Winter Whale Watching on Western Australia’s Coral Coast: 14-Day Campervan Itinerary
Day 1: Perth to Cervantes
Distance: 197 kms
Travel time: ~2 hours
Collect your Apollo camper in Perth, stock up on supplies, then head north along the Indian Ocean Drive. Today eases you into the journey with dune landscapes, startling coastal blues, and the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert.
Where to stop between Perth and Cervantes
Lancelin Sand Dunes for sandboarding or a short climb to sweeping ocean views. Nambung National Park to wander among the limestone spires of the Pinnacles. Thirsty Point Lookout for sunset light over turquoise shallows in Cervantes.
Things to do in Cervantes
Walk the shore at Hansen Bay, check out Lake Thetis to see ancient thrombolites, and cap the day with golden-hour photos back in the Pinnacles Desert. Winter’s softer light and cooler air create ideal conditions for exploring these coastal and desert contrasts on foot.
Where to stay in Cervantes
Settle in at RAC Cervantes Holiday Park for powered sites a short walk from the beach and town. It is a convenient base for an early start north tomorrow.
Day 2: Cervantes to Geraldton
Distance: 223 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Follow the coast past limestone headlands and quiet fishing towns to the regional hub of Geraldton. The drive stays scenic and relaxed, with plenty of places to stretch your legs.
Where to stop between Cervantes and Geraldton
Jurien Bay foreshore for a beach walk or a sea lion viewing tour. Green Head or Leeman lookouts for coastal panoramas and picnic spots. Dongara-Port Denison twin towns for a coffee by the marina.
Things to do in Geraldton
Stroll the landscaped foreshore and dip your toes in the sheltered bay. Visit the HMAS Sydney II Memorial for sweeping city and ocean views. In winter the light is crystal clear, making lighthouse and foreshore photography especially rewarding.
Where to stay in Geraldton
Choose Belair Gardens Caravan Park near the foreshore or Sunset Beach Holiday Park for ocean breezes and easy access to evening walks.
Day 3: Geraldton to Kalbarri
Distance: 156 kms
Travel time: ~1.75 hours
Today is short by design so you can enjoy vivid pink lakes, towering sea cliffs, and the dramatic gorges of Kalbarri National Park.
Where to stop between Geraldton and Kalbarri
Hutt Lagoon near Port Gregory for vivid pink hues that pop in winter’s cool light. Kalbarri’s coastal lookouts like Pot Alley, Island Rock, and Natural Bridge.
Things to do in Kalbarri
Head inland to Kalbarri National Park for hikes and lookouts over the Murchison River Gorge. Snap Nature’s Window, step out on the Skywalk platforms for grand canyon views, and enjoy short cliff-top trails along the Bigurda Boardwalk. Cooler weather makes these walks comfortable and the air crisp for views.
Where to stay in Kalbarri
Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park or Murchison River Caravan Park place you close to the riverfront, cafes, and the scenic drives that lead to the park’s gorges and cliffs.
Day 4: Kalbarri to Denham (Shark Bay)
Distance: 374 kms
Travel time: ~3.75 hours
Roll north on the North West Coastal Highway, then turn into the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The peninsula’s stark reds and bright aquas set the scene for some of the coast’s most unique natural wonders.
Where to stop between Kalbarri and Denham
Hamelin Pool to view ancient stromatolites from designated shore viewing areas. Please note the boardwalk is currently closed. Shell Beach, a brilliant white sweep made entirely of tiny shells. Eagle Bluff for a chance to spot marine life gliding over seagrass meadows.
Things to do in Denham
Base yourself in Denham and make an afternoon run to Monkey Mia to time your visit for the morning dolphin experience the next day. Explore Little Lagoon and walk the shore at Denham for a relaxed sunset over glassy waters.
Where to stay in Denham
Denham Seaside Caravan Park offers powered sites with bay views and easy access to the waterfront. If you want to be closer to the dolphin experience, the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort campground is another popular option right on the beach.
