Follow Western Australia’s windblown coastline on the ultimate Perth to Kalbarri road trip. With so many deserted beaches and hidden gems to explore, this route is a must-do, whether you’re camping in the area or just travelling through. This complete itinerary and guide includes everything you need to know for the road trip, including the distance and recommended drive time from Perth to Kalbarri.
You could easily do the drive from Perth to Kalbarri in a day, but it would be a real shame to rush it. There’s plenty to see and do en route between the two destinations, so make sure you plan enough time to take in the sights. From beautiful beaches to pink lagoon, the road trip between Perth and Kalbarri takes you through a unique slice of Western Australia and shows you some of the best sights that the region has to offer
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Distance from Perth to Kalbarri
The driving distance from Perth to Kalbarri is 575 kilometres, and it’s pretty much a straight line along National Route 1. Kalbarri is north of Perth, right on the Western Australian coast. There’s a ton to do when you arrive, but the journey itself is an adventure worth savouring, so you should definitely break up the trip and spend a few nights on the road.
You can stop overnight in Port Denison and Geraldton and make the most of the sightseeing opportunities along the way. If you don’t stop, it’s about 6 hours and 15 minutes of drive time across this Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary.
The whole highway is well-maintained, so you should have a comfortable journey. Most of the time, you’ll just be driving in a straight line, so it’s pretty difficult to get lost.
Best time for a Perth to Kalbarri road trip
The best time for a drive from Perth to Kalbarri is in either March to May or September to November, which are the autumn and spring seasons in Western Australia. At this time, temperatures are warm enough to enjoy the beaches, but not as swelteringly hot as they are during the summer month. Kalbarri is also less busy during these times, so you can enjoy the serenity of this beautiful coastal town.
The summer in Western Australia is from December to February, and temperatures tend to range between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius during this season. This can be great for hitting the beach, but it can also be uncomfortably hot when you’re sitting in the car for long periods of time. It’s not great for activities like hiking, either.
Winter is the coldest time of the year, with temperatures ranging between 10 and 22 degrees Celsius, so this isn’t the best time to visit Kalbarri if you’re most interested in soaking up the sun on the beaches. However, it could be a great time to go if you want to do lots of hiking, as the cooler weather will make your experience much more comfortable.
Our tip: There’s really no bad time of year to visit Kalbarri, it just depends on what you want to get out of your trip. However, spring and autumn offer you the best of both worlds in my experience.
Where to rent a car for a Perth to Kalbarri road trip?
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Perth to Kalbarri road trip by bus
Taking a bus from Perth to Kalbarri is an exciting way to see the beautiful Western Australian coast while travelling in comfort and style. The N1 coach line offers amenities such as air conditioning, wheelchair accessibility, TV monitors, toilets and USB ports to make the journey a breeze.
From Perth, the bus departs at 8:30 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving in Kalbarri at 4:55 PM. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, it only goes as far as Geraldton, unfortunately.
From Kalbarri, there are buses departing at 7:10 AM, arriving back in Perth at 4:45 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays while Monday to Saturday there is one departing Geraldton at 8:30 AM that gets passengers all the way back to Perth by 4:45 PM too!
At AUD $90 one way it is excellent value for money considering the 8.5-hour drive. If you’re really adventurous you can even plan a complete road trip using this service if you don’t mind paying multiple fares.
Stops on this route include:
- East Perth Terminal
- Midland Station (Stand No. 1)
- Bullsbrook (bus stop)
- Gingin (Shire Office)
- Cataby (Liberty Roadhouse)
- Badgingarra (information bay)
- Jurien Bay turnoff/Brand Highway
- Warradarge (Roadhouse)
- Eneabba (Roadhouse)
- Port Denison (Point Leander Drive)
- Dongara (Visitor Centre)
- Greenough (town site)
- Cape Burney turnoff (1km)*
- Geraldton (Railway Station)
- Northampton (Lions bus shelter)
- Kalbarri (Motor Hotel)
Find up-to-date information here.
Why you should do this road trip from Perth to Kalbarri
The Perth to Kalbarri drive will take you through some of Western Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. You’ll get to explore the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of Port Denison, the pink lake in Port Gregory, and the rugged coastline of Kalbarri.
Our tip: Looking for more fun road trips in Western Australia? This Perth to Albany tour is highly recommended.
