Monkey Mia to Port Hedland road trip: Best stops, distance & time

Monkey Mia to Port Hedland road trip: Carnarvon to the Ningaloo Reef

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.

It’s another 98km from Minilya to Coral Bay.

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.

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 watch turtles nesting at Mauds Landing Beach, then go snorkelling at either Paradise Beach or Five Fingers Reef.