your own pace with these must-see outback road trip itineraries.
Great Kimberley Inland Track (5 day itinerary)
- Drive time: 5 days
- Drive distance: 1,165 km
- Day by day itinerary:
- Day 1: Gibb River Road/Kalumburu Road Junction and Drysdale River Station (582 km)
- Day 2: Drysdale River Station (no driving)
- Day 3: Drysdale River Station to Mitchell Falls and Mitchell River National Park (188 km)
- Day 4: Mitchell Falls to Kalumburu Community (190 km)
- Day 5: Kalumburu Community to Gibb River Road/Kalumburu Road Junction (205 km)
- Top stops: Broome, Kununurra, Derby, Manning Gorge, Mitchell National Park and Kalumburu.
- Best for: Adventurers looking for the ultimate Kimberley road trip experience.
Buckle up: this is one heck of a 4WD adventure. Kicking off up north in Broome, this five day itinerary will traverse the Gibb River Road (a 660 km road connecting the outback towns of Derby and Kununurra).
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to swim in watering holes at Manning Gorge, hike through national parks, an even take a helicopter ride above the Mitchell Plateau (offering sweeping views of coastal canyons and lush rainforests). The final stretch of this trip takes you to the remote Aboriginal community of Kalumburu, a true cultural experience.
Tip from the author: Make sure to secure an Uunguu Visitor Pass for entry to Mitchell Falls as well as a community permit for the Kalumburu section of your road trip.
Golden Quest Discovery Trail (6 day itinerary)
- Drive time: 6 days
- Drive distance: 2,224 km
- Day by day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Kalgoorlie (593 km)
- Day 2: Kalgoorlie and the Super Pit (7 km)
- Day 3: Kalgoorlie to Menzies and Lake Ballard (283 km)
- Day 4: Menzies to Kookynie, Leonora and Gwalia (267 km)
- Day 5: Leonora and Laverton to Kalgoorlie (481 km)
- Day 6: Kalgoorlie to Perth (593 km)
- Top stops: Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie, The Super Pit and plenty of historic pubs along the way.
- Best for: Stepping back in time to experience some of Western Australia’s most iconic goldfields.
The name of this road trip says it all: expect to venture through the towns made famous by the 1890s gold rush in Western Australia. Covering over 2,000 km from Perth to Kalgoorlie (one of the world’s largest gold-producing regions), get ready to encounter historic architecture, sprawling outback towns and fascinating old pubs.
The highlight of this journey has to be a visit to the Super Pit, one of the world’s largest operating open-cut gold mines.
Pilbara Wildflower Trail (10 day itinerary)
- Drive time: 10 days
- Drive distance: 5,030 km
- Day by day itinerary:
- Day 1: Exploring Exmouth
- Day 2: Exmouth to Onslow (403 km)
- Day 3: Onslow to Mackerel Islands return (no driving)
- Day 4: Onslow to Tom Price/Karijini (453 km)
- Day 5 and 6: Exploring Karijini National Park
- Day 7: Karijini to Marble Bar (543 km)
- Day 8: Marble Bar to Dampier (445 km)
- Day 9: Dampier to Millstream Chichester National Park (109 km)
- Day 10: Dampier, Burrup Peninsula and Karratha Airport
- Top stops: Exmouth, Onslow’s Sunset Beach, Karijini National Park (WA’s second largest national park), Marble Bar, Dampier, and Burrup Peninsula.
- Best for: Nature lovers looking to experience the wildflowers in full bloom from June to August.
From gorges dating back billions of years to mesmerising wildflower displays, there’s plenty to see on this outback road trip from Exmouth to the Burrup Peninsula.
Along the way, you’ll pass through mining towns surrounded by dazzling wildflowers, the spectacular Dales Gorge in the Karijini National Park and even a trip to Marble Bar (a tiny remote spot known as Australia’s hottest town).
Head to Millstream Chichester National Park to experience stunning gorges, swim spots and wildflowers in bloom. Your adventure wraps up with the chance to see Aboriginal rock engravings, first carved thousands of years ago.
Best coastal road trips in WA
From beachside camping at the Cape Range National Park to exploring Australia’s Coral Coast Highway, there’s no shortage of epic coastal road trips across Western Australia.
Great Southern Drive (4 day itinerary)
- Drive time: 4 days
- Drive distance: 936 km
- Day by day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Mount Barker (368 km)
- Day 2: Mount Barker to Porongurup National Park and Albany (75 km)
- Day 3: Albany to Denmark (54 km)
- Day 4: Denmark to Mount Barker to Perth (439 km)
- Top stops: Cool climate wines in Mount Barker, wildflowers at Porongurup National Park and WW1 history and Greens Pool in Albany.
