22 Aug The Coral Coast: Ultimate Camping itinerary up the Coral Coast.
Western Australia’s Coral Coast starts when you hit Indian Ocean Drive. It stretches from Cervantes to Geraldton and all the way to Exmouth. Camping or going on a road trip is a great way to explore this coastline bit by bit. Below is your ultimate Coral Coast Itinerary because you can customize the days you want to spend in each location.
A lot of people don’t have the desire to head up north because of the driving. Yes it can be annoying driving long stretches with kids or even adults with bad backs. However, you will be surprised just what this stretch of coastline has to offer. There are also plenty of pit stops to break up the journey.
There might not be stunning coral at every stop but each location offers something special to explore along the way… with and without coral. This road trip can take as long as you like or be as quick as you can cram into a 5-10 day break from work (or on the school holidays). There are some amazing camping spots along this road trip so be sure to allow time to soak it all in.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CORAL COAST
The best time of year to visit this region is in late Autumn / Winter and Early Spring which is April-Sep. It is way too hot in the summer months the further north you go and this coastline gets windy. Luckily, in the winter months you will still enjoy warm weather (mid 20’s – 30’s), less wind, less flies and less intense heat. Making it perfect for a road trip or a camping trip up the coast. It is still warm enough to swim and enjoy the beaches hence it’s a great winter escape.
Obviously weather is unpredictable but on average it’s ideal during April – Sep. Most of our visits have been in July, August and September. October school holidays is the tail end of the season so it should start to warm up along the coast. You might just start to get some of the evening sea breezes roll in towards the tail end of the season though. This is especially good to know if you are camping, flappy tents are annoying.
Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Green Head are still considered part of the coral coast, which will be ideal to visit in Summer and early Autumn because they experience weather similar to the Perth and Peel region. It is not far enough North to enjoy the equator’s warmth in winter. Cervantes and Jurien Bay are close enough to Perth to leave off your winter coral coast road trip, save those places for a summer weekend getaway. Anything North of Green Head will be ideal to visit during Autumn to Spring.
GREY NOMAD SEASON
Keep in mind this time of year is called “Grey Nomad Season” because all the retiree’s with caravans hit the road to avoid the cold winter. A lot of places get booked out with seasonal travelers. There are some places you can book and some places you can’t book. Plan and be prepared. If you get stuck behind a slow caravan… it might be a grey nomad so be courteous on these long drives.
CORAL COAST ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Everyone’s holiday itinerary is going to be different. If you have kids, if you want an adventure or relaxing holiday. However, if you are wanting to really explore this region, I would recommend allowing at least 10 days. WA is big and there WILL be lots of driving. 10 days to 2 weeks would be ideal, pending what you want to see. Here are some suggestions, locations and how long you should allow in each place so you can personalise your itinerary.
Places to Visit:
- Perth
- Kalbarri
- Monkey Mia + Shark Bay
- Quobba
- Coral Bay
- Exmouth
Did I mention, Western Australia is a massive state? I think I did.
It takes a long time to get anywhere around here especially if you are camping and road tripping your way up the coral coast. Luckily the destinations are worth it so you have to factor in days where you might spend most of it in the car. Get an early start to avoid wasting daylight.
When you are traveling, think about HOW you are going to most enjoy the trip. Will you prefer to hire a caravan, camper trailer, explore in a tent, van, roof top tent or find accommodation at each destination?
We mostly camp with a tent (SPECIFICALLY THIS AMAZING QUICK SET UP TENT) ** or off road camper trailer, because we like being able to go to remote places. It can get expensive when booking accommodation in WA so keep that in mind, sometimes it works out cheaper to hire a van, equipped with everything you need to make this trip more affordable but still comfortable. Especially if you don’t have a 4wd or any camping equipment.
Alright… Lets GO.
DESTINATIONS ALONG THE CORAL COAST
Perth to Kalbarri
580kms approx 6hrs Drive
Stops + Attractions: Lancelin Sand Dunes, The Pinnacles Desert, Pink Lake, Kalbarri National Park
This leg of the journey is a long stretch of the road trip. However, if you leave early enough you can be in Kalbarri just after midday, so you have the afternoon to enjoy Kalbarri. You can break up the drive with a pit stop at the Pinnacles if you haven’t been already. Or a pit stop at the unforgettable Hutt Lagoon, Pink Lake (Port Gregory) just 40mins before Kalbarri.
IF you do stop at The Pink Lake you can continue west towards the coast or Port Gregory town to enjoy lunch. Port Gregory also has a lovely bay where you can have a dip and a snorkel, time and weather permitting.
You will want to spend some time in Kalbarri to check out the amazing cliffs, beaches and of course the National Park. Kalbarri National Park has the amazing Skywalk, lookouts and you can also climb down into the gorges for some adventure. If you like hiking there are some great hikes to do for some extra adventure or exercise.
Places to Camp:
- Lucky Bay Campground: You can either camp half an hr south of Kalbarri at Lucky Bay Shacks where there is beachside camping available.
- Kalbarri Caravan Parks: With plenty of local caravan parks in Kalbarri town, take your pick.