Day 5: Denham to Carnarvon
Distance: 336 kms
Travel time: ~3.75 hours
Rise early to meet the wild dolphins at Monkey Mia, then continue north to Carnarvon, the Gascoyne region’s laid-back hub of fresh produce and riverfront walks.
Where to stop between Denham and Carnarvon
Monkey Mia at dawn for the famous dolphin experience. Overlander Roadhouse for a rest and supply top-up before rejoining the highway.
Things to do in Carnarvon
Stretch out on the Fascine waterfront walking path, visit the Space and Technology Museum for a slice of local history, and sample seasonal fruit from roadside stalls. Winter brings mild days and often glassy afternoons on the bay, perfect for a sunset picnic.
Where to stay in Carnarvon
Discovery Parks – Carnarvon (formerly Wintersun) or Capricorn Holiday Park provide spacious powered sites, shady trees, and a friendly base to prepare for Ningaloo Reef.
Day 6: Carnarvon to Coral Bay
Distance: 238 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Today delivers you to Ningaloo Reef’s southern village, Coral Bay, where the reef touches the shore and marine adventures begin right off the beach.
Where to stop between Carnarvon and Coral Bay
Minilya Bridge Roadhouse and the Tropic of Capricorn sign for a classic outback photo.
Things to do in Coral Bay
Swim with whale sharks in season in early winter, join a manta ray snorkel, or step straight off the sand at Bills Bay to float over coral gardens with turtles and schools of reef fish. Glass-bottom boat cruises and guided snorkels keep things easy if it is your first time on the reef.
Where to stay in Coral Bay
Ningaloo Coral Bay – Bayview or Peoples Park Coral Bay place you within a short stroll of the beach, tour operators, and sunset vantage points.
Day 7: Coral Bay to Exmouth
Distance: 153 kms
Travel time: ~1.75 hours
Continue north to Exmouth on the Minilya–Exmouth Road. With a short drive, you will have most of the day to plan tomorrow’s whale swim or explore Cape Range National Park.
Where to stop between Coral Bay and Exmouth
Ningaloo Centre in Exmouth for local insights and tour bookings. Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for a first sweeping view over North West Cape.
Things to do in Exmouth
Head into Cape Range National Park for snorkelling at Turquoise Bay and Oyster Stacks, or take easy walks like Yardie Nature Walk with views across dunes and reef. Winter seas are often calm in the bays, and visibility is excellent for spotting turtles, rays, and reef fish.
Where to stay in Exmouth
RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park or Exmouth Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort offer roomy powered sites with good facilities and proximity to town and park entrances.
Day 8: Exmouth
Distance: 0–80 kms (day trips)
Travel time: ~1.5 hours (total driving around the park)
Make this your marquee wildlife day. In early winter you can still join whale shark swim tours, and by mid to late winter many operators also offer humpback whale swims or dedicated whale watching cruises. Prefer to keep it chilled on shore? Pack a picnic for Turquoise Bay and do the gentle drift snorkel, then finish at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for a fiery Coral Coast sunset.
Things to do in Exmouth
Join a full-day whale shark or humpback experience in season, snorkel from the beach, hike Mandu Mandu Gorge for classic limestone scenery, or rent a kayak to explore the lagoon in sheltered conditions. Winter’s mild weather makes full days outdoors comfortable and rewarding.
Where to stay in Exmouth
Stay a second night at RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park or Exmouth Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort to keep logistics easy for tomorrow’s southbound leg.
Day 9: Exmouth to Coral Bay
Distance: 153 kms
Travel time: ~1.75 hours
Drift back to Coral Bay for an unhurried beach day and a final snorkel on Ningaloo’s southern fringing reef.
Where to stop between Exmouth and Coral Bay
Learmonth viewpoints near the jetty for a quick stretch and photos of the bay. The jetty may be closed to public access, so stick to nearby lookouts.
Things to do in Coral Bay
Join a morning manta ray tour, then spend the afternoon on foot, beach-hopping and snorkelling straight off the sand. If the sky is clear, stay out for brilliant stargazing away from town lights.
