Indian Ocean Drive
A coastal route north of Perth through dunes, fishing towns and the limestone Pinnacles, ending at Geraldton, the gateway to the Coral Coast.
- Length
- about 415 km, Perth to Geraldton
- Suggested time
- 2–4 days
- Best season
- Aug–Oct, Apr–May
Before you go
- The wildflower season from about August to October brings colour to the heathland, and temperatures are mild.
- Kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk, so avoid driving at night.
- Fuel up at Lancelin, Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Dongara; summer can be very hot north of Geraldton.
The road
The Indian Ocean Drive leaves Perth's northern suburbs and runs close to the coast, passing Lancelin and Cervantes before rejoining the Brand Highway towards Dongara and Geraldton. It is a good two-lane road with a 110 km/h limit on most rural stretches, and it is easy for caravans and campervans.
Stops along the way
Lancelin's dunes, the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park and the stromatolites of Lake Thetis are the headline stops. Near Geraldton, Greenough Historic Hamlet and the HMAS Sydney II Memorial add history. Allow time at sunrise or sunset in the Pinnacles, when the light and crowds are best.
FAQs
How long does the drive take?
Perth to Geraldton is about 415 km, roughly five hours of driving without stops. Most travellers spend two to four days to include Lancelin, the Pinnacles and Geraldton.
Can I drive it in a campervan?
Yes. The road is sealed and straightforward. The gravel loop in the Pinnacles is slow but suitable for most vehicles in dry weather; check conditions after rain.
Places to see
The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park
Thousands of limestone pillars, some taller than a person, rise from yellow sand in Nambung National Park.…
Lancelin Sand Dunes
Big white dunes beside the Indian Ocean about 125 km north of Perth, popular for sandboarding and 4WD play.…
Lake Thetis stromatolites
A salty coastal lake near Cervantes with living stromatolites and thrombolites, among the oldest forms of…
Greenough Historic Hamlet
A cluster of restored stone buildings from the 1860s, once a farming settlement on the fertile Greenough…
HMAS Sydney II Memorial
A hilltop memorial in Geraldton for the 645 crew lost when HMAS Sydney II sank in 1941 after fighting the…
Hutt Lagoon pink lake
A shallow salt lake near Port Gregory whose water turns pink to red from algae that make beta-carotene. The…
Nature's Window, Kalbarri National Park
A rock arch in Kalbarri National Park framing the Murchison River gorge, reached by a short loop walk from…
Red Bluff, Kalbarri
Red sandstone cliffs and a small beach just south of Kalbarri, known for a surf break and wide coastal…