- Murchison House Station: We stayed here, it’s a privately owned working station that offers bush camping and 4wd camping along the Murchison River. Great place to stay for a few nights instead of just a one night stopover.
If you have time, allow at least 1 full day of exploring the National Park. Its an amazing place to explore through the gores. Allow extra days along this leg of the coral coast if you want to explore more that Kalbarri has to offer, so plan your itinerary wisely.
Kalbarri to Monkey Mia
400 km’s approx 4hrs Drive
Pit Stops: Kalbarri, Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, Shell Beach, Monkey Mia, Francois Peron NP.
This stretch isn’t too bad because it’s relatively short and it’s an easy drive in comparison to other legs of the road trip. When you turn off the hwy to Shark Bay, be prepared to stop at a few locations on the way into Denham or Monkey Mia. Its approx 1hr 45mins from the hwy turn off to Monkey Mia so breaking it up with a few stops is nice stretch your legs. Shark Bay is a World Heritage Site so it has some amazing places to explore so treat this area with respect.
The Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool lie just off the hwy which are quite impressive as well as Shell Beach. This beach is also a great instagram spot, where the sand has been replaced with tiny white shells. It’s impressive and worth the pit stop either on your way to Monkey Mia or on your way out.
Monkey Mia Resort is a great place to stay because it’s not a caravan park. It’s a resort… sort of. This is a great place to stay if you are not camping because it has chalets, villas, hostel accommodation and camping facilities. There are 2 restaurants, a bar, cafe and everything you need. Personally the dolphins are cool but not guaranteed to see them every day. They are an attraction but the main attraction is the beautiful calm bay which is a lovely place to relax or enjoy some water sports.
Monkey Mia is so far off the main hwy you could give it a miss if you are on a tight time schedule or stay for at least one full day. If you are not phased by the dolphins or had some time to allow 100% definitely head into the National Park. When planning your ultimate coral coast itinerary we recommend spending 2 nights here.
Francois Peron National Park is an adult playground. This offers fully off grid camping and 4wd access only so be prepared, but it’s so worth it. The landscape is just stunning and the beaches are so quiet, private and beautiful. It’s a bit of a trek into the park so allow at least a full day or 2 (if you camp) to enjoy the park, rest and relax on the beaches. Or you could stay in Monkey Mia RAC Resort and then go to the National Park as a day trip. I would allow at least 2 nights so you get one full day (or longer) to enjoy before hitting the road.
Places to Camp:
- RAC Monkey Mia Resort: if you want a bit of camping luxury (ablution block and camp kitchens are top notch and very clean), powered, unpowered, caravan sites. They also offer villa accommodation and hostel style accommodation. Every accommodation type for your budget.
- Francois Peron NP: Fully off grid camping style and 4wd access only. No bookings, pay on arrival. Full review HERE.
- Denham Town: 3 caravan parks and also plenty of motel style accommodation available.
- Hamelin Pool Campground.
- Nanga Bay Station.
- Tamala Station (currently closed due to pending indigenous camping license)
If you have the time and interest allow at least 2 days (or more) to explore this area so you are not rushed.
Monkey Mia to Quobba
417km approx 4hrs drive to the blowholes
Quobba Station/Homestead – 20kms north of the blowholes (approx 30mins drive, unsealed rd)
Red Bluff Campsite – 65kms north of the blowholes (approx 1hr drive, unsealed rd)
Pit Stops: Carnarvon Town, The Cactus Farm, Quobba Blowholes, Quobba Station, Red Bluff.
Once you hit Carnarvon town, its a good place to refuel and restock on food and booze because it’s a pretty big country town. In town there is the insta famous “Cactus Farm ” to enjoy. It’s literally someone’s front yard that has gone wild with cactus’s. There are also plenty of banana and mango plantations to visit on your way through. Quobba Blowholes are approx 40mins North of the Carnarvon. Its worth stopping by the Quobba Blowholes because it’s a pretty impressive spot to witness the huge blowholes and the rugged coastline. Definitely pop this on your ultimate coral coast itinerary.
If you want to visit Quobba Station and Red Bluff they are a long way off the beaten track. If you have time to spare, it is definitely worth the trip. However, allow at least a few days to enjoy the beaches, fish and relax so it makes the long rough drive worthwhile.
If you don’t have time to spare but still want to get your snap at the “king waves kill sign” then I have a special treat for you. Just south of the Quobba Blowholes there are actually some campsites. Just south of the “king waves kill” sign is a small campground called Point Quobba and is full of shacks (including ours) and a little amazing lagoon you can explore and snorkel right off the shore. The locals call it “ the aquarium” because it’s small protected lagoon and reef. The coral is right off shore and the marine life is on steroids. So if you want to use this as a one nighter / pit stop instead of driving all the way to Quobba or Red Bluff this might be a good pit stop for you if you are camping/vanning it.
Places to stay:
- Point Quobba: beachside camping. Great for an over night stay. No bookings but the ranger will come round to collect fee’s $11 p/n pp.
- Quobba Station: 20km’s north of the blowholes on an unsealed rough road. Camping and Chalets available. Book on their website.
