Coral Coast of WA family-friendly travel guide

The Coral Coast is generally warm and dry year-round, so there’s no bad time to go. Temperatures in summer can be extreme, however – carrying a moderate risk of tropical cyclones – so it is generally recommended to visit between March and October. The largest concentration of seasonal activities is also available during this period, although increased demand can affect accommodation pricing and availability.

Summer is between the months of December and February, with an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius and average rainfall of 11 millimetres.

Autumn is between the months of March and May, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and average rainfall of 93 millimetres.

Winter is between the months of June and August, with an average temperature of 13 degrees Celsius and average rainfall of 146 millimetres.

Spring is between the months of September and November, with an average temperature of 17 degrees Celsius and average rainfall of 47 millimetres.

There are regular flights to Perth Airport from major international hubs. These flights connect with intrastate flights to major towns within the Coral Coast.

Due to its extensive area, WA’s Coral Coast is best accessed by private car. A full range of rental vehicles, ranging from motor homes to four-wheel drives, are available in Perth – both from the airport and the city centre.

Excellent road conditions make it easy for those wanting to travel around the Coral Coast at their own pace. The North West Coastal Highway traverses the length of the entire region, passing right through Geraldton in the south and Carnarvon in the north, with good sealed roads leading off the highway to coastal and country towns.

Please note distances between roadhouse facilities can be long in the north of the region, so make sure you bear this in mind when planning your journey.

If you’d rather relax and let somebody else take the wheel, a range of packaged tours is available ranging from four-wheel drive adventures to luxury coach tours. 

There’s plenty of family-friendly cafes and restaurants dotted up and down the Coral Coast, and the order of the day is fresh seafood straight out of the ocean!

When passing through Cervantes, stop at The Lobster Shack for a mouth-watering lobster lunch. Or for dinner, Southerly’s Harbour View Bar and Restaurant offer a comprehensive menu featuring Modern Australian cuisine. The Salt Dish Café in Geraldton is an ideal breakfast spot, with charming vintage decor and an innovative menu. In Carnarvon, it’s all about fresh local produce – pick up fresh, fragrant fruit at the Grower’s Markets (held every Saturday) or the catch of the day at Pickles Point Seafood & Boatyard.

Mums and dads needing a caffeine fix in Exmouth should keep their eyes peeled for The Short Order Local, a family-owned food truck serving up top-notch coffee.

Perth is the place to shop on your holiday in WA – it has all the usual supermarkets and department stores as well as a Direct Factory Outlet. The rest of the Coral Coast features some fantastic outdoor markets and independent boutiques selling one-of-a-kind local wares.

The rear platform at the back of the Old Railway Station in Geraldton comes alive on weekend mornings with local produce and craft at the Platform Markets. With face painting and fun kids’ activities, the Kalbarri Community Markets will be a hit with little ones, and mums and dads will love perusing stalls featuring handmade goods and fresh food.

For something special, visit Geraldton’s Latitude Gallery to swoon over stunning jewellery pieces featuring pearls from Australia and around the world but, most especially, those grown at the Abrolhos.

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

Sun safety is key when dressing for your family holiday on the Coral Coast. The summer months, in particular, see temperatures soaring, so make sure to cover yourself and the kids with sun safe clothes, a broad-rimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a two-pin (shaped like a “V”) or three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

By and large, Perth and the Coral Coast are considered very safe, although it’s wise to exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

Be sure to stay vigilant around the beaches, not only with sunscreen but also watching your kids while they’re in the water. Educate your little ones about rips and remember that lifeguards are doing their best to watch everybody, but the beaches can be extremely crowded and you should never consider them your child’s babysitter!

The Pinnacles of Nambung National Park are the major natural attraction in the Coral Coast region, found between Cervantes and Jurien Bay. These amazing natural limestone structures, some standing as high as five metres, were formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells. Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements.

Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park is one of Western Australia’s most iconic natural attractions, formed from layers of Tumblagooda Sandstone. The natural rock arch perfectly frames the rugged upstream view of the Murchison River: the perfect setting for a family photo to last through the ages.

The opportunity to swim with a whale shark is one that you might only get once in life, so make sure to pack the GoPro or underwater camera to capture the moment forever.