How Many Days in Western Australia Do You Need? 7, 10, 14 or 21 Days

On By saar.decosterIn Australia

Western Australia is one of the most incredible regions to explore on a road trip. The landscapes feel wilder, the beaches are quieter, and some of the sunsets look almost unreal. From the Pinnacles Desert and Kalbarri National Park to the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef, there’s so much to see that deciding how long to spend here can be surprisingly difficult.

One thing that surprised me was how much your experience can change depending on the season. From whale shark season in Exmouth to the temperatures further north, timing your trip can make a huge difference. If you’re still deciding when to visit, read my guide to the best time to visit Western Australia.

But first, one of the most common questions when planning a trip is: how many days do you need in Western Australia?

My personal recommendation is 14 days for a West Coast Australia road trip from Perth to Exmouth. This gives you time to explore the main highlights without spending your entire trip driving from one destination to the next.

However, you can still experience a lot in 7 or 10 days, while three weeks or longer gives you the opportunity to explore more of Western Australia’s beautiful South West.

In this guide, I’ll break down how many days I’d recommend, what you can realistically see in each timeframe, and how I’d plan a Western Australia itinerary based on my own travel experience.

How Many Days Do You Need in Western Australia? My Quick Answer

If you’re planning your first Western Australia road trip, here’s how much time I’d allow.

  • 7 days: Best for a short, fast-paced trip focused on selected highlights.
  • 10 days: A good option if you want to explore the West Coast with slightly more breathing room.
  • 14 days: My recommended timeframe for a Perth to Exmouth road trip.
  • 21 days or more: Ideal if you want to explore the West Coast and add destinations in the South West, such as Margaret River and Albany.

Personally, I only spent seven days exploring the West Coast, and honestly, it felt far too short. Throughout my trip, I spoke to plenty of travellers who had spent longer exploring the region, and almost all of them agreed that two weeks is a much better amount of time.

The distances are significant, and the road trip itself is just as much a part of the experience as the destinations. You don’t want to spend every day watching the clock, especially when there are so many beautiful places to stop along the way.

If you’d like to read more about my own experience travelling around Western Australia, you can check out my travel diary.

Group tour bus parked at sunset during a West Coast Australia travel diary, with warm golden light over the Western Australian landscape after a long day of driving.
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Is 7 Days in Western Australia Enough?

Seven days is enough to experience some of Western Australia’s highlights, but you’ll need to be selective about where you go.

If you want to travel from Perth all the way to Exmouth in one week, expect long driving days and limited time at some destinations. The distance between Shark Bay and Exmouth is particularly significant, so this route is ambitious rather than relaxed.

If you only have a week, I’d consider focusing on the destinations that matter most to you instead of trying to fit everything into your itinerary.

My 7-Day Western Australia Itinerary

Day 1: Perth

Start your trip by exploring Perth. Visit Kings Park, wander around Fremantle, grab a coffee and finish the day watching the sunset at Cottesloe Beach.

Sunset over the Indian Ocean at a Perth beach with golden skies and silhouettes of people, part of how to spend 24 hours in Perth guide

Day 2: Lancelin and the Pinnacles Desert

Head north along the coast and stop in Lancelin for sandboarding before continuing to the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park.

The unusual limestone formations make this one of the most distinctive landscapes in Western Australia.

Day 3: Geraldton and Hutt Lagoon

Continue north towards Geraldton, stopping at Hutt Lagoon, also known as Pink Lake, if the route and conditions allow.

The colour of the lake can vary depending on the weather, season and other conditions, so don’t expect it to look exactly the same in every photograph.

Day 4: Kalbarri National Park

Explore Kalbarri National Park, including Nature’s Window, Z-Bend and the spectacular coastal viewpoints.

If you love dramatic landscapes, this is one of the stops I’d prioritise on a Western Australia road trip.

Day 5: Shark Bay and Monkey Mia

Head towards Shark Bay and visit highlights such as Shell Beach and Eagle Bluff. If you want to see the famous wild dolphins at Monkey Mia, plan your timing carefully.

For more inspiration, read my guide to the 5 best things to do in Shark Bay, Western Australia.

Days 6–7: Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef

If Exmouth is a priority, allow enough time for the long drive north from Shark Bay. Depending on your route and stops, this can take a substantial part of the day.

Once you arrive, explore Ningaloo Reef, relax at Turquoise Bay or consider a marine wildlife tour if you’re visiting during the relevant season.

Seven days can work if you’re determined to see both Shark Bay and Exmouth, but I’d personally allow more time or shorten the route to avoid spending so much of your trip driving.

Why 10 Days in Western Australia Works Well

If you have 10 days in Western Australia, you have more flexibility to enjoy the places you’re visiting rather than simply driving through them.

I’d follow a similar route to my 14-day West Coast Australia itinerary, but make a few adjustments to fit the available time.

My 10-Day Western Australia Itinerary

Days 1–2: Perth

Spend two days exploring Perth before heading further north.

