we are planning a trip from Perth to Karijini via the Great Northern highway, then across to Exmouth and then crawl back to Perth, with a few stopovers along the way. We have about three weeks to do the trip, starting mid August. As this is our first big trip, we are looking for advice on an ideal itinery. We like bush and beach walking so after Exmouth we are thinking of going to Coral Bay, then to Kalbarri and maybe Jurien Bay before getting back to Perth.
I am sure many of you on here have done this route many times so would apprciate some advice on must see places etc.
This is our first post so sorry if this is in the wrong place.
Thanks
Tony and Michelle
-- Edited by Lyonst66 on Wednesday 3rd of June 2020 12:45:20 AM
Whenarewethere said
08:25 AM Jun 3, 2020
Just don't be in these places during school holidays. We went out of Karijini via Wittenoom Rd (a reasonable road, not as bad as others make out, but do let your tyres down & keep speed down as there are a few sharp edges across the road) to Millstream Chichester NP, Python Pool is worth a look. There is bush camping just north of Python Pool outside the NP.
Gaylehere said
10:48 AM Jun 3, 2020
Yesterday I read that the new Kalbarri Skywalk overlooking the gorge is finished but not yet opened I don't think. The corona virus shutdowns etc. mucked up plans but by August all should be good to have a look.
I enjoyed the over the ocean lookouts of the Kalbarri NP as well. A drive through the Pinnacles near Cervantes is something to see also. You would also be in early wildflower season the further north you go.
It's been 5 years since we've been over to WA so others will have more up to date ideas about where to stay. Cheers. Enjoy your trip.
Bobdown said
09:59 PM Jun 3, 2020
Hi Tony and Michelle,
There is not much to see up the Great Northern Hwy to see in a short 3 week trip............Do you free camp with your Van?
New Norcia is good for a look and hot fresh bread......stay on the oval.
Cue is a nice clean town with history.
Near Karijini, Albert Tognolini Rest area is a great spot.
Dales Campground is a good base for exploring the Karijini Gorge.
Going to Exmouth, Bullara Station is a good stopover.
There is no Free Camping in Exmouth, stay at a CP or go to Cape Range NP, we stayed at Osprey Bay...........50 m from the water.
Coral Bay is over busy IMO, other Free camps either side of it are ok.
Quobba blowholes are a good stop if you have time.
Go to the Visitors Centre at Denham, lots of free camps on the way in right on the water, book first.
Just the usual stops on the way home, Kalbarri NP, Geraldton, Dongara, Greenhead and Jurien Bay and Cervantes.
Cheers Bob
Albert Tognolini R/A Fortescue Falls Karijini NP Cape Range NP Goulett Bluff, Shark Bay
I recommend Wikicamps for the Free camps and User reviews.........
Thanks for the tips. You are right that maybe we are trying to squeeze too much in within 3 weeks.. But excited to get on the road for our first trip. The challenge at moment is the Perth to Karijini trip. As it stands we ar planning to do it in 2 days, stopping off at Mount Magnet the first night (564km) then Newman (616 km) for the second night, which gives us a shorter drive to Karijini ( 203km) the next morning.
Ideally We would like to split the trip over 3 days with less driving for each leg..
Not sure if this is allowed on the forum but here is our planned trip from WikiCamps:
https://wctrip.co/au/372246/1511299092
It would be great to hear from you all on advice and tips. PS Coral Bay is completely booked out so that leg of the trip needs to be sorted, perhaps with free camps nearby ?
hi All,
we are planning a trip from Perth to Karijini via the Great Northern highway, then across to Exmouth and then crawl back to Perth, with a few stopovers along the way. We have about three weeks to do the trip, starting mid August. As this is our first big trip, we are looking for advice on an ideal itinery. We like bush and beach walking so after Exmouth we are thinking of going to Coral Bay, then to Kalbarri and maybe Jurien Bay before getting back to Perth.
I am sure many of you on here have done this route many times so would apprciate some advice on must see places etc.
This is our first post so sorry if this is in the wrong place.
Thanks
Tony and Michelle
-- Edited by Lyonst66 on Wednesday 3rd of June 2020 12:45:20 AM
Just don't be in these places during school holidays. We went out of Karijini via Wittenoom Rd (a reasonable road, not as bad as others make out, but do let your tyres down & keep speed down as there are a few sharp edges across the road) to Millstream Chichester NP, Python Pool is worth a look. There is bush camping just north of Python Pool outside the NP.
I enjoyed the over the ocean lookouts of the Kalbarri NP as well. A drive through the Pinnacles near Cervantes is something to see also. You would also be in early wildflower season the further north you go.
It's been 5 years since we've been over to WA so others will have more up to date ideas about where to stay. Cheers. Enjoy your trip.
Hi Tony and Michelle,
There is not much to see up the Great Northern Hwy to see in a short 3 week trip............Do you free camp with your Van?
New Norcia is good for a look and hot fresh bread......stay on the oval.
Cue is a nice clean town with history.
Near Karijini, Albert Tognolini Rest area is a great spot.
Dales Campground is a good base for exploring the Karijini Gorge.
Going to Exmouth, Bullara Station is a good stopover.
There is no Free Camping in Exmouth, stay at a CP or go to Cape Range NP, we stayed at Osprey Bay...........50 m from the water.
Coral Bay is over busy IMO, other Free camps either side of it are ok.
Quobba blowholes are a good stop if you have time.
Go to the Visitors Centre at Denham, lots of free camps on the way in right on the water, book first.
Just the usual stops on the way home, Kalbarri NP, Geraldton, Dongara, Greenhead and Jurien Bay and Cervantes.
Cheers Bob
I recommend Wikicamps for the Free camps and User reviews.........
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the tips. You are right that maybe we are trying to squeeze too much in within 3 weeks.. But excited to get on the road for our first trip. The challenge at moment is the Perth to Karijini trip. As it stands we ar planning to do it in 2 days, stopping off at Mount Magnet the first night (564km) then Newman (616 km) for the second night, which gives us a shorter drive to Karijini ( 203km) the next morning.
Ideally We would like to split the trip over 3 days with less driving for each leg..
Not sure if this is allowed on the forum but here is our planned trip from WikiCamps:
https://wctrip.co/au/372246/1511299092
It would be great to hear from you all on advice and tips. PS Coral Bay is completely booked out so that leg of the trip needs to be sorted, perhaps with free camps nearby ?
Thanks All
Tony and Michelle