West Coast Backpacker road trip from Perth to Exmouth
West Coast Loop
Jump on the Share Bus on the West Coast Loop to explore the amazing beaches, snorkelling, hikes and gorges between Perth, Exmouth, Karijini and then go back to Perth again.
We’re not a tour. We’re a shared rental! You share the rental of our minibus, trailer and camping equipment with other backpackers. The start and end date is set, but the rest is flexible to modify as you like. This way of travelling is cheaper than a tour and more flexible, but you get a group of travel mates and everything you need for a camping road trip.
If you’re keen to go all the way up north instead, you can check out our epic Perth to Broome trip here.
about the
West Coast loop
You’ll spend most of your time travelling up the coast, stopping at all the destinations between Perth and Exmouth! Here on the West Coast, there are many beautiful beaches where you can swim, or even spot dolphins.
When you take a break from the beach you’ll find other sights to see, like Nature’s Window in Kalbarri. However, the real highlight is the Ningaloo Reef. It rivals the Great Barrier Reef, but you don’t need a boat, just jump in from the beach for some world-class snorkelling. If you’re up for it, you can also dive with Whale Sharks in Exmouth.
Then, you’ll head inland to explore Karijini’s incredible gorges and swimming holes. Tanned and happy, you can then take the inland route back to Perth – and try to spot some Aboriginal art along the way!
Expect to get fit with lots of hiking, snorkelling and exercise as you appreciate the natural sights. This is a no-frills adventure – you’ll be setting up your own tents, cooking your own dinner and sharing your tent with one or two other people. The target age group is 18-35.
Things to note
inclusions and exclusions
about the bus and trailer
On this trip you will travel in a 12-seater Toyota Hiace Commuter with a custom-built trailer fully equipped with everything you need. All you need to drive the bus is a regular drivers license. You will have the option to sign up as a driver or non-driver when you book, although we do recommend signing up as a driver if you can.
West Coast Loop
trip dates
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West Coast
backpacker
trip highlights
Kalbarri National Park
See Nature's Window and the wonders of Kalbarri National Park.
Monkey Mia
Spot dolphins from the beach at Monkey Mia.
Ningaloo Reef
Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef right off the coast.
Karijini National Park
Explore the world-famous Karijini National Park.
our recommended itinerary
Lancelin and the Pinnacles
After meeting the group and doing a food shop, head to Lancelin to play on giant sand dunes and go sandboarding, kayaking or swimming.
In the afternoon check out the world-famous ‘alien’ Pinnacles at Cervantes!
Jurien Bay and Greenhead
Enjoy some beach time, and view the Pinnacles in the morning if you didn’t get the chance the day before.
At Jurien Bay you have the opportunity to snorkel with friendly sea lions. Heading up the coast, you can stop at Greenhead where you can see the Dynamite Bay and enjoy a BBQ, swim, or one of the walking trails.
There is a free camp on a beach not too far north of Greenhead.
Kalbarri and Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake!)
There’s a little bit more driving as you can continue the drive North.
On your way to Kalbarri make sure you detour to see ‘Hutt Lagoon’, one of the more accessible and pink ‘pink lakes’ in Australia.
Then head towards Kalbarri and stop at the Kalbarri Sea Cliffs for some beautiful walks and dramatic sea views.
The gorge near Kalbarri (Murchison Gorge) deserves a whole day, so it’s best to check it out on your second day in the area.
You can see the famous Nature’s Window here, but we recommend doing one or two of the longer hikes to make the most of what this location has to offer.
Monkey Mia and Shark Bay World Heritage Area
Head towards Monkey Mia stopping at sights like Shell Beach, Eagle Bluff and the town of Denham on the way.
Monkey Mia is famous for being able to spot dolphins off the beach! Stay overnight at Monkey Mia. Laze by the beach, play games, and spot marine animals and wildlife during the day.
Kayak hire is also available if you feel like being more adventurous and exploring the peninsula.
Hamelin Pool, Carnarvon and Quobba Blowholes
After leaving the Peninsula, at Hamelin Pool, you can see old stromatolites. Once you’ve checked them out, head North to Carnarvon, and stop in town to grocery shop or pass by a local farm for fresh mangoes and produce.
Nearby are the Quobba Blowholes which are quite impressive, and close to them there is also a good snorkelling spot.
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a special place! It’s a very small town with a beautiful beach. The most special part is that you can snorkel the Ningaloo Reef right off the coast! Stay here for a night.
Cape Range National Park
Cape Range National Park is an amazing place; camp here if you can! There is world-class snorkelling at oyster stacks. Or you can visit one of the most beautiful beaches in existence at Turquoise Bay. There is also some nice hiking available at Yardie Creek and Charles Knife Canyon.
Cape Range National Park and Exmouth
We recommend spending most of Day 10 inside Cape Range National Park and heading out to Exmouth in the afternoon.
Do any tours on Day 11 (like seeing whale sharks, or a diving tour), as well as exploring Exmouth. Then drive a couple of hours towards Karijini National Park before setting up camp for the night.
Karijini National Park
It’s a long drive to Karijini, but once you are there set up a camp for a few nights – there’s a lot to see.
You should spend 3 full days here. There are falls, pools, hikes, gorges – look up some pictures. If you stop at a tourist information centre on the way you’ll be able to get some maps, and possibly join an abseiling/canyoning tour if you feel adventurous.
Make sure you leave Karijini by the early afternoon of the 15th day to make sure you have enough time to get to Perth.
Driving from Karijini towards Perth
Spend the morning in Karijini, but start heading to Perth by the afternoon of Day 15.
The Great Northern Highway is the quickest route back to Perth, but there are still a few interesting spots to check out.
You can stop at Meekatharra for lunch and to explore; perhaps walking the 3km heritage trail. When you reach Cue you can find historical buildings from the Gold Rush.
New Norcia to Perth
Journey towards Perth. Stop by New Norcia – the town of monks, then head into Perth to enjoy the afternoon.
Access Our
Early Bird Deals!
Exclusive discounts are available if you book more than 6 weeks in advance, want to stay on the Share Bus for more than one trip or are travelling with a group of friends. Please send us an email for details and to check your discount eligibility.
Or if you’re not ready to book yet, fill in our form to be contacted in your preferred way and ask as many questions as you want!
We will also keep you updated on any price changes.