The west coast of Australia stretches across more than 20,000 km of wild, untouched coastline. Less touristy and more preserved than the east coast, it attracts travelers looking to get off the beaten path. From Perth to the remote northern regions, every stop offers its share of surprises.
Dreaming of a road trip along the west coast of Australia? Here, you can swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, meet the famous quokkas on Rottnest Island, fly over the pink lake in Kalbarri, or watch majestic orcas in Bremer Bay. Don’t miss the thrilling 4×4 adventure on the wild Dirk Hartog Island. Here are some great ideas for activities to enjoy during your road trip!
Dream Destination: Exmouth
Head to Exmouth, a true paradise north of the Tropic of Capricorn, where nature reigns supreme.
1) Snorkeling tour from Exmouth

Join a small-group excursion to the Muiron Islands or the outer reef, led by passionate local guides. Equipped with your snorkeling gear, you’ll swim among vibrant coral gardens and may encounter sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, or even whale sharks. The tour includes snacks and a delicious buffet lunch for a full, unforgettable day exploring the marine wonders of west coast Australia.
2) Swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef

If you’re visiting between mid-March and late October, don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim alongside whale sharks. With a 96% sighting success rate, Ningaloo is one of the world’s best places for this magical encounter.
Accompanied by an expert team, you’ll set off aboard a boat guided by a spotter plane to maximize your chances of finding these gentle giants. Once located, you’ll dive into the crystal-clear waters to swim alongside these magnificent creatures, which can grow up to 19 meters long. The tour includes all snorkeling equipment, an onboard meal, and professional guidance – all conducted with the utmost respect for the environment.
3) Swim with humpback whales from Exmouth

From August to November, swim alongside majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. Guided by a professional crew and spotter plane, you’ll safely and respectfully approach these marine giants. Prefer to stay dry? Non-swimmers can still enjoy the experience from the boat and witness this breathtaking spectacle.
Coral Bay – A tropical getaway on the west coast of Australia
Located at the gateway to Ningaloo Marine Park, Coral Bay is a small coastal village that feels like a slice of paradise. With just one main street, a handful of local shops, and pristine white-sand beaches, Coral Bay is the kind of place where time slows down. Here, everything is within walking distance.
4) Snorkeling at Ningaloo Reef from Coral Bay

Whether you’re a beginner snorkeler or an experienced diver, Coral Bay is the perfect playground! Grab your mask and snorkel and dive into a vibrant underwater world. This tour includes two snorkeling sessions at the most stunning spots on the reef, where you’ll encounter tropical fish, colorful corals, and sea turtles. You’ll be guided by certified PADI instructors for a safe and expertly led experience.
Between dives, the boat will head to Batemans Bay while a spotter plane searches for manta rays, offering a chance to swim alongside these majestic creatures in crystal-clear waters. A buffet lunch is included onboard, with options catering to all dietary needs.
Discover the natural wonders of Shark Bay
Welcome to Shark Bay, an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site boasting over 1,000 kilometers of unspoiled coastline – a paradise for nature lovers.
5) 4WD tour of Dirk Hartog Island – The wild soul of Shark Bay

Off the shores of Shark Bay and Monkey Mia lies Dirk Hartog Island, one of the most untouched gems of west coast Australia. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this wild island enchants visitors with its dramatic cliffs, sweeping dunes, and turquoise waters.
Upon arrival, enjoy a peaceful moment at Australia’s most remote café overlooking the ocean. Then embark on a 4WD adventure across the island, discovering towering cliffs, wind-sculpted dunes, and marine sanctuaries where dolphins, rays, and dugongs thrive. Midday, indulge in a gourmet lunch showcasing Shark Bay’s fresh local produce. The afternoon invites you to unwind on secluded beaches, kayak in crystal-clear waters, or sample locally crafted gin infused with native botanicals.
Explore Kalbarri, a jewel of Australia’s west coast
Start your day in Kalbarri with a unique local experience: the famous pelican feeding. Every morning at 8:45 am in the town center, you can get up close to these majestic birds and witness a friendly ritual that’s part of Kalbarri’s charm. Continue exploring Kalbarri National Park, a must-see on the west coast of Australia. Hike the Bigurda Trail, an easy 8 km path along the cliffs between Natural Bridge and Eagle Gorge, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. Between July and November, keep an eye out for migrating whales. Don’t miss the spectacular panoramas at the Loop and the stunning Nature’s Window, a natural rock arch framing the red gorges of the Murchison River.
6) 60-minute scenic flight over Kalbarri National Park and Pink Lake

For an unforgettable perspective, treat yourself to a 60-minute scenic flight over Kalbarri National Park and Pink Lake. From the air, admire majestic gorges, timeless red cliffs, and the winding Murchison River. You’ll also fly over Hutt Lagoon, where mesmerizing pink hues contrast against the wild landscape.
The flight continues along the coastline, revealing pristine beaches and rugged cliffs of the west coast Australia, before returning to the charming town of Kalbarri.
Discover Rottnest Island
Set off to explore Rottnest Island, one of the natural treasures of the west coast Australia. Located just 19 km from Perth, the island is accessible by ferry. Its star attraction? The quokkas – adorable, smiling marsupials that have become social media icons. Curious and friendly, they love approaching visitors.
7) Rottnest Island ferry day tour

This all-inclusive tour covers round-trip ferry transfers from Perth, Rottnest Island entry fees, complimentary hotel pickup from Perth CBD, and a scenic cruise along the Swan River before arriving at the island. Enjoy a worry-free day – everything’s taken care of!
Once on the island, renting a bike is the best way to explore. Thanks to well-maintained cycling paths and its manageable size, Rottnest is perfect for a bike adventure. Want to discover the underwater world? Grab a snorkel and mask to explore the island’s coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish. After a day of exploration, treat yourself to a Cray Dog, a local delicacy made with fresh Western Rock Lobster.
Experience the magic of Bremer Bay, on Australia’s west coast
Off the southern west coast Australia, Bremer Bay is the country’s only place where large groups of wild orcas gather. Every year, from December to April, the deep waters of the Bremer Canyon become a stage for an incredible natural spectacle. Orcas, sperm whales, dolphins, and blue whales all flock to these nutrient-rich waters.
8) Orca watching tour in Bremer Bay

From the very first moments, excitement fills the air: the orcas appear, bursting powerfully to the surface in perfect synchronization. Curious and bold, these ocean giants often approach the boats, offering rare, intimate encounters. Watch them hunt, interact, or glide through these rich waters.
This excursion, led by a team of passionate experts, immerses you in this unique ecosystem. Every sighting is narrated to help you understand the behavior of these fascinating, adaptive predators. Between encounters, enjoy a relaxing moment at sea – soak in the vastness of the ocean while savoring a warm meal and a well-deserved coffee onboard.
Exploring Australia’s west coast by van means embracing the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can tailor your itinerary as you go, stop wherever you please, and sleep by the ocean or in the heart of the outback. It’s an unforgettable adventure, bringing you closer to nature.