Roadtrip: Australia off the beaten track
From Perth to Exmouth, the Indian Ocean Drive stretches over 2800 kilometers, promising an unforgettable Roadtrip along the west coast of Australia, where the red, arid, and sparsely populated lands of the Outback extend to the indigo waves of the Indian Ocean. A complete change of scenery is guaranteed throughout a spectacular itinerary where you will see white sandy beaches, coral reefs, fishing villages, and national parks with rugged landscapes. If you want to travel independently, there’s nothing like renting a car, a van, or a 4×4 to discover the rich wildlife and flora of this stunning coastline.
But be sure to follow the current regulations on Australian roads. You must be at least 21 years old, have an international driving permit (free, valid for 3 years, and renewable), not exceed speed limits (50km/h in cities and 110km/h on roads and highways), and check the condition of the road network, which varies depending on the year and climate. And most importantly, don’t forget that in Australia, you drive on the left! A simple habit that you will pick up more easily by renting an automatic car…
Driving from Perth to the Pinnacles Desert
After about 250 kilometers and two hours of travel between Perth and Darwin, you will be in awe of the Pinnacles Desert, the first stop on your journey through the roads of western Australia. A specially designed road for cars crosses this impressive landscape, as incredible as it is unique, where rock stalagmites of all sizes and shapes rise from an ochre sand field, pointing their limestone needles towards the sky through the dunes.
Kalbarri, a site worth the detour
Continue north to cover the approximately 400 kilometers between the Pinnacles and Kalbarri National Park. With the bush as your only horizon, you feel like you’re driving in the middle of nowhere for hours. Be careful not to miss the turn west after Geraldton, the “big” town in the region where you can stock up. Kalbarri National Park awaits you not far from there, crossed by the Murchison River. A single paved road winds through this vast plateau that extends to the ocean, offering a stunning panorama of steep cliffs, but since the Natural Window is only accessible on foot, you will need to park your vehicle or make a wide detour to admire this famous rock formation, emblematic of the park.
Next stops: Monkey Mia and Shark Bay
Continue your journey up the coast 300 kilometers further north. With speed limits and some roads only passable by four-wheel-drive vehicles, it’s better to rent a van than a small car to venture onto the sandy roads. Shark Bay is a paradise cove, renowned for the diversity and richness of its marine life: sharks, dolphins, humpback whales, manta rays, and other seabirds, among others. Not to mention that by following the cliffs on the main road overlooking the bay, you are offered an exceptional view of the literally transparent seabed.
After a short stop at Shell Beach, a beach entirely covered with shells, when you leave the main road for the dirt track leading to Eagle Bluff, watch out for kangaroos that sometimes unexpectedly jump in front of your vehicle.
Schedule the Dolphin Show at Monkey Mia on your itinerary at the time when rangers and volunteers come to feed the dolphins, organizing a draw for travelers to participate.
Heading to Coral Bay
On the way to the beautiful beach of Coral Bay, a small seaside resort with about a hundred inhabitants, located 1200 kilometers north of Perth and 120 kilometers south of Exmouth, ideal for diving enthusiasts. If you dream of getting close to whale sharks, follow the small road leading to Paradise Beach, where you can pause your Roadtrip for an unforgettable sea excursion. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground and your hands on the wheel, many 4×4 safaris are organized from Coral Bay, especially to meet kangaroos, emus, or turtles that roam the nearby parks.
Exmouth, the final destination of your Roadtrip in western Australia
After 200 kilometers of road along the west coast of Australia, you reach the end of your journey by entering the heart of Ningaloo Reef Park, where Exmouth is located, a small tourist town and an ideal starting point to reach the must-see Cape Range National Park, 40 kilometers further. Whether you access it via the paved northern road or one of the 4×4 tracks, drive slowly to both observe the kangaroos you will undoubtedly encounter and to leisurely admire the spectacular contrast between the steep cliffs, coral reefs, and turquoise waters bordering fine sandy beaches.
To conclude your journey beautifully and relax after these days of driving under the sun, take the road one last time and enjoy an aquatic hike at Ningaloo Reef, the perfect spot to enjoy the seabed and the coral barrier of this west coast, which, although less famous than its eastern neighbor, has nothing to envy.
