Driving Perth to Kalbarri is possible to drive in one day. The drive is 570km which is about a 6 hour drive one way. I recommend driving to Kalbarri to get the most out of your visit there, as public transport within Kalbarri is non-existent. There are some beautiful stops the way to Kalbarri. We have put together the top places to stop along the way. I recommend following along the coast on Indian Ocean Drive highway, this road is fully sealed and accessible with a 2WD. The best time to visit Kalbarri is from April to October. The most popular time to visit Kalbarri is in the Australian winter months from June to August.
Guilderton- Moore River Estuary
Guilderton is located only just over an hour a way from Perth and is the first seaside town to stop along the way. It has a beautiful lookout over the river and a nice trail along the bottom of the cliffs.
Lancelin Sand Dunes
Entry to the dunes is free, and they are open every day all year round. There are no formal opening hours for the dunes, but vehicles are prohibited after dark. Entrance is via the unsealed road (but suitable for 2WD) off Bootoo Street. As you drive towards the sand dunes you will see a kiosk which is where you can pick up hire sandboards. You can park here near the sand dunes, or drive further along the hard rock closer to the base of the sand dunes. Otherwise it is about a 300 metre walk from the hire kiosk to the base of the sand dunes.
Sandboarding at Lancelin sand dunes is the most popular activity, but there are other activities available. From the kiosk you can hire 4WD quad bikes and buggies to drive out onto the dunes. Prices start from $60 for 30 min solo hire. Two people can fit on the quad bike too, with hire prices from $80 for a duo. There are also organised tours you can book on as well.
The Pinnacles and Cervantes
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. This unique attraction of towering limestone pinnacles rising from a desert. A National Park entrance fee of $12 per vehicle is payable. At the Pinnacles you can either drive the 4.5km loop track, or park at the Discovery Centre and take the signposted walking trail. If driving, there are pull over bays to get out and explore by foot too.
Lesueur National Park
It is located about 20 minutes from Jurien bay. It has 2 beautiful hiking trail’s and a 18km scenic drive through the National Park. The first trail is The Lesueur trail which is a 3.5km hike to the summit of Mount Lesueur, Grade 3 hike and take about 2 hours to complete. Yued Ponar Trail is a 6km hike to the summit of Mount Peron, It is a Grade 4 hike an takes about 2 hours to complete. Click Here for More information on the hiking trails.
Jurien Bay
Jurien Bay is a small coastal town 20 minutes from Cervantes. The top thing to do at Jurien bay is swim with the Sea Lions. Other things to do
– Visit the Jurien Bay Jetty (old and new).
-Go for a Snorkel at one of the beaches.
– Explore Sandy Cape
-Hike the Turquoise Way Trail. is a 14 kilometer track that extends from Jurien Bay to Hill River, with scenic views you can walk, run or cycle all or part of the track.
Lake Indoon
A beautiful low cost campground, Located 30 minutes from Green Head. It is $5pp Per Night. Their is a honesty box near the toilet block.
Stock Yard Gully Reserve
Stockyard Tunnel is 250m long and is an easy 1.5km loop walk trail. It is the only cave open to the public and is free to visit. The middle of the tunnel is pitch black so make sure you bring a torch!. The track in is accessible to 4WD as the trail is quit sandy and rocky. You can access it from the north or the South.
Dongara and Port Denison
Located 350km 4 Hours from Perth.
Top Things to see:
– Thungarra Trails. Six easy walking trails highlight Port Denison and Dongara, ranging from 2.7 km to 9 km. Click Here for more information on the trails.
– Visit the beach. Granny’s Beach, North shore beach, nunn’s beach, sea spray and south beach.
– Visit the big red western lobster. Is located on the Brand Highway & Moreton Terrace corner.
– Illegal Tender Rum Co. Is an award-winning craft distillery in Dongara.
Geraldton
Geraldton is a large coastal city, 4.5 hours from Perth.
Top things to do:
-Greenough river walking Trail. Begin the walk or ride at Cape Burney to Devlin pool it is a 6.7km return trail.
-HMAS Sydney II memorial- Memorial Park
-Chapman river- Walking trails and MTB trails.
-Point Moore Lighthouse
-Foreshore trail
Hutt Lagoon
Hutt Lagoon is one of the best pink lakes of Australia. Located five hours north of Perth. The best time to visit this pink lake in Australia is between 10am – 2pm on a sunny day. This is when the lake is at its most vivid level of “pinkness”.
Lucky Bay Campground- Port Gregory
Lucky Bay Campground is located 46km’s from Kalbarri and 18km from Hutt Lagoon. It is a nature based campsite with no portable water. There is drop toilets and picnic facilities. To camp on the beach is 4wd Accessible and you must carry your own portable toilet. It cost $15 per night and it is first in basis no bookings.
Click Here for the ‘Top Places To Visit In Kalbarri.