While it may not seem immediately obvious, Perth makes a surprisingly good starting point for road trips. You don’t have to fight your way out of a huge urban sprawl, and within an hour or two, the landscapes change into a mix of forests, wine regions, and beautiful beaches. Not to mention, with affordable campervan hire in Perth, it’s never been easier to pick a direction and let the trip unfold without spending too much time planning.
And on the subject of planning, things are made even simpler with our choice of the best West Coast road trips from Perth. The routes we’ve chosen work because they’re realistic, the stops are worthwhile, and there’s enough variety in each to keep things interesting for every traveller!
Perth to Geraldton
Geraldton is about 4.5 hours north of Perth and works well as both a standalone destination and a base for exploring further afield. It’s also a pretty straightforward drive, and along the way, you’ll have views of the coastline that will only add to the excitement.
Once you arrive, the foreshore is a nice place to settle yourself in and stretch your legs after the drive, with long walking paths and open views across the water. You can also head to the HMAS Sydney II Memorial on Mount Scott, where you’ll find a clear lookout over the city and the coastline. And, as mentioned before, you’re perfectly positioned to take short trips to surrounding areas like Coronation Beach or the Hutt Lagoon near Port Gregory without having to take long drives.
Perth to Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park is about 6 hours from Perth, but the drive can be broken into a couple of days. In fact, Geraldton is a great stopping point, so you can cover two fantastic West Coast road trips in one journey.
It goes without saying that the National Park itself is the main attraction here, with coastal cliffs that deliver wide ocean views and incredible photo opportunities of red rocks and blue water. Head a little further inland, and you’ll find the Murchison River carving its way through the landscape, with lookouts like Nature’s Window and Z-Bend giving you clear vantage points.
Perth to Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
This is a longer commitment, but one that pays off if you’ve been craving big skies and open spaces. You’ll spend around 9 hours on the road from Perth, so it’s usually best to spend a few days splitting the journey up in your campervan, but once you arrive, every moment behind the wheel will be worth it.
Monkey Mia is best known for its dolphins, but the wider Shark Bay area offers you more than a single attraction. And, let’s be honest, that’s what you want after such a long trip! Shell Beach is one of the most unusual stops, with billions of tiny white shells lining the shoreline, giving the beach its name. You can also explore Eagle Bluff, which has elevated views over shallow water where rays and sharks can often be seen from above, and as the light here changes constantly, it’s an ideal spot if you’re into nature photography.
Perth to the Pinnacles
If you’re after a shorter road trip, the Pinnacles is a very good option, sitting just a 2-hour drive from Perth. This makes it an ideal choice for weekend getaways for Perth residents, or simply for anyone who wants to explore a beautiful part of the West Coast without venturing too far from the city.
While they’re amazing to look at any time of the day, the Pinnacles really stand out in the morning or late afternoon when shadows dance across the sand, making them stand out more clearly. And, once you’ve taken in all of their majesty, Lake Thetis is a 20-minute drive away, where you can explore ancient stromatolites.
Perth to Margaret River & Leeuwin-Naturaliste Coast
South of Perth, the Margaret River region takes around 3.5 hours to reach, giving you another great option for a relaxed long weekend away or week-long break closer to the city.
Once you arrive, you’ll find a variety of areas to explore. For starters, coastal spots like Canal Rocks and Sugarloaf Rock give you the opportunity to take walks along the beach or spend some time rock pooling with the kids, while inland, you’ll find caves, forest walks, and small towns all within walking distance of each other. There are also plenty of wineries and breweries scattered around the region, and no trip here would be complete without a tasting or two!
How to Choose the Right West Coast Road Trip
As you can see, there’s plenty to choose from. However, the best West Coast road trip from Perth really depends on how much time you want to spend on the road versus how much you want to settle in one place. Shorter routes like the Pinnacles and Margaret River are ideal if you want a quick, easy getaway, while longer trips that can be broken into a few days might suit you better if you’ve been looking forward to a week or two away. Whatever works best for you, starting in Perth keeps things simple, and once you’re on the road, it won’t be long until you fall in love with the West Coast.
Last Updated on December 13, 2025
