Can you complete the world famous Perth to Exmouth Roadtrip in an Electric Car? You most certainly can.
This was our first big road trip in Australia AND our first big electric road trip…anywhere.
We decided to dive right into the deep end by taking on 3000km worth of driving in one of the most remote regions in the country (and perhaps even the world). Got to keep life interesting haven’t you?
This blog is to give you everything you need to know if planning your own adventure across the Coral Coast – complete with tips on the best things to do and how to plan the trip with electric wheels.
Perth to Exmouth Itinerary Map
EV Road Trip Itinerary for this trip coming soon **
Charge Stops Perth to Exmouth
The great thing about this trip is that there are fast chargers at most of the towns along the typical tourist route and at half-way points connecting you to each destination. The only current gap in the network is in Coral Bay – here you will need to get creative. We booked a spot at the Peoples Park to trickle charge overnight. This was enough to allow us to explore Coral Bay and get us to the next destination only 150km away in Exmouth.
It was pretty funny to see our Tesla Model & parked up next to the serious Aussie campers and UTE’s. If you don’t mind sleeping in the back of your Tesla, you can catch a nightcap at the same time to make the most of the $75 fee – or you can stay nearby at the local hostel like we did. Whenever there is a gap in the fast charging network – always remember that all you need is a power outlet to keep you moving! (just don’t forget your UMC adapter!).
Read on for more detailed charging tips at each location within the itinerary.
13 day Perth to Exmouth Itinerary
The Perth to Exmouth route is a pretty well trodden and well-blogged route with a standard set of stops to make. But a little know-how can make the difference between a great trip and an epic one. I will focus on giving you the juicy bits on what you cannot miss during this unforgettable road trip. Strap in, because the sights you will see driving through this vast open landscape will take your breath away.
Day 1: Arrive in Perth
When we arrived in Perth, the first thing we did was pick up our Tesla Model Y from Sixt directly at the Airport. Sixt have a great selection of EVs and all your charging with the Chargefox network is included for free!
We spent an evening and morning in Perth as we were keen to get out of the city. This was enough time to head to the CBD, grab brunch @Petition walk around the beautiful Circular Quay. If you have longer than 12 days for this trip like we did, add on a trip to Rottnest Island to explore the car free island and meet the famous Quokkas.
Day 2: Perth to Jurien Bay
On the way to our first overnight stop in Jurien Bay we stopped off at the famous Lancelin Sand dune and topped up our juice at the fast charger in Lancelin town. It is a great place to spend a few hours – you can go sandboarding, join a 4wd trip or just take in the beautiful surroundings. Then you can carry on to Jurien Bay. This leg of the journey also includes the Pinnacles desert but we decided to come back after checking in Jurien Bay at sunset (and again at nighttime to see the stars)- which made for some epic photo’s.
Day 3: Jurien Bay to Kalbarri
Jurien Bay is well served for chargers for you to top up before heading off in the morning. But before you do, do not miss swimming with the local friendly local Seals! This is an incredible experience we will cherish forever. The next leg of the trip to Kalbarri will take about 4 hours – halfway through the journey you can stop to charge at Northampton – a tiny mining town that will take you back in time. For us it was a great opportunity to stock up with supplies for our Airbnb stay in Kalbarri. On route to Kalbarri you can also stop off at the famous Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake!). Or if you run out of time on the day like we did, its an easy 40 minute drive from Kalbarri to return to later. This may be the best way to do it to see the lake at it’s pinkest – which is between 12-2.
Day 4: Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park is full of breathtaking views. It warrants a full day to explore. There are various viewpoints such as Nature’s window and Red Bluff lookout and the famous Kalbarri Skywalk. We stayed at an Airbnb called Starfish Retreat who kindly let us charge using their garage plug. There is a Tesla charger in town which is free to use and a fast charger is being installed this year (2024).
Day 5: Kalbarri to Shark Bay
After a morning spent seeing the Pelican feeding down at the beach, it was time to set off for Shark Bay. Another journey that takes about 4 hours. You can stop off and charge at the Billabong Roadhouse or Hamelin Pool. Both have somewhere to grab a drink and some food. On the way to Shark Bay stop off to see Shell Beach, a unique natural landscape which you guessed it, is a beach full of shells! The water here is gorgeous. Then hopefully arrive in Shark Bay in time for sunset.
Day 6: Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
There is a fast charger in Shark Bay and a slower charger at RACV Monkey Mia Resort. Chance are you will be heading to Monkey Mia as part of your visit. This beach is famous for swimming with Dolphins from the shore. There is a chance to join the feeding in the mornings, but you don’t need to. Personally I felt it was a much more special experience to be in the sea whilst pods of dolphins swam past nearby. Other notable attractions in the area are the Eagle Bluff lookout for sunset, Big and small lagoon. If you don’t have a 4wd you wont be able to get right into the National Park but you can book on to a trip (which is how you can visit Big lagoon). There is also an Artisan hot tub (but don’t bother unless it is during times of cooler temperatures as you will be hot enough in WA already!).