Perth to Kalbarri road trip map
Use this map to help you visualise the drive from Perth to Kalbarri, and plan your road trip itinerary, including all the best stops along the way.
Top tip: Click the icon in the top right corner to add this map to your own Google Maps so it will always be with you on the go.
Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary
Whether you have two days or two weeks for this road trip, you need to include these must-see stops along the way.
Day 1: Port Denison
The first day of your Perth to Kalbarri road trip will take you to the small but beautiful town of Port Denison. It’s best to leave Perth early in the morning because it’s 354 kilometres to Port Denison, which means around 3 hours and 45 minutes on the road.
The first stop between Perth and Port Denison is Cervantes, which is home to the iconic Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. This surreal landscape of limestone formations will take your breath away, so it’s definitely worth stopping here to take a few photographs, especially if you’re visiting during the wildflower season in Western Australia! It’s 197 kilometres from Perth to Cervantes, which should take you around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Another 20 minutes down the road from Cervantes, you’ll reach Jurien Bay, which is a great spot to grab a coffee and a sausage roll from the bakery and stroll along the jetty to stretch your legs. You can even head down to the beach for an hour or two and enjoy the white sands and turquoise waters.
Once you’ve had a good break and feel refreshed, jump back in the car and head towards Port Denison, which is another 131 kilometres down the highway, so this should take you around an hour and 20 minutes, and voila, you’ve reached your first overnight stop on your Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary.
There are plenty of things to do in Port Denison, including heading to the Illegal Tender Rum Co for a distillery tour and tasting session. You should also visit South Beach, a stunning white sand beach that offers great opportunities for swimming, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s also a great place to enjoy the sunset on the first day of your trip!
Where to Stay
Big4 Dongara Denison Beach Holiday Park
You can choose between a tent, a cabin, or a caravan at this campground, and it’s really close to the beach. There are plenty of facilities, including a pool, a playground, and mini golf to keep the kids entertained, so you should have a comfortable stay here.
Dongara Breeze Inn
This cosy guesthouse is just a few minutes away from Seaspray Beach and has surfboards and snorkelling equipment for hire. There’s a shared kitchen and lounge, and all of the rooms are air-conditioned with comfortable bunk and/or double beds.
Lazy Lobster Holiday Units & Chalet
These comfy, self-contained chalets have barbecue facilities and fully-equipped kitchens. There’s a nice, quiet garden to relax in, and the property is just 2 kilometres away from the beach. The chalets can sleep up to 5 people per night, so this is ideal if you’re travelling as a family.
Dongara Tourist Park
This is a more budget-friendly holiday park, but it has still won awards for its clean and well-maintained facilities. There is a range of powered and unpowered sites, as well as ocean-view cabins. It’s just 5 minutes from the Port Denison townsite, and the park is a short walk from the beach.
Day 2: Geraldton
Geraldton is 63 kilometres from Port Denison, so it should only take you around 45 minutes to drive between the two. It’s a coastal city with plenty of beaches, parks, and cafes to explore.
The second day of the Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary is pretty light on driving, so make the most of it and be sure to take advantage of all the awesome things to do in Geraldton.
Alternatively, you could even do the Perth to Geraldton road trip in one day, breaking up the drive with stops at Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Port Denison. But if you’ve got the time, it’s definitely worth spending the night in Port Denison and then heading to Geraldton the following morning to spend an entire day there.
Things to do in Geraldton
As mentioned, there are loads to do in Geraldton, including visiting the HMAS Sydney II shipwreck memorial at Mount Scott, which serves to commemorate the 645 crew members who died when the ship sank in 1941.
There are also several heritage trails in Geraldton, including the Waterfront Trail, which takes you along the foreshore and then on to explore the city’s historical landmarks. You could also take a drive up to the nearby Greenough Wildlife Park and look out for some of the native Australian wildlife.
The St Francis Xavier Cathedral is also an interesting place to visit. It’s a striking, Gothic Revival building that took 140 years to build. The foundation stone was laid in 1856, and the church actually opened in 1858, but it wasn’t fully completed until 1996.
The Museum of Geraldton is also worth checking out to get a better understanding of the region’s history. It has collections of Indigenous artefacts, as well as galleries and displays about the area’s maritime heritage.
