Perth to Kalbarri, A Campervan Road Trip Up the Coral Coast
Kalbarri sits about six hours north of Perth and packs more natural drama per square kilometre than almost anywhere else in WA. Ancient red gorges carved by the Murchison River, sea cliffs that drop straight into the Indian Ocean, and wildflowers that carpet the roadsides from July through September. It's the perfect three or four day campervan trip, close enough to Perth for a long weekend, far enough to feel like a proper adventure.
The route
Day 1: Perth to Cervantes and the Pinnacles (approx. 2.5 hours to Cervantes)
Head north on the Indian Ocean Drive, the scenic coastal route through Lancelin and on to Cervantes. Stop at the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, thousands of ancient limestone columns rising from a yellow desert floor. Worth at least an hour. While you're in Cervantes, book lunch at the Lobster Shack and pull your own lobster pot from the ocean. Camp in Cervantes or push north to Jurien Bay for a livelier overnight stop with great beaches and a good pub.
Day 2: Jurien Bay to Geraldton (approx. 3 hours)
Continue north through the wildflower country of Lesueur National Park, in season the yellow wattles and pink everlastings here are extraordinary. Stop in Dongara for coffee and a stretch before pushing on to Geraldton for the night. The HMAS Sydney II Memorial is worth a visit if you missed it on a previous trip.
Day 3: Geraldton to Kalbarri (approx. 1.5 hours)
The short final leg brings you into Kalbarri, a small town on the mouth of the Murchison River that's completely geared around outdoor adventure. Check into one of the caravan parks in town, then spend the afternoon exploring the sea cliffs at Natural Bridge and Z Bend lookout.
What to do in Kalbarri
The Kalbarri National Park gorges are the main event, Red Bluff, The Loop, Z Bend and Nature's Window are all must-sees. Don't miss Kalbarri Wilderness Cruises, the only river cruise along the Murchison, with incredible birdlife, wildlife and a complimentary tea and coffee on board. Hire a kayak and paddle the river at dawn for something really special.
The drive home
You can return the same way or loop back inland through Mullewa, a spectacular wildflower town in season and back to Perth through the Wheatbelt. In wildflower season this inland return route rivals anything on the coast.
Glory tip
Your WA National Parks Pass covers entry to Kalbarri National Park, Lesueur National Park and Nambung National Park (the Pinnacles), all included free with every hire. The Kalbarri caravan parks fill up fast in school holidays and wildflower season, book ahead.
Book Gloria or Grace at camplify.com.au