Your Perth to Kalbarri Travel Adventure 7-day Itinerary

The road north from Perth to Kalbarri has a way of pulling you into adventure almost immediately – city lights give way to sand dunes, salt air, and skies that seem to stretch forever. This is a journey where every stop feels like a discovery: swimming alongside playful sealions in crystal clear waters, climbing golden sand dunes only to slide back down and standing beneath a blanket of stars while the Pinnacles rise silently from the desert. It’s the kind of road trip that reminds you how wild and varied Western Australia truly is.

As the kilometres roll by, the landscapes only get more dramatic. There’s the surreal blush of Hutt Lagoon’s pink lake, the unexpected charm and food scene of Geraldton, and finally the jaw-dropping gorges and coastal cliffs of Kalbarri National Park. Red rock chasms cut deep into the earth, lookouts hover above the Indian Ocean, and every turn seems to outdo the last. This Perth to Kalbarri itinerary isn’t just about reaching a destination – it’s about embracing surprises, the detours and the unforgettable moments that make the open road so addictive.

Best Time to Visit

Anytime is a great time for a road trip from Perth to Kalbarri, it all depends what you want to do.

December to February (Summer) is the Australian school holidays. The weather is warm and dry with a strong sea breeze arriving about 11am.

March to May (Autumn) has milder temperatures and gentler winds.

June to August (Winter) is cool with sunny skies and the occasional storm. The crystal-clear ocean is often warmer than on land (I can definitely vouch for that).

September to November (Spring) has mild temperatures and gentle winds. This is when the wildflowers bloom so is a great time to hike the national parks.

Your Perth to Kalbarri 7-day Itinerary

Explore Perth to Kalbarri on a week-long road trip or as the start of a longer adventure up the Western Australia Coast. If you are short on time, consider a 3-day long weekend discovering the Turquoise Coast.

Whichever way you choose to explore, I recommend you self-drive. The distances between town are not great and just about everything is accessible with a 2WD car. We explored in a 6-berth motorhome as it was school holidays and accommodation was difficult to find.

Once you leave Perth and are heading north, I dare you to turn your GPS off. There is only one road, and all the towns are signposted. You can’t get lost.

Day 1 – Lancelin Sand Dunes and the Pinnacles

Lancelin

Lancelin in located 125km or 1 hour 50 minute drive north of Perth up the Indian Ocean Drive. It’s a sleepy seaside fishing town with a permanent population of 600 residents, however on the weekends and school holidays, the town becomes a busy holiday village with a great holiday vibe.

The best thing about Lancelin, is the powdery white sand dunes are right in town. You can explore the sand dunes in your 4WD or motorcross bike, hire a Quad Bike or join a Quad Bike tour or hire a sand board and surf down the dunes.

It’s best to hit the dunes early in the morning before the wind picks up. Believe me, wind and sand do NOT mix and unless you want a full body exfoliation, very unpleasant. The sand dunes can also get very hot under the blazing sun and burn your feet. Make sure you get off the dunes before 11am in summer. And finally, the sun bounces off the white sand, which becomes very glary and harsh on the eyes. Sunglasses are recommended and will help keep the sand out of your eyes too.

Sandboarding the Lancelin Sand Dunes

Step 1: Hire a sand board and make sure you know how to wax your board. Boards can be hired from

• Lancelin Surf located in the Lancelin Shops. It’s open from 9am – 4pm Monday to Saturday and 10am – 3pm Sundays.
• Lancelin Gull Roadhouse a.k.a. the Petrol Station. Who would have thought the petrol station would have sand boards for hire….
• Have a Chat General Store also does board hire.

Step 2: Drive to the Sandboarding Carpark off Bootoo Street. This is suitable for 2WD cars. It’s an easy 300m walk to the sand dunes from the carpark. Please note that there are no facilities at the sand dunes so make sure you have your wax, drinking water, hat and sunglasses.

Step 3: Start climbing the dunes with your board, feel the burn – best cardio workout ever. The steeper the dune, the faster you will go. Start off by sitting on your board, as you become more confident, you can progress to standing if your board is suitable. Don’t worry about falling, everyone does. You’ll just get sandy. Real sandy. Just shake it off and climb again. Kids will keep going and going and going. They love it!

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are located 30 minutes south of Jurien Bay down the Indian Ocean Drive. The amazing limestone structures were formed between 25,000 – 30,000 years ago when the sea receded and left deposits of shells. Over time, coastal winds have removed the surrounding sand, leaving exposed pillars. Some stand as high as 3.5m.

There is a 4.5km self-drive trail suitable for 2WD vehicles with parking bays allowing you to get out and stroll through the limestone pillars. Note that the track gets very narrow in spots and is not suitable for motorhomes.

There is parking at the main entry, education centre and toilets. From there, it is possible to walk through the limestone spires.

We met up with Lumineer Adventure Tours for a journey through the Pinnacles, sunset dinner and star gazing. The sky was so clear (when the clouds cleared) and we could see the Emu in the Sky lying down in the Milky Way. We also saw constellations through the telescope that you can’t see with the naked eye. So beautiful. We even found emu tracks and my daughters came face to face with a couple of Western Grey Kangaroos. A truly unforgettable way to experience the Pinnacles.

