When most people plan a trip to Australia, their minds jump straight to Sydney’s harbour or Melbourne’s laneway cafés. Western Australia? Often overlooked. And that’s a shame, because WA has a coastline longer than the entire length of the United States, stretching more than 12,000 kilometres, and it’s wildly diverse.
From desert landscapes and abundant reefs in the north to towering karri forests and boutique wineries in the south, this is a corner of the world best experienced by car, with the windows down and the road stretching endlessly ahead.
Perth might not have the buzz of the eastern cities, but its backyard more than makes up for it. A road trip here means pristine beaches without the crowds, quirky little country towns, and the kind of ‘endless blue sky’ scenery that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into the opening shot of a film.
Whether you’re after a quick weekend getaway or a pack-the-boot-to-the-brim adventure, these five road trips from Perth showcase the best of WA’s rugged beauty and laid-back lifestyle.
1. Perth to Exmouth: The Epic Northwest Adventure
Distance: 1,250 km (about 13–14 hours driving)
Best for: Desert landscapes, unique wildlife, remote adventure
If you’re up for the ultimate Australian road trip, Exmouth is your prize at the end of a very long, very scenic drive. This isn’t a quick dash – think more of an odyssey across WA’s vast northwest, where the scenery changes from rolling farmland to red desert plains that stretch for miles under a huge empty sky.
On the way, you can stop in at Kalbarri National Park, where the Murchison River has carved dramatic gorges into the earth, and Shark Bay, home to the famous dolphins of Monkey Mia. The drive itself is an immersion into the Australian outback – heat rays shimmering on the bitumen, wedge-tailed eagles circling overhead, and kangaroos that might hop across the road if you’re not on the ball.
Once you arrive in Exmouth, you’ll be hanging out for a cold beer at one of the local breweries. Sit back, relax, soak up the laid-back desert atmosphere, and prepare for a few days of snorkelling, beach hopping, and relishing in some of the magical coastal sunsets.
If you time your trip between March and August, you’ll also have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks. There are a few tour operators that allow you to join these gentle giants as they glide gracefully through these waters.
Other highlights include:
- Cape Range National Park, where rugged limestone ranges meet turquoise bays.
- Turquoise Bay, famous for its “drift snorkel”, where the current carries you across a reef teeming with fish.
- Seasonal turtle nesting on the beaches.
It’s a long haul, yes, but it’s also one of the most iconic road trips in Australia – remote, raw, and unforgettable.
2. Perth to Margaret River: A Weekend Escape
Distance: 270 km (about 3 hours driving)
Best for: Wine, food, surf, and laid-back coastal charm
If Exmouth is the marathon, Margaret River is the easy sprint. Just three hours south of Perth, it’s the quintessential weekend escape for locals, and a must for visitors wanting a taste of WA’s food and wine scene.
This is one of the few places in the world where top-class wineries, craft breweries, and fine-dining restaurants sit side by side with surf breaks and gorgeous beaches. Spend the morning wine tasting among rolling vineyards, the afternoon exploring caves like Lake Cave or Jewel Cave, and the evening watching the sun melt into the Indian Ocean at Surfers Point.
Some can’t-miss experiences:
- Wine tasting at iconic estates like Vasse Felix, Voyager, or Leeuwin.
- A long lunch at one of the many vineyard restaurants (Glenarty Road and Amelia Park are personal favourites).
- Coffee and boutiques in Margaret River town, with its artsy, relaxed vibe.
- Beaches like Redgate or Hamelin Bay, where stingrays sometimes swim right up to shore.
It’s also a great base to explore more of Western Australia’s surf coast, from world-class waves to mellow beginner breaks. For the surf fans, I’ve shared some of my favourite spots in this guide to Tamraght, a laid-back Moroccan surf village I spend part of the year in. While on the opposite side of the globe, it shares the same small town, coastal magic of Margaret River.
It’s the perfect mix of indulgence and nature. Come for a weekend and you’ll leave already planning your next visit.
