Day 1: Perth to Geraldton
Approx 420 kilometres
Travelling north along the Brand Highway, the first leg of the Indian Ocean Drive from Perth to Exmouth takes you through the historic towns of Dongara, Port Denison and Greenough Hamlet – a charming National Trust town.
On arriving in Geraldton, treat yourself to some of the freshest seafood in WA, particularly the region’s famous western rock lobster. Enjoy Geraldton’s cosmopolitan vibe by eating out at one of the numerous restaurants and be sure to head up to the impressive HMAS Sydney II Memorial. Commemorating the lives of 645 sailors who died in World War II, it provides sweeping views across Geraldton and the Indian Ocean.
Overnight Geraldton- Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton
Day 2: Geraldton to Carnarvon
Approx 480 kilometres
Continue north to the tropical fruit town of Carnarvon – a popular holiday spot for those chasing the winter sun. Sample the abundance of fresh flavours at local mango and banana plantations, or take a detour off the Indian Ocean Drive and follow the Gascoyne Food Trail. Stopping at various producers, you can taste their delicious offerings, from fresh seafood to irresistible condiments. Take an evening stroll along the Fascine, enjoying the magnificent sunset views before heading out to dine on fresh local produce.
Overnight Carnarvon- Best Western Hospitality Inn Carnarvon
Day 3: Carnarvon to Exmouth
Approx 370 kilometres
As you head north out of Carnarvon be sure to stop at the blowholes, watching the water spray meters in to the air as it surges through the rocks. Heading north along the Indian Ocean Drive, today you complete your outward journey from Perth to Exmouth, arriving at the pristine Ningaloo Reef and its unspoiled beaches. Starting just metres from the shore, this fringing reef is teeming with unique marine life. And should you visit between late March and early July, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience a swim the whale sharks – the world’s largest fish.
Overnight Exmouth- Novotel Ningaloo Resort
Day 4: Exmouth
Take a glass bottom boat cruise to view the reef’s diverse marine life, or spend your day snorkelling the vibrant coral gardens of the Ningaloo Marine Park. Nearby, Cape Range National Park offers rugged scenery of deep canyons, limestone ranges and spectacular gorges. Explore the park in your own four wheel drive, or take a tour from Exmouth.
Overnight Exmouth- Novotel Ningaloo Resort
Day 5: Exmouth to Coral Bay
Approx 150 kilometres
Depart early to begin your return journey from Perth to Exmouth. The shortest leg of the Indian Ocean Drive brings you to Coral Bay – a snorkeller’s paradise with calm, protected waters and hundreds of fish and coral species. Here, the reef literally touches the shore, creating an endless underwater garden of marine life. To explore further out, take a glass-bottom boat trip or join a snorkelling tour. Spend the evening watching the sunset and dining at one of Coral Bay’s restaurants.
Overnight Coral Bay- Ningaloo Reef Resort
Day 6: Coral Bay and surrounds
Stay another day in Coral Bay for more swimming and snorkeling, or throw in a line and try your luck at beach fishing. Fishing charters head out to sea regularly and adventurous types can join a scuba diving trip, a manta ray tour or swim the whale sharks (seasonal). When it's time to dry off, take a 4WD along the coast or hire a quad bike for some rugged adventure.
Overnight Coral Bay- Ningaloo Reef Resort
Day 7: Coral Bay to Shark Bay
Approx 590 kilometres
Head south on the Northwest Coastal Highway to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Follow the interpretive signage along the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive. Sites along the drive include the remarkable Hamelin Pool stomatolites – the oldest living fossils in the world – and the calm, crystal waters of Shell Beach – a 110km stretch of beach made entirely of millions of tiny shells. Stop at Eagle Bluff for spectacular ocean views along a 100m walkway, where sharks, dugongs and rays are regularly spotted. If you’ve made good time on this leg of the Indian Ocean Drive, head to Peron Homestead, with its remarkable history of a late era around Shark Bay. Enjoy a drink on the foreshore at Monkey Mia and watch a magical sunset.
Overnight Monkey Mia - Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
Day 8: Shark Bay
Spend some time at the water’s edge, meeting the friendly bottlenose dolphins of Monkey Mia. The dolphins are fed up to three times each day, which accounts for just one third of their daily diet. The first feeding is at around 7.30am. In the afternoon, enjoy Monkey Mia’s facilities or take one of the many tours on offer throughout the region. Unwind on a sunset cruise aboard a magnificent catamaran before ending your day wining and dining by the beach. After dinner, join an astronomy or Indigenous cultural tour.
Overnight Monkey Mia- Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
Day 9: Shark Bay to Kalbarri
Approx 390 kilometres
The popular coastal holiday town of Kalbarri is located at the mouth of the Murchison River, and is the last destination on your return journey along the Indian Ocean Drive from Perth to Exmouth. Enjoy the rugged coastal scenery as you approach the Kalbarri township. Take in Kalbarri’s famous sunset views from one of the many coastal walk trails. Or grab a surfboard and head for the renowned surf break Jacques Point, before tucking into a fresh seafood feast for dinner at one of the many local restaurants. After dinner, sit back and relax under the stars at the outdoor cinema.
Overnight Kalbarri- Kalbarri Edge Resort
Day 10: Kalbarri
Wake up early and watch the daily pelican feeding on the foreshore at around 8.45am. Spend the day exploring the magnificent Murchison River gorges in Kalbarri National Park. Enjoy a fishing tour, river cruise or spend your day relaxing and taking in the sights of this unique coastline. Adventure lovers can join a range of extreme tours that take you abseiling, canoeing, sand boarding or touring the region on quad bikes.
Overnight Kalbarri- Kalbarri Edge Resort
Day 11: Kalbarri to Perth
Approx 590 kilometres
Drive south along the West Coastal Highway to Cervantes and the splendor of the Pinnacles Desert. The road into the Pinnacles is sealed, and there is a car park within walking distance of the limestone structures. After exploring the Pinnacles, head to the Desert Discovery Centre to learn more about these mystical formations. You can also pick up locally-made handcrafted souvenirs here. Enjoy a swim at Hangover Bay or Cervantes before making the final journey back to Perth.
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