Perth to Shark Bay

Once you have explored this southern city, it’s time to begin the journey north. The first destination on your road trip adventure is the Pinnacles Desert. To reach the Pinnacles, head north on Indian Ocean Drive – a scenic coastal road that offers glimpses of Western Australia's stunning shoreline. The journey itself is an experience, with picturesque landscapes unfolding before you as you leave the city behind and explore the open road.

The Pinnacles are an otherworldly landscape located in the Nambung National Park, just two hours north of Perth. These ‘Pinnacles’ are impressive limestone formations jutting dramatically from the desert floor – some towering up to three metres high! 

After you arrive and pay the entry cost (around $8-15 per vehicle) at the gate, it’s time to venture into the park to explore the 4km loop around these fascinating structures. To make the most of your visit, start by visiting the Pinnacles Lookout. The lookout provides a birds-eye perspective, allowing you to appreciate the vastness and unique beauty of the area with its panoramic views of the desert and its striking formations. Next, wander through the Pinnacles Discovery Centre, where you can learn about the geological processes that shaped this extraordinary landscape. The centre provides insightful exhibits and interpretive displays, offering a deeper understanding of the Pinnacles and their significance. After immersing yourself in the Pinnacles' natural splendour, it's time to head to camp for the night. 

Stay at RAC Cervantes Caravan Park.

On the way, make a stop in the coastal city of Geraldton and grab a coffee from Two Foreshore. This is the perfect chance to stretch your legs with a leisurely stroll along the Geraldton Foreshore and reset with a swim in the ocean. Then, heading a little further north towards Kalbarri, make one final stop at Hutt Lagoon. Known as ‘the Pink Lake’, Hutt Lagoon is an unreal colour of pink, creating a vibrant contrast to the surrounding landscape. 

Once you have arrived in Kalbarri, begin by exploring the iconic Kalbarri Skywalk. This iconic attraction offers breathtaking views of the Murchison River Gorge and is the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of the Gorge and its surroundings. As you step out onto the ledge, it will feel as if you are floating in mid-air as you peer down the 100m drop below. Then, continue exploring with a gentle hike to discover the beauty of Nature's Window. This remarkable rock formation frames the stunning vistas of the Murchison River and is easily one of the most popular Australian attractions in Western Australia – so don’t be surprised if you have to join a line to capture a photo of the view! Once you have finished here, hop back in your camper and head down the road to the Z Bend for more awe-inspiring views. From the car park of Z bend, you will follow a hiking trail that leads you to the gorge's edge and gives the perfect vantage of the winding river below. If you're feeling even more active, you can continue along the Z Bend River trail to the base of the gorge, meandering between boulders and river-red gums to reach the Murchison River. Finally, drive back into Kalbarri town on the coast, and park your van for the night at a local caravan park before witnessing a breathtaking sunset at Red Bluff, an iconic coastal cliff with panoramic ocean views.

Stay at Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park.

These microbial reefs created by cyanobacteria are some of the oldest forms of life on Earth. The formations in Hamelin Pool are some of the most diverse in the world and offer a glimpse into what marine ecosystems would have looked like three billion years ago. 

Then, jump back in your camper and venture north to explore Shell Beach – a unique beach entirely composed of shells! Take a stroll along this remarkable shoreline before making some lunch in your camper and marvel at how incredible mother nature can be. Heading further north, make a stop at Eagle Bluff to soak up the panoramic views of the Shark Bay Marine Park. Witness the azure waters and seagrass beds – and see if you can spot the local marine life, such as rays, sharks, and turtles swimming in the shallows

Last, but not least, make your way to Little Lagoon. This tranquil coastal inlet is renowned for its pristine waters and picturesque surroundings. This is the perfect spot to stop for an afternoon snack before continuing on to Monkey Mia in Shark Bay. This final destination of the day is an iconic destination known for its wild dolphin colony and is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in an unforgettable wildlife experience. Each morning Monkey Mia's local Parks and Wildlife Services offer the chance to watch as dolphins swim close to the shore during the daily feeding sessions and learn about their behaviour from knowledgeable guides. So get an early nights rest so you can wake up first thing to experience this magic moment. 

Stay at RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.

To break up the drive and stretch your legs, stop in Carnarvon Gorge to take a walk along the Carnarvon Foot Bridge. Also, be sure to make a stop at Bills Bay and Purdy Point. These picturesque spots offer breathtaking views of the coastline, with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Then, continue into town and park up at Peoples Park Coral Bay for your overnight stay before checking out what else Coral Bay has to offer.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, consider joining a quad trek adventure. These tours are an adrenaline-packed and incredibly fun way to explore the rugged terrain and dunes surrounding Coral Bay. Coral Bay is also renowned for its stunning underwater world, so make sure to set aside time for snorkelling or scuba diving to discover the vibrant coral reefs and encounter the incredible marine life that resides here –including tropical fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays. 

If you arrive between September and May, take a walk down to Skeleton Bay (also known as the shark nursery). The bay serves as a sanctuary for the baby reef sharks that can easily be seen close to the shore, often inquisitively swimming along the shoreline as you wander the beach. Enjoy the evening at your leisure – dining at one of the local restaurants or preparing a delicious meal at your campervan and taking in the peaceful ambience of Coral Bay.

Stay at: Peoples Park Coral Bay.

One of the highlights of this journey is Ningaloo Reef – Australia's largest fringing reef and a World Heritage-listed site. This incredible reef is often only a few meters offshore and is renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity. Treat yourself to a snorkelling or diving adventure to immerse yourself in the stunning underwater world. You could easily spend hours among the colourful coral formations, gazing at the tropical fish, and swimming alongside majestic sea turtles, gentle manta rays or – if you dare – the majestic whale sharks. 

One of the best places to start your underwater exploration is Turquoise Bay, a pristine beach known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Grab your snorkelling gear and venture into the water, where you'll be greeted by an array of vibrant coral gardens and a mesmerizing underwater world teeming with colourful fish. Next, drive down to Yardie Creek, an expansive gorge another 40 minutes drive into the park. Here you can enjoy a boat cruise or hike along the walking trails – taking in the scenic beauty of the rugged cliffs and keeping an eye out for native wildlife, such as rock wallabies hopping along the cliff faces. As you come back into Exmouth, make sure to catch the sunset at the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. This iconic landmark offers panoramic views of the coastline and is an ideal spot to snap a stunning photograph and watch breaching whales in the distance.

Stay at RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park. 

After completing this epic west coast road trip, you can choose to turn it into the ultimate adventure and continue your journey all the way to Broome, integrating some of the stops from our Darwin to Perth Road Trip Itinerary. Otherwise, you can slowly cruise back down to Perth and double back on your favourite places you visited over the last week before dropping your camper off at the Perth Mighty branch and heading home. 

Enjoy your Perth to Shark Bay adventure with Mighty

Ready to explore the coastline between Perth and Shark Bay for yourself? Check out all our latest deals and book your Mighty campervan hire today. If you’re looking for more travel inspiration or want to see more of Western Australia at your own pace, you can get more information and ideas on the Mighty blog.