Top Stops on a Perth to Monkey Mia Road Trip Adventure

The drive from Perth to Monkey Mia is an Aussie road trip classic. Coastal beauty, natural wonders and wildlife encounters. 850kms of beach, coastline, towns and landmarks. Whether you’re travelling in the cooler months or the busier summer months, you’ll find plenty of adventure, relaxation and country views.

With resident dolphins, reef sharks and other wildlife, this trip will give you memories for life. Here are the best stops and activities to make the most of it.

Lancelin: Coastal Town with Adventure and Character

Driving Distance from Perth: ~127 km (1.5 hours)

Start your road trip in Lancelin, a charming coastal town famous for its sand dunes and turquoise waters. Sandboarders and quad bike enthusiasts will love the dunes here. If you prefer to chill out, head to one of the town’s beaches for a swim or snorkel at nearby beach snorkelling spots.

Foodies will love the lunch options here, fresh seafood in quaint cafes. It’s a lovely town to enjoy a beachy vibe while taking in the views of the Indian Ocean. Stay in private rooms or consider budget options in nearby towns if you’re stopping overnight.

The Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park

Driving Distance from Lancelin: ~95 km (1 hour)

An Aussie icon, The Pinnacles Desert is a must see. These limestone pillars rise dramatically out of the sand, a surreal landscape that photographers and adventure seekers love. The pops of colour in the desert flowers at certain times of the year add to the magic.

Spend some time on this coastal loop adventure, and don’t forget to visit the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre to learn about the geology and history of the area. There are plenty of accommodation options nearby, twin share and two bedroom boutique villas for those who want to indulge.

Geraldton: Beachside Town

Driving Distance from The Pinnacles: ~245 km (3 hours)

The next stop is Geraldton, a bustling coastal town with cultural tours, seafood and beaches. The heart of the region, Geraldton, has attractions like the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and the Abrolhos Islands. The town has a permanent population, so there are plenty of fish markets where you can indulge in fresh seafood.

The coastal views and country scenery around Geraldton is perfect if you want to chill out, and boat tours will give you the chance to see sharks, reef sharks and other marine life. If you’re staying overnight Geraldton has plenty of hotel options, budget and boutique.

Kalbarri National Park: Scenic Views and Action

Driving Time from Geraldton: ~1.75 hours
Kalbarri National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from the views to Nature’s Window. This is a great place for an extended tour, with hiking trails with views of the Murchison River Gorge and its big views.

Take a coastal loop and explore the cliffs of Kalbarri or go dolphin watching at nearby beaches. Families will love the beach lists and basic breakfast options in the nearby towns so this is a must do on any road trip.

Shark Bay and Denham: World Heritage Listings

Driving Time from Kalbarri: ~4.5 hours
Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must see for its blue waters, white sandy beaches and unique wildlife. The salt mining town of Denham is a great base to stay and offers a mix of cultural tours and budget accommodation.

Visit Shell Beach where the shoreline is made entirely of tiny white shells or go on a boat Monkey Mia tour to see reef sharks, bottlenose dolphins and other marine life. Denham has 2 bedroom boutique villas and twin share accommodation to suit all travel styles.

Monkey Mia: Dolphin Heaven

Driving Time from Shark Bay: ~30 minutes
Your journey ends at Monkey Mia, home of the friendly dolphins that visit the shore daily. Watching dolphin feedings is a must, especially if you have kids under a legal guardian. The beaches and boat tours offer endless relaxation and adventure.

Monkey Mia has plenty of accommodation options from private room configurations to hotel rooms with ocean views. The sharks in the deeper waters add to the adventure. Check out the affiliate links for optional extras like reef snorkelling or artisanal water tastings.

Travel Info

• Best Time to Visit: Shoulder season (April-May and September-October) to avoid crowds and warm weather.
• Accommodation: Budget, twin share or boutique villas for a personal experience.
• Wildlife: Bottlenose dolphins, reef sharks and fish galore in the blue waters.
• Family Friendly: Beach lists, cultural tours and dolphin feedings.
• Extended Tour: Wayoutback Tours for guided tours and hassle-free planning.

Embark on your road trip adventure Monkey Mia tours from Perth and discover the breathtaking beauty of Western Australia’s stunning coast and vibrant seaside towns.

FAQ

Are there many accommodation options along the way?

Yes, there are plenty of options from budget to boutique villas in every town along the way.

Can I see wild dolphins at Monkey Mia all year round?

Yes, the dolphins visit daily so it’s a must see.

Are there boat tours to see sharks and other marine life?

Yes, boat Monkey Mia Tours are available and you can see reef sharks, shark species and dolphins in their natural habitat.

What else will I be charged for?

Some activities and optional extras will incur extra costs. Check with the administration centre or local affiliate links for more info.

Is this trip suitable for school holidays?

Yes! It’s adventure, wildlife and relaxation all in one, so it’s perfect for families during school holidays.