Stretching along the Indian Ocean, Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a place where nature seems to have gone wild with color.
It’s no surprise travelers say, “God spilled His paintbox here.”
Starting from Perth and heading north, this scenic road trip delivers sand dunes, limestone wonders, pink lakes, sleepy seaside towns, and dramatic national parks—each stop more vivid than the last.
Stop 1: Lancelin Sand Dunes — Snow-White Waves of Sand
Just a 2-hour drive from Perth, you’ll arrive at the famous Lancelin Sand Dunes.
On clear days, the contrast is unreal: pure white dunes beneath a deep blue sky, like scoops of vanilla ice cream melting into the horizon. 
Feeling playful? Rent a sandboard and glide down the dunes—it’s pure, childlike fun and incredibly photogenic.
Travel Tip: Lobster Stop at Cervantes
On the way from Lancelin to the Pinnacles, detour to Cervantes and visit the famous Lobster Shack.
Western Australia’s Western Rock Lobster is sweet, tender, and unforgettable—this is seafood at its freshest.
Stop 2: The Pinnacles Desert — Stone Forest by the Sea
Located in Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is filled with thousands of eerie limestone pillars rising from golden sand.
Not far away, the turquoise Indian Ocean glows beside the desert landscape. Stay until sunset, then watch the stars slowly take over the sky—this is one of those moments that stays with you forever.
Stop 3: Jurien Bay — A Playground for Sea Lions
About 2.5 hours from Perth, Jurien Bay is a marine paradise.
This area is home to rare Australian sea lions, and with a guided tour, you can snorkel in their underwater world and watch them swim, twist, and play around you.
For adrenaline seekers, Jurien Bay is also a popular spot to try skydiving—imagine free-falling with the ocean beneath you.
Stop 4: Geraldton — Slow Life by the Sea
If you’re craving a slower pace, Geraldton is the perfect pause button.
This relaxed port town feels like a place where time politely steps aside. Fresh seafood defines the local flavor—lobster is the star, painted bright red against the blue sea.
Grab a seat by the water, wait for sunset, and enjoy doing absolutely nothing.
Roadside Surprise: The Leaning Tree
Driving from Jurien Bay to Geraldton, keep an eye out for the quirky Leaning Tree.
To make sure you don’t miss it, simply search “Leaning Tree” on your map—it’s a fun and unexpected photo stop.
Stop 5: Hutt Lagoon — The Famous Pink Lake
How many people come to Western Australia just for the pink lake?
Hutt Lagoon looks like a giant makeup palette, shifting from soft rose to vivid pink depending on light and time of day.
You can:
- Take a scenic flight from Geraldton to admire the lake and the nearby Abrolhos Islands from above
- Or drive right to the shore for close-up photos
Visit around midday or just before sunset for the most intense colors.
Stop 6: Kalbarri National Park — Nature Built for Adventure
Kalbarri National Park is where the landscape turns bold and dramatic.
Deep gorges, wind-carved cliffs, and glowing orange rock formations make it an adventurer’s dream.
Don’t miss:
- Nature’s Window, the park’s iconic rock frame
- Kalbarri Skywalk, a glass-floored lookout suspended over the gorge
- Scenic hiking trails or a canoe trip along the Murchison River
Every corner here feels designed for photographers—and thrill seekers.
A Road Trip Painted by Nature
This northbound journey from Perth along the Coral Coast is more than a drive—it’s a collision with color.
From white dunes and golden deserts to pink lakes and deep blue seas, Western Australia proves that nature doesn’t do subtle here.
If you love road trips that surprise you at every turn, this one belongs at the top of your list.
