The Ultimate Coral Coast Adventure - Part 1
When visiting Western Australia, exploring the Coral Coast is a must. The Coral Coast region starts from Cervantes, two hours North of Perth all the way up the coast to the World Heritage-Listed Ningaloo Reef. The Coral Coast is famous for its stunning beaches, abundance of wildlife (including whale sharks!), diverse wildflowers and ever changing landscapes. We will step you through a suggested itinerary for the perfect adventure along the Coral Coast! Whether you have a week or two weeks this incredible part of Western Australia will not disappoint!
When to travel?
This travel itinerary can be used at any time but we recommend exploring these parts during the “cooler” months of May-August as the wind and temperatures are mild, perfect for camping and exploring!
Summer can be incredibly windy, with an increased amount of flies and high temperatures. We have been lucky enough to spend time in this area during both seasons and you can definitely notice the difference!
Distances & Driving times
Perth to Sandy Cape: 230km, ~2 hours 30 minutes
Lancelin to Hutt Lagoon: 401km, ~4 hours 17 minutes
Hutt Lagoon to Kalbarri: 69km, ~46 minutes
Kalbarri to Quobba Station: 517km, ~5 hours 15 minutes
Quobba Station to Warroora Station: ~228km 2 hours 30 minutes
Warroora Station to Osprey Bay: ~ 267km 3 hours 10 minutes
Osprey Bay to Coral Bay: ~ 231km 2 hours 30 minutes
Coral Bay to Perth: ~ 1122km 11hours 30 minutes
Day One
We decided to leave Perth in the afternoon since it was not a long drive to Sandy Cape. We called into Lancelin to check out the impressive sand dunes. We were happy to explore them on our own but if you have the time you can hire quad bikes or sand boards to make the most of the dunes. Be sure to call into the Pinnacles Desert before reaching Sandy Cape (entrance fee $15.00).
Sandy Cape
Sandy Cape Recreational Park is a recreational beach camp with 88 sites that is easily accessible from the highway, there is a pay station before you enter the park which is $20.00 per night. You will need cash at the pay station. When you enter you are able to choose any site you wish, we recommend driving up to the north side as it is more secluded and protected behind the dunes. There are rubbish bins, non potable water and eco-toilets. There is a lookout at the end of the beach which has beautiful views of the coastline. You might be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the local sea lions that live off shore.
Day Two
After we had a lovely breakfast on the beach we set off for a coffee in Geraldton. Geraldton is a major town between Jurien Bay and Kalbarri, perfect for refuelling and getting any supplies as it is the last large town before Carnarvon. From Geraldton we headed to Hutt Lagoon, the popular pink lake. We would have liked to call into Horrocks but unfortunately it was extremely windy so we decided not to. Horrocks is a small beach town 57 minute drive north of Geraldton. Hutt Lagoon has a parking area at the view point. You are allowed to walk down to the water, it is not recommended that you swim in the lake. Be sure to wear shoes as the crystallised salt is surprisingly sharp.
After Hutt Lagoon we decided to continue our drive to Kalbarri as they have more accommodation options and things to do and see. 15 minutes before the town of Kalbarri there are a few lookouts that are definitely worth stopping at. My personal favourite is Island Rock and Natural Bridge, the viewing platforms are a short walk from the car park on a sealed path. From the lookout you can see the intimidating cliffs and clear water. We were lucky enough to see a massive pod of dolphins surfing the waves. Another favourite spot in Kalbarri is Red Bluff lookout (perfect for sunsets) and Red Bluff Beach!
We stayed the night at Kalbarri Anchorage Caravan Park, it has plenty of sites, powered and unpowered, swimming pool, multiple toilet and shower blocks, BBQ’s and large camp kitchen with plenty of seating. It is a little further out of town compared to others but it is nice and quite across the road from the river.
Day Three
We woke up quite early and set off to Kalbarri National Park, which is a 33 minute drive from town. The entrance is usually manned during peak season (May-Aug) however if it is not there is a pay station. If you have the RAC National Parks pass entrance is included, if not you can purchase a ticket for $15.00 per vehicle. Since we visited in summer most of the walking trails were closed due to the heat. We were able to complete the Z Bend Trail early in the morning which is my personal favourite. Half way down there is a lookout where you can see incredible views of the river and gorge as it winds around the corner. We continued the hike down between the scaling rock face (where tours offer abseiling). You end the trail at the river beneath the trees.
The skywalk is only a five minute drive from the Z Bend car park, with 360 degree views of the river below. Nature’s Window is a popular photo point for all tourists and a short walk from the car park. During winter the 9km return rail, loop trail, must not be missed.
Stay tuned to see what we get up to next in Part 2!
