We were really looking forward to this part of our trip. After seeing so many places like South Australia, Sydney, Perth, and the southwest, we felt like we already knew Australia quite well. But the drive from Perth to Geraldton felt different. There were fewer people, more space, and a lot of untouched nature. Once we reached Geraldton, we knew right away it was the perfect homebase for us. It felt relaxed and not too busy, but still had everything we needed. From here, we could explore the highlights of the region without having to pack up and move every day. In this article, we share our favorite day trips and how we managed to explore them even with two kids in tow. We also show you why Geraldton was the perfect spot for us to slow down and enjoy the real Western Australia.
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Quick Peek
For our busy travelers, here is the Fact-sheet about our 4-day Geraldton, WA travel itinerary.
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Travel Time
April
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Travel Mode
Road-trip stop (4 days)
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Our Must-Sees
Hutt Lagoon, Pinnacles Desert, Shark Bay
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Where to stay
AirBnb
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Plant-Based Food
Self-catering
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Mobility
Rental car
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Travel Budget
€1,900/ AUD3,419
without air fare
Our Favorite Day Trips from Geraldton You Can’t Miss
We’ve done a lot of road trips, especially in Australia, but this area really felt special to us. The drive from Perth to Geraldton is already fun, but the real magic starts once you use Geraldton as your base. Exploring Western Australia from Geraldton is a true paradise for road trippers. You get endless open roads, breathtaking nature, and that amazing feeling of total freedom.
Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake)
Hutt Lagoon, also known as the famous Pink Lake, is about a one-hour drive south of Geraldton. The road there is easy and feels like a little adventure on its own. You’ll pass quiet coastal views and small towns before suddenly seeing that bright pink water appear out of nowhere. When we first saw it, we almost couldn’t believe it was real. Depending on the light and time of day, the lake can look bubblegum pink or even a bit purple. It’s one of those places that looks amazing in photos but feels even better in person. Be ready for the famous, annoying Western Australia flies. North of Geraldton, they can get pretty extreme. A hat or head net makes exploring a lot more comfortable!
If you need a bathroom stop, there’s a public toilet in Gregory, just a few minutes away. And for anyone into drone photography – this spot is a dream. You can get amazing shots from above that really show off the crazy pink color.
Shark Bay (400km one way in a day)
Shark Bay was definitely our longest day trip from Geraldton. We left super early, around 5 in the morning. It felt tough at first, but we were rewarded with an amazing sunrise on the road. That moment alone made the early start totally worth it. The drive is about 400 km one way and takes around 4.5 hours. You follow Highway 1 north until Hamelin Pool, then turn left onto Shark Bay Road. It’s a long stretch, but the changing landscapes keep it interesting. Our main stop was Denham, which is a great place to aim for. It has a relaxed vibe, a few small shops, and is the perfect base to explore the area. One of our absolute highlights was the area around Little Lagoon. And also here: the Western Australia flies were really intense. At some spots, they were almost impossible to handle, especially around Shell Beach. We actually didn’t enjoy the walk from the parking lot to the beach because the flies were everywhere. If you have time, you could easily stay a night or two up there. But even as a long day trip, it was still a special experience for us. We got back to Geraldton tired but happy. Seeing that wild, open part of WA felt like stepping into another world.
Pinnacles Desert (about 250 km from Geraldton)
You can totally visit the Pinnacles Desert as a day trip from Geraldton. It’s about 250 km one way and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by car. But we actually stopped there on our way back to Perth, which worked out really well for us. The Pinnacles Desert is inside Nambung National Park. You pay a small entrance fee at the gate, and then you can follow a marked driving route through the park with your normal car. It’s super easy and a lot of fun. There are many spots where you can stop, get out, and walk around freely between the limestone formations. We really loved that you can take your time and explore at your own pace. The area feels so otherworldly – almost like standing on another planet. The flies were much more manageable here compared to further north. Still, you should watch the weather because there’s basically no shade at all. Sunscreen, a hat, and enough water are a must.
At the main entrance, there’s a public toilet and a small store where you can grab a cold drink or snack. It’s simple but super handy before you head into the desert area. There’s no big entrance or visitor center – you just drive up and explore. We loved that it was so open and felt totally free.
Geraldton
Geraldton really grew on us. It’s not just a stop on the map . it’s a sweet little city that has everything you need when you’re traveling as a family. We loved how easy and relaxed everything felt. There’s a calm promenade right by the water where we spent a few evenings just walking, watching the light change, and letting the kids run around. The free water play areas were a huge hit with them – simple, safe, and so good for letting off some energy after a day in the car. What also stood out: it’s a real town, not just a tourist spot. That means proper supermarkets, playgrounds, pharmacies, and even some nice cafes – all without the usual crowds. And the best part? It’s the perfect starting point for so many great day trips. Whether you head north, south, or inland – you’re always just a short drive away from something worth seeing.