Visit Kings Park, explore the city’s neighbourhoods, enjoy the cafés and take in the relaxed atmosphere. You could also add a day trip to Rottnest Island to see the famous quokkas and explore the island’s beaches, although this would mean adjusting your time in the city.

If you only have one day in Perth, check out my 24 Hours in Perth itinerary for ideas on what to see, eat and do.

Day 3: Lancelin and the Pinnacles Desert

Head north and stop in Lancelin for sandboarding before visiting the Pinnacles Desert.

Day 4: Geraldton and Hutt Lagoon

Continue north and visit Hutt Lagoon if conditions are suitable. Geraldton also makes a useful stop along the way.

Day 5: Kalbarri National Park

Spend the day exploring Kalbarri’s dramatic coastal scenery and inland landscapes.

Personally, one full day can be enough to see some of the main highlights, although you could easily spend longer if you enjoy hiking and exploring at a slower pace.

Kalbarri National Park cliffs during a West Coast Australia travel diary, showing deep red rock formations, vast canyon views and dramatic Western Australia landscapes.

Days 6–7: Shark Bay and Monkey Mia

Allow two days to explore Shark Bay and its surroundings.

Visit Shell Beach, enjoy the views from Eagle Bluff and spend time in Denham. You can also visit Monkey Mia for the chance to observe the wild dolphins that sometimes come close to shore.

This is where you’ll really start to feel the difference between Australia’s busier East Coast and the remote beauty of the West Coast. Expect wide-open landscapes, incredible sunsets and memorable wildlife encounters.

Read my full guide to the best things to do in Shark Bay before you go.

Days 8–10: Exmouth

Continue north to Exmouth and spend time exploring Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park.

For me, this is where Western Australia really shines. The beaches are beautiful, the water is incredibly clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel and experience the marine environment.

Turquoise Bay is a highlight, while wildlife tours can be an option depending on the season and availability.

Ten days gives you a good overview of the West Coast, but you’ll still need to keep an eye on driving distances and avoid adding too many extra stops.

Sunset at Cottesloe Beach in Perth during a West Coast Australia travel diary, with golden light over the ocean and people watching the sun go down.

Why 14 Days in Western Australia Is My Recommendation

If you’re wondering how many days in Western Australia I’d recommend for a first road trip, my answer is 14 days.

Two weeks gives you a better balance between driving, exploring and relaxing. You can stop when something catches your eye, spend longer at your favourite beaches, enjoy the sunsets and have a little flexibility if your plans change.

It’s also a good amount of time to explore the main highlights between Perth and Exmouth without making every day feel like a race.

My Recommended 14-Day Western Australia Itinerary

Days 1–2: Perth

Explore Perth and its surroundings before beginning your road trip. Visit Kings Park, spend time in Fremantle and enjoy the city’s beaches and cafés.

Day 3: Rottnest Island

Take a day trip to Rottnest Island to see the quokkas, cycle around the island and discover its beautiful beaches.

Day 4: Lancelin and the Pinnacles Desert

Head north, stop for sandboarding in Lancelin and explore the unusual limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert.

Day 5: Geraldton and Hutt Lagoon

Continue north towards Geraldton and stop at Hutt Lagoon if the conditions are right. This breaks up the journey towards Kalbarri.

Days 6–7: Kalbarri National Park

Spend time exploring both the coastal scenery and the inland section of Kalbarri National Park.

Visit the famous viewpoints, enjoy the landscapes and allow time for walks if you’re keen to explore beyond the main stops.

Days 8–9: Shark Bay and Monkey Mia

Shark Bay is one of the highlights of this road trip. Visit Shell Beach, stop at Eagle Bluff Lookout, explore Denham and head to Monkey Mia for the chance to see wild dolphins.

Two days give you more time to enjoy this remote part of Western Australia without rushing between every attraction.

Sea turtle swimming off the coast of Western Australia

Day 10: Carnarvon

Continue north and spend a night in Carnarvon. It’s a practical overnight stop that breaks up the drive towards the Ningaloo Coast.

Day 11: Coral Bay

Spend time in Coral Bay, where you can access Ningaloo Reef from the coast. Depending on conditions, you can snorkel, relax on the beach or book a marine wildlife experience.

Days 12–14: Exmouth

Finish your road trip in Exmouth, exploring Ningaloo Reef, Turquoise Bay and Cape Range National Park.

Depending on the season, you might also consider a whale shark tour or another marine wildlife excursion. These experiences are seasonal, weather-dependent and often need to be booked in advance.

This is very close to the route I’d recommend for a first West Coast Australia road trip. It includes a mix of cities, desert landscapes, national parks, remote beaches and wildlife experiences.

For the full route and more practical planning information, read my Ultimate West Coast Australia Road Trip: Perth to Exmouth.

What If You Have 21 Days or More in Western Australia?

If you have three weeks or longer, I’d seriously consider adding Western Australia’s South West to your trip instead of spending all your extra time extending the journey north.

The South West feels very different from the remote landscapes around Shark Bay and Exmouth. You’ll find forests, wineries, coastal towns, beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs.

Depending on your interests, you could spend another 7–10 days exploring some of these destinations.

