Perth to Exmouth road trip in 8 days
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 20 Feb 2026
This road trip guide from Perth to Exmouth will take you through the Coral Coast, known for world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef. With a total distance of 1,854 km, you can either fly or drive to the tropical town up north — though a scenic 21-hour — or eight-day — road trip in a rental car from Perth would make for better photos. Ready to explore the majestic coral reefs of Western Australia? Read VroomVroomVroom’s eight-day itinerary and learn some driving tips if you’re coming from Perth.
Perth to Exmouth itinerary:
Day 1: Perth to Cervantes
Day 2: Cervantes to Ellendale
Day 3: Ellendale to Kalbarri
Day 4: Kalbarri to Monkey Mia
Day 5 & 6: Monkey Mia to Kennedy Range
Day 7 & 8: Kennedy Range to Exmouth
Perth to Exmouth road trip: Key facts
| From | To | Distance & duration |
| Perth | Cervantes | 223 km & 2 hr 30 min |
| Cervantes | Ellendale | 202 km & 2 hr 10 min |
| Ellendale | Kalbarri | 196 km & 2 hr 15 min |
| Kalbarri | Monkey Mia | 399 km & 4 hr |
| Monkey Mia | Kennedy Range | 484 km & 5 hr 40 min |
| Kennedy Range | Exmouth | 389 km & 4 hr 40 min |
| Perth | Exmouth | 1,854 km & 21 hr 15 min |
All distances in kilometres, calculated on the shortest direct route by car with Google Maps. Distances and trip times correct as of 19 February, 2026.
Best car to take on a Perth to Exmouth road trip
Between Perth and Exmouth, the popular destinations tend to be hours apart, so choosing a fuel-saving car like the Toyota Yaris or Hyundai Kona ensures that you keep your fuel costs down and your road trip goes smoothly without often needing to stop for petrol. If you’re planning to drive for several days, consider taking a large vehicle that will carry your luggage, camping gear (if you’re skipping hotels), and other essentials to sustain you on your trip. As such, rental SUVs and campervans are worth checking out — read on to find out why.
Why rent an SUV?
Driving from Perth to Exmouth is fun to do with family and friends, and thanks to its spacious interior, a rental SUV will let you do that comfortably — you can even add a child seat to your booking. Most SUVs, including 4WDs, also have specialised safety features to prevent the vehicle from rolling over on sharp curves or uneven roads like those you may encounter in national parks. SUVs are the popular choice for long road trips, meaning they can sell out months in advance for school holidays and the summer months between December and February, so if you’re considering a rental SUV for your Perth-Exmouth road trip, it’s important to reserve a car months prior to your trip to have the best chance getting a suitable car.
Campervan for long road trips
Campervans offer more flexibility than cars and SUVs, especially for multi-day road trips. With a campervan, you’re free to arrive and leave without worrying about check-in times, letting you enjoy your road trip at your pace. Travelling with a campervan also might allow you to park near the beach or, if parking is available, inside national parks — photo-worthy experiences you’ll struggle to take from your hotel lobby. If you find that booking a campervan in Perth best suits your itinerary, make sure you check for campgrounds along your route, what amenities they offer, and whether campervans are allowed in your destinations.
Electric vehicles and the Coral Coast
Electric vehicles are built with advanced driving technology and smart navigation tools, making them often luxurious alternatives to traditional cars. While electric vehicles have their advantages on long drives, EV charging stations along Perth to Exmouth are scarce, with some located in Jurien Bay, Geraldton, and Kalbarri. When you hire an electric car for your Perth to Exmouth road trip, remember to return your rental car fully charged to avoid recharge-related charges from the rental car provider.
Where to pick up and drop off your rental car or campervan in Perth
You’ll find several major rental car and campervan providers in the Perth CBD, Perth suburbs, at the terminals at Perth Airport, and off-airport locations near Perth Airport.
| Rental car or campervan provider | Depot location |
| Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot, Sixt & Thrifty | Perth Airport (in-terminal) |
| Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast & Everything Fleet | Perth Airport (off-airport) |
| Dollar, Hertz & Thrifty | Murray Street, CBD |
| Avis & Budget | Hay Street, CBD |
| Europcar | Gordon Street CBD |
| No Birds, Redspot & Sixt | East Perth |
| Apollo, Britz, maui & Mighty | Redcliffe |
| Campervan Village | Bentley |
Where to pick up and drop off your rental car or campervan in Exmouth
At least six rental car depots are in Exmouth, including Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty making one-way rentals from Perth to Exmouth possible. For information on one-way campervan rentals in Exmouth, contact our customer care team.
Tips for renting a car or campervan for Perth to Exmouth
If you’re coming from the airport, booking a car at Perth Airport is easy. There’s over a dozen on-airport rental car desks, located in Terminal 1 and inside the baggage claim area in Terminal 2, 3, and 4. Remember that car rental pickups at off-airport locations, including city or suburb depots, tend to run cheaper than on-airport pickups.