For us, Geraldton was that rare mix of peaceful and practical – a place we were honestly happy to come back to each evening.
Our Stay in Geraldton: A Cozy Base for Exploring WA
Our stay in Geraldton was one of those moments where everything just worked out. The Airbnb we booked turned out to be exactly what we needed – and honestly, it made our time in this part of WA so much easier. The house was in a peaceful neighborhood with no traffic or noise, just a calm and relaxed atmosphere. It had a lovely little outdoor terrace where we spent quiet mornings with coffee and calm evenings after our day trips. Inside, it was clean, bright, and felt like a proper home. The kids had space to play, and we had everything we needed to cook, do laundry, and just slow down a bit. We stayed for five nights, and every single day we felt thankful that we had picked this spot. Sometimes it really is the little things – a comfy bed, a quiet area, a space that just feels good.
From Perth to Geraldton: How We Explored the Region
In this part of Western Australia, having a car isn’t just nice to have – it’s absolutely necessary. Without your own vehicle, you’ll miss most of what makes this area so special. Public transport won’t get you to the beaches, day trip spots, or remote corners that are totally worth seeing. For us, the car was our home base on wheels. And especially when you’re covering long distances like this, it makes a big difference to have a rental car that actually feels good to drive. We recommend not going for the cheapest option. Spend a little more and get something with enough space for bags, snacks, kids, and your own comfort. The roads between Perth and Geraldton are in really good condition – smooth, well-marked, and easy to navigate. But don’t underestimate the distances. You can go for hours without seeing much around you. And one thing to be aware of: the road trains. These trucks are massive, and you’ll definitely meet a few on the highway. Just stay calm, give them space, and let them pass safely. We had a solid SUV-style rental, and we were really thankful for it – especially on those early morning drives or after a long dusty road back from a remote stop. Geraldton and the whole region around it is made for road trips. You’re not just driving from A to B – the drive itself becomes part of the experience.
Travel Costs: What We Spent in the Real WA
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Accomodation
€195/night (excl. breakfast) x 4 nights = €780
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Food & Dining
Around €95 per day = €380
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Mobility
Rental Car (Toyota Prado) €120 per day = €480
Petrol & Parking €250 -
Activities
€10 Pinnacles Desert
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Total Spent
€1,900/ AUD3,419
Our Top Places to Capture the Real WA Vibe
Western Australia’s north is a true photographer’s paradise – and not just along the road from Perth to Geraldton. Every single day trip we did offered so many unexpected spots to pull over, take photos, or let the drone fly. From the unreal colors of Hutt Lagoon to the quiet beauty around Little Lagoon and the golden light in the Pinnacles Desert – this region is full of wide-open spaces and moments that just need to be captured. Below you’ll find a few selected shots from our favorite spots – and yes, we could’ve easily shared 100 more.
From Perth to Geraldton FAQs: Tips Before You Go to the Real WA
We think the best time is spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). It’s warm but not too hot, and there are fewer people around.
About 4.5 to 5 hours without long stops, but we recommend taking your time and stopping along the way.
Yes, but always fill up when you can. Some stretches feel really empty.
Totally. Just plan bathroom breaks and bring snacks and games to keep them happy.
No, a normal car is fine if you stick to main roads and day trips.
We really recommend it. There aren’t endless choices, and places (even campgrounds) can fill up fast, especially during holiday times. We booked ahead and felt much more relaxed knowing we had a spot waiting for us.
We don’t recommend it. Wildlife is more active and roads are dark.
We mostly brought our own food and stopped at picnic spots. In Geraldton, there are a few good options too.
Card works everywhere. We actually didn’t need cash at all, even at small markets and local spots.
We stayed four nights, but honestly, it could have been a few more. If you want to enjoy all the day trips and really soak up the region without rushing, extra days are a great idea.
Very laid-back and friendly. It felt like a small town where everyone has time to chat.
Yes, if you plan your stops and cook some meals yourself, it’s possible to keep costs reasonable.
Sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, and a light jacket. Also bring a power bank since signal drops can drain your phone fast.
Yes, we actually did it in one day. But it’s a tough one! The drive is long, and there’s a lot to see up there. If you have time, we’d recommend staying at least one night to enjoy it without feeling rushed.
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