3. Perth to Denmark: Giant Forests and Untouched Beaches
Distance: 420 km (about 5 hours driving)
Best for: Lush forests, pristine beaches, wildlife encounters
Drive south-east from Perth and you’ll eventually swap the wheatbelt plains for towering karri and jarrah trees, some of the tallest hardwoods in the world. This is the road to Denmark, an alternative little town where the forest meets the sea.
The route takes you through Walpole, where you can walk among the treetops on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk – a suspension bridge that sways gently 40 metres above the forest floor. The drive itself is a highlight, with winding roads shaded by forests that seem to hum with life.
Once in Denmark, you’ll find a mix of tranquil inlets, wild surf beaches, and boutique wineries. Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks are two of the most photogenic swimming spots in Australia, with turquoise water and giant boulders that resemble elephants lazing in the shallows.
From June to October, the southern coast also becomes a prime spot for whale watching, as humpbacks and southern rights migrate along the coast.
Denmark has a gentle, almost mystical energy. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and a simple walk through the forest feels like medicine.
4. Perth to Nannup: A Quirky Country Retreat
Distance: 265 km (about 3 hours driving)
Best for: Relaxation, quirky shops, affordable retreats
Nestled along the Blackwood River, Nannup is often overlooked by travellers racing toward Margaret River or Albany. But that’s exactly what makes it special. This underrated tiny town has a quirky charm, with colourful shopfronts, antique stores, and a large number of local artists selling their wares.
Nannup is surrounded by forest, and in spring the region bursts into colour during the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival, with tulips, daffodils, and wildflowers spilling into every corner. The nearby Blackwood River is perfect for kayaking or just lazing on the banks with a picnic.
One of Nannup’s biggest draws is its unique holiday homes. There’s an abundance of affordable and beautifully designed cottages, farm stays, and eco-retreats, many tucked away in the bush with wood fires and big verandahs for stargazing. It’s a slower, quieter kind of escape – perfect for recharging.
If you’re after a road trip that feels like stepping back in time to small-town Australia, Nannup is your spot.
5. Perth to Coral Bay: Ningaloo’s Laid-Back Cousin
Distance: 1,120 km (about 12 hours driving)
Best for: Snorkelling, beachside camping, barefoot living
If Exmouth is the bustling base for exploring Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay is its sleepier sibling. A tiny coastal settlement with one main street and a handful of cafés, Coral Bay is all about slowing down and sinking into beach life.
Here, the reef comes right to shore. You can walk into the water, stick your head under, and find yourself in a world of coral bommies, tropical fish, and, if you’re lucky, a manta ray or two. There are few places in the world where such incredible snorkelling is just a hop, skip and a jump from your spot on the sand.
Coral Bay has a barefoot, backpacker-friendly vibe, with caravan parks, beachside bars, and tour operators offering everything from glass-bottom boat rides to fishing charters. It’s also a gateway to some of Ningaloo’s best wildlife encounters, such as manta rays, whale sharks and humpback whales.
It’s remote, yes, but it captures the essence of Western Australia: raw nature, unpretentious charm, and a sense of adventure that makes your time in paradise that extra bit special.
Tips for Road Tripping in Western Australia
Before you hit the road, a few practical notes:
- Distances are huge. WA is massive, and travel times can surprise you. Always check your fuel before leaving towns, especially on the northern routes. And pack plenty of water.
- Best time to travel: The north is best visited between April and October (dry season), while the south is beautiful year-round but particularly lush in spring.
- Accommodation: From boutique retreats to outback caravan parks, you’ll find a range of stays, but book ahead during school holidays.
Driving safety: Watch out for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk when kangaroos are most active.
Why Western Australia Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary
It’s easy to underestimate Western Australia when you’re mapping out an Aussie adventure. But those who make the effort are rewarded with landscapes and experiences that rival anything on the East Coast – without the crowds.
From the desert roads to Exmouth, the vines of Margaret River, the forests of Denmark, the hidden charm of Nannup, and the reef-fringed shores of Coral Bay, these five road trips show just how diverse and extraordinary this corner of Australia really is.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of long, open roads, endless skies, and the kind of natural beauty that lingers in your memory long after the trip ends, WA is calling. Pack the car, cue the road trip playlist, and go see what everyone else is missing.
Jessie runs daytripsetc.com
