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For all visitors to Australia, Perth backpacking should be near the top of your list. Offering a different vibe to the buzz of Melbourne or the iconic viewpoints of Sydney, Perth is an ideal spot for visitors. With arguably some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and the best weather on offer in Australia, Perth backpacking is a must. Located towards the south of Western Australia, Australia’s largest state, it has a population of just over 2 million people and offers everything you could want from a city. A perfect base for your travels throughout the state, there are plenty of road trips that can be undertaken, such as to Exmouth or Broome!
Perth Backpacking – What to do!
Perth backpacking can be exhilarating or it can be relaxed; it depends on the vibe you are looking for. If you are looking for an exciting day trip, look no further than a trip to the iconic Rottnest Island, the home of Instagram’s famous Quokkas! A short ferry ride from Perth is a beautiful historic island. Rent bikes and cycle around the island, get your heart rate going with a skydive or relax on the beach and take in the sun. There is plenty to do on Rottnest Island.
For a more relaxed day, look no further than a day exploring Kings park! Found in the city center is a beautiful botanical garden, with an amazing tree-topping walkway. Make your way through some stunning bush walks or relax in the park cafe. Kings Park offers activities and beautiful views for all. From here, why not take a walk into the city and explore what’s on offer? With Northbridge within walking distance, you can find the best restaurants and bars for a relaxed afternoon. Explore the city in the sunshine that regularly covers Perth.
For backpackers looking to meet new people or just enjoy a drink in the sunshine, a Swan Valley wine tour is a must! There are a variety of tours that can be taken to see the best wineries Perth has to offer. Meet fellow backpackers on a tour or hire a private bus for your group.
Perth Backpacking – Where to stay!
There are a variety of great hostels for those looking into Perth backpacking. If you are looking for a relaxed beach stay, look no further than Western Beach Lodge in Scarborough. Located within walking distance of the beautiful Scarborough Beach this hostel is ideal for those looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful WA weather. With free surfboard or bike here backpackers can see out their days on the beach or exploring the local coastline. With a variety of rooms available from private rooms up to 6 people dorms either mixed or single sex rooms depending on your requirements. If you are looking for work the hostel offers a job board with the latest job roles in the area. This is a great hostel for anyone with a car or campervan looking for free parking. For more information see here.
Another option for those in Perth backpacking is to stay in the city, in Northbridge. There are a variety of great hostels in the area but none are better than Spinners. With a commercial kitchen available you’ll be able to cook top-of-the-range food. Located a 20-minute walk from the city center, but close to all the bars and restaurants and fun activities like crazy golf, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied in the evenings! Rooms on offer vary from 3-bed private rooms up to 8-bed dorms depending on what you are looking for. This is a great hostel in a great location! For more information see here.
An option south of Perth still within the city limits is to stay in Fremantle, for more information about Fremantle see here. The perfect hostel for many is the YHA Fremantle Prison. A unique hostel built into an old prison and holds UNESCO World Heritage Status. Located minutes from all the bars and restaurants on offer in Fremantle, you are a 20-minute drive to the city center but in a great location to relax and embrace the more colonial architecture of the area. With a cinema room and games room there is plenty to keep backpackers entertained! For more information on the YHA Fremantle Prison see here.
Perth Backpacking – Job Options
For backpackers in Perth looking to work while they explore, there are plenty of options. A great idea for any backpacker in Perth is to join the Facebook group, Perth Jobs. With job options including bar or restaurant work it is important to hold an RSA which is very easily obtained. Backpackers in Perth will often be able to get work as casual employees, which entitles them to a higher hourly rate in return for no sick leave or annual leave. This can work well for backpackers who don’t need to give notice when they want to leave their jobs. Another option for many backpackers is to get a job in construction which requires a white card. For backpackers staying in Perth and looking for farm work to complete their 88 days of regional work there are plenty of options. For more information see here.
Perth Backpacking – Conclusion
For those visiting Perth, backpacking is a great option. With some great hostels that will help backpackers meet each other, plenty of work options and so many great activities. Quite the contrast from backpacking over East, in Sydney and Melbourne, where you will find a much different vibe. For more information on Sydney see here and Melbourne see here. Perth is a great location for any backpacker and should be on top of any backpacker’s wish list!
The Perth to Exmouth road trip is a trip all visitors to Australia should make. The 1250 km drive passes through beautiful beach towns, stunning national parks, and historical sites. Making this drive is best prepared for between March and August and at the latest October. This allows you to miss the Australian summer and encompasses whale season in Exmouth, something not to miss. For a Perth to Exmouth road trip, I’d recommend at least 2 weeks. This will allow you the time to do the journey at leisure and ensure you can witness as much of WA’s beauty as possible.
