Western Australia is built for road trips, but the distances are serious. A route that looks like a short hop on a map can take most of a day, and remote roads need fuel, water, rest stops and realistic timing. The best WA road trip is not the one that covers the most kilometres. It is the one that gives you enough time to enjoy the places between the drives.
Main touring routes are often sealed. Many side trips are not. Road conditions can change, especially in the north and on remote roads. Do not drive tired, do not try to do all WA in one trip, and check vehicle rules before leaving the bitumen.
Quick chooser: best WA road trip
The best WA road trips compared
| Route | Best for | Days | Best season | Vehicle | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perth to Margaret River / South West | Wine, food, caves, beaches, forests | 3-7 | Spring-autumn | 2WD | Easy |
| Perth to Albany and Esperance | Beaches, national parks, south coast | 7-10 | Sep-Apr | 2WD for main route | Moderate |
| Perth to Exmouth / Coral Coast | Ningaloo, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay | 10-14 | Apr-Oct | 2WD for main towns | Moderate |
| Perth to Broome | Big WA road trip, remote coast, winter sun | 14+ | May-Oct | 2WD main highway, 4WD for side trips | Challenging |
| Gibb River Road | Kimberley gorges, remote 4WD travel | 7-14 | Dry season only | High-clearance 4WD | Advanced |
| Perth to Kalgoorlie / Goldfields | Outback history, mining, heritage towns | 3-4 | Apr-Oct | 2WD | Easy-moderate |
| Nullarbor / Eyre Highway | Cross-country driving, WA to SA | 3+ from Norseman | Cooler months | 2WD main highway | Long-distance |
Vehicle notes refer to the main route only. Beaches, campgrounds, station roads, national park tracks and remote side trips may require gravel-road caution, high clearance, 4WD or current condition checks.
Perth to Exmouth Coral Coast Road Trip
This is the classic WA coastal road trip. It combines the Pinnacles, Kalbarri gorges, Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef. It is too long for a rushed short break, but excellent if you have 10-14 days.
Main stops
- Perth
- Cervantes / The Pinnacles
- Geraldton
- Kalbarri
- Shark Bay / Denham / Monkey Mia
- Carnarvon
- Coral Bay
- Exmouth / Ningaloo Reef
South West Loop: Perth, Margaret River, Walpole, Denmark and Albany
This is the best WA road trip if you want variety without extreme distances. It suits visitors who want wineries, caves, forests, beaches, coastal towns and cooler south coast scenery.
Main stops
- Perth
- Bunbury or Busselton
- Dunsborough / Yallingup
- Margaret River
- Augusta
- Pemberton
- Walpole / Valley of the Giants
- Denmark
- Albany
Perth to Esperance and the South Coast
Esperance is one of WA’s strongest beach road trips, but it should not be rushed. Four to six days is possible only for a fast direct trip. Seven to ten days is better if you also want Albany, Denmark or Cape Le Grand.
Main stops
- Perth
- Wave Rock / Hyden
- Albany or Denmark
- Esperance
- Cape Le Grand National Park
- Lucky Bay
- Ravensthorpe return route
Lucky Bay is famous for white sand, turquoise water and occasional kangaroo sightings, but wildlife is never guaranteed.
Perth to Broome
Perth to Broome is a major long-distance road trip, not a simple holiday drive. The direct highway route is long, and the scenic coastal version needs time. Many travellers drive one way and fly back to avoid repeating the same kilometres.
Main stops
- Perth
- Geraldton
- Kalbarri
- Shark Bay
- Carnarvon
- Coral Bay
- Exmouth
- Port Hedland or Karijini route
- Broome
Book Broome accommodation early in dry season, check one-way car-hire fees, plan fuel and rest days, and do not treat this as a rushed one-week trip.
Gibb River Road and the Kimberley
The Gibb River Road is not a normal WA road trip. It is a remote Kimberley 4WD route with unsealed sections, corrugations, changing water crossings, limited services and seasonal closures. Check Main Roads WA and local conditions before travelling.
Main stops
- Derby
- Windjana Gorge
- Bell Gorge
- Manning Gorge
- El Questro
- Kununurra / Wyndham side
Use a high-clearance 4WD, good tyres and ideally two spares, recovery gear, fuel and water planning. Do not tow unsuitable vans. Road status can change after rain, and guided tours are a good option if you are not equipped.
Perth to Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields
This is the easiest outback-style trip from Perth. It follows sealed highways to Kalgoorlie-Boulder and suits travellers interested in mining history, heritage pubs, Hannan Street, the Super Pit and Goldfields landscapes.
Main stops
- Perth
- Northam / Wheatbelt stops
- Coolgardie
- Kalgoorlie-Boulder
- Super Pit
- Optional Hyden / Wave Rock return route
If you include Wave Rock, make it a clear 4-day loop: Day 1 Perth to Kalgoorlie, Day 2 Kalgoorlie and Boulder, Day 3 Coolgardie to Hyden / Wave Rock, Day 4 Wave Rock to Perth.
