Indian Ocean Drive

AN MRT logo ADVENTURE

Indian Ocean Drive map image
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Distance: 125 km

Spans from Lancelin to Geraldton along the Western Australian coastline

time to drive icon
Time to drive: 4.5 hours

Spent approx. 3 days on this drive

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Terrain: Easy

The Indian Ocean Drive is an easy drive on a sealed coastal highway. 

mrt dmax x-series canopy sand aesthetic shot mrt x-series canopy exploring the lunar-like landscape of bright yellow desert mrt x-series canopy dmax on the dessert sand

We headed south down the WA coast towards Perth and therefore began our Indian Ocean Drive road trip at the northern end. There are a number of stops along the Indian Ocean Drive but these were absolute favourites!

Day 1:  We Began the day by making our way to the bright pink waters of Hutt Lagoon. This is one of the most famous pink lakes in Australia! It is located just over an hour drive north of Geraldton at the scenic fishing village of Port Gregory. The amazing colour of this lake is due to the presence of carotenoid-producing algae in the hypersaline water. If you visit on a bright sunny day, the pink really is as bright as all the photos! The best time of day to visit is typically the middle of the day when the sun is high. We loved that we could whip up a quick lunch right next to the lake using our MRT pantry and trundle drawer as our kitchen table – is there a cooler spot to have a picnic!?

The afternoon was spent exploring Port Gregory. Despite being a small town, it has some really beautiful spots to visit including Port Gregory Beach, historical buildings (Lynton Convict Depot) and the mouth of the Hutt River. There are some accommodation options in Gregory if you choose to stay the night. Alternatively, you can start heading south to find a spot to stay in Geraldton, Leeman or Jurien Bay.

Day 2: If there is one spot you don’t want to miss it is this one! Located only 3.5 hours drive from Hutt Lagoon (2 hours north of Perth) this is one of the most unique spots we have ever been. The Pinnacles Desert is situated in Nambung National Park just outside of the coastal town of Cervantes. This spot is best visited at either sunrise or sunset – the landscape completely transforms with the rising and setting sun. You will feel like you are on another planet as you explore the lunar-like landscape of bright yellow desert sand and  tall limestone formations rising from the earth. These date back 25000-30000 years! We took the 4.5 km easy drive trail that winds its way through the desert – we even spotted some kangaroos and emus amongst all the limestone pinnacles! Entry fee to the Pinnacles is $15 per vehicle.

Make sure you end the day by having dinner at the Lobster Shack in Cervantes. This part of the coastline is known for the Western Rock Lobster – this had the best seafood we have had in a long time! The caravan park in Cervantes is a great place to stay the night before continuing the journey along the Indian Ocean Drive.

Day 3: Take a day trip from Kununurra to either Lake Argyle or the Bungle Bungles. Both spots are incredibly beautiful. Lake Argyle is Australia’s second largest man-made lake. It is a perfect spot to take a boat out, take a swim (yes, there are freshwater crocodiles but this is a popular swimming spot!). The caravan park here has the most beautiful infinity pool in the country in our opinion!

The Bungle Bungles is a world heritage listed range in Purnululu National Park. Located 250km from Kununurra, these are some of the most fascinating geological landmarks we have ever seen and incredibly beautiful, particularly at sunset.

mrt ute canopy with jerry can holder, spare wheel carrier, and ute canopy ladder to access the tent on top

RECOMMENDED GEAR

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X-Series Chassis mount canopy

Read our full build here

Storage Solutions

  • MRT Pantry
  • MRT Slide-out under tray drawer as kitchen unit with a storage system for food
  • 130L Bushmans fridge 
  • MRT Slide-out drawers for easy access to tools and camping equipment
  • Designated spaces for recovery gear and spare parts (our MRT canopy toolboxes are great for this) 
  • MRT Jerry Can Holder for extra fuel or water

Recovery Gear

  • Bullbar + Winch and Recovery Points
  • Snatch Straps and Shackles
  • Recovery Boards (e.g. Maxtrax
  • Hi Lift Jack

Vehicle Protection

  • Bullbar
  • Underbody Protection (bash plates) 
  • Snorkel
  • Gearbox and Diff Breathers - recommended

Navigation and Communication

  • UHF Radio (in-vehicle and handheld) 

Camping Gear

  • Swags / tents
  • Portable gas stove
  • Camp chairs and table

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

  • Tyre Repair Kit
  • Automotive Tool Kit
  • Cable Ties / Wire 
  • Spare tyre, hoses, belts, oil and coolant
  • Air Compressor and tyre deflator

WANT TO KNOW MORE? CONTACT US TODAY

Our friendly and experienced team of professionals are ready and waiting to answer any further questions you have in regard to MRT products and services. Call us on 1300 650 090 today. We encourage all to visit one of our Brisbane, Sydney or Perth showrooms and check out our latest products and team updates on Facebook and Instagram.

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MELBOURNE STORE
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Phone: 03 9961 3882

Visit MRT's showrooms in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, or Perth. See the latest products and keep up with team updates on Facebook and Instagram. The knowledgeable and friendly team is on standby to address any questions through email, instant chat, or phone call.

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