Perth to Exmouth drive
Perth to Exmouth is about 1,250 km and a 13 hour drive, too much for one day. The DBCA itinerary via Kalbarri and Shark Bay covers 1,653 km over 9 to 10 days one way. Cape Range National Park's access road is sealed and open to 2WD, but crossing Yardie Creek needs a 4WD.
Updated
Key facts
- Distance and time
- About 1,250 km and a 13 hour drive from Perth
- Scenic route
- Perth, Yanchep, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Denham, Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth: 1,653 km in legs of 50 to 373 km
- Suggested duration
- 9 to 10 days one way on the DBCA itinerary, 1,653 km including detours
- Road standard
- The whole trip can be made on sealed roads, with some optional unsealed detours
- Mobile coverage
- Not guaranteed throughout; plan fuel stops at regional centres and carry water
- Cape Range National Park
- 50 km west of Exmouth; the access road is sealed with 2WD access to camp and day-use sites; 4WD needed to cross Yardie Creek
- Best season
- March to November on the DBCA itinerary
- Fly-drive option
- Qantas runs 9 flights a week between Perth and Learmonth Airport
Perth to Exmouth
About 1,250 km direct; 1,653 km on the scenic itinerary via Kalbarri and Shark Bay ยท About 13 hours direct; 9 to 10 days suggested with stops
Yanchep National Park
50 km
The first stop on the DBCA itinerary.
Geraldton
about 421 km
371 km on from Yanchep, via Nambung National Park.
Kalbarri
about 591 km
170 km on from Geraldton.
Denham (Shark Bay)
about 964 km
373 km beyond Kalbarri and the longest leg on the scenic route.
Carnarvon
about 1,289 km
325 km from Denham.
Coral Bay
about 1,529 km
240 km from Carnarvon and 124 km from Exmouth.
Exmouth
about 1,653 km
Cape Range National Park is 50 km west of the town.
How long does it take to drive from Perth to Exmouth?
Exmouth is about 1,250 km from Perth, a 13 hour drive. That is too much for one day, and the DBCA itinerary for the same trip allows 9 to 10 days one way once you add Yanchep, the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Carnarvon.
The legs on the way north are Perth to Yanchep (50 km), Yanchep to Geraldton (371 km), Geraldton to Kalbarri (170 km), Kalbarri to Denham (373 km), Denham to Carnarvon (325 km), Carnarvon to Coral Bay (240 km) and Coral Bay to Exmouth (124 km).
Fuel, coverage and road conditions on the way
The DBCA itinerary says the whole trip can be made on sealed roads, with some optional unsealed detours. Mobile coverage is not guaranteed throughout, so plan fuel stops at regional centres and carry water and sun protection.
Main Roads WA lists road trains, unsealed roads, wildlife, bushfires and flooding among the hazards of long-distance driving in WA.
Is Cape Range National Park 2WD?
Yes for the main road. DBCA says the access road through the park is sealed, with two-wheel-drive access to camp and day-use sites. A four-wheel-drive is needed to cross Yardie Creek.
The campgrounds along the Cape Range coast are in very high demand from April to October. DBCA warns that temperatures can pass 50C in summer and that walks should only be attempted between April and September.
One-way car hire from Perth to Exmouth
Whether a company allows Perth pick-up and Exmouth drop-off, and what it charges, depends on the company and the season; it should be spelled out in the rental agreement. Six rental companies operate at Learmonth Airport, 36 km south of Exmouth, and a surcharge applies to rental rates because of the airport's distance from town.
If a one-way drive is too costly, you can fly one way instead: Qantas runs 9 flights a week between Perth and Learmonth. You can then hire at Learmonth for Ningaloo.
Picking up in Perth
Seven companies have desks at Perth Airport: Hertz, Europcar, Thrifty, Avis, Budget, SIXT and Redspot. International arrivals collect from the T1 arrivals hall after customs; domestic flights into T1, T3 and T4 find the counters in baggage reclaim.
For a trip this long, check the mileage terms and the agreement's rules on unsealed roads and remote areas before you sign, since the agreement sets those and they vary by company.
Compare one-way cars: Perth Airport to Learmonth (Exmouth)
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Questions people ask
How many days do you need to drive from Perth to Exmouth?
Allow well over a day: the direct route is about 1,250 km. The DBCA itinerary allows 9 to 10 days one way with stops at Yanchep, the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Carnarvon.
How long is the drive from Perth to Exmouth?
About 13 hours of driving over roughly 1,250 km on the direct route.
Can I do a one-way car hire from Perth to Exmouth?
Availability, the drop-off fee and the Exmouth or Learmonth branch depend on the company. Six companies operate at Learmonth Airport, so confirm the return branch before you book.
Is Cape Range National Park 2WD?
The sealed access road through the park is 2WD, and so are the camp and day-use sites. A 4WD is needed to cross Yardie Creek.
Can I fly to Exmouth instead of driving?
Yes. Qantas runs 9 flights a week between Perth and Learmonth Airport, which is 36 km south of Exmouth.
What is the best time to drive to Exmouth?
The DBCA itinerary gives March to November, and it warns that Cape Range temperatures can pass 50C in summer.