Where to stay in Coral Bay
Return to Ningaloo Coral Bay – Bayview or Peoples Park Coral Bay for a familiar base near the water.
Day 10: Coral Bay to Carnarvon
Distance: 238 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Ease into the return journey with a short inland run to Carnarvon, leaving plenty of time for a waterfront walk and fresh local produce.
Where to stop between Coral Bay and Carnarvon
Minilya Bridge Roadhouse for a coffee and leg stretch.
Things to do in Carnarvon
Pick up seasonal fruit and veg along the Gascoyne Food Trail, explore the Gwoonwardu Mia Cultural Centre to learn about local heritage, and enjoy a sunset stroll along the Fascine.
Where to stay in Carnarvon
Discovery Parks – Carnarvon or Capricorn Holiday Park remain solid choices for powered sites and a relaxed evening.
Day 11: Carnarvon to Hamelin Pool (Shark Bay South)
Distance: ~230 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Break the southbound run with a short hop into the southern reaches of Shark Bay. It is the perfect place to slow down and explore one of the world’s most significant geological sites.
Where to stop between Carnarvon and Hamelin Pool
Overlander Roadhouse for fuel, coffee, and supplies.
Things to do in Hamelin Pool
View living stromatolites from the shore and designated lookouts, sometimes called the oldest living things on Earth. The boardwalk remains closed, yet the interpretive displays and historic telegraph station precinct offer rich context for this remarkable coastline.
Where to stay in Hamelin Pool
Hamelin Station Stay offers a friendly campground experience and wide open skies. If you prefer to remain right on the highway, the Overlander Roadhouse provides powered sites with straightforward access for 2WD campers.
Day 12: Hamelin Pool to Geraldton
Distance: 317 kms
Travel time: ~3.25 hours
Rejoin the coastal highway and cruise south to Geraldton for a final taste of big skies and beach walks before returning to the metro coastline.
Where to stop between Hamelin Pool and Geraldton
Port Gregory detour for another look at Hutt Lagoon’s pink waters if the light is good. Greenough’s leaning trees and heritage streets for a short walk.
Things to do in Geraldton
Hit the foreshore again for a relaxed late afternoon swim if the weather is calm, cycle the coastal path, or watch the sunset from Point Moore Lighthouse as seabirds wheel overhead.
Where to stay in Geraldton
Book into Belair Gardens Caravan Park or Sunset Beach Holiday Park for a comfortable overnight with easy access to morning coffee spots.
Day 13: Geraldton to Jurien Bay
Distance: ~200 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Trace the coast south to Jurien Bay, a laid-back beach town with safe swimming coves and one last chance for a sea lion encounter.
Where to stop between Geraldton and Jurien Bay
Dongara-Port Denison marina for a mid-morning stroll. Lesueur National Park for a short walk among endemic flora along the sealed scenic drive.
Things to do in Jurien Bay
Book a sea lion boat tour to meet the playful residents of the offshore islands, snorkel the in-bay trail on a calm day, and enjoy an easy foreshore walk to cap your penultimate evening on the road.
Where to stay in Jurien Bay
Jurien Bay Tourist Park sits close to the beach and town centre, making it simple to arrive, plug in, and wander out for dinner by the water.
Day 14: Jurien Bay to Perth
Distance: ~220 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Glide back to Perth along the Indian Ocean Drive. With a short final leg, you can add a couple of quick coastal stops before returning your camper.
Where to stop between Jurien Bay and Perth
Cervantes or the Pinnacles for a last desert-meets-ocean photo stop. Lancelin Sand Dunes for one more windswept viewpoint. Yanchep National Park for koalas, cave tours, and lakeside walks.
Things to do in Perth
Time permitting, celebrate your journey with a picnic in Kings Park or a sunset paddle at City Beach before returning your camper to the Apollo branch.
Winter brings gentle sunshine, calm seas, and a front-row seat to migrating giants, so this Coral Coast road trip itinerary rewards slow mornings, spontaneous detours, and unhurried afternoons in and out of the water. When you are ready, you can easily book your Apollo camper online and pick it up from your closest Apollo branch before hitting the road.