The Ultimate Road Trip from Jurien Bay to Kalbarri
Jurien Bay to Kalbarri is such an awesome stretch of scenic road! Do this as a stand-alone road trip, or start from Perth and keep going north. There is plenty to see around the Coral Coast.
We’ve taken this road many times, and each time we find something different to explore. There’s a reason we keep returning to this part of Western Australia, you’ll see what we mean when you start your adventure!
Although this road trip can be completed in one day, we highly recommend taking at least a few days to truly explore everything it has to offer.
Looking for a way to get to Kalbarri from Jurien Bay?
Jurien Bay to Kalbarri is 380km following the coastal road. It will take just over 4 hours of drive time, but you’ll need to factor in many stops to explore the amazing scenery.
Alternatively, you can take the inland road, which is over 500km or a 6-hour drive. This is a great option during the wildflower season, in Spring, if you want to do something a little different.
Keep reading for the best ways to road trip from Jurien Bay to Kalbarri, what our favorite stops are and where to stay.
Jurien Bay to Kalbarri Self-driving
Driving the scenic roads is one of the best ways to visit at your own pace. If you’re looking at hiring your own vehicle, you can hire a car, but I would recommend giving a campervan a try. This way, you can stop at the hidden gems, camp on the beachfront and stop for a cuppa whenever you feel like it.
Here are 2 different options:
Luxury RV: Star RV
Star RV offers luxury motorhomes that make exploring Australia both stylish and comfortable. You’ll find spacious interiors, top-notch amenities, and the freedom to travel at your own pace, It’s the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors without giving up the comforts of home.
Budget RV: Jucy campervan hire
JUCY offers budget-friendly campervans in Australia, perfect for travelers seeking affordability without compromising comfort. Their El Cheapo camper is ideal for backpackers, providing essential amenities for a memorable road trip. With multiple rental locations and a variety of models, JUCY makes exploring Australia accessible and enjoyable.
What is the drive like?
The drive is straightforward. It has mainly sealed bitumen roads, with some dirt roads if you choose to visit some more out-of-the-way places.
Option 1: Via the coast
Under 400km, 4 hours.
Option 2: Inland route
Around 600km, depending on the route that you take. At least 6 hours.
Safety tips
If you’re from overseas, remember that we drive on the left-hand side of the road here in Australia.
The best time to drive is during the day. Dawn, dusk and nighttime are the most dangerous as the kangaroos are likely to be near the road and they get startled by the headlights. Kangaroos also have a habit of jumping into the path of cars, so slow down and drive with care if you spot one.
Always carry spare drinking water with you, especially in the summer months. If you have a breakdown, you don’t want to be in the heat without water.
Telstra phones have the most amount of phone reception we found. However, there are still areas with no phone reception. Satellite phones or satellite internet are alternatives.
Best time to visit
The summer months are the hottest, and usually you’ll find there are lots of flies. Spring is lovely as the flies start disappearing, the weather is balmy, but it will be busy. Winter is also nice, fewer crowds, but the water is too cold for swimming (for my liking anyway!)
Itinerary: Jurien Bay to Kalbarri
Coastal Road (the most popular)
Jurien Bay to Lesueur National Park
Distance: 27km north
Highlights: Spot rare orchids in the National Park
For the best activities to do in Jurien Bay, check out this article. Once you’ve finished exploring Jurien Bay, head around 27km north to Lesueur National Park. It is off the main highway slightly, but worth the short detour.
Lesueur National Park to Dongara, Port Denison
Make your first stop at Greenhead, only a short distance from Lesueur National Park. Head to the beach and walk down the stairs to a lovely bay. There are chairs on the green grass under the shade of pine trees if you just want to sit and watch.
There are free campsites on the left of the road. The best way to find them is by using the Wikicamps app, but we’ve found Camps Australia Wide have better descriptions and up-to-date information.
Then, make your way to Dongara, Port Denison. Dongara has a low-cost campsite at the oval. It’s a great base to explore the town.
Have a bite to eat at Southerlys Harbour View Bar and Restaurant, or head to Port Denison beach and depending on the time and day, you might find a lovely coffee van that does great coffees.
Dongara to Geraldton
Distance from Jurien Bay: Approximately 2 hours’ drive.
Highlights: HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Museum of Geraldton, many dining options, big chain stores such as Bunnings and BCF.
The next big town is Geraldton, where there is plenty to see and do. This is the biggest town heading north for a while, so I would suggest stocking up at the supermarkets and camping stores if needed.
