The Coral Coast region is massive, stretching 1000 kilometres from Cervantes to Exmouth, its northernmost point a 14-hour drive from Perth. The arduous drive is all worth it because of the gorgeous natural landscape along this coast, comprised of seaside villages, national parks, and the world-famous Ningaloo Reef.
Cervantes to Dongara
Along the Indian Ocean Road are scattered towns without a shortage of things to do. Cervantes is only two hours north of Perth, a low-key village with unique natural landscapes, perfect for a first stop in your 1000-kilometre journey up the Coral Coast. Here, you'll find the Pinnacles Desert, populated by limestone rock formations that jut from the ground for 190 hectares, and the Lake Thetis stromatolites, ancient living fossils. Continuing north is Jurien Bay, the largest town in this area and home to a major sea lion breeding area and the Jurien Bay Marine Park, where watersports of all kinds are popular pursuits. Dongara is another port of call for travellers in this region, with a heritage trail, drive-in cinema, and a beach so hard you can 2WD on it.
Geraldton to Kalbarri
Geraldton is the capital of the midwest and has developed from a service centre for the farming, mining and fishing industries into a town within its own right. There's a sophisticated foreshore, tons of accommodation, and a marina home to the Museum of Geraldton, a branch of the WA Museum. Here, artefacts are displayed from the numerous shipwrecks on this stretch of coast, including the gruesome Batavia wreck. Some shipwrecks can still be snorkelled around the Albrolhos Islands, 55 kilometres off Geraldton's coast.
Kalbarri is the midway point of the Coral Coast, located at the mouth of the Murchison River and surrounded by Kalbarri National Park. The town itself is a playground for families, with swimming, fishing, snorkelling and relaxation at the coast ideal. The National Park contains towering cliffs, inland river gorges and rock formations up to 400 million years old. The Kalbarri Skywalk extends over the Murchison River gorge, hangs 100 metres in the air, and serves as a starting point for the numerous trails through the park. Don't just stop for the Nature's Window photo-op; The eight-kilometre Loop Trail is of medium difficulty but is absolutely worth seeing the park's landscape up close and personal.
Shark Bay to Gnarloo
This region attracts hordes of keen fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts, with Monkey Mia being a standout spot for those trying to spot friendly dolphins. Sharks, turtles, and dugongs can be observed at Eagle Bluff and Francois Peron National Park. The other national park is Dirk Hartog Island, WA's largest island and a hotspot for fishing and diving. Although these attractions are Shark Bay's drawcard, the nearby town of Denham is the better base for exploring the region, with accommodation aplenty and usually right on the water. Continuing north is Carnarvon, an overlooked destination but another pitstop that generates days of activities. Here, visit one of the fruit plantations or vegetable farms to sample their produce or the Space and Technology Museum, which chronicles the unexpected role of the Carnarvon in the Apollo 11 moon landing. Inland, superb scenery is found in Kennedy Range National Park and the remote Mount Augustus, a 715-metre peak.
Coral Bay to Exmouth
Everything within Coral Bay is a walk or swim away, including the Ningaloo Reef, only 50 metres offshore in calm waters. The accommodations are essential, but the natural landscape more than makes up for it. The Ningaloo rivals the Great Barrier Reef in terms of its beauty, and it's way more accessible in its distance from the shore. Snorkelling and diving are key to enjoying the reef and spotting the diverse marine life that populates the reef. Tours are offered to swim with humpback whales, manta rays, and the gentle giant whale sharks.
Exmouth boasts some of the region's best activities, including diving on the world-class Navy Pier and snorkelling in Turquoise Bay. It's also the closest town to Cape Range National Park, which contains Turquoise Bay and popular hiking trails like Mandu Mandu Gorge and Yardie Creek Gorge.