A trip out west to Australia’s biggest state can be daunting, to say the least. Home to the country’s biggest deserts, biggest coastline, biggest parks and even the biggest fish, Western Australia truly is a Behemoth when it comes to road trips.
Out of a seemingly never-ending array of adventures to take in The Wildflower State, there’s one that never fails to get a mention (and for good reason) – and it’s the drive up to Francois Peron National Park.
For iconic Western Australian red sand dunes, white-sand beaches, and tranquil turquoise waters, the Peron Peninsula has it all. So what are you waiting for? Take the plunge and cross off this bucket list-worthy epic road trip the next time you’re in Perth.
Start your All-Aussie-Adventure road trip off in style
To make the most of your trip up to the Peron Peninsula, you’ll need a car that’s fit for the job. Given the National Park is awash with a sea of sand dunes, only high-class four-wheel-drive vehicles are permitted to traverse the tracks north of the Peron Heritage Precinct.
If you’re picking up your ride at the airport or starting your trip from within the city itself, Hertz can be found at both. Both locations are stocked with a range of 4WD vehicles to tackle your journey up north. Our simple booking process also allows you to peruse the range (and sort out any extras you might need) in as little as a few clicks. Check out our range of 4WD vehicles in Perth here.
Hitting the road – where to first?
The drive from Perth to the Peron Peninsula is no small feat for the average road-tripper. Clocking in at around a nine-hour drive from top to bottom (or more accurately, bottom to top), you’ll want to take advantage of the sights to see (and somewhere to stay the night) along the west coast on your way there and back. A favoured half-way point for many travellers is through the coastal city Geraldton, located four-and-a-half hours north of the capital. A popular seaside holiday destination, Geraldton is home to some of the Coral Coast’s most revered beaches, lined with cafés, shops, galleries and more. Continuing your drive north from Geraldton to Francois National Park, be sure to check out Port Gregory’s rare pink lake, Hutt Lagoon. Looking to take in more of the sights inland, or considering it for the drive back to Perth? There are plenty of options along the way. Immerse yourself in the local culture of the Wadjari community along the Yamaji Drive Trail, or tick off multiple National Parks this trip and hop from Lesueur to Kalbarri before arriving at Francois Peron.Francois Peron National Park
The stark, awe-inspiring contrast between the park’s terracotta sand dunes, turquoise waters and white-sand beaches are a wonder to behold. At the entrance, pick up a map and plan your route around the area. With tracks to the west and north, and several camping spots to make your base, you can explore the entire park with ease in as little as a day.
If you can only see one thing during your stay, it’s the spectacular scenery of the Big Lagoon. Located on the west side of the park past the Peron Heritage Precinct, look out across the sanctuary zone north of the campground over a picnic, or take a kayak or boat and enjoy the sights out on the water.
For a glimpse into the history of what was once a remote sheep station, the Peron Heritage Precinct towards the entrance of the park has self-guided tours of life during this time. Continue your pastoral history lesson just north of the Precinct at Kraskoes Tank and learn about the one-legged man that travelled by horse from Denham to Herald Bight every week.
For amazing views of the Shark Bay coastline, take the 90-minute round-trip Wanamalu Trail from Cape Peron to Skipjack Point and revel in the natural colours of the land.
For breathtaking views, rich pastoral history, and unique cultural experiences, there’s no better place to find it than on an epic road trip from Perth to Francois Peron National Park. Hire a car with Hertz and tick this journey off your bucket list today.
