Self Drive Discovery to Ningaloo

Begin your Coral Coast adventure in the laidback city of Perth. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere as you explore the city's streets, and enjoy one of the many alfresco dining experiences on offer. Head to Kings Park for panoramic views over the Swan River, and check out the stunning white sand beaches on your way to Fremantle.

Hop on a ferry to see the turquoise waters, white beaches and adorable quokkas of Rottnest Island for great photo opportunities and a day to remember.

Journey along the Indian Ocean Drive and make a stop at the quaint fishing town of Lancelin. Marvel at Western Australia's largest sand dunes and have a go at sandboarding or four-wheel-driving the mountains of white sand. 

Travel further, and visit the Pinnacles Desert, wondering through the captivating limestone formations. Arrive into the small town of Cervantes for a night’s stay.

Make a few stops along the way as you head towards Kalbarri National Park. We recommend Jurien Bay Marine Park for fantastic diving and snorkelling, or journey to Gully National Park to discover the caves by 4WD.

Spend an afternoon at Geraldton, perfect for watersports enthusiasts and is home to 122 coral-fringed islands.

Drive for two hours and marvel at the dramatic scenery of Kalbarri National Park, from spectacular rock formations and river gorges to lush bushland and rolling sandplains, an adventurer’s paradise.

Join the North West Coastal Highway and make a stop at the UNESCO site Shark Bay, bursting with colourful and diverse landscapes, wildlife and rare flora and fauna. Here, visit the famous Shell Beach and discover the thriving marine life in the turquoise waters as well as the white sand beaches of Denham.

Head to Monkey Mia’s beaches to meet the most playful and intelligent sea mammals – dolphins. Get up close in the shallow waters to the wild bottlenose dolphins and learn more about their biology and behaviour at the Dolphin Information Centre.

In the evening, sit under the stars by a roaring bonfire, and learn traditional Aboriginal cooking skills on a Didgeridoo Dreaming Evening tour. Spend time listening to the fascinating stories of the local culture and history as well as the ancient sounds of the Digeridoo.

Continue up the coast to reach Coral Bay, home to another fascinating World Heritage site - Ningaloo Reef. Dive or snorkel straight off the beach, and discover a diverse underwater world where you can spot turtles and rays. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular sunset at Bills Bay with a cold beer in hand.

Travel for an hour and a half to Exmouth, the northern gateway to Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. Embark on a snorkel safari boat tour to the outer reef and encounter colourful fish and coral, and fascinating marine mammals. Take another safari tour, this time to the top of Cape Range National Park to gaze at the dramatic views of Charles Knife Gorge before discovering the marine life and coral beneath the clear waters of Turquoise Bay.

Depending when you travel, you will have the chance to see two giants of the sea. Between March and July you can snorkel with the largest and most mesmerising fish in the ocean, the whale shark. If your visit falls between June and November you can spot migrating humpback whales, and we recommend driving to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for the perfect viewing point.

Take advantage of no one-way drop off fees with Avis, and leave your car and the Coral Coast behind and board a flight back to Perth. Alternatively, make your return journey back to Perth and break up your journey in Carnarvon and Cervantes, see the Coral Coast Adventure for a suggested itinerary.

Speak to one of our Travel Designers for more information and for help planning your perfect trip to Western Australia.