A Guide to the Best Coastal Drives for Under-the-Radar Beauty in WA
Western Australia boasts some of the most spectacular coastline on the planet. While iconic routes like the Great Ocean Road in Victoria or California’s Pacific Coast Highway often steal the limelight, the vast, wild shores of WA offer a treasure trove of under-the-radar coastal drives that promise breathtaking beauty without the crowds. If you’re seeking solitude, dramatic landscapes, and the thrill of discovery, buckle up and let’s explore some of WA’s best-kept coastal secrets.
The Turquoise Coast’s Hidden Gems: Jurien Bay to Cervantes
While many flock to the Pinnacles, the stretch of coast between Jurien Bay and Cervantes is often overlooked, and that’s precisely its charm. This drive is a masterclass in understated beauty. Start in Jurien Bay, a charming fishing town with pristine beaches perfect for a quiet picnic. As you head north, keep an eye out for turn-offs to secluded bays like Sandy Cape. Here, the sand is powdery white, the water a dazzling turquoise, and the only footprints you’re likely to see are your own. The drive itself winds through coastal heathland, occasionally opening up to reveal panoramic ocean vistas. Stop at the Lesueur National Park for a short hike amidst wildflowers (in season) before continuing to Cervantes. The coastline here is rugged and dramatic, with sea stacks and hidden coves waiting to be explored. It’s a drive that rewards slow travel and spontaneous exploration.
The Coral Coast’s Lesser-Known Wonders: Kalbarri’s North
Kalbarri is famous for its stunning gorges, but venture north of the town along the North West Coastal Highway, and you’ll discover a different, equally captivating side of the Coral Coast. This section offers a raw, untamed beauty that feels incredibly remote. The drive takes you through starkly beautiful landscapes where the desert meets the sea. Pull over at Pot Alley or Island Rock for awe-inspiring views of the Indian Ocean crashing against dramatic cliffs. These are not manicured lookouts; they are wild, windswept places that showcase the raw power of nature. Further north, keep an eye out for turn-offs to Red Bluff and Shell Beach, where the sand is composed almost entirely of tiny white shells. The colours here – the deep blues of the ocean, the ochre of the cliffs, and the pristine white of the shell beach – are simply spectacular. This drive is for those who crave the feeling of being on the edge of the world.
The South West’s Secret Shores: Augusta to Pemberton
While the Margaret River region rightly draws crowds, the drive south of Augusta towards Pemberton offers a quieter, more introspective coastal experience. This route is less about dramatic cliffs and more about serene bays, ancient forests, and a sense of peaceful seclusion. Start at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet, and then head east along the coast. You’ll find yourself driving through lush forests that hug the coastline, with glimpses of secluded beaches and inlets. Consider a detour to Hamelin Bay, known for its friendly stingrays that often come close to shore. The drive then transitions inland, but the coastal influence remains, with many small roads leading to hidden beaches and tranquil river estuaries. This is a drive that combines the best of both worlds – the lingering scent of the ocean and the embrace of the forest, offering a truly unique and often uncrowded coastal adventure.
These coastal drives in Western Australia offer a refreshing alternative to the well-trodden paths. They invite you to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and connect with the raw, untamed beauty of our incredible coastline. So, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover WA’s hidden coastal treasures.