Before your flight to Perth, let your rental car provider know your flight information including your flight number and arrival time. This allows them to prepare your vehicle for your arrival. Note that failing to pick up your rental car on time may incur late fees. Read your Rental Agreement for policy details.
Planning a one-way rental from Perth to Exmouth? Most rental car providers accept one-way rental bookings for a fixed relocation fee.
Excess reduction is a good way to reduce your maximum damage-related charges in case of accidents during your rental period.
Day 1: Drive up from Perth to Cervantes
Cervantes is three and a half hours north of Perth and marks the beginning of the Coral Coast. After driving 191 kilometres from Perth, you’ll reach Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles Desert which features unusual limestone formations resembling spikes sprouting up from the earth. Situated in a barren, desert-like landscape, the Pinnacles was once a submerged coral reef, and its “spikes” are a result of the erosion of ancient marine fossils and sea shells.
Continue your natural history lesson at Lake Thetis, where you’ll see small craters dotting the coastline. Don’t be fooled by their rock-like features and lack of movement — these are called stromatolites, one of Earth’s oldest living organisms whose sole function is producing oxygen. Walking around the lake is an easy 1.5-kilometre stroll, but straying near the water’s edge is prohibited to protect these breathing fossils.
How far: Cervantes is about 223 km from the Perth CBD.
Drive time: The drive from Perth to Cervantes will take around two and a half hours.
Day 2: Camp out at Ellendale
Your next destination is Ellendale, a little over two hours from Cervantes by car, so we recommend leaving early to have more time exploring the town and its surrounds. Twenty minutes into the drive, take a quick stop at Jurien Bay, a quiet coastal town famous for Australian sea lions lounging at the beach, sea-to-table dining, and beachside coffee. As a precursor to your Ellendale trip, why not have a breakfast picnic at Jurien Bay Marine Park or rent a bike at the Turquoise Way Trail if the weather permits?
Push northward to Ellendale, famous for the Ellendale Pool at Greenough River. A waterhole lined with giant gum trees at the foot of a steep rock wall, there’s a free campground on-site which makes for a great basecamp for an afternoon of trekking and bird watching. Cap off the day with a barbecue dinner — while bathroom and gas barbecue facilities are available, there’s no phone signal so make sure you’re stocked up on essentials before settling in.
How far: Ellendale is around 200 km away from Cervantes.
Drive time: You can reach Ellendale from Cervantes in around two hours.
Day 3: Head to Geraldton and Kalbarri
From your campsite at Ellendale, take the Yamatji Drive Trail and learn some Aboriginal history from the signposts along the way. A 40-minute drive along the trail will bring you to Geraldton (traditionally known as Jambinu), where you shouldn’t miss the colourful murals splashed around town and a rock lobster meal — a feast for the eyes and the stomach!
About 100 kilometres north sits Hutt Lagoon, one of Western Australia’s epic pink lakes, and from there it’s a 35-minute drive to Kalbarri. Located at the mouth of Murchison River, Kalbarri is hugged by swimmer-friendly estuary beaches — though beware of wild pelicans ruining your seaside picnic! With Chinaman’s Beach, Blue Holes, and the back beach all nearby, Kalbarri is easy to love. Kalbarri National Park is 15 minutes away by hire car, and once there climb up to Nature’s Window, a lookout where you can see how the river carved a gorge through sandstone cliffs.
How far: The fastest route from Ellendale to Kalbarri is about 196 km.
Drive time: It will take you around two hours and 15 minutes to reach Kalbarri from Ellendale.
Day 4: See the dolphins at Monkey Mia
It’s a 400 km drive from Kalbarri to the famous Monkey Mia which sits within the vast Shark Bay UNESCO World Heritage site. From Kalbarri, you need to drive 250 km north on the North West Coastal Highway to Hamelin Pool where you take a left onto Shark Bay Road. From there, you’ll pass through Nanga, Shark Bay itself, and, after another 150 km, Monkey Mia. This is the Coral Coast at its remote best — enjoy the dramatic visual contrast of turquoise waters and red sand dunes as you pass through Francois Peron National Park.
The road finishes up at Monkey Mia — a remote seaside town and popular dolphin conservation site that allows visitors to watch wild dolphins right at their feet. While it may be enticing to play with the emus and pelicans in the area, it’s best to maintain a safe distance between you and wildlife when you visit eco-conservation sites.
How far: The distance between Kalbarri and Monkey Mia is 399 km.
Drive time: Driving from Kalbarri to Monkey Mia takes around four hours.
Day 5 and 6: Two days in Carnarvon and Kennedy Range
Wave farewell to the dolphins and drive back to the national highway and push on for two hours to Carnarvon in your rental car. A well-known tropical hotspot, Carnarvon is the best place to buy fresh produce and seafood, and is a convenient starting point for the drive to the world’s largest rock, Mount Augustus. While you’re in town, take a dip at the Quobba Eco Reserve blowholes, whose natural aquariums are home to thriving and protected marine life. Be sure to plan your visit for low tide to get a better view of the shallow coral reefs.
