Hidden gems: 10 places to discover on the Coral Coast 

Words: Louise Goldsbury Producer: Bianca Farmakis

From swimming with sea lions to admiring the vast West Australian landscape, the road trip to the Coral Coast, two hours north of Perth, is brimming with distractions.

The southern gateway is one of the country's most iconic natural wonders, offering otherworldly rock spires, glimmering beaches and sprawling desert landscapes. Video: Instagram | Australia's Coral Coast

Here are ten gems to spot along the Coral Coast

Picture: Instagram | Western Australia

Thousands of limestone formations from the dunes of Nambung National Park splinter the structures formed 25,000 to 30,000 years ago after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells. Picture: Instagram | Western Australia The Pinnacles The Pinnacles

The town is best viewed from above. Some of the breathtaking sites to see from the air include the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and the pink lake of Hutt Lagoon, as well as Kalbarri’s cliffs and gorges. Picture: Instagram | Australia's Coral Coast Geraldton Geraldton

Kalbarri National Park's canyons are famed as one of the top places to find traces of the earliest known life forms on Earth. They are best observed from the Skywalk, where 100m-high lookouts project beyond the rim of the Murchison Gorge. Kalbarri National Park Kalbarri National Park

The oldest and largest living fossils on Earth — dating back 3.5 billion years — are found in Shark Bay World Heritage Area's Hamelin Pool and are considered to be the most diverse examples of their kind. Stromatolites Stromatolites

The fertile oasis of the region supplies much of Perth’s fresh produce. On the Fruit Loop Drive Trail, visitors can try black sapote ice-cream from Morel’s Orchard and a mango smoothie from Bumbak’s Plantation via cash-only honesty stalls. Picture: Instagram | Carnarvon Visitor Centre Carnarvon cuisine Carnarvon cuisine

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures guide Darren "Capes" Capewell wants people to feel nature, rather than see it. At Francois Peron National Park, he describes the strong desert energy, the Indigenous and French history, and the significance of Shark Bay’s UNESCO recognition. Francois Peron National Park Francois Peron National Park

The Kimberley has its horizontal waterfalls, Dirk has a horizontal blowhole. Watch sharks hunting prey in the Surf Point marine sanctuary, kayak around a bay bursting with bird life, and check out an old shearing shed for a glimpse of pastoral history. Picture: Instagram | Dirk Hartog Island Dirk Hartog Island Dirk Hartog Island

For absolute reef-frontage on a secluded sliver of the North West Cape, look no further. Step from your safari tent onto the sand and into the water around Ningaloo, with no transfer required. The simplicity of it slows you down from the minute of arrival. Picture: Instagram | Sal Salis Ningaloo Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Safari Camp Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Safari Camp

Believe the hype: Ningaloo Reef is worth the trek and can be reached from the beach or by small boat for half-day expeditions. Expect up close encounters with the sea’s most magnificent creatures. Picture: Instagram | Live Ningaloo Ningaloo Reef Ningaloo Reef

At the southern end of Ningaloo’s 5000sq km is the obviously named Coral Bay. Whale-watching cruises (June to November) and glass-bottom boat tours are popular, while fishing charters will deliver turquoise waters full of marlin, tuna and bream. Coral Bay Coral Bay