Perth To Exmouth Road Trip: Part 1 – Perth to Jurien Bay – 2.5 hours
Starting your Perth to Exmouth road trip by travelling to Jurien Bay for your first night is perfect. You pass through beautiful points such as Yanchep National Park. I would recommend buying a Parks Pass, this will allow you to enter as many national parks during your trip as you like. It is a more cost-efficient way of travelling instead of paying $15 per National Park. A beautiful location and home to koalas which you’ll find in their enclosure. It can be a fun game to try and spot them hiding in their trees. There is a beautiful old pub in the national park which is great for a drink in the sun. From Yanchep, you’ll head north up to Lancelin where, if you have a 4WD you can have fun on the Lancelin sand dunes. A great activity not to be missed! Your next stop should be Cervantes, a small beach town but home to Lake Thetis. A home to stromatolites, living fossils, these are only found in certain locations around the world and are worth exploring! Your last stop before arriving in Jurien Bay for the night will be The Pinnacles Desert. A fee of $15 is applicable to enter the park but will be covered by your national parks pass if you have purchased a pass. A home to limestone blocks dating back over 30,000 years it is a site well worth embracing and a very cool experience. You’ll end your day in Jurien Bay. A quaint beachside town with a beautiful jetty and a great fish and chip shop!
Where to stay in Jurien Bay:
- Unpowered site – $34
- Powered camping site – $42
For a more bushland camping option:
- Unpowered campsites for tents for $17 a night
What to do while in Jurien Bay:
Perth To Exmouth Road Trip: Part 2 – Jurien Bay to Kalbarri – 4 hours
The next leg of your road trip will take you from Jurien Bay up to Kalbarri. You’ll pass through beautiful beach towns, vast national parks, and plenty of red dirt! The first larger town you’ll pass through is Dongara and a ‘must do’ whilst there is the Illegal Tender Rum Co Tour. Whether you are a rum drinker or not it is a fascinating tour walking you through the distilling process. The next stop is Geraldton, one of the larger cities in WA after Perth. There is plenty to see in Geraldton but a ‘must see’ is the HMAS Sydney II Memorial. A WW2 memorial for the lost soldiers. Following the more serious nature of the WW2 memorial, you may be looking for a more relaxed vibe and you’ll find that at Horrocks Beach. This beach is ideal for exploring its rock pools, fishing and paddle boarding. Just 25 minutes north of Horrocks Beach is The Pink Lake Lookout! This is a spectacular sight and one that must be seen on your travels. A lake that is pink in colour, it was different from anything I’d ever seen and I was amazed by its beauty. You’ll end your journey for the day by making the 45-minute trip north to Kalbarri where you can spend the night. Kalbarri is a place I would recommend spending more time if you can spare it as there is so much to see.
Where to stay in Kalbarri:
Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park
- Powered ensuite camping site – $60
Kalbarri Anchorage Caravan Park
- Unpowered camp site – $38
- Powered camp Site – $42
What To Do While In Kalbarri:
- Kalbarri National Park – Nature’s Window and Kalbarri Sky Walk
- Kalbarri National Park Hikes – Loop and Z Bend Gorge – A 10km hike, I did this hike with my partner and I would recommend taking plenty of water. It is a beautiful walk but challenging at points. We undertook the hike with minimal water, which is against the guidelines!
- Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs
- Red Bluff Lookout – Ideal for the most amazing sunsets
Perth To Exmouth Road Trip – Kalbarri to Shark Bay – 3 hours
The next stage of your Perth to Exmouth road trip will take you from Kalbarri up to Shark Bay. This leg of your trip will take you past Hamilton Pools. Famous for having the largest and most diverse examples of stromatolites (living fossils) in the world. These are extremely similar to those found in Lake Thetis earlier in your trip but on a larger scale! This may be something that interests you to see on a greater scale and with more diverse rock pools. From here you’ll drive past Shell Beach. One of the most incredible and different beaches you’ll ever see. Instead of sand, the entire beach is covered in tiny shells which are stunning and awe-inspiring. From here make your way up to Shark Bay, a World Heritage Site, and find somewhere to stay. You can spend a good few days here if you wish as there is plenty to see and experience.
Where to stay in Shark Bay:
- Large unpowered site – $60
- Unpowered site – $58 for 2 people
- Powered site – $68 for 2 people
What to do in Shark Bay:
- Visit Monkey Mia – see and feed the dolphins. A great experience I was able to enjoy especially as dolphins are my favourite animal. I never thought I’d get the opportunity to feed one!