Crossing the Nullarbor from Norseman
The Nullarbor is one of Australia’s great sealed highway drives, but it is still remote. Fuel, food, accommodation and roadhouse opening times need planning. This route is best for travellers leaving WA or entering WA from South Australia, not for a short Perth holiday.
Main stops
- Norseman
- Balladonia
- Caiguna
- Cocklebiddy
- Madura
- Eucla
- South Australia border
Check quarantine restrictions, keep fuel discipline, respect long distances, avoid driving tired, and avoid dawn, dusk and night driving where possible.
Choosing the right vehicle
Check hire-car contracts carefully. Many standard rental cars are not insured on unsealed roads, beaches or remote tracks.
Driving safely in Western Australia
WA road trips are safe when planned properly, but the distances, heat and wildlife are real. Treat driving as part of the trip, not dead time between attractions.
- Do not drive tired.
- Avoid dawn, dusk and night driving in country areas where possible.
- Watch for kangaroos, emus, cattle and stock.
- Give road trains space.
- Top up fuel early.
- Carry drinking water.
- Download offline maps.
- Check Main Roads WA before remote or northern travel.
- Tell someone your route for remote trips.
- Check weather and park alerts.
- Closed means closed: never drive around road-closure signs.
- Mobile coverage can disappear outside towns.
Fuel stops and distances
Fuel usually costs more in remote areas because transport and supply costs are higher. Budget for this and avoid running the tank low. Refuel whenever you can, not only when you must. Fuel stops can be far apart, roadhouses can change opening hours, EV charging should be planned carefully, and FuelWatch can help in populated areas but should not be your only remote fuel plan.
What WA road trips cost
The biggest costs are usually fuel, accommodation, car hire, tours, ferries, food and park fees. Camping can reduce accommodation costs, but only if you use legal campgrounds and book popular sites early. Budget for one-way hire fees, remote fuel, caravan park peak pricing, school holiday demand, park entry and camping fees, Rottnest ferry costs, and tours such as whale sharks, scenic flights, Horizontal Falls, cave tours and whale watching. Broome and Exmouth dry-season prices can rise quickly.
WA park passes can be good value if you are visiting several fee-paying national parks, but they do not cover everything. Separate fees may apply for camping, some attractions, tours, caves, Monkey Mia and other special sites. Check DBCA before relying on a pass.
Best time for WA road trips
- South West: spring to autumn; winter works for food, wine and forests.
- Albany / Esperance: spring to autumn; winter can be cool, wet and windy.
- Coral Coast / Exmouth: April to October.
- Broome / Kimberley: dry season, usually May to October.
- Gibb River Road: dry season only, and only when roads are open.
- Kalgoorlie / Goldfields: April to October is more comfortable.
- Wildflowers: timing varies by region, often winter to spring.
- Summer: be cautious with inland, outback and northern routes because heat and storms can affect travel.
Choose a WA road trip by travel style
Frequently asked questions
What is the best road trip in Western Australia?
For most first-time visitors, Perth to Margaret River or the South West loop is the easiest road trip. For a bigger WA trip, Perth to Exmouth along the Coral Coast is one of the strongest routes.
How many days do you need for a WA road trip?
Allow 3-7 days for short Perth, South West or Kalgoorlie trips, 7-10 days for Albany and Esperance, 10-14 days for Perth to Exmouth, and at least two weeks for Perth to Broome.
Can you road trip WA in a 2WD car?
Yes, many main routes are sealed and suitable for a normal 2WD car. This includes Perth to Margaret River, Albany, Esperance, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, Exmouth and Kalgoorlie. Some beaches, campgrounds, national park tracks and remote side trips need gravel-road caution, high clearance or 4WD.
Do you need a 4WD for the Gibb River Road?
Yes. The Gibb River Road should be treated as a high-clearance 4WD route, with changing conditions, corrugations, water crossings and remote sections. Check current Main Roads WA information before travelling.
What is the best WA road trip in winter?
For winter sun, look north to Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Broome and the Kimberley. For food, wine and cosy stays, Margaret River can also work well in winter.
What is the best WA road trip for beaches?
Esperance and Cape Le Grand are among the best beach-focused road trips. Margaret River, Denmark, Albany, Coral Bay and Exmouth are also excellent beach routes.
Is Perth to Exmouth worth the drive?
Yes, if you have enough time. Perth to Exmouth works best as a 10-14 day Coral Coast trip with stops in Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay and Ningaloo.
Is Perth to Broome too far to drive?
It is a very long drive and should not be rushed. It works best as a major road trip of at least two weeks, or as a one-way drive with a flight back if budget and hire-car conditions allow.
Can you camp anywhere on a WA road trip?
No. Use legal campgrounds, caravan parks, national park campgrounds or approved sites only. Free camping and roadside camping rules vary by shire, park and land manager.
What should I check before a WA road trip?
Check distance, fuel stops, accommodation, road conditions, weather, park alerts, vehicle insurance, spare tyres, water, mobile coverage and whether any side trip needs 4WD or high clearance.
For broader national planning beyond WA, the Australia trip planner at AUTRAVEL is useful for comparing states, city bases, rail routes and campervan planning.