Road Tripping Perth to Ningaloo

Road Tripping from Perth to Ningaloo Reef is an adventure and is highly recommended as a part of a Sail Ningaloo holiday.

By car, the journey along the West Coast is around 1,200 kms and takes you through the amazing Coral Coast. Western Australia is a great state to drive through and we suggest breaking the trip into a couple of days travelling. The following road trip plan takes you from Perth to Kalbarri and then Kalbarri to Ningaloo Reef.

Amazing deals for one way car hire through AVIS Exmouth –  Fly one way – Road Trip the other!

For the first leg of the trip, here are a list of sights that you should take in along the way:

Drive to Lancelin (126km)

Lancelin is a great place for a coffee and a spot of sandboarding to stretch the legs. Or even stay the night if you are not in a rush and wander the relaxing beaches or do a spot of fishing.

Cervantes and the Pinnacles (87kms)

About an hour’s drive north is Cervantes, home to the Pinnacles (unique limestone spires) in Nambung National Park.  Here you can take a scenic drive or follow the walking trail around the Pinnacles. Then carry on to Lake Thetis and view the 3000-year-old Thrombolites.

Next Stop Jurien Bay (28kms)

Try a spot of 4wding near Jurien Bay or if you’re visiting during wildflower season (June & October) head slightly inland to Lesueur National Park and check out the spectacular site of colour covering the whole park.

You can even drive to the top of Mount Lesueur for some awesome panoramic views.

Swimming with Sea Lions Tour

We highly recommend swimming with the Sea Lions at Jurien Bay with Sea Lion Charters or Turquoise Safaris.

The trip leaves at 7:30am/8:30am (summer/winter) and returns approx. 2.5hrs so there is plenty of time to continue the drive after or just sit and relax in your accommodation and look at all the photos you took of these mischievous ocean puppies.

Watch the Video:

Stockyard-Gully Caves (35kms) – 4WD ONLY

Check out these caves at Stockyard-Gully National Park that were used back in the 1950’s as a sheltering point for cattle drovers.

Drive to Geraldton (193kms)

Geraldton is a big town where you can easily stock up on food, fuel and anything else you may need for your journey. There are some great beaches for a swim or water sports, such as water-skiing, with Ultimate Water sports.

If you are interested in history, then check out some of the museums and maybe the HMAS Sydney II Memorial. Check out the Geraldton Visitor Centre for more information.

Detour: Abrolhos Islands

This cluster of 122 stunning islands lies about 60kms west of Geraldton and is a must see from either above in a scenic flight or below on an exploration of the beautiful coral reef. For the divers there is the famous 1629 wreck of The Batavia.

Eco Abrolhos run 3 or 5 night tours to explore the Islands; snorkelling, diving, walking, fishing. Whatever interests you more.

The Pink Lake, Port Gregory (97kms)

This is just a quick stop but well worth it. The Pink Lake is a stunning hue of colour created by algae. Wander the shores to see the colour up close and check out the salt build up around the edges.

Stop for a coffee in the picturesque fishing village of Port Gregory or carry straight on to Kalbarri and join a scenic flight to experience the wonders of the Lagoon from above.

Arrive in Kalbarri (65kms) – a good halfway stopping point if limited time

Kalbarri National Park has some breath-taking scenery and views that are a must stop and see! Check out Nature’s window and the Z-bend easily access by 2wd vehicle.

Why not join Kalbarri Adventure Tours for a hike and canoe through the gorges to get away from the crowds!

Next, we head north to Carnarvon via Minilya Exmouth Road as we continue our road trip from Kalbarri to Ningaloo Reef.