Kalbarri to Port Hedland road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
Kalbarri to Port Hedland road trip: Carnarvon to Minilya
Heading north from Carnarvon, don’t expect too much excitement along the route. You can stop for fuel and supplies at the Minilya Roadhouse and take a photo at the Tropic of Capricorn sign.
There’s a key decision to make at the Minilya Roadhouse, however – keep going north or branch off down the Minilya-Exmouth Road towards Coral Bay, Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef. Given this will be the unquestioned highlight of the journey, this is not a difficult decision.
Minilya to Coral Bay
It’s another 98km from Minilya to Coral Bay.
Things to do in Coral Bay include swimming with manta rays, viewing turtles in a glass-bottomed boat and swimming with whale sharks.
You can also go drift snorkelling at Paradise Beach.
5 Coral Bay experiences to book before you arrive
- Swim with whale sharks – with a dedicated spotter plane for more time in the water with them.
- Go on a glass bottom boat cruise – perfect for non-swimmers.
- Snorkel with turtles – on a boat tour that visits two top snorkelling sites.
- Swim with humpback whales – they visit between June and October.
- Swim with manta rays – available most of the year, with lunch & snorkelling gear included.
You can also watch turtles nesting at Mauds Landing Beach.
Best Coral Bay accommodation
The best Coral Bay accommodation options are…
- For budget travellers: Coral Bay Backpackers.
- For overall quality: Ningaloo Reef Resort.
You should book your Coral Bay tours and accommodation in advance.
Click through for the next section: Coral Bay to Exmouth.