The Coral Coast is where Western Australia starts stretching properly.

North of Perth, the landscape flattens, the towns thin out, and the water turns clearer with every hour on the road.

A week isn’t enough to “do” the Coral Coast.

It is enough to travel it properly.

This version avoids rushing and assumes you’re travelling with a camper trailer or van and want time in the water.

Day 1: Perth to Geraldton

The first day is transport.

Push through the highway section deliberately. Stop only when necessary. Save your time for further north.

Geraldton is practical:

• Fuel
• Groceries
• Final gear checks

Camp somewhere simple. The real coastline begins tomorrow.

Day 2: Geraldton to Kalbarri

This is where the Indian Ocean starts looking serious.

Kalbarri offers:

• Elevated coastal cliffs
• Protected river access
• Multiple orientation options depending on wind

If the sea breeze builds, tuck into more sheltered corners. Morning swims work best.

Stay flexible. Don’t try to see everything.

Day 3–4: Shark Bay Region

This section deserves time.

Whether you base near Denham or further out, this is where:

• Water clarity improves dramatically
• Wildlife sightings increase
• Wind protection becomes strategic

Two nights minimum.

Morning snorkels. Midday shade. Afternoon repositioning if required.

Distance between locations increases here. Fuel discipline matters.

Day 5–6: Exmouth / Ningaloo Fringe

If you commit to Exmouth in a one-week window, accept the long drive.

The reward:

• Accessible reef
• Reliable snorkelling zones
• Clean water if conditions align

Choose your swim windows carefully:

• Early morning before wind
• Avoiding strong outgoing tides
• Watching surface texture

You will not see everything. That’s fine.

Pick one section of reef and give it time.

Day 7: Southbound Reset

The return leg is long.

Break it intelligently:

• Overnight somewhere different than the way up
• Or commit to a solid driving day and return to Perth late

The Coral Coast is distance-heavy travel.

Trying to compress it into four days turns it into a blur.

Seven days allows:

• One weather delay
• Two strong snorkel mornings
• One proper slow camp day

That’s enough to make it worthwhile.

Western Australia north of Geraldton isn’t about rapid movement.

It’s about committing to the scale and accepting that the best parts usually happen when you stop trying to maximise kilometres.