The Ultimate Western Australia Road Trip

Let’s start your adventure in Perth! First stop has to be King’s Park—trust me on this one. It’s one of the world’s largest inner-city parks and the views over the Swan River will have you reaching for your camera immediately. Now, here’s where I might tempt you to take a little detour: if you’re a wine lover (and honestly, who isn’t?), consider starting with a drive south to Margaret River. The wine tasting there is absolutely world-class, and if you want to treat yourselves, Smiths Beach Resort in Yallingup is pure luxury meets coastal beauty.

But here’s the non-negotiable part of day one—you MUST get to Rottnest Island. Take the ferry from Perth, grab a bike when you arrive (no cars allowed, which keeps it so wonderfully peaceful), and prepare to meet the happiest-looking animals on Earth—the quokkas! I still smile thinking about my first quokka encounter. Oh, and make sure to reach out to me before you go—I’ll help you secure the perfect luxury RV that’ll be your home away from home for this incredible journey.

Day two is when things start getting really interesting! Pack up your RV and head north to what I like to call nature’s sculpture garden—The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. Picture this: thousands of limestone pillars rising from golden sand like ancient sentinels. It’s honestly otherworldly, and I promise your Instagram is going to thank you later.

Here’s my insider tip: while you can visit any time of day, there’s something absolutely magical about being there for sunset. The way the light hits those limestone formations and then transitions into some of the clearest stargazing you’ll ever experience—it’s pure magic. Book a sunset dinner and stargazing experience if you really want to treat yourselves. I still remember my first night there, lying on my back and feeling so small under that vast canopy of stars. It’s the perfect way to ease into the adventure that lies ahead.

Get ready for some serious fun! The massive white sand dunes of Lancelin are calling, and trust me, you’re going to feel like a kid again. Sure, sandboarding is amazing (and I highly recommend it), but here’s where you can really amp up the adventure—rent a quad bike and let loose on these pristine dunes. The feeling of racing across brilliant white sand with the deep blue Indian Ocean as your backdrop? Absolutely unforgettable.

I love how these dunes stretch endlessly, giving you moments of pure solitude mixed with heart-pumping thrills. Pro tip: time it so you’re there for sunset. After you’ve worked up an appetite tearing around the dunes, there’s nothing quite like cooking up a gourmet meal in your RV while watching the sun paint everything in the most gorgeous shades of gold and pink. It’s these moments that make road trips so special—the freedom to chase adventure and then slow down to savor the perfect sunset.

Now we’re heading into UNESCO World Heritage territory! Monkey Mia in the Shark Bay region is where wild bottlenose dolphins have been greeting visitors for over 60 years—and let me tell you, it never gets old. There’s something so humbling about these incredible creatures choosing to interact with us humans on their own terms. But here’s how we’re going to take your experience to the next level: book a scenic flight over Australia’s Western coastline. I cannot emphasize enough how breathtaking this aerial perspective is—seeing the vast marine park and pristine beaches from above gives you such an appreciation for the scale and beauty of this wilderness. The contrast between the red desert interior and those brilliant turquoise waters of Shark Bay will leave you speechless. Your RV becomes your waterfront accommodation for the night, so you’ll literally fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves and wake up to dolphins playing just offshore. It's pretty magical!

Time for a quick but absolutely spectacular stop at Coral Bay! I know what you’re thinking—“quick stop?” But trust me, sometimes the most beautiful places don’t need hours to appreciate. This charming little settlement is your first real taste of the Ningaloo Coast, and wow, what an introduction it is.

Here’s what’s going to blow your mind: you can literally walk off the beach and be snorkeling on the reef within minutes. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, and the beaches are covered with the most incredible intact seashells! If you’re feeling adventurous, the optional snorkeling and diving here offer chances to swim with graceful manta rays. Honestly, Coral Bay is the perfect appetizer for the underwater feast that awaits you further north. The reef starts just steps from the beach, making it one of the most accessible coral reef experiences anywhere in the world.

Prepare yourself for one of those “pinch me, is this real?” moments. We’re taking a scenic detour to Kalbarri National Park to see the famous Nature’s Window—and yes, it’s every bit as spectacular as the photos suggest. This natural rock arch perfectly frames the Murchison River below, and it’s honestly one of those sights that makes you feel grateful to be alive and witnessing such natural artistry.

Here’s what millions of years of wind and water erosion have created for us—one of Australia’s most photographed natural landmarks, and for good reason! But here’s my recommendation: take a scenic flight to really understand the scale of what you’re seeing. From the air, you’ll witness the full drama of the gorges, the incredible red rock formations, and that amazing moment where river meets ocean. The aerial perspective completely changes your understanding of this landscape—it’s like seeing the bigger picture of nature’s masterpiece. Trust me, the photos from up there will be some of your favorites from the entire trip.

And here we are—the grand finale! Welcome to Exmouth, your gateway to the world-renowned Ningaloo Reef and, if you’re visiting during April–July, your chance to swim with whale sharks. I still get excited just thinking about this experience because it’s truly life-changing. These gentle giants are massive, graceful, and powerful all at once—it’s an encounter that will stay with you forever.

Here’s how to make it absolutely perfect: charter a private boat for premium fishing, diving, or snorkeling that takes you to the most pristine, less crowded sections of the reef. But don’t miss Turquoise Bay—seriously, don’t! You can snorkel directly from the beach here, and I always recommend bringing your own premium gear for the ultimate underwater experience. The reef is so close to shore that you literally walk into world-class snorkeling conditions.

For your final nights, treat yourselves to luxury glamping at Sal Salis or the comfort of Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort—both offer front-row seats to one of the world’s most pristine marine environments. It’s the perfect way to end an adventure that’s taken you from city sophistication to some of the most untouched wilderness on Earth.