Other fun things to do in Geraldton include visiting art galleries and, of course, swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing on the beautiful beaches. Geraldton is also a popular fishing destination so why not join a boat tour or whale-watching excursion?
It’s definitely worth spending a day in Geraldton on your way from Perth to Kalbarri. Or, if you don’t want to go all the way to Kalbarri, you could even just take a road trip from Perth to Geraldton and spend more time in places like Port Jurien and Geraldton along the way.
Where to Stay
BIG4 Geraldton Sunset Beach
This beautiful campsite on the beach is ideal for those who love nature. There are campsites as well as many different chalets and cabins for those who don’t have their own campervan. The park has a swimming pool, a children’s playground, WiFi, a camp kitchen and a covered picnic hut overlooking the sea where you can enjoy the sunset.
Geraldton Caravan Park
With powered caravan sites, bunk cabins, and a swimming pool, this is a great, affordable place to stop for the night. It’s dog-friendly, and there’s a camp kitchen, a laundry room, clean showers and flushing toilets. Plus, there’s free WiFi!
Broadwater Mariner Resort
This resort offers self-contained studios and apartments, as well as a shared pool, hot tub, and barbecue area. The pool also stays open late, so you can come back and take a dip after a day of exploring Geraldton.
Mantra Geraldton
Choose between a 1, 2, or 3-bedroom beachfront apartment and enjoy access to a heated outdoor swimming pool, as well as an indoor spa pool. You’ll also have private parking, a garden, a full kitchen and laundry facilities, and be within easy reach of central Geraldton’s shops and restaurants.
Day 3: Kalbarri
The driving distance from Geraldton to Kalbarri, which is the last stop on this road trip from Perth, is 156 kilometres, and you’ll be on the road for around an hour and 45 minutes. However, you should definitely stop at the Hutt Lagoon along the way, which is located 100 kilometres north of Geraldton.
The pink lake
The Hutt Lagoon is a stunning pink lake that changes colour throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. The salt-tolerant algae in the water create a pink hue, and it’s really something to behold. In fact, these algae are even used for natural food colouring in some countries.
You can even take a scenic flight above the pink lake to see it from high above, which really is a spectacular experience if there’s room in your budget.
Our tip: This buggy tour around the pink lake is my favourite way to explore the area. It’s action-packed and provides a lot more fun than you could have if you visited the lagoon on your own. The lake isn’t always as pink as you might expect it to be so make sure you still have an enjoyable experience by booking this tour.
Kalbarri
Then, from the Hutt Lagoon, it’s another 55 kilometres to Kalbarri, which should take you about 40 minutes on the road. This is the very last stretch of your Perth to Kalbarri road trip, so remember to enjoy it.
Once you make it to Kalbarri, you’ll find yourself among some of the most picturesque scenery in Western Australia. Kalbarri National Park contains two landscapes: coastal cliffs and inland gorges, so there’s plenty to explore.
There are some great lookouts at the park, where you can see the river meandering through the red gorges below, as well as the turquoise ocean and white beaches.
You should also do the iconic Nature’s Window Walk, which is a 1-kilometre out-and-back hike. Allow about 45 minutes for this, as although it’s pretty short, there is some clambering over rocks involved. Nature’s Window itself is a stone bridge-like structure with views of the Murchison River and the ocean beyond. You might have to queue for photos here, as it can get busy.
The Kalbarri Skywalk is also definitely worth doing, if you’re feeling brave, as it offers amazing views of the Murchison River and gorge. There’s a viewing deck and toilets at the lookout, and entry is free with your Kalbarri National Park entrance fee.
Meanwhile, along the coast of Kalbarri, there are plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, fishing, whale watching, and ATV beach tours. There are also several great lookout points along the coast and some world-class surfing at Jacques Point.
What’s great about Kalbarri is that you can make the most of the stunning scenery both inland and along the coast, and get a great overview of what Western Australia is all about.
Our tip: If you’re travelling on a budget, this coastal boat tour along the cliffs is fantastic value for money. You’ll get to see a lot of Kalbarri’s beautiful coastline which you won’t get to experience otherwise. Highly recommended.
Where to Stay
Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park
With cabins and powered en-suite campsites, this beachfront park is a great place to stay for the night. There’s also a camp kitchen, swimming pool, hot tub, laundry and barbecue facilities, as well as free WiFi throughout. Plus, the park is located just near the entrance to Kalbarri National Park.
