How to Plan Your Western Australia Road Trip: A Guide to North & South Routes
Western Australia. Simply put… Is huge! From wide open plains to sky-high trees, wild oceans to pristine white sands… the only way to truly see all of it is via a Road Trip.
Western Australia is a place that truly defines the word ‘epic’, and there’s no better way to experience it than by hitting the open road.
We’ve been lucky enough to explore this massive state a few times now, and each trip has been completely different, yet equally unforgettable. From the wine regions of the south to the coral reefs of the north, a Western Australian road trip is more than just a holiday; it’s an adventure that stays with you.
But planning a trip of this scale can be daunting. Where do you even begin? That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve poured all our experiences, mistakes, and favourite spots into this comprehensive guide to help you plan your own unforgettable journey.
PLAN YOUR PERFECT WA ROAD TRIP WITH OUR FAVOURITE RESOURCES
– Book your day tours here: Viator.com
– Book your camper hire here: StarRV.com.au
– Best accommodation site: Booking.com
Here’s everything you need to know about planning the ultimate Western Australian road trip.
Choosing Your Wheels: The Campervan Lowdown
First things first, you’ll need a vehicle. While you can do a WA road trip in a car and stay in motels, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of a campervan. Waking up to the sound of the ocean, cooking dinner under the stars… It’s the quintessential Aussie experience.
There are a ton of rental companies out there, and we’ve used a few different ones over the years. Here’s our take on some of the most popular options:
- For the Comfort Seekers (Star RV): If you’re after something a bit more luxurious, with all the mod-cons like a proper shower and toilet, then Star RV is a fantastic option. The extra space and comfort – it really isn’t ‘camping’!
- For the Budget-Conscious Adventurer (Jucy Vans): If your budget is a little tighter, check out Jucy van. These compact, green-and-purple vans are iconic for a reason. They’re no-frills, but they have everything you need: a comfy bed, a small kitchen, and a sense of fun.
Book your van well in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak season (school holidays, and the northern winter from June to August). They sell out fast!
Camping vs Hotel
Australia has such a large range of accommodation options available. Wild camping (free camping) is a great cost-effective option; however, many places restrict where you can camp. And you’ll end up with big fines if you’re caught.
If you check out the locations in a camps app like Camps Australia Wide, you’ll find all the great places around, with tips from other travellers.
Hotels can be your other alternative, and most places have somewhere to stay if you’re not keen on camping. We always book with booking.com as they have the best prices, but like I mentioned before, book ahead if it’s in the busy period.
The Big Decision: North or South?
Western Australia is huge. Like, really huge. You could spend months exploring and still not see it all. Our last year-long trip ‘around’ Australia ended up being 9 months in Western Australia, and we still need to go back to finish parts of it!
So, the first big decision you need to make is whether to head north from Perth or south.
If this adventure is part of a bigger lap, then you’ll need to work out if you’re entering Western Australia from the bottom or the top – either via the Nullabor Highway or down from Darwin. This will depend on the time of the year, I’ll get to that part shortly.
How much time do you need to take?
This is completely up to you and how much you want to see. Consider the distances you’ll need to travel – Western Australia is thousands of kilometres across! If you have a week, pick one section and visit a few highlight places.
If you have longer, then do you want to see parts of everything or explore one particular place? Check out my other blogs on Western Australia to help you decide what you’d like to do.
We met people on our journeys who were a few years into their ‘big lap’ and still weren’t out of Western Australia, so it is a very open-ended question of how long you can take!
Example Itineraries
Here are a few itineraries to get you thinking. Modify these as you need with the time you have free, but these stops are some of our best highlights.
Check out this article to view more information on Perth to Exmouth
The Coral Coast (North): Perth to Exmouth & Beyond
This is the classic WA road trip. Think endless white-sand beaches, incredible marine life, and a true sense of outback adventure.
Best time to go: April to October. The weather is warm and sunny, and you’ll avoid the scorching heat and potential cyclones of the summer months.
Our Unforgettable Itinerary (2 Weeks):
- Days 1-2: Perth to Kalbarri. Pick up your van in Perth and head north. Your first major stop is Kalbarri National Park. We’ll never forget the feeling of standing at Nature’s Window at sunrise, looking out over the Murchison River Gorge. The new Skywalk is also incredible.
- Days 3-4: Shark Bay. This World Heritage area is a must-do. See the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, walk on a beach made entirely of tiny white shells at Shell Beach, and, of course, meet the famous dolphins at Monkey Mia. We waded into the calm morning water and had these beautiful creatures swimming around our feet – a truly magical experience.
- Days 5-7: Coral Bay & The Ningaloo Reef. Welcome to paradise. Coral Bay is a tiny town with a huge heart, and the Ningaloo Reef is just steps from the shore. We spent our days snorkelling straight off the beach, seeing turtles, reef sharks, and a kaleidoscope of colourful fish.
