Coral Coast, Pilbara and Kimberley

North of Perth, Western Australia opens into some of the most spectacular and remote country on Earth. The Coral Coast runs past the Pinnacles, Kalbarri's gorges and the World Heritage bays of Shark Bay to the Ningaloo Reef. Inland, the Pilbara's ancient ranges hide the deep gorges of Karijini. Further north, Broome is the gateway to the Kimberley, a tropical wilderness of gorges, waterfalls, rock art and the Bungle Bungle Range.

The north rewards careful planning. Distances are vast, the climate is extreme in summer and the tropical wet season closes roads. This section brings together our guides to the north, plus advice that applies across the region.

Guides in this section

• The Coral Coast: Pinnacles to Shark Bay: the Indian Ocean Drive, the Pinnacles, Geraldton, Kalbarri and Shark Bay.
• Ningaloo and Exmouth: snorkelling from the beach, whale sharks, humpbacks, Coral Bay and Cape Range National Park.
• Karijini and the Pilbara: gorges, pools and trail classes, flash flood safety, Millstream and Murujuga.
• Broome and the Kimberley: Cable Beach, the Gibb River Road, Purnululu, seasons and crocodile safety.

The regions at a glance

The Coral Coast. From Cervantes and the Pinnacles north through Geraldton, Kalbarri and Shark Bay to Coral Bay and Exmouth. It's semi-arid country, with a turquoise coastline, red gorges and abundant marine life.

The Gascoyne and Ningaloo. The North West Cape and the Ningaloo Reef, one of the world's largest fringing reefs, with Exmouth and Coral Bay as bases.

The Pilbara. A vast region of red ranges, spinifex and ancient rock, with Karijini and Millstream Chichester national parks, major mining towns and the rock art of Murujuga.

The Kimberley. Australia's north-western corner, a tropical wilderness larger than many countries, with Broome, Derby, Kununurra, the Gibb River Road and Purnululu National Park.

Classic northern road trips

Coral Coast (7 to 10 days). Perth to Shark Bay via the Pinnacles, Geraldton and Kalbarri, and back.

Perth to Exmouth (2 to 3 weeks). Continue from Shark Bay to Coral Bay and Exmouth, returning via the same route or inland via Karijini.

The big loop (4 to 6 weeks or more). Perth to Broome via the coast and Karijini, then the Kimberley, returning inland or continuing into the Northern Territory.

Fly and drive. Fly to Exmouth, Broome or Kununurra and hire a vehicle for a shorter trip.

When to visit

• April to October: the best time for most of the north, with warm days and cooler nights. The Kimberley's dry season runs from about May to October.
• November to March: very hot, with cyclones, storms and flooding in the tropics. Many roads and parks in the Kimberley close in the wet season.

Read more in our guide to the best time to visit regional WA.

Distances and driving

The north's distances are enormous, and fuel, food and help can be far apart. Plan realistic driving days, take breaks every two hours, avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night, fill up at every opportunity and give road trains plenty of room. Read our guide to distances and road safety.

Remote travel

Much of the north is remote, with limited mobile coverage. Carry plenty of water, a personal locator beacon or satellite device, and leave a trip plan with someone. Read our guide to outback travel essentials.

Water safety

• Crocodiles. Saltwater crocodiles live in rivers, estuaries, billabongs and coastal waters in the Kimberley and parts of the Pilbara. Never swim where crocodiles may be present.
• Stingers. Box jellyfish and other marine stingers occur in northern waters, mainly from about November to May.
• Currents. Reef currents at Ningaloo can carry snorkellers out to sea.
• Gorges. Flash floods and cold water make gorges dangerous in some conditions.

Aboriginal country and permits

Much of the north is Aboriginal land, and many national parks are jointly managed with Traditional Owners. Entry permits are required for some areas, and some communities are closed to visitors. Aboriginal-led tours offer insights into culture and country. Respect signs at culturally significant places.

World Heritage areas

The north has four World Heritage areas: Shark Bay (1991), Purnululu National Park (2003), the Ningaloo Coast (2011) and the Murujuga Cultural Landscape (2025). They protect outstanding natural and cultural values. Follow park rules to help protect them.

Key points

Northern WA's Coral Coast, Pilbara and Kimberley are among Australia's great travel destinations. Visit in the cooler, drier months, allow plenty of time or fly, prepare for remote travel, respect water hazards and Aboriginal country, and book ahead in peak season.