29 May 2023 by admin

Cover photo: Shark Bay taken from the plane. Photo credit: Tse Yin Chang

What’s the best way to travel to Exmouth? It’s probably the question we get asked the most. We get that it’s one of the most important decisions when planning your holiday. Although there’s no right or wrong answer, there are pros and cons for both flying and driving. Ultimately, time and cost will be the main factors influencing your decision.

If you are planning a trip to spend some time in our beautiful backyard and are still undecided about the best way to get here, our latest blog breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of flying versus driving. Read on to find out more!

The case for flying to Exmouth

Flying might seem like a no-brainer. With a short two-hour flight time from Perth, booking a plane ticket seems like the easiest and less stressful option for your next Exmouth escape. You’ll fly from Perth and reach Learmonth Airport in no time. There is a shuttle bus service from the airport to the resort, which is handy. But you will need to book this service in advance. We would still recommend hiring a car from the airport, though. Not only will it make the 37 km drive to Exmouth easier and more comfortable. But you will need a vehicle to make the most of your holiday and explore the area.

Flying might appeal more to families with children as you will arrive at your destination quicker. If you’re holidaying in Exmouth with kids, the thought of a long road trip might sound like your worst nightmare. After all, it is a 12 to 13-hour non-stop drive from Perth to Exmouth. And even the most well-behaved kids will get restless during the long drive, even with various stop-offs along the way.

And then there’s the condition of your car and whether it’s a 2WD or 4WD. Can it handle such a big trip? You’ll put over 1,200 km on the clock to drive from Perth to Exmouth. And depending on what you plan to do once you arrive, your car might not even be suitable to traverse the terrain. Conventional 2WD vehicles won’t have an issue accessing Cape Range National Park and its superb beaches if the weather is fine and dry. But roads can deteriorate very quickly during wet weather, leading to the possibility of your 2WD vehicle getting stuck. Also, access to certain areas requires a 4WD vehicle, like the 12 km scenic drive to Shothole Canyon. Something else to bear in mind if you want to drive in Cape Range National Park.

If you are leaning towards flying, book your tickets as soon as possible. As with all flights in the post-pandemic world, the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it’s likely to be. Qantas operates the Perth to Learmonth route with two flights departing daily. A quick search on a comparison website will provide you with the best quote for the time you wish to fly. Or visit the carrier’s website directly and compare prices. 

For our friends in the eastern states, Qantas has introduced a route directly from Melbourne to Exmouth. There will be twice-weekly flights available up until October. With a flying time of around 3 hours, the iconic and pristine World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef will become accessible to even more people wanting the quintessential West Australia adventure. 

Things to consider when booking a flight

• Visit a third-party comparison website like Webjet to obtain a quote. Then check the fare on your chosen airline’s website to see if it’s any cheaper if you book direct.
• Consider your need for travel insurance to cover lost, damaged, or stolen luggage – particularly important if you plan to check in any larger luggage. Travel insurance can also cover for delayed or cancelled flights and include hire car excess waiver cover.
• If you are checking in luggage, make sure you are familiar with the airline’s luggage allowances and acceptable size and weight.
• It’s a short two-hour flight from Perth. Hardly enough time to get bored. But you might still want to make use of a tablet or phone to watch a movie or listen to music. Not all domestic planes have inflight entertainment.
• It’s never a bad idea to pack a pair of noise cancelling headphones – if you have them. Flights are often quite noisy.
• Try and bag yourself a window seat because that straight away elevates the flying experience.

The case for driving to Exmouth

If you can look beyond the time (12-13 hours non-stop) and distance (over 1,200 km), a Perth to Exmouth road trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed. Unless you don’t have a licence or you hate driving! Driving is a far more scenic mode of transport compared to sitting in a plane. The only exception is if you bag a window seat for those striking aerial views!

One of the best things about driving is that it allows you to keep to your schedule. You will also have bags of opportunities to stop off on route and explore all the magical sights as you journey from Perth to Exmouth. Be sure to stop at Jurien Bay, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, Carnarvon, and Coral Bay as you make your way up to Exmouth. All of these are must-see destinations.

For families or group travellers driving may work out best for your budget. Rather than using your vehicle, consider hiring a car instead. Just like the cost of air travel, car hire prices have skyrocketed since the pandemic. Many Australians continue to holiday at home instead of taking an overseas trip. Search for the best car rental deals on a comparison website and book a vehicle at your earliest convenience. Once you’ve found a quote you are happy with, check the price on the company’s website to ensure you get the best possible deal. Sometimes you can get a cheaper deal direct rather than buying via a price comparison website. It always pays to do a little bit of reach – in more ways than one.

Things to consider when hiring a car

• Get several car hire quotes and compare prices on comparison websites.
• Found a price you’re happy with? Price match by checking on the company’s main website before you book.
• Car hire companies will always try and push you to purchase extra insurance. If you have your own insurance, like travel insurance for example, it might be an unnecessary extra purchase. So, check any other insurances you might have that may cover you for vehicle hire.
• Read the small print and always check the policy so you don’t get caught out and stung with hidden costs you weren’t expecting. Some car rental agreements limit the number of miles you can drive, unless you pay extra. You will also most likely have to pay extra for any additional drivers.
• Make sure you are fully aware of what you will have to pay if the vehicle is damaged. If you don’t have third party insurance that will cover you, consider paying an additional damage fee to reduce any excess you’ll be expected to pay.
• For extra peace of mind, take photos or video of any damage to the vehicle when you collect it, such as dents and scratches. You don’t want to be held liable for any pre-existing damage.

The verdict

Once you’ve compared the costs of flying versus driving, you will be in the best position to make an informed choice. Ultimately, the decision is down to what suits you – and your pocket – best. But if you can spare the time on the road, take a leap and embrace the allure of travelling the open road. If you’re an adventure seeker, the Coral Coast road trip is as epic as they come. Many say it is one of the most magical road trips in Australia. You can read more about our blog on Perth to Exmouth Road Trip: Everything You Need to Know.

If the prospect of two long road trips still fills you with dread, you could always fly one way and drive the other. That way, you can experience the best of both worlds. With so many amazing sights along the way, it feels like a missed opportunity not to explore as much of the incredible Coral Coast as you can. Either way, however you get here, we guarantee you will have one of the best life experiences and the most memorable holiday. We can’t wait to see you when you get here!