Kalbarri Anchorage Caravan Park
The Anchorage Caravan Park is perfect whether you’re making the Perth to Kalbarri road trip with a tent, a caravan or an RV. It has a range of powered and unpowered sites, as well as sleep cabins and park homes that can sleep up to 6 guests. It’s right on the beach and is pet-friendly, except for during school holidays.
Nautilus Retreat Kalbarri B&B
This stylish bed & breakfast offers a beautiful swimming pool, comfortable rooms, and a delicious complimentary breakfast in a quiet garden setting. Each room has its own en-suite bathroom, tea & coffee facilities, and air conditioning. It’s just over 2 kilometres away from Jakes Point Beach, so it’s in a great location too.
Kalbarri Palm Resort
With tennis courts, a hot tub, and two swimming pools, the Palm Resort is the perfect place to kick back and relax at the end of your Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip. There are studios and family suites available, all of which come with a private bathroom and kitchen or kitchenette. There’s also a cricket pitch, a playground, and a barbecue area, so this is a great place for families and groups to spend a night or two in Kalbarri.
Perth to Kalbarri tours
Not sure if you’re ready to commit to driving such long distances? Why not join a group tour from Perth to Kalbarri, which will take you to all the best hotspots, including the famous pink lakes along the way. Stay at the Kalbarri Palm Resort for a night (included in the tour price) and then head back to Perth in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.
Our splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime trip up the coast in a small scenic airplane. You’ll fly past deserted white-sand beaches and land in Kalbarri ready to explore. This isn’t the cheapest option, but the price is more than worth it.
If you don’t want to be rushed, join this 4-day tour from Perth to Kalbarri and all the way up to beautiful Monkey Mia, which is a prime spot for dolphins. You’ll see all the hotspots included in our road trip itinerary along the way and create memories of a lifetime.
The best things to do in Kalbarri
Don’t miss out on these fun things to do in Kalbarri and the best guided tours.
1. Explore Kalbarri National Park
The park offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Australia, including the famous Nature’s Window and Z Bend. Visitors can admire the colourful rock formations and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Murchison River on the park’s many hiking trails.
2. Go fishing
Kalbarri is a well-known destination for fishing enthusiasts. A variety of fish species can be caught in the Murchison River, including barramundi, threadfin salmon, bream and rock lobster. You can book a fishing tour locally or hire fishing equipment for the day.
3. Take a round flight in a helicopter
A scenic flight over Kalbarri is a great way to see the natural beauty of the area from a different perspective. A scenic flight allows you to admire the park’s red rock formations, rugged coastline and surrounding bushland. It’s expensive, but an experience you won’t soon forget.
4. Visit the Kalbarri Heritage Trail
The trail takes visitors on a journey through the history of the region, visiting sites such as the old police station, railway station and old prison. The trail is a great way to learn about the past of the region and its people.
5. Drive around and explore
The Kalbarri region is home to some of Australia’s most scenic roads. On the Kalbarri Coast Road, visitors can admire the rugged coastline and beautiful beaches, or drive through Kalbarri National Park to marvel at the colourful rock formations and wildlife.
6. Go whale watching
Kalbarri is a great place for whale watching. Humpback and southern right whales can be seen from June to October during their annual migration. The best way to see the whales and even hear their song is on a guided boat tour.
Best things to do in Perth
While you’re in town you might enjoy these fun things to do in Perth.
1. See kangaroos on Heirisson Island
This small island in the Swan River is great for long walks and spotting wild life. Spend the day with kangaroos and admire the natural beauty of Perth, without having to leave the city.
2. Go on a Swan River Cruise
You’ll love a cruise along the Swan River, either for a romantic dinner or a sightseeing excursion. This river lunch cruise was my absolute favourite, and I’ve actually done it several times with friends and family.
3. Discover Fremantle
You’ll love this small town and the many things to do and see in Fremantle, which can be reached from Perth in just a quick train ride. Come here for breweries, art galleries or the Shipwreck Museum. There are plenty of white-sand beaches in this area and fantastic coffee shops.
4. Go for a swim at Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe is Perth’s most famous beach and the perfect destination for a day on the water. Have lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants and enjoy the white sand and crystal-clear waters.