Follow the link below for more details of our Pinnacles Adventure

Mysteries of the Pinnacles: A Desert Night Adventure – Roam with No Regrets

A National Parks pass is required to enter the park or you can obtain a 1-day pass for $17 at the gate.

If you are short on time, Day 1 can be done as a long day trip from Perth.

Day 2 – Lobsters and Ancient Creatures

Day 2 is based around Cervantes, discovering all things lobster and the ancient creatures called Thrombolites at Lake Thetis.

Lobster Shack

Awarded WA’s best lobster restaurant 2025, The Lobster Shack is not just a seafood restaurant, it’s a pot to plate experience.

Starting at 11am, join the crew as they cruise through the gorgeous Marine Park and into the deep blue Indian Ocean and watch as they pull the lobster pots. Keep your eyes peeled, as the marine park is the playground of the endangered Australian Sea Lion. The tour takes approximately 1hour and booking are essential. Your tour price includes a lobster lunch. Seasickness bands can be purchased at the Shack if you are concerned about getting seasick.

You don’t need to go on a boat tour to enjoy the stunning views of the alfresco balcony as you sit back, relax and enjoy your Western Rock Lobster with a glass of wine or the local Lobster Shack beer.

If you want to keep your feet on terra firma, you can still get a firsthand look into the regions multi-million dollar lobster industry by taking a 30min tour of the LIVE lobster processing plant at Lobster Shack.

Starting with a video presentation on the lobster boats, find out firsthand how the elusive Western Rock Lobster is captured in the wild and transported into shore. Then trace the lobsters journey from sorting process to the Live holding lanes before they are then sent into our Live pack out room where they are prepared for their journey to destinations over the world.

Thrombolites at Lake Thetis

The rocks in the hyper-saline waters (double the salinity of the ocean) of Lake Thetis are not quite what they seem. They are actually living things. Lake Thetis is home to Stromatolites, the oldest living lifeforms on our planet believed to originate 3.5 billion years ago. But Lake Thetis is also home of Thrombolites, a close relative of the Stromatolites and believed to be 3000 years old – just a baby. The best time to see them is in summer when it is drier and they become exposed.

You can discover these living fossils by taking a stroll along a 300m elevated accessible walkway at Lake Thetis, one of only five locations in Western Australia where thrombolites live. There is a 1.5km trail around the lake where you can learn about the local flora, fauna, fossils, geology and local indigenous culture.

Finish your day with the sand between your toes, watching the sun slide into the Indian Ocean, the sky changing from vibrant blue to shades of orange and purples at Thirsty Point. As the sun fades and the sky turns dark, lie back and look up at the stars. The sky is so dark here the Milky Way is spectacular. You might also see a shooting star.

If you are staying in Jurien Bay, take a stroll along the jetty when it is dark and try your hand at catching squid. You will need a fishing rod and a squid jig. The squidding must be good, as the jetty is stained with black squid ink.

Want to explore Cervantes a little more, seek accommodation options and where to eat then follow the link below:-

Your Complete Guide to Cervantes, Western Australia – Roam with No Regrets

Day 3 – Sea lions, coastal cliff walks and beaches

Day 3 starts in Jurien Bay, swimming with sea lions, then follows the Indian Ocean Drive north to Green Head and Dongara/Fort Denison before returning to Perth.

For an in depth look at Jurien Bay, follow the link to

Ultimate Guide to Jurien Bay – Roam with No Regrets

Swim with Sea Lions

Swimming with Sea Lions is an unforgettable experience I was keen to experience again and share with my family. We chose Turquoise Safaris to take us to Essex Rocks and Sandland Islands to meet these playful creatures. Before we left the marina, we were fitted with short wetsuits, snorkels and fins then after a safety briefing we were on our way.

We arrived at the island and saw a small colony of endangered Australian sea lions sunbathing on the beach. We jumped into the water and snorkeled over to the reef, hoping they would come for a swim with us. The water was so clear, we could see for over 30m. Alas, they thought the water was too cold.

We did get to see another male arrive on the beach and there was a short scuffle between the two males before the younger male ran away.

It was disappointing that they didn’t want to play with us but there is no guarantee as they are wild and free. We still got to see them. Maybe next time……

Green Head

Travel north 20mins from Jurien Bay and you will find gorgeous Green Head, a water lover’s paradise being popular for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, water skiing, wind and kite surfing and of course fishing.

Dynamite Bay is a stunning circular-shaped beach that consistently rates in the top 20 beaches in Australia. It is sheltered from strong coastal winds by its rocky surrounds. Take a walk up to the headland lookout overlooking the bay or scan the horizon for passing whales from April to October. Continue to explore the Three Bays Walkway which connects South, Dynamite and Anchorage Bays.

This tiny town is worth a stop for a picnic or if you have more time, set up camp for a couple of days of coastal relaxation.

