The Ultimate Guide to Travelling Western Australia’s Coral Coast

Western Australia’s Coral Coast is one of the most unreal stretches of coastline on Earth: red desert, white sand, world-class snorkelling, and marine life so abundant you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a documentary. Travelling from Perth to Exmouth is the best way to experience it all—but with huge distances, limited transport, and seasonal wildlife, planning the journey can feel overwhelming.

This guide breaks down the best time to visit, the unmissable stops, and the different ways you can explore the Coral Coast—whether you’re travelling solo, planning a self-drive, or want everything organised for you. If you prefer a stress-free option, our Perth to Selected Destinations Tours are the easiest, most worry-free way to go.

Best Time to Visit the Coral Coast

WA’s wildlife seasons can make or break your itinerary. Here’s what you should plan around:

• March–July: Whale sharks (Exmouth/Ningaloo)
• June–October: Humpback whales
• April–October: Best visibility for snorkelling & diving
• Year-round: Manta rays (Coral Bay), turtles, reef fish, rays, sharks
• Nov–Feb: Turtle nesting & hatchlings

If your trip revolves around marine life, timing matters—especially whale sharks, which sell out months in advance.

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Traveller’s Consideration: WA Is Big, Remote & Seasonal

• Distance: Perth to Exmouth is over 1,200 km
• Transport: No public transport to most Coral Coast highlights
• Seasonality: Wildlife changes month to month
• Planning: Many must-see stops, and easy to miss things if you don’t know the area

The easiest solution?
A fully organised Perth to Selected destinations tours —ideal for travellers without a car, solo travellers wanting a group, or anyone who prefers to relax and let someone else handle the logistics.

For Solo Travellers

WA is incredible but vast, and long drives can feel isolating. A group tour gives you:

• Built-in travel buddies
• Safety and support
• No long solo drives
• Shared snorkel, dive, and hiking experiences

For Travellers Without a Car

With no public transport along the Coral Coast, a guided tour is often the only simple way to reach Ningaloo Reef.

Our Perth to selected destinations tours include:

• All transport
• All national park fees
• All major stops
• Optional upgrades (whale sharks, humpbacks, manta rays, National Parks)
• A complete, pre-planned itinerary

All you do is pack a bag.

For Travellers With Their Own Transport

Driving gives you complete freedom—if you know where to go and when to be there. That’s where Dive in Australia helps.

We support self-drive travellers with:

• Custom route planning
• Wildlife season guidance
• Booking marine activities (whale sharks, mantas, sea lions, etc.)
• Best times/tides for snorkel sites
• Recommendations for operators based on experience level
• Local tips for beaches, lookouts, hikes & hidden gems
• Full personalised itineraries based on your dates, pace, and interests

Explore independently, without missing a thing.

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Suggested Itineraries for Popular WA Road Trips

Whether you’re short on time or planning a full Coral Coast adventure, here are the most popular trip lengths and what to expect.

Perth → Monkey Mia → Perth (4 Days)

Perfect for travellers with limited time who still want dolphins, red cliffs, and a taste of WA’s Outback coast.

Highlights:

• Explore the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park
• See the stunning Pink Lake at Port Gregory
• Discover Kalbarri National Park, including the Skywalk, Nature’s Window, Z-Bend Gorge and Murchison Gorges
• Walk along Shell Beach, one of only two shell beaches in the world
• Experience the famous Monkey Mia dolphins on the beach
• Visit Hamelin Pool stromatolites, some of the oldest living fossils on Earth
• Enjoy a farmstay experience at Northbrook Farm with animals and stargazing
• Learn local history at Geraldton’s HMAS Sydney Memorial and St Francis Xavier Cathedral
• Spot dingoes, emus, kangaroo joeys, crocodiles and more at Greenough Wildlife Park
• Admire the dramatic white sand dunes along the Coral Coast

A short but memorable loop showcasing Shark Bay’s unique wildlife and landscapes.

Perth → Exmouth (6–7 Days)

A fast-paced but achievable trip for travellers wanting to reach Ningaloo without rushing the major stops.

Highlights:

• Explore the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park
• Discover Kalbarri National Park’s dramatic gorges and coastal cliffs, including Nature’s Window
• Meet the famous Monkey Mia dolphins and other unique wildlife in Shark Bay
• See the ancient 3-billion-year-old Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool
• Snorkel or swim on Ningaloo Reef with turtles, manta rays, and vibrant coral
• Optional whale shark or whale watching experience in Exmouth (seasonal)
• Relax on pristine beaches like Turquoise Bay and spot native wildlife
• Enjoy sunset views at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
• Six days of scenic coastal adventure along Western Australia’s stunning Coral Coast

Ideal for whale sharks (Mar–Jul) and humpbacks (Jun–Oct).

Perth → Broome (10 Days)

A bucket-list journey through WA’s changing landscapes—from turquoise reefs to red desert to tropical beaches.

Highlights:

• Nambung National Park (Pinnacles Desert)
• Pink Lake at Port Gregory
• Kalbarri National Park: Nature’s Window & Z-Bend Gorge
• Shell Beach, Shark Bay
• Monkey Mia dolphin experience
• Hamelin Pool stromatolites
• Ningaloo Reef & Coral Bay snorkelling
• Cape Range National Park & Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
• Karijini National Park gorges, waterfalls & swimming holes
• Pilbara outback & Port Hedland iron ore town

80-Mile Beach & Broome sunset

Perfect for those continuing north into the Kimberley.

Perth → Exmouth → Karijini → Perth (10 Days)

The ultimate Outback loop: Ningaloo’s turquoise water followed by Karijini’s deep red gorges.

Highlights:

• Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park
• Pink Lake at Port Gregory
• Kalbarri Skywalk & Nature’s Window
• Shell Beach, Shark Bay
• Monkey Mia dolphin experience
• Hamelin Pool stromatolites
• Coral Bay & Ningaloo Reef snorkeling
• Cape Range National Park & Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
• Karijini National Park gorges, waterfalls & swimming holes
• Pilbara outback and mining towns

Stunning outback night skies

A dramatic combination of reef and red-earth canyon country.

Ready to Explore WA’s Epic Coral Coast?

Travelling Western Australia is one of the most rewarding road trips in Australia — and it’s even better when someone else handles the logistics.

If you want a seamless, social, wildlife-packed adventure, let us organise your entire Coral Coast journey.

Your Perth Destination trips, sorted.