- Red Bluff: 65km’s north of the blowholes on a rough unsealed road. You can camp here or stay in one of their boojee glamping tents (3 night min stay). Mainly aimed at surfers.
Quobba to Coral Bay (or Ningaloo Station)
265kms approx 2.5hrs driving to Coral Bay
(OR 350kms approx 4-5hrs drive to Ningaloo Station part unsealed rd, 4wd access only)
Pit Stops: Coral Bay, Ningaloo Station
Ok so this can be a relaxing trip or an adventure. You decide what sort of trip you are planning. If you are not camping or equipt for off the grid camping then head to Coral Bay. This is a lovely coastal village with not a lot to do… which is the appeal. The bay is stunning and kid friendly. There is snorkeling on the reef, water sports and a large caravan park. Part of the appeal is to enjoy the beach day in and day out. You can book fishing and sightseeing charters if you want some extra adventure to your ultimate coral coast itinerary.
IF you want a full off the grid camping adventure then I highly recommend Ningaloo Station. You can read our full review HERE… otherwise a quick overview is you can literally camp right on the beach. There are several beaches to choose from in which all are stunning. It’s quite the trek into the campsites but well worth the trip if you are staying for a few nights. Both coral bay and ningaloo station offer nature’s playground and the most stunning reef to explore right off shore.
Places to stay:
- Coral Bay Caravan Park: this offers camping, powered + unpowered as well as cheap chalets and more modern upmarket chalets.
- Ningaloo Station: This is fully off the grid, 4wd access only with plenty of beachside camping.
If you are heading to Coral Bay or Ningaloo Station we would allow a min of 2 nights to be able to rest, relax and truly enjoy the area. If you do venture into Ningaloo Station we would recommend staying for longer as its quite isolated so it makes the effort worth while.
Coral Bay to Exmouth
155kms approx 1.5hrs driving from Coral Bay
255 kms approx 3hrs driving from Ningaloo Station.
Pit stops: Charles Knife Canyon, Exmouth Gulf, Lighthouse, Cape Range National Park, Turquoise Bay, Yardie Creek.
There is lots to explore in and around Exmouth, you can nip up to Charles Knife Canyon lookout which is just before Exmouth town. The lookout is stunning and very impressive to see both sides of the gulf. If you have time, explore the canyon. It’s a great hike or a great place to watch the sunrise/sunset. Exmouth town is well established but a main attraction (in my opinion) is in the national park, Cape Range National Park.
If you head into the National Park that is where the reef and beaches shine. Cape Range is approx 40 mins out of Exmouth and at least an hour to Yardie Creek. At the very end of the national park is Yardie Creek which is a large gorge you can kayak or Sup down which is definitely worth it. Other than that you can enjoy some r&r while beach hopping through the Park and explore everything Exmouth has to offer.
If you have the time and money you can even swim with the whale sharks within the migrating seasons or humpback whales or go on a fishing charter.
Places to stay:
- Bullara Station: in the Exmouth Gulf. Camping options, Chalets and cottages to rent. Plenty to see and do on this working station. It is approximately 1 hr out of Exmouth but is a fun experience.
- Exmouth Town: Multiple caravan parks and accommodation available.
- Yardie Creek Homestead: Is just before the entrance to the National Park. Its a great place to stay if you are unable to find a camp in the National Park. its close enough to be able to explore the National Park without having to drive for hours upon hours.
- Cape Range National Park: Off grid camping. There are multiple bays available however it books up very quickly. You need to book at lease 4-5 months in advance.
Exmouth is a great destination and if you are using it as the final destination allow a few days to explore. We would advise to allow at least 3 days. It takes a while driving around Exmouth because its quite remote so you will do a lot of driving
Exmouth to Perth
Its a long stretch back to Perth so you can choose to break it up with an overnight stop to just rest your head or break up your road trip with a planned destination stop. Depending on your experience with country driving you can also drive home in one stint, if you are game. Otherwise we recommend planning a night stay for safety and sanity… a 14 hr drive will take its toll on the driver and passengers.
If you don’t have camping or caravan facilities Wooramel Station is a great pit stop / overnighter as there is accommodation available. If you are camping they of course offer that too.
Wooramel Station is approx 480km’s from Exmouth or 4.5 – 5hrs driving.
The station offers plenty to see or just enjoy some rnr before the long haul back to Perth.
Wooramel to Perth is a long stretch of road so if you’re up for it… go for it. It’s a 775km drive or an 8hr drive. OR if you plan you are not up for long stretches of driving then just plan your road trip according to what suites you and your family.
There are plenty of ways to design the perfect trip depending on what you like and what you want to see. As well as plenty of ways to cram in days for rest, days for adventure and days to really enjoy your perfect ultimate coral coast road trip.
We hope this provides you with some ways you can plan your next winter escape up north. The coral coast truly is a lovely part of the world to enjoy. We personally love the coral coast to escape the winter cold and keep our vitamin D topped up.
Simon and I have been going up north religiously for years and don’t plan on stopping, that’s how we have come up with what we think, is the ultimate coral coast itinerary. There is just so much to see. Every time we go up the coral coast we just spend time in the places we enjoy and try to discover new places each time we go.
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