Monkey Mia to Karratha road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

The best stops on a Monkey Mia to Karratha road trip include Shark Bay and the Ningaloo Reef. The Monkey Mia to Karratha drive covers a 982km distance in a driving time of around 9h52m

The Monkey Mia to Karratha drive is part of the epic journey up the coast of Western Australia from Perth to Broome.

There is only one accommodation option at Monkey Mia. If planning to stay, you need to book in advance.

Karratha accommodation is fairly scarce. Find the best options and book in advance here.

This guide should help you prepare a perfect Monkey Mia to Karratha road trip itinerary.

Monkey Mia to Karratha distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Monkey Mia to Karratha is 982km, with a driving time of approximately 9 hours and 52 minutes. However, there are a few detours worth adding to the journey which will add a few hours on to that.

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The first step is to dogleg back to the NW Coastal Highway through the Shark Bay region. After leaving the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort in Monkey Mia, those with a 4WD vehicle can explore Francois Peron National Park. Here, Cape Peron offers red cliffs and white sand and Big Lagoon brims with marine life.

Denham offers the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery and Visitor Centre and the Ocean Park Aquarium, which runs Shark Bay cruises and diving trips. Then, before reaching the highway, visit the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. They look like black rocks, but they’re examples of the oldest living organisms on earth.

Attractions between Monkey Mia and Karratha: Hamelin Pool to Carnarvon

The next worthwhile stop is Carnarvon at the mouth of the Gascoyne River. Things to in Carnarvon include the Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre, which explores the traditional way of life and beliefs of the local Indigenous people.

Other Carnarvon attractions include the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. There are also several banana plantations to drive around.

If you choose to stay overnight here, Carnarvon accommodation options include the Carnarvon Motel, where the pool comes with a water slide, and the Capricorn Holiday Park.

Click through for next section: Minilya Roadhouse.