The road from Perth to Exmouth and back is one of WA’s most iconic road trips. Stretching over 2,500 km return, it takes you past coral reefs, red gorges, desert pinnacles, and some of the most breathtaking beaches in Australia. If it’s your first time, we recommend setting aside 11 days to truly enjoy the coast—without rushing.
No one-way rentals needed. This round trip gets you back to Perth with a full heart, a dusty van, and stories you’ll be telling for years.
Quick Summary
- Total distance (return): ~2,500 km
- Recommended trip length: 11 days
- Peak travel periods:March to July
Whale shark season: Mid-March to late July
Quieter Shoulder Season: August to October - Kilometre allowance: 200 km/day (under 7 days) or unlimited km included for 7+ day hires
Park fees: $17/day or WA Parks Holiday Pass ($30–70) - Must-see stops: Pinnacles, Kalbarri Skywalk, Coral Bay, Turquoise Bay, Monkey Mia dolphins
- Avoid: 4WD-only tracks like Yardie Creek crossing
Imagine waking to the sound of gentle waves, coffee brewing beside your van, and the promise of a new place just down the road. With one of our Toyota campervans, you’ll have everything you need to explore WA with comfort and freedom.
Before You Hit the Road — Planning Tips
1. Timing & Bookings
- April: Autumn school holidays and great reef visibility
- Whale sharks: Exmouth, mid-March to July (book early)
- August to October is a quieter shoulder season before the wet season
- Unlimited kilometres included for 7+ day hires
2. Road Safety & Conditions
- Stick to sealed roads (no 4WD needed)
- Avoid driving at dusk/dawn—kangaroos and emus are common
- Free rest stops allow overnight camping (24-hour limit)
3. Gear Up
- Stock up on fuel and food in Geraldton and Carnarvon
- Slide-out kitchens in our vans make off-grid meals easy
- Read our road trip tips before you go
11-Day Perth to Exmouth Return Itinerary
Day 1 – Roll Out & Roll Down the Dunes
Perth → Jurien Bay (≈ 220 km)
- Morning: Head north, pull up at the Lancelin sand dunes and fly down the slopes on a sandboard.
- Afternoon: Cruise another hour to wander the other-worldly Pinnacles Desert.
- Night: Drift off to the sound of waves at Sandy Cape or plug into a shady site at a Jurien Bay park.
Day 2 – Pink Lakes & Red Cliffs
Jurien Bay → Kalbarri (≈ 320 km)
- Snap that bubble-gum-coloured Insta shot at Hutt Lagoon.
- Roll into Kalbarri for sunset over the coastal cliffs—think crimson rock meeting turquoise sea.
- Camp riverside at Murchison River CP or swap campfire smoke for rescue-roo cuddles at El Benjo.
Day 3 – Gorge Day, Early Start
Kalbarri National Park
- Beat the midday heat and hike Nature’s Window and the Z-Bend Gorge loop while the rock is still cool.
- Lazy swim back in town, fish-and-chips on the foreshore, and another night under Kalbarri’s blanket of stars.
Day 4 – Long Haul, Fresh Produce
Kalbarri → Carnarvon (≈ 450 km)
- Coffee and fuel at Billabong Roadhouse, then point the van north.
- Stretch the legs on Carnarvon’s Fruit Loop and stock up on mangoes, bananas, and famous chocolate-coated dried fruit.
- Stay powered at Coral Coast Tourist Park or pull into a free rest stop if you’d rather fall asleep to outback silence.
Day 5 – Reef Warm-Up
Carnarvon → Coral Bay (≈ 240 km)
- Slide straight into Bills Bay for a shore-entry snorkel—turtles often glide past by mid-morning.
- Fire up the slide-out kitchen for a beach BBQ as the sun melts into the sea.
- Snooze at Bayview CP or treat yourself to a pool-side pitch at Ningaloo Reef Resort.
Day 6 – Canyon Drive & Manta Rays
Coral Bay → Exmouth (≈ 155 km)
- Optional dawn manta-ray cruise—worth the early alarm.
- Follow the sealed Charles Knife Canyon drive for wow-factor views into the ranges.
- Base yourself at relaxed Yardie Homestead or stay central in Exmouth township for cafés and breweries.
Day 7 – Cape Range Highlights (day trip)
- Turquoise Bay drift: float over coral gardens, hop out, wander back, repeat.
- Lakeside: calmer snorkel spot if the swell’s up.
- Mandu Mandu Gorge: short, scenic loop with sweeping reef views.
- Skip Oyster Stacks unless you’ve double-checked tides and road advice with the rangers.
Day 8 – Big Drive, Big Horizons
Exmouth → Monkey Mia (≈ 700 km)
- Break the journey at Carnarvon’s bakeries, skim Shell Beach, and scan Eagle Bluff for rays and sharks.
- Roll into RAC Monkey Mia Resort, kick off your shoes, and toast sunset on the dolphin-dotted shoreline.
Day 9 – Coast to (ah) City Lights
Monkey Mia → Geraldton (≈ 430 km)
- Detour to Little Lagoon for a morning swim or fuel up at Overlander Roadhouse.
Geraldton dinner tip: fresh fish tacos on the foreshore before settling at Geraldton Foreshore CP or the heritage-rich Ellendale Pool camp.
Day 10 – Dunes & Desert Sculptures
Geraldton → Lancelin (≈ 270 km)
- Haven’t seen the Pinnacles yet? Swing into Nambung NP on the way south.
- Hit the Lancelin dunes for a late-arvo sandboard session ($10-15/hr).
- Overnight at Lancelin Lodge or a nearby coastal free camp—perfect stargazing territory.
Day 11 – Koalas, Caves & Home Stretch
Lancelin → Perth (≈ 130 km)
- Pop into Yanchep National Park for koalas snoozing in the treetops and a quick wander through crystal caves.
- Cruise back into Perth by mid-afternoon, drop the keys, and start planning the next escape.
Suggested Camps & Stays
| Location | Options | Notes |
| Jurien Bay | Sandy Cape Rec Area, RAC Holiday Park | Beachside, book ahead in peak times |
| Kalbarri | Murchison River CP, El Benjo | Coastal or bush-style options |
| Coral Bay | Bayview Caravan Park | Short walk to beach and snorkelling |
| Exmouth | Yardie Homestead, RAC Exmouth | Yardie is closer to the park |
| Monkey Mia | RAC Resort | On the beach with dolphin access |
| Geraldton | Foreshore Backpackers, Ellendale Pool | Town or nature options |
| Lancelin | Lancelin Lodge, local free camp | Perfect last night stop |
Handy Resources for the Journey
- Free Camping WA Guide
- Campervan Travel Tips
- Useful apps: Wikicamps, FuelWatch, BOM Weather
- WA Parks Holiday Pass
Your Campervan Adventure Starts Here
With the flexibility of a return journey and the comfort of a well-equipped Toyota Hiace, you’re set for a coast-hugging trip that combines snorkelling, wildlife, sunsets and outback charm.
Let us sort the van. You just focus on the stories you’ll bring back.
Secure your rental campervan today and start planning your ultimate WA adventure.