Proceed inland, driving to Kennedy Range, and set up camp at Temple Gorge. Confirm your slot here beforehand as Temple Gorge only accepts pre-booked reservations. Spend the next day exploring Kennedy Range National Park, with the Honeycomb Gorge Trail being a highlight. This trail is named after the honeycomb-like impressions on the rock walls, and leads to a natural amphitheater.
How far: Kennedy Range is approximately 484 kilometres from Monkey Mia.
Drive time: A drive time of about five hours and 40 minutes is expected for Monkey Mia to Kennedy Range.
Day 7 and 8: Travel to Exmouth by car
Exmouth is 389 kilometres from the town of Kennedy Range and 574 kilometres from the Temple Gorge campground, so we suggest you embark early if you have an extensive list of coastal activities to go through. Your first stop will be Coral Bay, a famous stop to snorkelers and casual holiday-makers about five hours from camp. One location worth visiting is Bill’s Bay, a beginner-friendly snorkeling spot and the primary access point to the lively and colourful Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage Site featuring karsts and fringing reefs, and home to sea turtles.
Over an hour away by car is Exmouth, the northernmost point of Coral Coast. Visit in spring to witness humpback whales break the surface offshore, or summer when turtles gather at the beach to lay eggs. End your trip by camping and trekking at Osprey Bay Campground near Cape Range National Park, where you’ll get a wider view of the Ningaloo Marine Park. Once you’re settled in, the world is your oyster — as in Oyster Stacks, another snorkeling point along Ningaloo Reef. Take a break from water activities by bird watching at Mangrove Bay, or beachcombing in the morning when the weather is cooler.
How far: From Kennedy Range, Exmouth is about 389 kilometres away.
Drive time: You can get to Exmouth from Kennedy Range in four hours and 40 minutes by car.
Top three stops from Perth to Exmouth
Can you still enjoy your drive from Perth to Exmouth without so many detours? Make the long drive worthwhile and don’t miss out on our most recommended stops:
Learn Aboriginal history by car: Use the Yamatji Drive Trail starting in Geraldton, inward to Ellendale Pool and further, to refresh your knowledge of indigenous life.
Visit the Shark Bay lagoons: Drive to the remote town of Monkey Mia and do a photo walk along the colourful world-class beaches.
Snorkel at Ningaloo Reef: Dive to the famous coral reefs and swim with the most unique marine species of Western Australia.
Driving tips for a Perth to Exmouth road trip
As you’ll be spending a long time on the road, be mindful of your speed on freeways and regional roads. Speed limits in Perth may differ as you drive up north — anticipate changes as roads transition from freeways to urban or residential spaces. When driving at night, especially in rural areas, take extra precaution and slow down for kangaroos, emus, wild goats, and other wildlife. For traffic-related infringements acquired during your rental, you’re liable for the fine and expected to pay it on time.
ImportantWhat to do when road trains block your path
Road trains and other freight vehicles are commonplace on the Coral Coast Highway between Perth and Exmouth. When you encounter large vehicles on the road, it’s always best to stay in your lane and wait for a safe time to overtake — note overtaking a road train can take longer than you might think. When the opportunity arises, utilise your signal and hazard warning lights and check your mirrors.
Long drives can take a toll on any driver. In case you’re driving several hours to a destination, register an additional driver with your booking as a safety measure. In case the drive becomes unbearable for you both, take advantage of rest stops or lay-bys until you’re ready to drive again. For longer rest stops, find a designated parking spot or campground that allows legal overnight parking.
Best time of the year to drive from Perth to Exmouth
Summer in Exmouth spans from December to February and experiences 21°C (70°F) to 38°C (100°F) weather on average, which can be good news for travellers who enjoy the beach. The famous Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay are best visited when the sky is clearest, with the sunshine illuminating the deep sea corals. While Australian summer ends in February, the average 37°C (98°F) heat extends to March, dropping to a daily minimum of 20°C (69°F) and below as autumn progresses.
Exmouth’s winter temperatures from June to August range between 13°C (56°F) and 26°C (80°F), with a rare record low of 4°C (38°F), making them comfortable enough for outdoor activities and easy treks at national parks. Exmouth encounters little to no rainfall, thanks to its tropical desert climate. While the possibility of it raining during your trip to Exmouth is low, knowing that rainfall in Exmouth likely occurs between January and July may still come in handy.
For good measure, visiting Exmouth in the spring months from September to November is your safest bet. With temperatures falling between 14°C (57°F) to 35°C (95°F), you get the best of both worlds; unforgettable snorkeling trips and cool forest walks. As it’s springtime, flowers and shrubs come alive, which should be your sign to pack some allergy medicine and wear cool sleeves when you walk through dense vegetation during your nature excursion.
Explore the rest of Western Australia
Eight days is not enough to savour the Coral Coast, let alone all of Western Australia. Plan another five-day road trip to the southern wine region with our Perth to Margaret River road trip guide, or, if you’d like to see the wild south coast, consider a drive from Perth to Esperance.
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around Australia by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