Day 7: Shark Bay to Coral Bay
So this was the part of the trip that took the most planning in an EV. I imagine a lot of people skip Coral Bay as there is no fast charger. None at all. You will need to stop again at Hamelin Pool to charge on your way out, then again at Carnavon so that you are full up before heading to Coral Bay. Depending on what range you have that may be enough for you to explore Coral Bay and make it to the next charger point in Exmouth. But for us it was touch and go so we needed to charge in Coral Bay. Luckily Peoples Park came to the rescue and we booked a campsite so that we could trickle charge overnight. Coral Bay is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is famous for the opportunity to swim with Manta Rays. You will see lots of Tiger Sharks from the boat as they take you out on the Marine Safari. We wish we had longer in Coral Bay as the landscape here is breathtaking. Accomodation is limited so book ahead.
Day 8: Coral Bay to Exmouth
150km from Coral Bay is Exmouth. The trickle charging had been more than enough to get us there as our Tesla Model & had over performed in terms of range expectations in the previous leg. The drive from Coral Bay to Exmouth at sunset is one I will never forget. The suns glow was beaming all around us, 360 degrees. The drives in these landscapes are otherworldly, so make sure you stop and take it all in.
Day 9-11 Exmouth
We stayed 1 night only in Coral Bay mainly because one of the main pulls for us for the whole trip was to swim with Whale Sharks in Exmouth. Our first day was spent on a trip of a lifetime. You will learn about the Ningaloo Reef and how important it is to protect this natural wonder. Then you set off on a boat to find the biggest fish in the Ocean. We were so lucky to swim with multiple Whalesharks of different shapes and sizes. It is an expensive trip, but so, so worth it. We spent a lot of our time in Exmouth in the Ocean – another day was spent diving, and another driving into the National Park to visit Turquoise Bay (perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches in the world).
Photo Credit: Justybumpstead @ Live Ningaloo
Day 12 Exmouth to Geraldton
We went slowly on the way up, and decided to zoom back down covering huge distances on the way back. Exmouth to Geraldton will take you a full day with stop offs. There are nice ways to break up the journey – like spending time at Carnarvon to explore further. There are great charging facilities here and you can spend some time as the NASA space museum which was fun and interesting. There is a Cactus Park to explore too if that is more your fancy! You will need to plan in another charging stops at one of the same places you did on the way up. Geraldton is a big city for WA – so lots of accomodation options. We even bagged one with onsite EV charging making it easy for us to head off in the morning for the last leg.
Day 13 Geraldton - Perth
It was a 6 hour journey on our last day to get to the airport. We stopped off again at Jurien Bay but you could plan to do some of the stops we did on the way up like the Pinnacle Desert or Lancelin if you wanted to break it up on the return journey. Stop off at Jurien Bay for some juice for this return trip. Then it was sadly time to say goodbye to the wonderful, glorious Western Australia. We will most certainly be back!
Planning to visit soon?
- Highlights of the Dolomites (8 days)
- Hiking in the Dolomites (8 days)
- Dolomites Adventure (9 days)
Where to Stay
For the second day, we are going to visit the stunning Secada in the morning and Alpe di Siusi in the afternoon so be sure to get up as early as you can to catch the bus to Ortisei/Urtijëi, where the cable car stations to these places are located.
Toblach (3 Nights)
For the second day, we are going to visit the stunning Secada in the morning and Alpe di Siusi in the afternoon so be sure to get up as early as you can to catch the bus to Ortisei/Urtijëi, where the cable car stations to these places are located.
Hike Tre Cime Trail (Day Trip)
For the second day, we are going to visit the stunning Secada in the morning and Alpe di Siusi in the afternoon so be sure to get up as early as you can to catch the bus to Ortisei/Urtijëi, where the cable car stations to these places are located.
Tips for electric road trips in Western Australia
Planning to visit soon?
- Highlights of the Dolomites (8 days)
- Hiking in the Dolomites (8 days)
- Dolomites Adventure (9 days)
Unique and special things to do on the Perth to Exmouth Road Trip
For the second day, we are going to visit the stunning Secada in the morning and Alpe di Siusi in the afternoon so be sure to get up as early as you can to catch the bus to Ortisei/Urtijëi, where the cable car stations to these places are located.
Toblach (3 Nights)
For the second day, we are going to visit the stunning Secada in the morning and Alpe di Siusi in the afternoon so be sure to get up as early as you can to catch the bus to Ortisei/Urtijëi, where the cable car stations to these places are located.
Hike Tre Cime Trail (Day Trip)
For the second day, we are going to visit the stunning Secada in the morning and Alpe di Siusi in the afternoon so be sure to get up as early as you can to catch the bus to Ortisei/Urtijëi, where the cable car stations to these places are located.