The Museum of Geraldton is a top-quality museum that has great interactive displays suitable for all ages. Our young kids really enjoyed it, as did we. Close by the museum is a lovely restaurant that overlooks the ocean called Skeetas Restaurant and Cafe. It is slightly more expensive than other restaurants in the area, but we think it’s worth it.
Geralton does have an overnight free RV spot in the middle of town, but it is very busy and you may have to wait until other people leave. We recommend staying at the caravan park close by.
Geraldton – Kalbarri
Distance: 155km
Many scenic places to visit, for an epic campsite, check out Lucky Bay- Port Gregory. It is a sandy track to get to the campsites, but you have the option of either camping on the beachfront or in the dunes. Chat with the camp hosts for the best spot for the day.
Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon)
Location: Near Port Gregory, en route to Kalbarri.
Hutt Lagoon, or Pink Lake, is a must-see with its surreal pink hues—best viewed on a sunny day between 10 am and 2 pm. Wear polarised sunglasses for the most vivid colours, and bring a drone for epic aerial shots. Visit after rain for the brightest shades of pink! However, when we visited, it was a dull pink. Either way, it was still spectacular!
Another option is to consider the 2-Day Kalbarri and Pink Lake Tour departing from Perth. This tour provides an immersive exploration of the region’s highlights without the hassle of planning your own trip.
Kalbarri
We spent 3 weeks in Kalbarri, and still didn’t see everything there is to see! Kalbarri has a great range of activities for everyone, from national parks with awesome views, to cliff top walks, parks for the kids, fishing, 4WDing and even great restaurants!
Visit the coastal cliffs for some epic views.
Our Tip: During Summer, bring fly nets! The flys are very friendly!
Inland (away from the crowds)
The journey inland is one less travelled, but if you’re looking for something different, try this option, especially during July-October, which is wildflower season. There are many different options to take, but here are some of our favourite highlights:
Day 1: Jurien Bay to Morawa
- Lesueur National Park – Start your day with a short detour to explore over 900 species of wildflowers and some scenic walking trails. Best visited in spring for peak blooms!
- Coorow – A small wheatbelt town with silo art, a really interesting main street filled with historical buildings. Stop at the Old Ute Cafe for a coffee and cake. If you visit during the wildflower season, you’ll be able to see the rare wreath flower.
- Perenjori – Another wildflower hotspot with a heritage trail showcasing the town’s history. During the wildflower season, the visitors centre has a lovely museum. Get the latest info on the best areas to view the flowers at the visitors centre. Remember, each season will be different depending on the rain.
- Morawa – and another wildflower sight! If flowers aren’t your thing, then check out the Astro-Tourism website as Morawa skies are perfect for viewing the night sky. Or, depending on the day you arrive, visit the Morawa speedway for a night of racing!
Where to Stay:
Everlasting Guesthouse Morowa: A clean place with air conditioning, private bathrooms and a picnic area.
Morawa Caravan Park has powered or unpowered sites, and a great reason to visit with your own RV! It just makes things simple. If you don’t own your own caravan, hiring a campervan or RV is easy.
Day 2: Morawa to Kalbarri (Approx. 350 km, 4 hrs)
- Canna Wildflower Walk – Stop at the old-style General Store, grab a few supplies and have a chat with the locals on the gossip of the best wildflower locations today.
- Mullewa – If you’re visiting during summer, stop for a quick swim at the local swimming pool to cool off, it can get hot here! On the West Australia Day long weekend (May or June), check out the Mullewa Muster and Rodeo!
- Northampton – One of WA’s oldest towns, known for its heritage buildings and quirky second-hand stores. A great place to grab lunch before the final stretch to Kalbarri.
- Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake) – Just before you reach Kalbarri, make a stop at this Insta-famous pink lake! Best viewed midday when the sun is high.
Is a 4WD car and caravan or camper needed?
Driving from Jurien Bay to Kalbarri can be done on only tarmac. There are plenty of options to take the dirt roads, but it isn’t necessary. Where the 4WD comes in handy is if you would like to visit some of the scenic places along the way, especially on the inland routes that are corrugated dirt roads.
Do you need to camp? It is perfectly OK to not camp between Jurien Bay and Kalbarri. There are many accommodation options. However, we think some of the best camping spots are along this stretch of road, so I would highly recommend at least getting your own tent, or hiring a campervan.
Camping Options:
Can I camp along between Jurien Bay and Kalbarri?
Yes! Grab yourself a copy of Camps Australia Wide to find the most up-to date locations and details. There are many free or low-cost campsites in Donara, Geraldton and some council-run sites within the dunes between Jurien Bay and Kalbarri.
