Five family-friendly WA road trip destinations
Western Australia has many unique places to see, stay and explore, and a road trip is one of the best ways to experience what this state has to offer.
We have (at least) five destinations that we recommend you road trip to next:
1. The Turquoise Coast – north of Perth approx. 300km (3.5hrs)
Heard of it? Possibly not, but it’s right on our northern doorstep. The Turquoise Coast is the area north of Perth, including Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Green Head along the coast, and Dandaragan and Badgingarra further inland.
You can fill a long weekend or more than a week exploring this area, experiencing some of WA’s best offerings as you go.
Take a trip into this area, and you can experience national parks, endless beaches, the Pinnacles, Stockyard Gully Caves, seasonal wildflowers, fresh WA Rock lobster, fishing, Australian sea lions, 4WDriving, sky diving, and you can bring your pets along for a lot of it!
The whole area is all-ages friendly, and it’s easy to base yourself in one place and make day trips.
Just an hour north of Perth (90 km), Guilderton is a fantastic place to spend a weekend or more.
2. Wheatbelt to Wave Rock – southeast of Perth approx. 330km (4 – 4.5hrs)
Most West Aussies have seen a photo of Wave Rock, but haven’t actually been!
On the drive southeast to Hyden, you will find farms and farm stays, country pubs and happy-to-chat locals, seasonal wildflowers, wide-open landscapes and plenty of stars. You can reach Hyden via various routes, and if you have time, you might like to see the Tin Horse Highway, which has become an iconic roadside feature near Kulin.
At Hyden, you’ll find Wave Rock, Hippo’s Yawn, the Humps and Mulka’s Cave. There are plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy for a good couple of days.
3. Bremer Bay – southeast of Perth approx. 470km (5hrs)
Bremer Bay is one of those places that locals don’t want you to know about. While visitors are great for business, locals like to think of it as a ‘hidden gem’.
There’s so much to do in Bremer Bay, we’d recommend a good week at least. It’s a relaxing and beautiful place, particularly in summer when you can really enjoy the beach life.
Bremer offers stunning swimming beaches and surf breaks, scuba diving, snorkelling and whale watching (July – October). You can fish from the beach or go deep sea fishing, visit the local historical homesteads and museums, and drive and hike amongst wildflowers between September to November in the Fitzgerald River National Park. 
There is also a whole coastline to explore outside of Bremer Bay, plus other towns and attractions nearby, including golf courses, wineries and picnicking locations.
4. Hamelin Bay – southwest of Perth approx. 310km (3hrs)
Hamelin Bay offers a relaxing seaside getaway for anyone looking for some rest and relaxation.
If you do get jittery feet, you can go for a swim or snorkel in the bay, and say hello to the friendly local stingrays who swim around the jetty every day. You can also go fishing and 4WDriving, and see where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta.
Take a stroll along the Cape to Cape, which passes through the bay, offering stunning coastal views and a refreshing hike to the north and south of Hamelin Bay.
Hamelin Bay is in the Margaret River region, so you’ll be able to access amazing local produce and fine wines, entertainment, dining, tours and natural attractions. 
5. Kalbarri – north of Perth approx. 570km (6hrs)
It’s a bit further to drive, but Kalbarri offers multiple amazing experiences in one location. Once you arrive, you won’t have to leave, or drive far to enjoy everything on offer!
The Murchison River can be kayaked on, and you can abseil down the gorge walls. You can fish to your heart’s content, swim at the Blue Holes, surf and 4WD around Kalbarri National Park and take selfies at Nature’s Window, an iconic Kalbarri attraction.
The Kalbarri Skywalk is the most recent attraction in Kalbarri.
The Skywalk offers two side-by-side viewpoints within the Kalbarri National Park. From the viewing platforms, you can look out over the Murchison River and Gorge, and surrounding bushland.
Entry is for all ages and abilities. Entry to the National Park is $15 per car, which includes access to the Skywalk.
Not far from Kalbarri, Port Gregory is where you’ll find Hutt Lagoon, which is famous for its Pink Lake and the peaceful and relaxing town of Horrocks, where you can fish, swim, surf and windsurf. 
During wildflower season (early spring) you can head into the farming areas and check out some of WA’s oldest towns and learn some history at places like Northampton.