8 Most Scenic Drives in Western Australia

A long drive in Western Australia can look very different from one route to the next. Around Dolphin Cove on the Great Ocean Drive, the scenery is all coast, while the Golden Quest Discovery Trail heads into the dry desert dust of places like Coolgardie. Some trips work well as short day drives, while others are better for travelers ready for days on the road and a four-wheel-drive trek. There are routes suited to beginners and others that feel a little more rugged from the start.

Great Ocean Drive

Not to be confused with the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the Great Ocean Drive is a different but equally beautiful drive along Western Australia’s south coast, near Esperance. This 25-mile drive covers some of Australia’s most iconic scenery, including the Pink Lake, Dolphin Cove, and the Taylor Street Jetty. While the drive is only an hour long if done nonstop, most drivers take at least a full day so that they can stop and truly take in the view as they go.

The drive starts in Esperance and takes you along Twilight Beach Road before heading back to Esperance along Pink Lake Road. No need for four-wheel drive on this trip, but the time of year you choose to go can heavily impact the type of scenery you can see. For instance, spring is the best time of year to go if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, including migrating whales and kangaroos.

Perth Sunset Coast Drive

The Perth Sunset Coast Drive is also sometimes referred to as the Sunset Coast Self Drive Trail and takes you along Perth's Sunset Coast from Cottesloe to Yanchep. Like the Great Ocean Drive, there is no need for a four-wheel drive on this trip. The drive is filled with ocean views as you start your journey along Marine Parade, and then as you go along, your windows will fill with the view of Norfolk pines lining the shore. You’ll then drive along West Coast Highway to City Beach. This is the perfect spot to detour up to Reabold Hill for a panoramic view of Perth City and the surrounding coast and bushland.

Drivers continue to Scarborough Beach and along West Coast Drive to Hillarys, passing pristine beaches and sheltered bays. Stop along the route to explore Marmion Marine Park, Pinnaroo Point, or Mullaloo Beach before finishing your trip to Yanchep.

Gibb River Road

The Gibb River Road is a 410-mile drive through the natural heartland of the Kimberley, Western Australia. This drive is a bit more rugged than others on this list and requires four-wheel drive. The route runs from Derby in the west to Kununurra, though some travelers begin the broader trip in Broome before joining the drive. After starting your journey, drive to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek before moving on to the central Kimberley and the Leopold Ranges. Next, drive to Silent Grove and then through the central Gibb to Mount Barnett and Mount Elizabeth Station.

Out your windshield, you’ll see untouched wilderness, ancient gorges, and massive cattle stations. If you do want a stop along the way, pull over and hike one of the numerous bush tracks and explore swimming holes and cascading waterfalls.

Be sure to grab a National Parks Pass before you set out, as entry fees apply at both Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) and Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Parks along the route. It is also recommended to allow for at least two weeks of travel time for the best possible experience.

Golden Quest Discovery Trail

The 6-day, 600-mile Golden Quest Discovery Trail drives through the Goldfields of Western Australia and gives you a glimpse into the history of Australia’s gold rush while taking in the sights of the desert landscape. For this drive, you can start in Kalgoorlie and follow part of the Goldfields route through historic mining towns, including Coolgardie, where gold was first discovered in the arid dust in 1892.

After starting in Kalgoorlie, drive to the historic gold-mining town of Menzies. Along the way, you will pass towns like Broad Arrow, Ora Banda, Siberia, and Goongarrie. Next, you’ll make your way to Niagara Dam and Kookynie, a once prosperous hub in the goldfields. The route then returns to Kalgoorlie.

Caves Road

The scenic route of Caves Road takes its passengers between two of Australia’s beautiful capes, Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. The 69-mile drive is in Western Australia's southwest region. Look out the window to catch a glimpse of farmland and livestock and continually shifting geography.

The trip starts at Bussell Highway in Abbey and passes the Locke Estate, or ‘Holy Mile,’ between Busselton and Dunsborough before continuing through Dunsborough to Yallingup. The route then runs between the coast and Bussell Highway for a time before rejoining the highway at the northern edge of Augusta.

On this leg of the journey, the colors change from gold and green to the dense brown and darker greens of Karri trees. The vineyards and olive groves of the area are also particularly prolific. As you drive along Caves Road, you can also see towering trees near the Conto Road exit, the perfect place to stop for some photos or a picnic lunch.

Stirling Range Drive

The Stirling Range Drive is 26 miles long and takes approximately 1.5 hours without stopping. That being said, the drive has so many scenic viewpoints that you will definitely stop at least a few times. The route loops through Stirling Range National Park along Stirling Range Drive with mountains towering on both sides.

If you’re up for the challenge, you can also stop and climb several of the mountains that make this drive so beautiful, including Mt. Trio, Mt. Hassell, Mt. Talyuberlup, or Mt. Magog. The meandering drive also includes more than just mountains; it also boasts agricultural land. While Stirling Range Drive does include areas with gravel roads, it is accessible to regular vehicles, and you don’t need four-wheel drive to make the journey.

Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive

The Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive winds through the farming region surrounding Denmark, Australia, along the Rainbow Coast. Another hour-long drive, this route takes you along Mount Shadforth Road past ocean vistas and the Porongurups, with the Stirling Ranges making up the background. The route begins 1.2 miles outside of Denmark and, while enjoyable all year round, is particularly nice in the spring when there is milder weather and the wildflowers are in bloom.

Stop throughout the day at wineries, art galleries, and the many photo opportunities along the way. Travelers can take in the view at Mohr Drive for a panoramic view of Wilson Inlet and the Southern Ocean.

The Knoll Scenic Drive

The Knoll Scenic Drive sits east of Walpole in Walpole-Nornalup National Park and is a 3.1-mile scenic loop. Look out your windows to take in the various inlets and the beautiful karri and marri forest. While shorter than other drives on this list, this trip is ideal for those short on time or mobility who still want to see the park's unique ecosystems. To start the drive, head to the main Coalmine Beach car park, where the route starts and ends.

Close to Walpole, explore the Knoll, a small peninsula known for its forests and idyllic views of the local waterways, including Nornalup Inlet, which opens to the Southern Ocean, and the smaller Walpole Inlet. These inlets and the rivers that feed them make up an almost unspoiled ecosystem that is a feast for the eyes, even outside a car window.

Drive Through Vineyards, Mountains, and Desert Air

Western Australia provides the perfect backdrop for a road trip, whether it's a day-long trip or spans multiple weeks. These scenic routes cover coastlines, meander through mountains, and drive through deserts to bring their travelers an experience of Western Australia like no other. Experience the history of the Australian gold rush along the Golden Quest Discovery Trail, see the pink lake on the Great Ocean Drive, or take in the wild heartland of the Kimberley on the Gibb River Road. Whatever your travel preferences, there is a drive in Western Australia that is calling your name.