Everyone’s familiar with the lovely scenery of the south of Western Australia (WA), but the North remains largely unexplored. We at Native have planned the ultimate North WA roadtrip - it’s full of natural wonders, great eats, and lots of scenic drives.
Kalbarri
A quiet six hour drive from Perth city is Kalbarri National Park. Popular with locals for its camping hotspots and beautiful hiking trails, this is a great base to explore the park and the town of Geraldton. There’s plenty of hotels and resorts that are popular with tourists, but if you’re looking for a true outback experience, be sure to rent some tents and sleeping bags. Kalbarri has one of the most beautiful night skies in rural WA, so sleeping under the stars is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Monkey Mia
Continue on your journey up north for about four hours to get to one of the Coral Coast’s most popular attractions, Monkey Mia. Ever wanted to feed a wild dolphin? The Monkey Mia dolphin resort is the place for you. Up to 20 wild bottlenose dolphins get up close and personal with visitors to the resort daily, starting from seven in the morning, so be sure to get in early. Don’t want to get your hands dirty? Hop on a wildlife cruise that showcases the most popular sea-dwellers, including dugongs, green turtles, and manta rays.
Coral Bay
The next leg of your journey is a little long, but the views of the Coral Coast along the way will keep you company on the five hour drive to Coral Bay. Protected from the harsh Indian Ocean by the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef, there’s no better place to experience the unique sea life of Western Australia. Snorkel tours are available for the avid wildlife watcher, as well as glass-bottom boat tours for those who prefer to stay dry.
Exmouth
The final destination on this road trip is the quaint town of Exmouth. Less than two hours from Coral Bay, this resort town is beloved by surfers for its wild waves. Sick of the sea? The Cape Range National Park is an excellent change from the waves. Boasting a breathtaking range of rocky gorges adjacent to the coastline. There is a range of bushwalking trails for the novice hiker to try their hand at navigating the rugged terrain of this well-preserved site.
Bonus destination: Broome
Most travellers choose to head back down to Perth after Exmouth, but if you’re a fan of long drives, Broome is a great place to visit. The 13-hour drive fazes many, but the views are well worth it. The soft sands of Cable Beach, sunset camel rides, and exciting regional breweries abound in this northern hub. The well-appointed resorts are comparable to the seaside clubs of Bali, albeit less crowded and more classy.