- Days 8-10: Exmouth & Cape Range National Park. Exmouth is the gateway to the northern part of the Ningaloo Reef. This is where you can have one of the most incredible wildlife encounters on the planet: swimming with whale sharks (March to August). It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring experience that’s worth every penny. We also loved exploring Cape Range National Park, with its rugged canyons and stunning beaches like Turquoise Bay.
- Days 11-14: The Drive Back. The drive back to Perth is a long one, so break it up with stops in towns like Carnarvon (try the chocolate-coated frozen bananas!) and Geraldton.
The South West Edge: Perth to Esperance
If you’re a fan of dramatic coastlines, towering forests, and world-class food and wine, then the South West is for you.
Best time to go: Year-round, but spring (September to November) is spectacular for wildflowers, and summer (December to February) is perfect for beach lovers.
Our Soul-Recharging Itinerary (10 Days):
- Days 1-3: The Margaret River Region. Just a few hours south of Perth, this region is famous for its wineries and surf breaks. We spent our days hopping between cellar doors, stocking up on amazing local produce at the farmers’ markets, and watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean from Surfers Point.
- Days 4-5: Pemberton & Walpole. Head inland and you’ll find yourself in the land of giants. We climbed the Gloucester Tree (not for the faint of heart!) and walked among the tops of the massive tingle trees at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. It’s a completely different world from the coast.
- Days 6-7: Denmark & Albany. This stretch of coastline is simply breathtaking. We loved Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool near Denmark – it feels like a giant’s playground. Albany is steeped in history and has a fantastic National Anzac Centre.
- Days 8-10: Esperance & Cape Le Grand National Park. Just when you think the beaches can’t get any better, you arrive in Esperance. Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park is famous for its resident kangaroos who love to sunbathe on the squeaky-clean white sand. We spent a whole afternoon just sitting with them, watching the turquoise water – a moment of pure bliss. From here, you can loop back to Perth via Wave Rock.
Driving Tips in Remote areas of Australia
Driving around Western Australia is similar to the rest of Australia, except for some of the distances between towns. Always make sure you know how far it is to the next fuel stop – both for you and your car!
You’ll need an Aussie driver’s licence or an International Driving Permit. Stick to the left side of the road, and stick to the speed limits – they are enforced with big fines if you go over the speed limit.
Distance related:
- Check the distance between towns and fuel stops. If it’s critical, check that the town has fuel or consider taking extra Jerrys of fuel with you.
- Rest stops: plan plenty of rest stops and driver changes if long distances need to be covered.
Remote driving:
- Many remote areas don’t have phone reception. Consider hiring a sat phone or satellite internet.
- Safety: carry a first aid kit, extra food, and a few spares for your car (and know what to do) or at least, a satellite phone to ring for assistance.
- Always carry spare water (leave a 10L cask of water in your car) just in case – it gets hot. If anything happens to your car, don’t walk off (unless exceptionally necessary), it is easier to spot a car than a person.
Wildlife:
- Wildlife: Avoid driving at dawn and dusk, these are the times where kangaroos love jumping onto the road. Drive cautiously if you see one, especially if it’s facing away from the road. They tend to jump around and onto the road.
Road Trains (extra-long trucks)
- Driving with extra-long trucks – As you get more remote, the size of the trucks gets longer and longer! It’s common to see 3 or 4 trailers behind a truck – getting up to 100m long! At 110km/h, it can take a while to overtake – be patient.
- Have a UHF radio and set it to channel 40. This way, you can talk to the drivers in the trucks. If you’re travelling slower than the speed limit, it is polite if you use the radio to attempt to talk to the truck driver in the truck behind you. Let them know you can slow down more to help them overtake you. They have a schedule to keep to and really appreciate it. Don’t pull over onto the side of the road as you slow down, this can throw rocks behind the car and damage vehicles behind you. Just talk to the truck driver and work together.
Our Top Tips for a Western Australian Road Trip
- Embrace the Distances: Don’t underestimate the driving times. Get up early, have your playlists ready, and enjoy the journey.
- Stay Connected (or Don’t): Phone signal can be patchy outside of the main towns. Download offline maps and music.
- Book Ahead: In popular spots, book your campsites in advance, especially during peak season.
- Watch for Wildlife: Kangaroos and emus are most active at dawn and dusk. Be extra careful when driving at these times.
- Leave No Trace: WA’s natural beauty is its greatest asset. Take all your rubbish with you and respect the environment.
If you’re thinking of travelling around Western Australia and would like to travel by caravan or camper, if you would like a checklist to download to help with packing requirements, just enter your email below.
I’ll also send you some info each week or so on the best destinations we find.
Our Thoughts
A Western Australian road trip is a true adventure. It’s a chance to disconnect from everyday and reconnect with nature. The distances can be huge, but there is always something to see along the way.
If you are limited on time, I would suggest picking a smaller area to cover and really get to visit all the hidden gems around that spot. We found it much more relaxing to travel this way than to attempt to see it all. You can always come back later to explore some more!