Lucky Bay-Port Gregory details can be found here
Caravan Parks are located in Jurien Bay, Dongara, Geraldton, Jurien Bay and most inland towns. Book ahead during the summer season as they can book out fast.
Hotel Accommodation
Not everyone likes to camp, and that is absolutely OK! This road trip can be easily completed by travelling between hotels. Here are our top picks:
Dongara: Seaspray Beach Holiday Park a lovely beachfront property with self-contained accommodation. Enjoy beach views, have a drink around a communal fire pit or swim in the pool, This is a relaxing place to unwind.
Geraldton: Ocean Centre Hotel, another beautiful beachfront property, with modern amenities, and even a balcony on some rooms. This resort has a fitness centre, restaurant, bar and room service. Treat yourself!
Kalbarri: Kalbarri Edge Resort, featuring a pool, BBQ facilities and tropical gardens, it doesn’t get more tropical than this! Some rooms contain spa baths, or a balcony. There is a restaurant and bar onsite.
Tours: Jurien Bay to Kalbarri
Here are a few options for tours to Kalbarri and cool things to do once you’re there!
Luxury:
The Kalbarri Gorges and West Coast Ground and Air Tour is an unforgettable adventure. Soar over Western Australia’s stunning landscapes, including pristine beaches and the mesmerizing Pink Lake.
Explore Kalbarri National Park’s dramatic gorges and rugged coastal cliffs. This exclusive journey offers unparalleled aerial and ground perspectives, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Multiday:
2 Days Kalbarri and Pink Lake Tour Monday Departure: Discover the best of Kalbarri on this epic 2-day tour departing from Perth! See dramatic gorges, coastal cliffs, and the vibrant Pink Lake—perfect for nature lovers and unforgettable photo ops.
4-Day Coastal Loop via Monkey Mia Dolphins Kalbarri & Pinnacles: This 4-day adventure from Perth explores Western Australia’s stunning coastline. Experience the unique Pinnacles Desert, marvel at Kalbarri’s dramatic gorges, and encounter friendly wild dolphins at Monkey Mia.
This all-inclusive tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and wildlife encounters, making it an unforgettable journey.
Unique Tours
Sunset River Cruise in Kalbarri: Experience the magic of Kalbarri’s Murchison River on a 2.5-hour Sunset River Cruise, available from November to May. Enjoy captivating commentary on the region’s history, fishing industry, and unique wildlife.
The cruise offers breathtaking views with the peaceful sounds of nature. Perfect for couples, families, or anyone seeking a moment of relaxation.
Kalbarri Whale Watching Tour: Experience the awe of witnessing majestic humpback whales on Kalbarri’s Whale Watching Tour. Cruise along stunning coastlines, observing these gentle giants during their migration. A must-do adventure for nature lovers!
Perth to Jurien Bay to Kalbarri by Bus
Traveling from Jurien Bay to Kalbarri by bus is simple with TransWA. Find their up-to-date schedule here . Prices start around $90 per adult one way from Perth to Kalbarri, stopping at Jurien Bay.
Please note that bus services are infrequent, so it’s essential to check the latest timetables and book tickets in advance.
Jurien Bay to Kalbarri: Can you fly?
What is the closest airport to Kalbarri?
Kalbarri Airport is located approximately 10 kilometers east of Kalbarri’s town center. However, it currently does not offer regular passenger flights.
The nearest major airport with regular passenger services is Geraldton Airport, which is about 174 kilometers south of Kalbarri.
Can you visit Jurien Bay to Kalbarri and return in one day?
Traveling from Jurien Bay to Kalbarri and back in a single day is not advisable due to the considerable distance and travel time involved. The one-way journey spans approximately 351 kilometers, requiring around 3 hours and 51 minutes of driving without stops.
This means a round trip would total nearly 8 hours on the road, covering over 700 kilometers. You would have minimal time to explore Kalbarri’s attractions.
We would recommend at least 2 days, but a week would be better.
Our Thoughts
The road trip from Jurien Bay to Kalbarri was a big surprise to us. It has beautiful scenery, many places to stop, and we highly recommend driving it at least once.
If you have the time, take much longer than you think you need, and the best experience we think is to travel in a camper. We’re lucky to travel with our caravan, but the easiest way is to hire a campervan. You only need a drivers licence, and the hire company does the rest – including all the camping equipment you need.
Book your road trip today! We know you’ll have a fantastic time. 🙂