Dongara

Follow the Indian Ocean Drive north for an hour and you will reach Dongara/Port Denison is the most northerly town on the Turquoise Coast.

Dongara and Port Denison, are located on the Irwin River and marketed as the Rock Lobster capital of Australia. They even have the Big Rock Lobster at the main entrance to town.

Our time in Dongara/Port Denison was brief but we did venture up to The Fishermen’s Memorial Lookout and Obelisk which provides spectacular views of the Port Denison Marina and beyond. It was built in remembrance of all fishermen’s lives lost at sea.

Whilst in Dongara, have a fish and chip (or lobster) picnic before continuing on to Greenough and the leaning trees!

You’ll spend the next two nights in Geraldton.

Day 4 – Geraldton

The best way to explore Geraldton is to follow the Art Trail. Following the Geraldton Public Art Trail Map you will discover all the very cool street art, the Horizon Ball, St Francois Xavier Cathedral, HMAS Sydney II Memorial with sweeping views of Geraldton and the harbour. Along the way, drop into Chimere Pearls and perhaps buy some gorgeous Albrolhos Islands Pearls.

Make sure you check out the striking Point Moore Lighthouse and see if you can find the Osprey Nest and if you are lucky, maybe even an Osprey.

Day 5 – Pink Lakes and Coastal Drive

Day 5 is a 2-hr scenic drive up the coast to Kalbarri. Of course, there are lots of awesome stops on the way, so it could take a little longer.

Just 30 minutes up the coast is Coronation Beach. The off-shore reef protects the beach from the Indian Ocean, providing a flat-water playground with consistent winds, a mecca for windsurfers and kitesurfers. This is the beach on a bad day. Imagine the spectacle, the speed and the adrenaline on a good day…………..

Another 45 minutes north, is Hutt Lagoon, a pink lake! The most vibrant pink colours occur mid-morning or late afternoon when the sky is clear. It is not recommended to swim in the lake due to its high salt levels. Not to mention, you will sink knee deep in mud on the edges and it absolutely reeks! Trust me on that one.

There are numerous lookouts along the coast road accessed via short moderately difficult trails. These include

• Red Bluff to Beach – 700m one way, 20 mins
• Mushroom Rock Trail – 3km loop, 1 hour
• Pot Alley Beach – 400m return, 20 mins
• Eagle Gorge Beach – 1km return, 30- 45mins
• Bigurda Trail – 8km one way, 3 hours

Arrive in Kalbarri where you will spend the next 2 nights.

Day 6 – Kalbarri

A day in Kalbarri National Park is a front-row seat to some of Western Australia’s most jaw-dropping scenery. Kalbarri National Park is located 25 minutes inland from Kalbarri township. You will require a national parks pass to enter. Day passes can be purchased at the gate for $17.

The adventure begins high above the Murchison River at the Kalbarri Skywalk, where twin cantilevered platforms stretch out over the gorge, delivering heart-racing views straight into the ancient red rock chasm below. The Skywalkis fully accessible and has a coffee shop for the early starters, or those just wanting to take in the scenery.

From here, it’s on to the iconic Nature’s Window, where a short bushwalk leads you to one of the most photographed natural frames in the country. Standing there, with the river winding through the gorge beneath you and endless outback stretching beyond, it’s impossible not to feel small in the very best way.

The drama continues at Z-Bend Lookout, where sheer cliffs plunge into the depths of the gorge and the colours shift from burnt orange to deep crimson as the light changes.

For those keen to stretch their legs, the Loop Trail delivers serious reward – a rugged, unforgettable hike that descends into the gorge and follows the river before climbing back out, surrounded by towering rock walls and raw wilderness. In spring, the landscape comes alive with bursts of wildflowers, adding colour and softness to the harsh terrain.

Between the bushwalking, the sweeping views and the powerful silence of the outback, Kalbarri is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave – wild, humbling and completely unforgettable.

After a day of activity, end the day at Back Beach Sunrise Point. Watch as the sun sinks over the Indian Ocean, the sky changes from vibrant blue to pinks and oranges then to purple and then the stars begin to twinkle in the sky. Reminisce over the adventures of the past week. The highlights, the low lights and the unexpected.

Day 7 – The Journey Ends or just begins

Today is full of possibilities. For most, it will be the long 6.5-hour drive back to Perth, for others who fall in love with Kalbarri, will stay a little longer and for the lucky few, this is the start of a greater adventure up the Coral Coast.

From the first stretch of open highway to the final lookout over Kalbarri’s dramatic gorges, this road trip captures everything that make Western Australia so special – wild landscapes, unexpected encounters, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether it’s drifting alongside sea lions, watching the stars ignite the sky at the Pinnacles, or standing in awe above the red-rust cliffs carved by time, every moment along this route feels earned and unforgettable.

If this journey has you dreaming of your own Perth to Kalbarri adventure, start planning, hit the road and see it for yourself. And if you’ve already made the trip – or discovered hidden gems along the way – share your experience with fellow travelers. Pass this itinerary on, swap stories, and inspire someone else to chase the open road. After all, the best travel stories are meant to be shared.