Mandurah and Bunbury

These coastal towns make possible stops when travelling south from Perth. They’re worth considering if you want to break up the journey towards the South West.

Busselton and Dunsborough

Explore the beaches around Geographe Bay and visit the famous Busselton Jetty. This area is a good choice if you enjoy coastal scenery and relaxed seaside towns.

Margaret River

Margaret River is famous for its wineries, but there’s much more to the region than wine tasting. Think beautiful beaches, caves, forests and scenic drives.

Even if wine isn’t your thing, it’s worth considering as part of a longer Western Australia itinerary.

Pemberton

Pemberton is known for its towering karri forests and peaceful natural surroundings. It’s a lovely addition if you want to experience a greener side of Western Australia.

Albany

Albany is one of the places I’d consider adding if you have enough time. The coastline is spectacular, with dramatic rock formations, beaches and viewpoints that feel very different from the northern coast.

Adding the South West can turn your trip into a much more varied Western Australia road trip, combining the West Coast highlights with forests, wineries and coastal scenery in the south.

Is It Better to Spend More Time on the West Coast or Explore the South West?

This depends on what you want from your trip.

If it’s your first visit to Western Australia and you want to see the iconic landscapes around Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay and Exmouth, I’d prioritise the West Coast.

If you have three weeks or more, adding the South West gives you a broader experience of the state.

The north is known for its remote landscapes, turquoise water, marine life and long distances between destinations. The South West offers a different mix of forests, wineries, coastal towns and beaches.

If you’re still deciding between the two, read my comparison of East Coast vs West Coast Australia.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Western Australia?

The best time to visit Western Australia depends on where you’re going and what you want to do.

The state is enormous, so the weather in Perth can be very different from conditions further north around Exmouth. Seasonal marine wildlife experiences can also influence when you choose to travel.

For a West Coast road trip, it’s worth researching the conditions for each destination rather than assuming the entire route has the same climate.

I visited Western Australia at a time when the weather made exploring the coast particularly enjoyable. However, I’d plan around the destinations and activities that matter most to you.

For a more detailed breakdown of seasons, temperatures and when I’d go again, read my guide to the best time to visit Western Australia.

Empty road through Western Australia at sunset

Final Thoughts: How Many Days Do You Need in Western Australia?

If you’re still wondering how many days you need in Western Australia, here’s my recommendation:

  • 7 days: Choose a shorter route and accept that you’ll need to make compromises.
  • 10 days: A good option for seeing many of the West Coast highlights, although you’ll still need to plan your driving carefully.
  • 14 days: My preferred timeframe for a Perth to Exmouth road trip.
  • 21 days or more: Ideal if you want to combine the West Coast with Western Australia’s South West.

Personally, I’d choose 14 days if I were planning the trip again. My own seven-day experience felt too short, and Western Australia is a place where I’d rather have time to stop and enjoy the journey than rush through it.

No matter how long you stay, don’t underestimate the distances. Plan your route realistically, leave room for unexpected stops and remember that you don’t have to see everything in one trip.

Sometimes the best part of a Western Australia road trip is the place you hadn’t planned to stop at all.

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FAQs: How Many Days in Western Australia?

How many days do you need in Western Australia?

I’d recommend 14 days for a West Coast road trip from Perth to Exmouth. This gives you time to explore major highlights such as Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef without rushing through every destination. You can still see some highlights in 7–10 days, but you’ll need to be more selective.

Is 7 days enough for Western Australia?

Seven days can be enough for a short Western Australia trip, but travelling all the way from Perth to Exmouth in a week involves long drives and limited time at some stops. If you only have seven days, consider focusing on fewer destinations.

Is 10 days enough for a Western Australia road trip?

Yes, 10 days gives you time to explore many of the main West Coast highlights. You’ll still need to plan carefully around driving distances, especially between Shark Bay and Exmouth, but it can be a good compromise if you don’t have two full weeks.

How many days do you need to drive from Perth to Exmouth?

I’d allow around 10–14 days for a Perth to Exmouth road trip, depending on how many places you want to visit and how long you want to stay at each stop. Two weeks gives you more flexibility to explore the coast, national parks and Ningaloo Reef.

Is 14 days enough for Western Australia?

Fourteen days is my recommended timeframe for a first West Coast Australia road trip. It allows you to visit Perth, the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay and Exmouth, while giving yourself more time to enjoy the destinations.

Is 3 weeks enough to explore Western Australia?

Three weeks is a great amount of time. You can explore the West Coast and potentially add part of the South West, including destinations such as Margaret River, Busselton and Albany. You may still need to prioritise depending on how much driving you want to do.

What is the best time to visit Western Australia?

The best time depends on the region and activities you want to experience. Weather varies significantly between the southern and northern parts of the state, and some wildlife experiences are seasonal. Read my full guide to the best time to visit Western Australia for more detailed advice.

Is Western Australia worth visiting?

Absolutely. Western Australia offers remote beaches, dramatic landscapes, national parks, wildlife and some incredible road trips. It’s different from Australia’s busier East Coast and is particularly rewarding if you enjoy nature and exploring at your own pace.

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