Driving to Exmouth from Perth?
Driving from Perth to Exmouth is an incredible experience in its self. Driving gives you the opportunity to experience first hand the vast Australian outback. This drive showcases some of the amazing diversity of Western Australia - from the green areas around to Perth to the increasingly arid areas of the north.
The road distance between Perth and Exmouth is approximately 1,270 kilometres [794 miles] and is characterised by long stretches of straight road (50 - 60kms) running through semi-arid desert and will take approximately 13 - 14 hours to travel safely. It is recommended that you plan to stop, stretch and rest every two hours.
There are two main towns on the way, Geraldton and Carnarvon which make good places to stop. There are also roadhouses with petrol and food for the weary traveller every 200 kms [125 miles] which make convenient resting places. Major tourist spots up the coast include The Pinnacles (additional 140km [88 miles] detour return) and Monkey Mia (additional 300kms [188 miles] detour return).
Car rentals are available from Perth although you have to be careful that your rental agreement allows you to take your rental car north of Carnarvon.
Car bookings can be made through your travel agent or Kim at Flight Centre in Ocean Keys, Perth. She can help you with hire cars and other transport from Perth to the Ningaloo Reef.
Long Distance Driving Tips:
- Wearing of seat belts for driver and all passengers is compulsory in Australia. Passengers not wearing seat belts can be fined.
- Small children are required by law to be strapped into special child safety seats.
- Drink / drive laws in Australia are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05! If you are stopped by Police, they are required by law to administer an alcohol breath test regardless of the reason for which you were stopped. Driving under the influence of alcohol can result in loss of licence, heavy fines, arrest and imprisonment.
- Travel during the day as much as possible! Much of the road goes through unfenced areas where wildlife and stock roam freely. These animals wander on to the road at night creating a traffic hazard.
- Obey the speed limit of 110km/h [69 m/h] for open road and all town speed limits (50 km/h in built up areas; obey the posted limits). Police do target speeders and fines can be heavy. More importantly, extra speed increases your chances of having an accident. Wild animals and stock can wander over the roads, especially close to dusk and dawn. Their movements are unpredictable and excess speed can be the difference in reacting appropriately and safely. Accidents in remote, lightly traveled areas can be far more serious than accidents in the city as there can be delays in notification and deployment of rescue teams. The extra speed is not worth it - slow down and enjoy the novel landscape.
- Drive more slowly at night as you will not be able to see wild animals or wandering stock until you are very close. When looking for animals, look for the reflection of the headlights on the eyes. Animal eyes are very reflective and easy to spot at night.
- Always have the front seat passenger stay awake with the driver to keep the driver awake and help spot animals. Some of the roads are very long and straight (30 - 50 kms). It is easy to get bored and fall asleep at the wheel, especially while driving at night.
- Expect more animals on the road the further north you travel, especially over the last 217kms after the Minilya turnoff from the main highway up the North West Cape into Exmouth.
- Kangaroos are the most unpredictable animals as they become blinded and panicked by car headlights and can jump in any direction, often straight into oncoming cars. You will also see foxes, emus, goats, rabbits, sheep and cattle.
- If you see an animal beside the road or coming out onto the road, slow down quickly in a straight line. Never swerve suddenly at high speed as this is the cause of many bad and sometimes fatal accidents on country roads as cars can roll or flip more easily at high speeds. If necessary *hit the animal* rather than swerving suddenly at high speed, you may dent and damage the car but you and your friends/family will all be alive and safe.
- Fill up your car with petrol frequently, preferably at Geraldton and Carnarvon. It can be 200 kms between petrol stations and if you run out of petrol half way it can be a long, long walk!
- Always carry water when travelling in remote locations (available from all food shops and petrol stations).
Coral Bay, (approximately 150km south of Exmouth) is another great location from which to explore the Ningaloo Reef. Try staying in Coral Bay for a while and doing coral reef dives/snorkels, manta ray and whale shark tours with our sister dive shop, Ningaloo Reef Diving Centre on your way to or from Exmouth. The Ningaloo Reef is 2 steps off the beach!
Finally, the price of petrol in regional Western Australia will be considerably higher than in the Perth Metro area.
