They say the west coast is the best coast, and you’ll certainly see this for yourself when you take the epic drive up from Perth to Geraldton. This road trip is incredibly popular amongst locals; just four hours in length up and along the Indian Ocean Drive, you’ll visit some impressive sights and have beautiful views from your car window the whole road up. Perhaps plan this for a weekend trip away or as the start of a Western Australia adventure. Read ahead to discover the best places to visit on a Perth to Geraldton road trip.

This will likely be your first big stop on the road trip. Yanchep National Park is a 42-kilometre drive up from Perth, and it’s one of the best places in the country to spot the gorgeous koala bear. Park up and head on the Koala Boardwalk. The boardwalk is 240 metres in length, and you should be sure to keep your head up as you try to spot a marsupial resting in one of the trees. There’s also the Crystal Cave close by. Filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and other natural formations, it’s a fantastic place to explore. The nature in Yanchep National Park is nothing short of epic - from the western grey kangaroos to cockatoos, pelicans, and parrots; there are never-ending opportunities to spot some native wildlife.

Lancelin is an hour north of Yanchep, so the ideal next stop on this road trip. Take in the views of the ocean as you cruise to one of the most popular windsurfing spots in Australia. If windsurfing is your passion, enjoy - Lancelin is home to some of the best waves in the country. But there are also some fantastic sand dunes waiting to be discovered. Pack a sandboard or cardboard and head on up for a few rounds of adrenaline-fueled fun.

It’s time to travel back in time (or to outer space) and discover the natural phenomena of The Pinnacles. Formed by ancient limestone structures, Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles are easily two of the most frequented tourist spots in WA. Thousands of limestone structures stand tall in the park; visit at sunrise or sunset for the most eerily beautiful viewing opportunity, and definitely bring your camera! The walk will be filled with picture-perfect spots. 

Let’s head underwater to the natural playground of Jurien Bay. Perhaps book onto the ever-popular sea lion tour, where you can swim and explore with the friendly animals nearby. Or, head into the water and enjoy simply being in a spectacular corner of the WA coastline. Jurien Bay is fast emerging as one of the best destinations for a weekend break. With great beaches, accommodation, and the underwater playground just offshore, you’ll have a fantastic time staying here - perhaps book a night’s stay to truly make the most of it and to break up your journey north.

The final spot on this road trip is the sleepy seaside town of Dongara. It’s also a great place to fuel up for the final one-and-a-half-hour drive north to Geraldton. So, once your car is filled with fuel, perhaps stop for a coffee at The Green Beanie coffee van at Granny’s Beach, and relax by the ocean one last time before heading to your final destination.

Once you’re in Geraldton, you have the magnificent Coral Coast ahead of you. Perhaps head on for some more beautiful destinations, or save this trip for another holiday. The most popular thing to do in the town here is the Pink Lake, or Hutt Lagoon. This lake has epic hues varying from salmon pink through to magenta. Park up and see it for yourself before heading back home. 

The west coast is definitely the best coast. You’ll see it yourself as you drive up from Perth to Geraldton: the Indian Ocean Drive is nothing short of spectacular. Of course, every stop you make offers a unique glimpse into what makes this section of Australia so magical - so take your time, relax, and enjoy. This road trip will be one that you will remember for a long time to come!