- Best for: Epic swim spots, top notch wineries and scenic coastline driving.
Experience the best of the South West edge of WA with this epic Great Southern Drive. Time your travels from February to March to experience the food and wine festivals happening in the region or visit during the peak of summer for perfect swimming conditions.
The Great Southern Wine Region offers incredible cool-climate wines (such as Riesling, Shiraz and Pinot Noir). Don’t miss a trip to Gilbert Wines (Kendenup), West Cape Howe Wines (Mount Barker) or Ironwood Estate Wines (Porongurup).
Experience Albany’s rich war history with a visit to the National Anzac Centre and head to the seaside town of Denmark for a dip at Greens Pool, a stunning white sandy beach situated in the William Bay National Park.
South West Nature & Wine Drive (4 day itinerary)
- Drive time: 4 days
- Drive distance: 756 km
- Day by day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Harvey and Bunbury (185 km)
- Day 2: Bunbury to Margaret River (113 km)
- Day 3: Margaret River to Pemberton (135 km)
- Day 4: Pemberton and Manjimup to Perth (323 km)
- Top stops: Mundijong, Harvey, Bussleton, Margaret River wine region, Pemberton and black Perigord truffles at Manjimup.
- Best for: Foodies and wine lovers looking to explore the best wine regions along the WA coast.
Tracing the South West of WA, this four day coastal road trip offers the ultimate blend of stunning scenery, world-class wine country and water views.
The town of Harvey offers incredible premium cheeses, while the wine region of the Ferguson Valley is a must-see. Don’t miss a stop in at Bunbury and Koombana Bay (home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins which can be spotted at the Dolphin Discovery Centre).
Next, you’ll be off the Margaret River, one of Australia’s largest wine regions, before heading to Pemberton to experience WA’s top cool climate wines.
You’ll wrap up your road trip in Manjimup with the chance to sample Western Australian black truffles, gourmet food and top notch wines.
Best of the Coral Coast (11 day itinerary)
- Drive time: 11 days
- Drive distance: 3,237 km
- Day by day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Lancelin and Cervantes (254 km)
- Day 2: Cervantes to Geraldton (224 km)
- Day 3: Geraldton to Kalbarri (155 km)
- Day 4: Exploring Kalbarri National Park
- Day 5: Kalbarri to Shark Bay and Monkey Mia (400 km)
- Day 6: Exploring Monkey Mia
- Day 7: Monkey Mia to Coral Bay (591 km)
- Day 8: Coral Bay to Exmouth (153 km)
- Day 9: Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef Marine Park and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse (50 km)
- Day 10: Exmouth to Cape Range National Park return (140 km)
- Day 11: Exmouth to Perth (3,237 km)
- Top stops: Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, coral-fringed atolls in Geraldton, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef.
- Best for: Thrill seekers and nature lovers looking to chase the best ocean experiences in WA.
If there’s one coastal road trip to experience in WA, this is it. Across 10 epic days, you’ll be treated to sparkling ocean views, wild bottlenose dolphins in Monkey Mia, and idyllic white sand beaches along Coral Bay.
This epic adventure along the West Coast is best experienced during whale shark season (March to July), with Ningaloo Reef offering incredible marine life encounters.
Your itinerary wraps up in Exmouth with the opportunity to explore Cape Range National Park, brimming with ancient limestones and arid coastal plains. From walking trails to swimming spots and even the chance to spot humpback whales, this coastal journey is filled with an abundance of natural wonders.
Best time-specific WA road trip itineraries
Western Australia 7-day itinerary: Perth to Esperance
- Drive time: 9 to 10 hours
- Drive distance: 850 to 900 km
- Day by day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Bunbury (175km)
- Day 2: Bunbury to Busselton (55km)
- Day 3: Busselton to Margaret River (45km)
- Day 4: Margaret River to Augusta (50m)
- Day 5: Augusta to Denmark (250km)
- Day 6: Denmark to Albany (55km)
- Day 7: Albany to Esperance (400km)
- Top stops: Wave Rock, Fitzgerald River National Park, Cape Le Grand National Park, Twilight Beach, and Lucky Bay.
- Best for: Travellers looking to experience Western Australia’s pristine coastline and those seeking a more relaxed, leisurely road trip itinerary.
Visit the beachside town of Margaret River for incredible surf beaches, towering karri forests and rolling vineyards and immerse yourself in the maritime history of Albany (which also boasts a range of sparkling beaches, from Little Beach to Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool). A detour to Torndirrup National Park is well worth the drive for spectacular blow holes, water views and even a natural bridge (made from rock formations in the area).