- Visit Dirk Hartog Island National Park
- Visit Francois Peron National Park
- Visit the Shark Bay Heritage and Visitor Center, and learn about the World Heritage Site.
Perth To Exmouth Road Trip – Shark Bay To Exmouth – 7 hours
The final leg of your Perth to Exmouth road trip is one to savor although it is the longest leg. The beautiful sites don’t end here and you will pass through a variety of landscapes on this drive. Passing through the ‘Food Bowl’ of WA in Carnarvon, you’ll pass the Quobba Blow Holes which are a sight to behold. You’ll be able to witness the true might of the sea. As you make your way further north you will reach Coral Bay. With its pristine white sandy beaches, Coral Bay offers the perfect introduction to the wonders of the Ningaloo Reef. From here you can make your way to Exmouth where you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your long road trip.
Where to stay in Exmouth:
- Unpowered site – $50 per night
- Powered site – $60 per night
- Unpowered Sites – $59 (No RAC membership) or $45 (With RAC membership)
- Powered sites – $65 (No RAC membership) or $59 (With RAC membership) You can get both pet-friendly and no-pet sites
What to do in Exmouth:
- Swim with the whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef –
- Vist Cape Range National Park
- Visit Turquoise Bay
- Visit Vlamigh Head LightHouse
Perth To Exmouth Road Trip – Conclusion
The Perth to Exmouth Road trip is one to be embraced. You will pass through some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery and landmarks. If you are looking to continue your road trip further north to Broome, check out my Perth To Broome road trip here. If you are completing a loop around Australia and are continuing even further after your Perth to Exmouth road trip why not check out Darwin, you’ll find the best activities and work options in the area here. Take your time with the trip and enjoy every minute of this stunning drive.
The Perth to Broome road trip is a must for any visitor to Western Australia. Known as one of the best drives in Western Australia, you’ll experience WA’s seemingly endless coastline for days on end. A 2200 km drive is well broken down for a two – three-week trip and there are plenty of places to stop on your travels. Without stopping the drive is a 22-hour trip spanning the length of the WA coast. The prime time to make this trip is between April and November to avoid the scorching summer heat.
Perth To Broome Road Trip: Part 1 – Perth To Jurien Bay – 2.5 hours
The first stop on your trip will be Jurien Bay, just a short 2.5 hours north of Perth. Jurien is the ideal spot to stop on your first night. You will pass through some great WA spots on your trip here. Passing the Lancelin Sand Dunes, great fun if you’re making the trip in your 4WD, you’ll make your way past a small fishing town called Cervantes. Home to The Pinnacles, these are a must-see and are famous for the limestone blocks formed 20 – 30,000 years ago. You’ll end your day in Jurien Bay with great fish and chips on the beach. Visiting the jetty and embracing the relaxed lifestyle of Jurien Bay is a great way to spend your evening. A great place to stay is the Summerstar Caravan Park in Jurien Bay. With unpowered sites available for $34 a night and powered sites available for $42, it offers a prime location.
Perth To Broome Road Trip: Part 2 – Jurien Bay to Kalbarri – 4 hours
The drive from Jurien Bay to Kalbarri is a view of what is to come. With beautiful views and little towns to pass through the day will fly by. You’ll pass through picturesque towns like Greenhead, where I’ve spent a few weekends with stunning beaches, and the bigger city of Geraldton where you can visit a beautiful WW2 memorial. After passing through Geraldton it is a short trip to Kalbarri, via Horrocks Beach for fish and chips and a beautiful beach view, for your evening stay. An ideal place to stay is the Summerstar Caravan Park in Kalbarri. With powered en-suite sites available for $60. Kalbarri is a place you could spend up to a week as there is so much to see and I would definitely recommend at least a few days here.
Best things to do in Kalbarri:
- Visit the Kalbarri National Park and see the Instagram famous ‘Natures Window’.
- The Pink Lake – Ideal to visit on your way from Geraldton (About 40 minutes south of Kalbarri).
Perth To Broome Road Trip: Part 3 – Kalbarri to Shark Bay – 3 hours
The drive from Kalbarri to Shark Bay is beautiful. You will experience different landscapes from the beauty of the National Park to the outback red dirt. The drive will take you through Hamelin Pools, famous for having the largest and most diverse examples of stromatolites (living fossils) in the world. When you arrive in Shark Bay, a trip to Monkey Mia is required! The opportunity to feed dolphins in the wild is not to be missed. I was lucky enough to feed a dolphin and it is an amazing experience, especially seeing as dolphins are my favourite animal. Please note a trip to Monkey Mia requires an entry fee of $15 per car and is still payable if you are staying at the RAC resort. The best place to stay is The Shark Bay Caravan Park which has large unpowered sites from $60.
