Drive the Dream: 5 Unmissable Western Australia Road Trip Destinations

Forget the beaten track. Western Australia (WA) is wild, ancient, and awe-inspiring, offering unforgettable adventures you won’t find anywhere else. Ready to swim with whale sharks, explore The Kimberley, and escape the everyday in unforgettable ways?

We’ve done the hard work for you. Guided by the Western Australia Dream Collective, we’ve curated their best tours and stays, along with essential free experiences—from scenic walks to hidden gems—so every traveller, whatever their style or budget, can make the most of WA.

Here are five hero destinations that capture the true spirit of adventure in WA.

1. Ningaloo Reef | Nyinggulu: The Most Exhilarating Marine Adventure

The Ningaloo Reef is amongst the most widely regarded marine adventures in the world. You will love the chance to step straight off the pristine beach and snorkel into a kaleidoscope of coral and unique, biodiverse marine life.

• Find a Paid Campsite in Ningaloo/Exmouth

✨ The Dream Collective Experience:
Swimming with the giants. Join Ningaloo Discovery for the chance to safely swim alongside majestic whale sharks (March–August) and later, magnificent humpback whales. For an authentic outback stay near the coast, visit Bullara Station.

👣 Where to Walk on a Dream:
The Yardie Creek Gorge Trail. Hike along the gorge rim for spectacular views over the turquoise ocean and the chance to spot rare black-footed rock wallabies.

🚐 Road Trip Connection:
This destination is the crown jewel of the Coral Coast Highway—a journey that guarantees uncrowded beaches and unparalleled wildlife encounters.

🗺️ Explore Further:
For the full road-trip experience—including secret snorkel spots, unmissable walks, and insider tips—check out our Barefoot Guide to the Coral Coast Highway & Ningaloo Reef, your essential companion to this world-class coastline.

2. The Margaret River Region: Indulge and Adventure

The Margaret River Region is the most indulgent culinary and spectacular coastal adventure in the world. This is a haven for those seeking a luxury escape that focuses on world-class restaurants, fine wines (like those found at Voyager Estate), and exceptional local produce, all set against a backdrop of ancient caves, tall timber forests, and rugged coastline.

• Find a Paid Campsite in Margaret River

✨ The Dream Collective Experience:
Indulgent culinary exploration. Spend your days at award-winning cellar doors, with Voyager Estate being a fantastic option.

👣 Where to Walk on a Dream:
Tackle the Cape to Cape Track. Challenge yourself by hiking a section of this 124km world-class trail, winding along spectacular cliff tops, pristine beaches, and towering forests.

🚐 Road Trip Connection: Ideal for the South West Wine and Dine itinerary, it encourages you to slow down and embrace the local culture and hospitality for a longer, richer stay.

3. The Kimberley: The Most Awe-Inspiring Wilderness

Broome is the ultimate gateway as you journey north to the immense scale and ancient power of The Kimberley—the most awe-inspiring wilderness adventure in the world. This is ancient track country, where the landscape is otherworldly, and 60,000 years of Aboriginal stories bring the land to life.

• Find a Paid Campsite in Australia's North West
• Book and Stay at El Questro
• Book and Stay at Discovery Resorts - Lake Argyle

✨ The Dream Collective Experience:
Witnessing geological wonders. Take a helicopter ride with Helispirit or walk amongst the unique, beehive-shaped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. Stay at the historic El Questro (don't miss the thermal pools at Emma Gorge) or explore the operations at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the Dampier Peninsula.

👣 Where to Walk on a Dream:
The Cathedral Gorge Journey. Take the path deep into the striking geological amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge, or explore the awe-inspiring chasms of Windjana Gorge National Park, and find hidden swimming holes in Hamersley Gorge.

🚐 Road Trip Connection: Experience the legendary outback with the Gibb River Road or base yourself in Broome | Rubibi to relax or ride a camel on Cable Beach at sunset.

4. Esperance | Kepa Kurl: Turquoise Beaches and Worldly Phenomena

Discover the supernatural contrasts of colour in Esperance | Kepa Kurl on the South Coast. This region is home to Australia’s whitest beach and delivers turquoise waters, spectacular granite peaks, and an unspoiled coastal charm that makes you feel connected with the wild.

• Find a Paid Campsite in Esperance
• Book and stay at Lucky Bay

✨ The Dream Collective Experience:
The perfect beach encounter. Spend a day in Cape Le Grand National Park, where you'll find the pure white sands of Lucky Bay and spot friendly kangaroos relaxing on the beach - with the added bonus that there is campground there!

👣 Where to Walk on a Dream:
Climb Frenchman Peak. Take the challenging but rewarding walk up the distinctive granite dome for 360-degree views. For another spectacular coastal hike in the region, tackle the incredible views of the Bald Head Walking Trail (near Albany).

🚐 Road Trip Connection:
This essential destination anchors the eastern section of the magnificent South West Edge road trip.

5. Perth | Boorloo: The Naturally Adventurous Capital

Perth | Boorloo is effortlessly Australian—the most relaxed and naturally adventurous capital city in the world. It’s where you can enjoy world-class food and culture before escaping to nature's doorstep, all within minutes.

• Find a Paid Campsite in Perth
• Find a Free Campsite in Perth

✨ The Dream Collective Experience:
Wildlife within reach. Take a ferry to Rottnest Island to spot the world’s happiest marsupial, the Quokka. Enjoy a hands-on experience with Perth Wildlife Encounters or take a spectacular flight with Liberty Balloons over the Avon Valley (just east of the city).

👣 Where to Walk on a Dream:
The Kings Park Federation Walkway. Enjoy a beautiful treetop walk above the Botanic Gardens, offering easy, yet profound, panoramic views of the Swan River and the city skyline. You can also explore the waterfalls and bush tracks of the Serpentine Falls Walking Track (south of the city).

🚐 Road Trip Connection:
As the hub and gateway, Perth encourages extended stays, easily facilitating day trips to the Swan Valley or serving as the ideal starting point for the longer road trips above.

Ready to Drive the Dream?

Leave the everyday behind and step into a journey that inspires, excites, and transforms. Feel the freedom of wide-open spaces, connect with nature and culture, and embrace experiences that stay with you long after the road ends.

From the remote outback of The Kimberley to the indulgent South West, your ultimate road trip adventure starts here.

Drive the Dream. Follow your own path. Live the adventure.