5. Have lunch with a view at Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is a beautiful waterfront area with restaurants and great views. Stop by the Island Brewhouse for delicious food and even more delicious craft beers. Afterwards, head to the famous Bell Tower, and make sure to book your ticket to go to the top in advance.
6. Try wine at the Swan Valley
The Swan Valley is a fantastic wine area, and a tour here is highly recommended if you’re spending a few days in Perth. We absolutely loved this guided wine tasting which includes cheese boards, chocolate and a brewery tour as well as plenty of wine.
7. Have a picnic at Kings Park
Stroll through Perth’s most popular park and have a picnic with city views. The botanic gardens are worth a visit to see the wide variety of tropical plants on display here. Just make sure to go on a sunny day.
8. Bike around Rottnest Island
If you only have time for one activity in Perth, make sure it’s a day trip to Rottnest Island. The beaches here are absolutely incredible, and you can bike around and enjoy the incredible untouched nature of this little piece of paradise. Take selfies with quokkas, the native marsupial animals, and ride a Segway if you want to try something new.
9. Visit an abandoned prison
The historic Fremantle Prison has been turned into a museum although large parts of it remain unchanged. Visitors can join guided tours and learn all about what life used to be like in these ancient walls. Find out everything you need to know about the Fremantle Prison here.
Must-know tips for a Perth to Kalbarri road trip
Here are some things I wish I knew before my first road trip from Perth to Kalbarri.
- Take your time. Even if you think two or three days is enough for the road trip, add some extra time just in case, especially if you want to visit Kalbarri at the end. There’s so much to see on the way, and you don’t want to be rushed.
- Take care when wild camping along the way. It’s easy to be fined, and I’d highly recommend reading our wild camping guide before you go.
- Go on a boat tour at least once. You need to see Western Australia from another perspective and the boat tours offered in Kalbarri and Geraldton are fantastic. This one is my favourite.
- Make use of Perth’s free bus system while you’re spending time in the city. Read our complete public transport guide which includes everything you need to know.
- Avoid driving just before sunset or in the early mornings. Wildlife accidents are common during this time, especially involving kangaroos.
- Extend your trip and drive to Coral Bay. This beautiful cove is a must-see in Western Australia and the perfect spot to go camping.
Must-have things for a Perth to Kalbarri road trip
Don’t forget to take these road trip essentials with you, especially if you’re camping along the way.
- An extra jerry can and a big water jug. The route isn’t incredibly remote, but you still want to be prepared in case you have car problems or run into unforeseen circumstances.
- A high-quality esky that will fit behind your seat. This allows you to access snacks and drinks during the drive without having to stop.
- Folding camping chairs – even if you’re not planning on camping. You can set up somewhere to sit on the beach and enjoy the sunset in style.
- Download an offline map of the road trip route from Perth to Kalbarri to your phone on Google Maps or a similar app. Sometimes reception can be unreliable, and you need to know where you’re going. Definitely add the map at the top of this blog post.
- Snorkelling equipment. With so many incredible beaches on the way from Perth to Kalbarri, you’ll want to be able to get into the water whenever you like.
Perth to Kalbarri, WA road trip FAQ
The driving distance from Perth to Kalbarri is approximately 575 km.
Head to Kalbarri National Park, explore the nearby beaches, go whale watching or hiking.
You can visit Kalbarri year-round, but April, May, August, and September will have comfortable temperatures and not too much wind.
Kalbarri is a small town but still well worth a visit for outdoor activities, natural beauty and camping.
Port in Port Denison and Geraldton along the way.
Yes, Perth has a lot to offer, including museums, beaches, parks, Rottnest Island and reasonable prices.
Stay in Kalbarri for at least two days, four if possible.
The small towns of Leeman and Green Head are approximately halfway on this route.
If you don’t stop along the way, the drive time from Perth to Kalbarri is just over 6 hours.
Yes, you can use the N1 coach for this route. It departs three times per week.
The N1 coach takes around 8.5 hours to get from Perth to Kalbarri.
Before you go…
A road trip from Perth to Kalbarri is a fantastic way to discover the beauty of Western Australia. But it’s only the start of your next camping adventure around the country. Don’t forget to read our Perth to Albany road trip itinerary for even better beaches (you know it’s true) and educate yourself about wild camping laws in Australia.
Did we miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post please leave a comment below or contact us.