The real stand-out on the coastal route is the abundance of dolphin-stopping opportunities. Stop into the Dolphin Discovery Centre at Burbury and get ready to spot dolphins in the wild along the coastline of Geographe Bay in Busselton, Flinders Bay in August and the King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour in Albany.
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stop at epic coastal national parks and even pay a visit to Wave Rock (estimated to date back over 2,700 billion years!).
2-week road trip itinerary in Western Australia: Perth to Broome
- Drive time: Roughly 42 hours (14 days)
- Drive distance: 3,346 km
- Day by day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Geraldton (415 km)
- Day 2: Geraldton to Kalbarri National Park (155 km)
- Day 3: Exploring Kalbarri National Park
- Day 4: Kalbarri to Shark Bay (374 km)
- Day 5: Francois Peron National Park
- Day 6: Shark Bay to Coral Bay (560 km)
- Day 7: Coral Bay to Exmouth (155 km)
- Day 8: Cape Range National Park (60 km)
- Day 9: Exmouth to Karijini (658 km)
- Day 10-12: Karijini National Park
- Day 13: Karijini National Park to Eighty Mile Beach (580 km)
- Day 14: Eighty Mile Beach to Broome (380 km)
- Top stops: Cervantes, the Pinnacles, Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Monkey Mia, and Cable Beach are just some of the picturesque stops along the drive.
- Best for: The journey from Perth to Broome will see you enchanted by beautiful deserts, white sandy beaches, and ancient Indigenous rock art.
From spotting wild dolphins in Monkey Mia to swimming with whale sharks in Coral Bay, exploring the vast beauty of Karijini National Park to the rugged landscapes of the outback, there’s plenty to discover on your 14-day road trip from Perth to Broome.
Experience pristine beaches at Coral Bay and Exmouth and don’t miss The Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park, one of the main attractions along the Indian Ocean Drive. Shark Bay World Heritage area spans an incredible 1,500 km, located 800 kilometres north of Perth on Australia’s most westerly point
Once you’ve made it to Broome, take in the stunning scenery of Cable Beach. With warm weather all year round, the white sands offer the perfect setting to lay down your towel and feel yourself relax. Known for delivering sunsets that range from purples to fiery reds, Cable Beach also offers camel rides where you can take in this magical location from a different perspective.
Notable Western Australia road trip mentions
Still can’t decide where to drive? Dive into these curated road trip itineraries across WA and beyond.
- Albany to Bremer Bay drive (2 days)
- Perth to Adelaide road trip (7-8 days)
- Perth to Melbourne road trip (7-14 days)
- The best day trips from Perth
Expert tips for planning the perfect Western Australia road trip
Whether you’re heading north or sticking along the stunning coastline further south, these top road trip tips will keep you safe on the roads of Western Australia.
Particularly if you’re taking a self drive trip through remote, outback areas, keep these driving tips in mind before jumping behind the wheel.
- Choose the right vehicle: While most 2WDs (from SUVs to sedans) will be able to comfortably navigate urban roads in Perth, a 4WD may be better suited to outback driving in remote areas.
- Be aware of animals on the road: Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and after dark as this is when animals (such as kangaroos, cattle and even emus) are most active and likely to enter the road.
- Navigating gravel and sand roads: In remote WA areas, some roads may have gravel edges or sand tracks. Be aware that these can cause dust clouds that lower visibility and stones can strike your windscreen. Reduce speed and drive with care.
- Overtaking safely: Before overtaking, ensure you have a clear view ahead of you. Look out for road trains (some of the largest trucks in the world) that can run as long as 60m. Give way and avoid overtaking on narrow stretches of road.
Western Australia road trip: Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to road trip Western Australia?
This depends on the itinerary you’ve planned! If you’re looking to cover the entire state, be aware that this can take multiple weeks (roughly 3 weeks) to ensure you leave plenty of time to rest between long hours on the highway.
What is the best month to visit Western Australia?
The dry season (April to October) tends to be the best time to visit northern Western Australia, ensuring you avoid the peak summer heat. However, if you’re planning to stick closer to the south of WA, such as Perth or along the South West coast, the warmer months of summer are an ideal time to visit (November to March).
Final advice for the Western Australia road trip of a lifetime
Road-tripping around WA is a brilliant way to soak in the natural beauty of this sprawling state. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or multiple weeks, Western Australia has a perfect road trip itinerary to suit your preferences.
Hire the perfect car on Turo and enjoy an unforgettable road trip across WA.
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.