Best things to do in Shark Bay:
- Feed the dolphins at Monkey Mia
- Shell Beach
Perth To Broome Road Trip: Part 4 – Shark Bay to Carnarvon – 2 hours 40 mins
The drive up to Carnarvon is again one of beauty. Carnarvon is known as ‘The Food Bowl’ of WA if you are interested in completing your 88 days of regional work on your travels see here. Carnarvon is also known for its natural wonders and indigenous history. The best place to stay while here is The Big 4 Carnarvon Caravan Park, which has unpowered sites with en-suites for $70.
Best things to do in Carnarvon:
- Visit Kennedy Range National Park
- Visit The Quobba Blowholes
Perth To Broome Road Trip: Part 5 – Carnarvon to Exmouth- 4 hours
Setting off early from Carnarvon is your best option. You’ll be able to visit the Quobba Blowholes on your way out of Carnarvon you will be ideally situated to continue up to Exmouth. You won’t want to miss Coral Bay, a delightful tiny fishing village en-route. With pristine beaches and perfect snorkeling, it is somewhere not to miss. From there you will have access to Ningaloo Reef, famous for its whale sharks! Take the time to swim with these majestic creatures for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! When staying in Exmouth there are a variety of options but a great option is the Big 4 Caravan Park. With powered sites from $54 or unpowered sites from $44 a night it is somewhere very worthwhile.
Best things to do in Exmouth:
- Swim with the Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef
- Visit Turquoise Bay
- Vlahmigh Head Lighthouse
Perth To Broome Road Trip: Part 6 – Exmouth to Karratha – 6 hours
As this is the longest part of the trip so far as a singular journey it is definitely a good idea to break it up! There are some great stops to see on your way to Karratha. Visit Charles Knife Canyon, which has a great, moderately difficult, 6 km hike for adventurous travellers. Found just outside of Learmonth it is just a 25-minute drive from the center of Exmouth. From there you’ll start the trip to Karratha and pass through Onslow and Miaree, where you’ll have the option to swim in the river and go on the rope swing! A great way to relax after a fairly long drive! When you arrive in Karratha the best place to stay is The Karratha Caravan Park with powered sites from $40 a night. A great bonus about this caravan park is the offer of free washing machines which are ideal after a long trip especially when camping.
The best things to do in Karratha:
- Karratha Tank Hill Lookout
- Explore Burrup and have a go at the Jump Up if you are experienced in 4WDing
- Explore Dampier
- Take an aboriginal guided rock art tour
Perth To Broome Road Trip: Part 7 – Karratha to Eighty Mile Beach – 5 hours
By now you’re coming towards the end of the road trip and are almost in Broome! A 5-hour drive to Eighty Mile Beach will give you time to relax on beautiful beaches. This part of the drive will take you through Port Hedland where you can do some whale watching for scenic viewpoints between June and October. Once you arrive at Eighty Mile Beach you will be able to set up for your evening stay at Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park located just minutes from the beach. You can book an unpowered site for $35 a night or a powered site for $40 a night.
Best things to do in Eighty Mile Beach:
- Beach Combing
- Bird watching – Eighty Mile Beach is one of the most important shorebird sites in the country. Hundreds of thousands of birds migrate here to eat every year.
- Beach fishing
Perth To Broome Road Trip: Part 8 – Eighty Mile Beach to Broome – The final Stretch – 3 hours
The final stretch of your Perth to Broome road trip is Eighty Mile Beach to Broome. A stunning stretch of road. You will pass through Barn Hill Station where you can explore the rockpools and get a pizza! Something you definitely might be craving after just a long trip up the coast! You will end your day in Broome and the road trip is complete! You can spend your night at The Pistol Club Overflow for $30 a night. This is Australian bush camping at its finest. You are unable to book here however so it is recommended you arrive early! For information on what to do in Broome see here.
Best things to do in Broome
- Visit Cable Beach. Visit during the day to see dinosaur footprints! At night you will see camels walking up and down the beach.
- Visit Gantheaume Point
- Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park – $35 entry, you can hold a baby crocodile and watch a feeding at 3pm!
Perth To Broome Road Trip – Conclusion
The Perth to Broome road trip is a must-do for all backpackers. It is a scenic drive that will take you through so many of the key landmarks found on the WA coastline. This is a trip that is best enjoyed without a timeline just set off and live each day to its fullest. Use this post as a guide and spend your days embracing Australian life. When you arrive back in Perth you should visit Fremantle! Another beautiful town about 20 minutes south of Perth CBD. However, if you are looking to continue your road trip north or are completing a loop around Australia continue on to Darwin. The most important thing is to enjoy the ride.