The Perth to Exmouth drive is one of the most scenic drives in Western Australia. It passes through breathtaking scenery and is packed with attractions. Here are our top spots not to miss on this trip:
Perth
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a dynamic city with a stunning skyline, vibrant arts scene and beautiful parklands. From exploring the historic precincts and museums to enjoying the local cuisine in the many restaurants and cafes, the city has something for everyone. Of particular note is Kings Park – one of the largest inner-city parks in the world – which offers breathtaking views of the Perth skyline.
Pinnacle Desert
The Pinnacle Desert is a natural spectacle not to be missed. Thousands of limestone pillars rise out of the desert sand. These pillars, known as “pinnacles”, are the result of natural erosion over thousands of years. A hike to the Pinnacles at dawn or dusk is an unforgettable experience.
Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia is a popular destination for nature lovers. It is famous for its friendly dolphins, which are regularly fed by the park rangers on the beach. As well as dolphins, other marine life such as dugongs, sea turtles and manta rays can also be seen. Monkey Mia also has beautiful beaches for swimming and sunbathing.
Quobba Blow Holes
The Quobba Blow Holes are an impressive natural phenomenon on the west coast of Australia. Waves are forced through underground caves and shoot into the air from holes in the rocks when they hit the coast with enough force. The spectacle is particularly impressive when the waves are high and makes for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a small coastal town famous for the Ningaloo Reef, which lies just off the coast. The reef is a paradise for snorkellers and divers with a variety of colourful corals and marine life. Other activities in Coral Bay include cruises, fishing and kayaking.
Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most prominent visitors to Ningaloo Reef are the whale sharks. The reef is home to one of the largest aggregations of marine life in the world and is a great place to swim with them, including manta rays, turtles and migrating humpback whales.
Cape Range National Park
The Cape Range National Park is known for its stunning scenery of deep gorges, steep cliffs and white sandy beaches. Turquoise Bay is one of the park’s most beautiful bays and a popular snorkelling spot. It is famous for its crystal clear waters and colourful coral reefs.
Exmouth
Known as the gateway to Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth is a charming seaside town. Snorkelling, diving and whale watching are just some of the activities on offer. Exmouth is also a great place to spot some of Australia’s unique wildlife, including emus, kangaroos and a variety of bird species.
This route offers the perfect blend of secluded beaches, outback remoteness and breathtaking views of the Milky Way. As the west coast is less populated than the east coast, driving can be particularly challenging, with long stretches of road with no infrastructure. Please remember not to drive at dusk or after dark as this is when Australia’s wildlife becomes active and the risk of hitting a kangaroo or emu increases!
