Introduction
Western Australia is huge.
And when I say huge, I really mean huge.
Before visiting, I completely underestimated the distances. Looking at a map, Perth to Exmouth doesn’t seem that far. Then you realise you’re driving hundreds of kilometres between towns and suddenly Western Australia feels bigger than some countries.
After road tripping from Perth all the way to Exmouth myself, I can honestly say Western Australia became one of my favourite parts of Australia. The landscapes feel wilder, the beaches are quieter, and some of the sunsets looked almost unreal.
One thing that surprised me was how much the 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 want to know the perfect time, you can read my advise here.
One of the questions I see people asking most often is: How many days in Western Australia do you actually need?
The answer depends on how much time you have, but if you’re looking for my personal recommendation, I’d say 14 days is the sweet spot.
That gives you enough time to experience the famous West Coast without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one place to another.
That said, if you’re short on time, you can still see a lot in 7 or 10 days.
Here’s exactly what I would do.
My Quick Answer: How Many Days in Western Australia Do You Need?
If you’re planning your first trip to Western Australia, this is what I’d recommend:
- 7 Days: Great if you’re short on time and want to see the highlights.
- 10 Days: A comfortable road trip with less driving pressure.
- 14 Days: My personal recommendation and the perfect amount of time.
- 21+ Days: Ideal if you also want to explore the South West region around Margaret River and Albany.
Personally, I only spent seven days on 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 the perfect amount of time. It gives you enough time to enjoy the journey without constantly feeling rushed. If you’d like to read more about my own experience road-tripping Western Australia, you can check out my travel diary here.
The road trip itself is just as much a part of the experience as the destinations.
Is 7 Days in Western Australia Enough?
Honestly?
Seven days is the absolute minimum I would recommend.
You’ll spend a fair amount of time driving, but you’ll still get to experience some of Western Australia’s most famous attractions.
If I only had one week, this is exactly what I would do.
My 7 Day Western Australia Itinerary
Day 1: Perth
Spend your first day exploring Perth.
Visit Kings Park, wander around Fremantle, grab a coffee and finish with sunset at Cottesloe Beach.
Day 2: Lancelin & The Pinnacles
Start driving north.
Go sandboarding at Lancelin before heading to Nambung National Park to see the Pinnacles Desert.
Day 3: Pink Lake & Geraldton
Continue north and stop at Hutt Lagoon, also known as Pink Lake.
Depending on the conditions, the lake turns an incredible bright pink colour.
Day 4: Kalbarri National Park
Visit Nature’s Window, Z-Bend and some of the spectacular coastal viewpoints around Kalbarri.
Day 5: Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
One of my favourite days.
Visit Shell Beach, Eagle Bluff and watch the famous dolphins at Monkey Mia.
Day 6: Exmouth
Continue north towards Exmouth and spend the afternoon relaxing around Ningaloo Reef.
Day 7: Exmouth
Use your final day to snorkel, visit Turquoise Bay or join a whale shark tour if you’re visiting during the season.
Seven days is definitely fast-paced, but if that’s all the time you have, it’s still absolutely worth doing.
Why I Think 10 Days in Western Australia Works Well
Ten days gives you a little breathing room.
You can slow down the driving and spend more time enjoying the places you’re actually visiting.
If I had ten days, I’d follow a very similar route to my 14-day itinerary but make a few adjustments.
My 10 Day Western Australia Itinerary
Days 1-2: Perth
Explore Perth properly and enjoy a relaxed start. You can also visit Rottnest island if you want.
Day 3: Lancelin & Pinnacles
Sandboarding and the Pinnacles Desert.
Day 4: Geraldton & Pink Lake
Stop at Hutt Lagoon before continuing north.
Day 5: Kalbarri National Park
Spend one full day exploring the national park.
Personally, if you’re short on time, I think one day is enough for Kalbarri.
Days 6-7: Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
Stay two nights and enjoy the wildlife experiences.
Days 8-10: Exmouth
Spend two full days exploring Ningaloo Reef, Turquoise Bay and Cape Range National Park.
For me, this is where Western Australia really shines.
Why Two Weeks in Western Australia Feels Just Right
If you’re asking me how many days in Western Australia I would recommend, my answer is 14 days.
This gives you enough time to experience the journey rather than simply ticking destinations off a list.
You can stop when something catches your eye, enjoy longer lunches, watch sunsets and actually relax.
My Recommended 14 Day Western Australia Itinerary
Days 1-2: Perth
Explore the city before starting the road trip.
Day 3: Rottnest Island
Meet the quokkas and spend a day cycling around the island.
Day 4: Lancelin & Pinnacles
Sandboarding and desert landscapes.
Day 5: Geraldton & Pink Lake
A perfect stopover heading north.
Days 6-7: Kalbarri National Park
Explore both the inland and coastal sections of the park.
Days 8-9: Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
One of the highlights of the entire road trip.
Seeing the dolphins at Monkey Mia is something I’ll never forget.
Day 10: Carnarvon
A relaxed overnight stop.
Day 11: Coral Bay
Enjoy Ningaloo Reef directly from the beach.
Days 12-14: Exmouth
Finish the trip with whale sharks, snorkelling and some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.
This itinerary is almost exactly what I did and it’s still the route I’d recommend today.
For a more detailed breakdown, check out my full West Coast Australia Itinerary.
What If You Have More Than 14 Days?
If you have three weeks or longer, don’t stop at Exmouth.
Instead, combine the West Coast with the South West region.
This is another side of Western Australia that feels completely different.
Add Another 7-10 Days For:
Mandurah & Bunbury
Great coastal towns south of Perth.
Busselton & Dunsborough
Home to stunning beaches and the famous Busselton Jetty.
Margaret River
One of Australia’s most famous wine regions.
Even if you’re not into wine, the beaches, caves and scenery make it worth visiting.
Pemberton
Known for its giant karri forests and beautiful nature.
Albany
One of the most underrated places in Western Australia.
The coastline around Albany is absolutely spectacular and feels completely different from the northern coast.
Adding the South West creates one of the best road trips in Australia and can easily fill another week to ten days.
FAQs About How Many Days in Western Australia
Is 7 days enough for Western Australia?
Yes, but only if you’re focusing on the highlights between Perth and Exmouth.
Is 10 days enough for Western Australia?
Absolutely. Ten days gives you a comfortable amount of time to experience the major attractions without feeling constantly rushed.
How many days do you need for Perth to Exmouth?
I recommend 14 days.
This allows you to properly enjoy the road trip and all the major stops along the way.
Is Western Australia worth visiting?
Without a doubt.
Before visiting, I expected it to feel similar to Australia’s East Coast. In reality, the two regions couldn’t be more different. The East Coast is busier, easier to travel, and packed with well-known destinations, while Western Australia feels far more remote, adventurous, and untouched. If you want to dive deeper into the differences, check out my article: West vs East Coast.
In reality, it felt completely different and ended up becoming one of my favourite regions in the country.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how many days in Western Australia you need, my answer is simple:
7 days if you’re short on time.
10 days if you want a comfortable road trip.
14 days if you want the best overall experience.
Personally, 14 days remains my sweet spot.
It gives you enough time to experience everything that makes Western Australia special, from the Pinnacles and Kalbarri to Monkey Mia, Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth, without spending the entire trip racing from one destination to the next.
No matter how long you stay, one thing is almost guaranteed: you’ll leave wishing you had more time.
