1. Indian Ocean Drive

Route: Perth to Geraldton
Distance: Approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles)

The Indian Ocean Drive is a spectacular coastal route that stretches from Perth to Geraldton, offering panoramic ocean views, pristine beaches, and charming seaside towns. Key stops include:

• Yanchep National Park: Just an hour from Perth, this park is home to koalas, kangaroos, and beautiful limestone caves.

• Lancelin: Famous for its massive sand dunes, perfect for sandboarding and 4WD adventures.

• The Pinnacles Desert: Located in Nambung National Park, these unique limestone formations are a must-see.

• Jurien Bay: A great spot for snorkeling, diving, and marine life encounters, including sea lions and dolphins.

Roads Full of Sights: Exploring Western Australia's Scenic Routes

2. Great Ocean Drive

Route: Esperance to Cape Le Grand National Park
Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles)

This loop drive is one of the most beautiful short routes in WA, showcasing the stunning coastal scenery around Esperance. Highlights include:

• Twilight Beach: Known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and picnicking.

• Pink Lake: Although it no longer consistently displays its famous pink hue, it's still a picturesque stop.

• Cape Le Grand National Park: Home to some of Australia’s best beaches, including Lucky Bay where kangaroos are often seen lounging on the sand.

3. Gibb River Road

Route: Derby to Kununurra
Distance: Approximately 660 kilometers (410 miles)

For the true adventurer, the Gibb River Road offers an epic journey through the heart of the Kimberley region. This rugged outback track requires a 4WD and is best traveled during the dry season (May to October). Key attractions include:

• Windjana Gorge: A dramatic gorge carved by the Lennard River, offering great hiking and fossil spotting.

• Tunnel Creek: An underground river flowing through a 750-meter cave, rich in Aboriginal history and natural beauty.

• Bell Gorge: Known for its stunning waterfall and swimming hole, a perfect spot to cool off.

• El Questro Wilderness Park: A vast wilderness area with hot springs, gorges, and diverse wildlife.

4. Coral Coast Highway

Route: Perth to Exmouth
Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers (745 miles)

The Coral Coast Highway takes you from Perth to Exmouth, offering incredible marine life encounters and spectacular coastal landscapes. Highlights include:

• The Pinnacles Desert: As mentioned, this is a must-visit early on the journey.

• Kalbarri National Park: Known for its dramatic river gorges and coastal cliffs, as well as the new Kalbarri Skywalk.

• Shark Bay: A World Heritage Site, home to the friendly dolphins of Monkey Mia and stunning Shell Beach.

• Ningaloo Reef: One of the largest fringing reefs in the world, where you can swim with whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles.

5. South West Edge

Route: Perth to Albany via Margaret River and Pemberton
Distance: Approximately 800 kilometers (497 miles)

This scenic route takes you through the lush forests, stunning coastlines, and renowned wine regions of WA's southwest. Key stops include:

• Margaret River: Famous for its world-class wineries, gourmet food, and beautiful beaches.

• Busselton Jetty: The longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, offering an underwater observatory.

• Augusta: Home to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.

• Pemberton: Known for its towering karri forests and the iconic Gloucester Tree, which you can climb for panoramic views.

• Albany: Rich in history and natural beauty, including the dramatic coastal rock formations at Torndirrup National Park.

Conclusion

Western Australia's roads are full of sights that captivate and inspire. From the turquoise waters of the Coral Coast to the rugged beauty of the Kimberley, every road trip in WA promises adventure, discovery, and breathtaking scenery. So pack your bags, fuel up your vehicle, and embark on a journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes Australia has to offer.