Indian Ocean Drive is a coastal highway in the Australian state of Western Australia which services the coastal communities along the Indian Ocean immediately north of the state capital Perth, linking the northern suburb of Yanchep with the Brand Highway, just south of Dongara. In terms of regions, most of it exists in the Wheatbelt coastal region. The Indian Ocean Drive is the southern gateway to the Coral Coast region. Starting just 2 hours north of Perth, the coastal route is packed with attractions, from the Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park and Lake Thetis thrombolites, to the Jurien Bay Sea Lions, sheltered swimming and snorkelling bays, wildflowers and caves.
An Epic 2 Week Western Australia Road Trip Itinerary
Duration: Four days Best Time: All year but wonderful during wildflower season (mid-July to October) Day One - Perth to Cervantes via Lancelin & Wedge Island - 2 hrs 45 mins - 232 km Today starts in Perth, heading north on Indian Ocean Drive towards Cervantes. The Indian Ocean Drive is a scenic coastal drive alongside the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and one of the highlights of travel in West Australia. Constructed in 2010, the Indian Ocean Drive connects Perth's northern suburbs and Geraldton with plenty of attractions along the way, including the lunar-like Pinnacle Desert. The Indian Ocean Drive is a banquet of visual delights. The star studded night sky, Mars-like Pinnacles, red gorges, brightly coloured wildflowers and the deep blue ocean - your frequent companion on this five day, 1,226 kilometre expedition. Beginning two hours north of Perth, the 160km Indian Ocean Drive is the southern gateway to Australia's Coral Coast. This lower section of the epic Coral Coast Highway takes you through the seaside towns of Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Green Head, Leeman, and Dongara-Port Denison.
Great ocean road, Indian ocean, Australia Stock Photo Alamy
Discover the latest facts and figures about the Indian Ocean Drive, a scenic coastal route that connects Perth to the Coral Coast. Find out how Main Roads Western Australia is enhancing the safety and efficiency of this road through various projects and initiatives. Read the pdf fact sheet here. Contact Us Go to WA Gov Search Home Projects & Initiatives All projects Indian Ocean Drive Planning Study Yanchep to Lancelin Investigating improvement opportunities along this stretch of road. Subscribe to our email list for the latest project updates and announcements. last reviewed: | Last updated: The magnificent Indian Ocean Drive which links Perth and Geraldton is certainly one of the highlights of a western adventure. The stars of the show are the inviting turquoise waters and the pristine coastal landscape. If you travel in the right season and on the right days, this truly is a trip through a near perfect paradise. Day 1 Head north via the Indian Ocean Drive towards Jurien Bay, an easy 2.5-hour drive north of Perth. If you're looking for a good coffee, stop into Jurien Bay Beach Cafe for a quality brew with stunning beach views. Stop into the Jurien Bay Visitor Centre to purchase a National Park Pass.
Great ocean road, Indian ocean, Australia Stock Photo Alamy
Much faster than up the beach or from Cervantes. Cervantes 200km (2.25 hours). Knocks off about 50km from Brand Hwy. Hill River 214km (2.5 hours). No longer need to drive along the beach to get there. Jurien Bay 225km (2.5 hours). Also knocks off about 50km from Brand Hwy. Sandy Cape 240km (2.75 hours). Stop 2: Cervantes. The laid-back cray fishing town of Cervantes is known the world over for its surreal Pinnacles Desert. Look beyond the famous ancient rock formations, however, and you will find a coastal town with a number of hidden delights. Must do. Drive the one-way Pinnacles Desert Dr loop or go on foot to witness the eye-popping.
The road stretches between Lancelin to Brand Highway, south to Dongara. History. The road was opened on 26th of September,2010. In the month of December, 2010, the Geographic Name Committee of the state requested to change the name of the Wanneroo Road's northern section to The Indian Ocean Drive. Attributes. The road looks heavenly. The section of Indian Ocean Drive between Eneabba-Coolimba Road and Brand Highway will be temporarily closed to through traffic from after the Easter holidays, in April 2024. Access will be retained for local businesses and emergency services. All road users will be detoured via Eneabba-Coolimba Road and Brand Highway.
Drive on Indian Ocean Road, Western Australia YouTube
Day 1: Perth to Cervantes (~200km) Travelling north along the Indian Ocean Drive (continue north from Wanneroo Road), the first leg from Perth to Dongara takes you through the coastal town of Cervantes and one of Australia's most unique landscapes, the Pinnacles Desert. The road into the Pinnacles is sealed, and there is a car park within. The 250km route to the Pinnacles from Perth begins as Wanneroo Rd, and then the road changes its name to become the Indian Ocean Drive, also known as Route 60. The Pinnacles are 149km north of Moore River Holidays. Moore River Holidays is perfectly located on the coastal side of Wanneroo Rd/Indian Ocean Drive.
