Your holiday begins with 4 days in Perth, the sunny and welcoming capital of Western Australia. Built on the banks of the Swan River, it is alive with trendy cafés and restaurants, as well as some great shopping. Close to the centre is superb Kings Park, with extensive botanical gardens, tree-top walkways and views over the city.

30 minutes away, the old port of Fremantle has a lively marina, markets, a Maritime Museum and an historic prison, built by early convicts in the 1880s.

Just off the coast, is Rottnest Island home of the quokka, a small friendly marsupial found nowhere else. You can walk, cycle or catch a shuttle round the island to discover the wildlife or chill out on its fabulous beaches.

Your chosen Perth hotel

Collect your car this morning for the start of your Coral Coast adventure. You will travel through the forested Yanchep National Park into a landscape of dry pastureland and native Australian bush.

As you turn towards the town of Cervantes, you will see the tall limestone columns of the Nambung National Park. These mysterious ‘Pinnacles,’ rising out of the golden dunes, were created many millions of years ago.

Perth > Cervantes | 200 kms

Standard & Deluxe: Cervantes Pinnacles Motel

Before heading off, take time to explore the Nambung National Park, including the excellent Pinnacles Visitor Centre.

Heading north on the coastal road, the scenery is awesome and you start to appreciate how enormous Western Australia is. Stop by the occasional road house or picnic along the way on your journey to Geraldton.

Cervantes > Geraldton | 220 kms

Standard: Ibis Styles Geraldton

Deluxe: Nesuto Geraldton

Geraldton is the main port and administrative centre of the mid-west region and is renowned for the beauty of its spring flowers and surrounding countryside. Wander round the town before heading on to Kalbarri National Park.

A two night stay in the popular coastal resort of Kalbarri will give you time to explore this spectacular region, including the magnificent Murchison River Gorges. There is a well-signed walk to the ‘Natures Window’ rock formation and plenty of other walking trails besides. This is Western Australia at its wildest and most dramatic.

Geraldton > Kalbarri | 160 kms

Standard: Kalbarri Palm Resort

Deluxe: Kalbarri Edge Resort

Leave Kalbarri today for a two night stay at the curiously named Monkey Mia. After a long drive through some stark desert scenery, the golden sands and turquoise waters there make quite a contrast.

The whole Shark Bay region around Monkey Mia is a World Heritage listed site and the town’s visitor centre illustrates its rich First Nation and settler history, as well as the natural wonders found here.

The favourite activity for many is the wild bottlenose dolphin feeding session each morning, but other attractions include dugong spotting cruises, pools of fossilised stromatolites, shell beach and much more.

Kalbarri > Monkey Mia | 390 kms

Standard & Deluxe: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Get an early start from Monkey Mia for today’s drive to Carnarvon. The fertile region around the town grows some 80% of the state’s fruit and vegetables, as well as most of its bananas, and there is an aptly named ‘Fruit Loop’ driving tour around some of the plantations.

Carnarvon is also known for its excellent seafood and the towns heritage buildings and seafront are well worth exploring.

Monkey Mia > Carnarvon | 350 kms

Standard & Deluxe: Best Western Hospitality Inn

Make a quick visit to the Carnarvon Blowholes this morning before you head off enchanting Coral Bay. Your journey takes you over the Tropic of Capricorn in this remote part of Western Australia.

This seaside location is named after the coral formations lying meters from the white ocean beach. There is an abundance of marine life here, perfect for snorkelling, or the chance to embark on an experience of a lifetime and swim with the majestic whale sharks between March and August every year.

Carnarvon > Coral Bay | 240 kms

Standard & Deluxe: Ningaloo Coral Bay Bayview

The final leg of your self drive adventure is a short one. Exmouth is gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park and is the perfect centre from which to explore the region.

Like Coral Bay, the reef here comes close to the shore, allowing snorkelling from the beach or from one of many snorkelling cruise boats.

There is also an opportunity to swim with whale sharks or see wild turtle at the Jurabi Turtle Centre. Inland, there are walking trails and wildlife to spot in stunning Cape Range National Park

Coral Bay > Exmouth | 155 kms

Standard: Potshot Hotel Resort

Deluxe: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort

Drive the short distance to Learmouth today for your return flight to Perth.

We recommend a final night in Perth for last minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping, before boarding your onward flight. Or add on our 5 day Around Perth self drive for a trip to Margaret River and the south west – your FREEDOM consultant will be pleased to arrange this for you.

Exmouth > Learmouth | 35 kms