Perth to Exmouth Road Trip - Swim with Whale Sharks Perth to Exmouth Road Trip - Swim with Whale Sharks

Perth to Exmouth Road Trip – Swim with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef

There’s no better feeling than hitting the open road and watching the city fade into wild coastline, open skies, and red earth. If you’re looking for the ultimate Western Australian adventure, the Perth to Exmouth road trip is it. Over 1,200 kilometres of breathtaking scenery lead you to one of the world’s most unforgettable experiences: swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.

From the moment you leave Perth, the journey north is a gradual transformation. Suburban streets give way to white sand beaches, wind-carved cliffs, and coral-studded bays. Each stop along the Coral Coast feels unique, but together they create a road trip unlike any other.

Hitting the Road from Perth

Your adventure begins in Western Australia’s laid-back capital. Pick up your Budget rental at Perth Airport or Perth CBD, load up your playlist, and start heading north. Whether you plan to drive the full distance or fly one way, Budget makes it easy with flexible car hire Perth to Exmouth and car hire Exmouth to Perth options.

Choose the right vehicle for your journey. A standard car is perfect for cruising between towns, while a 4WD will take you off the beaten track. Families and groups often prefer vans or people movers, while SUVs offer the ideal mix of comfort and versatility.

Once you hit the Indian Ocean Drive, the city quickly disappears behind you, and the coastline begins to reveal its beauty.

Cervantes and the Pinnacles

A few hours north of Perth, the coastal town of Cervantes marks your first real taste of Western Australia’s wild landscape. Just outside town, Nambung National Park is home to the incredible Pinnacles Desert. Thousands of limestone formations rise from golden sand, creating a scene that looks more like another planet than Earth.

It’s worth taking a walk among the Pinnacles, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light turns the desert into gold. Grab lunch in Cervantes before continuing north along the ocean.

 Jurien Bay

The next stop is Jurien Bay, a laid-back coastal escape known for calm turquoise waters and friendly sea lions. The bay is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply stretching your legs by the jetty. If you have time, join a local tour to swim with the wild sea lions that live offshore. They are playful, curious, and known to swim right beside you.

Back on the road, you’ll notice the landscape starting to change. The green scrub and white sands begin to give way to the famous red soil of Western Australia’s Coral Coast.

Geraldton

Continue north to Geraldton, a vibrant coastal city that mixes beach life with small-town charm. This is the perfect halfway stop to rest and refuel on your Perth to Exmouth road trip. Stroll the Batavia Coast Marina, visit local galleries, or enjoy fresh seafood by the water.

If you want to explore a little further, the Abrolhos Islands lie just offshore, offering pristine diving and fishing experiences. Budget has locations in Geraldton Downtown and Geraldton Airport, making it easy to swap vehicles or take a break before continuing north.

Kalbarri National Park

Heading inland, Kalbarri National Park is one of Western Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders. The Murchison River winds through deep gorges, creating dramatic views at lookouts such as Nature’s Window and Z-Bend Gorge. The coastal cliffs also provide unforgettable panoramas, with rugged red rock set against the deep blue of the Indian Ocean.

In spring, the park bursts into colour with thousands of wildflowers. Bring a camera and take your time exploring. Kalbarri is the kind of place that makes you slow down and appreciate the beauty of the journey.

Shark Bay and Monkey Mia

Further north, the road curves toward the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, where desert landscapes meet turquoise lagoons. Stop at Shell Beach, made entirely of tiny white shells, and visit Hamelin Pool to see ancient stromatolites that date back billions of years.

Continue on to Monkey Mia, where wild dolphins swim to the shore most mornings to greet visitors. This remarkable experience has been carefully managed for decades to protect the dolphins while allowing people to enjoy them up close. Stay the night in nearby Denham and watch the sun set over calm waters.

Carnarvon

Back on the main highway, Carnarvon is your next stop. Known as the “fruit bowl of Western Australia,” this relaxed coastal town is full of tropical plantations, fresh produce, and friendly locals. Take a walk along the One Mile Jetty, explore the blowholes, or visit the local markets for a taste of mango and papaya grown right here.

Carnarvon is also the perfect place to stock up before the final stretch north. The red dirt roads and big skies ahead are a reminder that you’re getting closer to something truly special.

Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef

The moment you arrive in Coral Bay, you’ll understand why this tiny town has become a favourite among travellers. It sits directly on Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s largest fringing coral reefs and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Here, the reef begins only metres from shore, making it easy to snorkel straight from the beach. You’ll swim among colourful coral gardens, sea turtles, and tropical fish in clear blue water. For an even closer look, join a glass-bottom boat tour or swim with graceful manta rays. Coral Bay is peaceful, relaxed, and effortlessly beautiful, the perfect place to unwind before the final leg to Exmouth.

Exmouth and Swimming with Whale Sharks

The final stretch of the drive brings you to Exmouth, the gateway to Ningaloo Reef whale sharks and one of the best places in the world to experience marine life up close. Every year between March and August, whale sharks migrate to the warm waters of Ningaloo Reef.

Booking a swim with whale sharks Exmouth tour is an experience you’ll never forget. Despite their enormous size, these gentle giants glide through the water calmly, allowing swimmers to float beside them in awe. It’s a rare and humbling encounter that captures the spirit of the Coral Coast perfectly. 

Beyond the whale sharks, there’s plenty to see. Snorkel Turquoise Bay, kayak through Yardie Creek, or explore Cape Range National Park, where red cliffs rise dramatically above the sea. When your adventure winds down, you can choose to drop off your car at Exmouth Downtown or Exmouth Airport or continue back down to Perth.

Heading Home

You can choose to drive the same route south or take the faster Exmouth to Perth option by air. Either way, the memories of the Coral Coast will stay with you. Each stop on the journey adds a new layer of colour, from the gold of the Pinnacles to the red cliffs of Kalbarri and the bright blues of Ningaloo Reef.

Live More, Explore More

The Perth to Exmouth drive is more than just a route on a map. It’s a reminder of the freedom that comes from taking the long way around. The changing landscapes, the small coastal towns, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters all add up to something bigger than a holiday.

With Budget Car Hire, it’s easy to make the journey your own. Choose from reliable vehicles, clear pricing, and flexible options for car hire Perth to Exmouth or car hire Exmouth to Perth. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, sea life, or a sense of adventure, this road trip delivers it all.

Because sometimes, the best way to see Australia is from behind the wheel, with a Budget car and the open road ahead.