We’ve Found Australia's Most Beautiful Road Trip

Western Australia’s got it going on

The west side of our island nation is known for its sauvignon, surfing and sharks, but it’s also home to Australia’s most beautiful road trip. Starting from Perth, the coastal route bends and winds its way north to Broome, but for those short on time, finishing in Exmouth and exploring the nearby national park is one of the best ways to enjoy the West. Here are a few of the reasons this trip deserves to be on your holiday hit list.

The Pinnacles
Not too far from Perth, Nambung National Park is home to the strange, mustard coloured Pinnacles. These limestone formations look otherworldly as the sun passes overhead and the shadows grow longer. Perfect for early morning, or late afternoon snaps.

*via Instagram @_aswewander

Jurien Bay
A little further north, in among the impossibly turquoise waters of Jurien Bay you’ll find the playful ‘puppies of the sea’. The wild sea lions here are friendly and curious… and make great models.

*via Instagram @sarahbyden @sianvibeke

Kalbarri
The best thing about Kalbarri is that it straddles both the coast and the rocky inland. Located where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean, there are stark coastal cliffs just begging for a shipwreck, as well as the Arizona-red rock formations of Kalbarri National Park.

*via Instagram @yeonwung25

The Pink Lake
Nothing screams Instagram like a millennial pink lake. The pink colour is caused by a salt-loving algae and can be more or less pink depending on the year and the season. But either way even slightly pink water is pretty stunning when you’re driving past it!

*via Instagram @sarahbyden

Monkey Mia
Despite its location 900km north of Perth, Monkey Mia is a popular holiday spot for animal lovers. Swimming in the glassy water, you’re sure to meet the local bottlenose dolphins as they swim right past you. Keep an eye out for turtles and baby sharks as well.

*via Instgram @gypsylovinlight

Ningaloo Reef
It’s little wonder that this 705, 000-hectare area is World Heritage Listed; it’s one of the longest fringing coral reefs in the world and it’s one of the best places to swim with the gigantic whale sharks as they migrate.

*via Instagram @oceancollectivemedia

Turquoise Bay
Named Western Australia’s best beach by Trip Advisor, swimming in this bright blue bay is like being inside a Disney film. It’s calm, there are over 500 species of fish and it’s relatively deserted. Perfection.