Western Australia wildlife road Trip: 6 unmissable animal encounters

"I've photographed wildlife all over Australia, but nothing compares to swimming alongside a whale shark. The size, the grace - it's humbling in a way that changes you."

TL;DR: The essential info on a Western Australia wildlife road trip

• Best time to visit: Summer (December–February) when joeys, sea lion pups, and turtle hatchlings bring new life to WA's coast

• Trip duration: 10–14 days to experience all six wildlife encounters at a relaxed pace

• Best for: Wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who'd rather swim with whale sharks than sit in traffic

• Distance: Approximately 2,500km from Perth to Ningaloo Reef and back

• Best vehicle: campervans for hire in Perth with solar power, dual batteries, and unlimited kilometers

• Key encounters: Quokkas at Rottnest Island, sea lions at Jurien Bay, beach kangaroos at Lucky Bay, whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, manta rays at Coral Bay, and turtles at Cape Range

• Must-book in advance: Whale shark tours, sea lion snorkeling experiences, and national park campsites (especially Lucky Bay and Cape Range)

Bottom line: This wildlife road trip lets you swim with whale sharks, snorkel with sea lion pups, and take selfies with quokkas - all in one epic Western Australian adventure. Summer brings joeys, hatchlings, and new life to every stop. If you'd rather watch kangaroos on beaches than tourists at attractions, hire a campervan through Camplify, book your wildlife tours early, and chase encounters most people only see on documentaries.

Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef—the bucket-list encounter that defines any wildlife road trip Western Australia.

Meet Ross Long: your West Australia road trip guide

Ross Long's story began in a corporate boardroom and found its purpose underwater on the Great Barrier Reef.

Ross Long: from corporate finance to wildlife photographer, chasing encounters that transform how we see the natural world.

"There was a time when my life looked very different. Suits, spreadsheets, boardrooms and the constant hum of deadlines," Ross recalls. "I was diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, 2019, when a green sea turtle drifted past me. It wasn't just an encounter, it was a moment of clarity. Watching that turtle move with such grace and purpose, I realised I wasn't truly living. I was existing."

That encounter changed everything. After spending a decade in finance and risk, Ross left the corporate world in 2022 to dedicate his life to wildlife photography and conservation. Now, through his photography expeditions and content creation, he connects people with nature's most profound moments—from turtle hatchlings to manta rays gliding through clear waters.

"I believe nature holds the power to transform us," Ross explains. "The more deeply we connect with the natural world, the more we feel called to protect it."

His wildlife road trip across Western Australia isn't just about ticking off bucket-list encounters. It's about experiencing wild animals in their natural habitat, on their terms, with the respect and distance these creatures deserve.

The Ultimate Vehicle for Your Wildlife Road Trip

For a wildlife road trip spanning thousands of kilometers across Western Australia, your vehicle isn't just transportation - it's your base camp, darkroom, and connection to remote encounters most tourists never reach.

Ross traveled in Cab Sav, a 2024 LDV Deliver 9 campervan from OnlyVans, booked instantly through Camplify. For a wildlife photographer chasing early morning encounters and remote locations, the van's features proved essential.

Cab Sav, the 2024 LDV Deliver 9 from OnlyVans—built for off-grid adventures and remote wildlife encounters across Western Australia.

"For me battery power and storage are the most important thing as a photographer and adventurer," Ross notes. The solar and engine-charged battery system meant camera gear stayed charged even at off-grid locations like Cape Range National Park. The 65L fridge kept food fresh during multi-day stretches between towns—crucial when your focus is wildlife, not grocery runs.

The king-size premium mattress delivered rest after long days of snorkeling and hiking, while the roof hatch and built-in fan provided ventilation during warm WA summer nights. With unlimited kilometers included, Ross never had to choose between destinations—every wildlife encounter was accessible.

Solar power, dual batteries, and a king-size bed—everything you need to chase early morning wildlife encounters and sleep under the stars.

OnlyVans operates from both Western Australia and the Gold Coast, offering a fleet that ranges from budget-friendly LDV V80s to legendary Toyota Hiaces and premium LDV Deliver 9 campervans. All vans feature modern safety tech, eco-friendly features, handcrafted interiors, and smart amenities designed for extended road trips.

The instant book feature through Camplify proved game-changing for Ross's spontaneous travel style. Wildlife doesn't wait - when conditions are right for whale shark sightings or turtle hatchlings are due, you need to move fast. Instant book allowed Ross to secure his ideal van within minutes.

View more campervans for hire in Perth through Camplify.

Your Western Australia wildlife road trip itinerary

Your wildlife road trip Western Australia route: 2,500km of bucket-list animal encounters from Lucky Bay to Ningaloo Reef.

Stop 1: Lucky Bay, Esperance — Beach Kangaroos

The Experience: Kangaroos on white sand beaches with turquoise water as a backdrop. It sounds like a Photoshop fantasy, but at Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, it's just another Tuesday.

Beach kangaroos at Lucky Bay, Esperance—where eastern greys lounge on sand rated among the whitest in the world.

"Kangaroos on the beach? Urmmm. YES PLEASE," Ross exclaims. The eastern grey kangaroos here have adapted to beach life, often spotted lounging on sand rated among the whitest in the world.

Ross's Advice: "Head early in the morning before the crowds. Remember, don't feeding them and let them control the encounter." Dawn visits offer the best combination of soft light, active kangaroos, and minimal crowds. Summer means joeys in pouches—keep your eyes peeled for tiny heads poking out.

Park Access: Lucky Bay is located within Cape Le Grand National Park, requiring a park entry fee. The beach campground allows campervans and caravans, with basic facilities and the unique opportunity to camp steps from where kangaroos roam.

Stop 2: Rottnest Island — Quokka Encounters

Meet the quokkas: Western Australia's happiest marsupials and your first wildlife encounter on this epic road trip.

The Experience: Meet the quokkas, the world's happiest (and most photogenic) marsupials. These pint-sized wallabies have become Instagram famous for their apparent smiles, but the real magic happens away from the crowds.

Ross's Tip: "Avoid the urban quokkas in the village that are overfed. Head a little further out towards Bathurst Lighthouse." The wild quokkas here are healthier, more curious, and make for more authentic encounters. Don't forget your selfie stick—but remember not to feed them and let them control the situation. They're fragile little darlings.

Getting There: Rottnest Island is accessible by ferry from Perth or Fremantle. Leave your campervan in secure parking and take the ferry across for a day trip. The island is best explored by bicycle, with rentals available near the ferry terminal.

Best Time: Summer mornings before 9am offer the best encounters with fewer tourists and more active quokkas.

Head beyond Rottnest's village to Bathurst Lighthouse for authentic encounters with wild, healthy quokkas on their terms.

Stop 3: Jurien Bay — Swimming with Sea Lions

The Experience: Sea lion pups are the ocean's most playful performers. At Jurien Bay, you'll snorkel alongside these curious creatures in their natural habitat—an experience Ross calls one of his favourites across Australia.

Sea lion pups at Jurien Bay—the ocean's most playful performers and one of Ross's favorite snorkel experiences in Australia.

"Did someone say sea puppies? Head to Jurien Bay and head out with Turquoise Safaris and experience one of my FAVOURITE snorkel experiences across Australia. I've been going with Rosemary and the team for the last six years and they're fantastic!"

The Details: Turquoise Safaris runs small group tours with experienced guides who know exactly where the sea lion colonies hang out. The Australian sea lions are endemic to Australia and particularly playful during summer when pups born in spring are learning to swim.

Camping Options: Several caravan parks in Jurien Bay offer powered sites with ocean views. The town also has free camping options nearby for fully self-contained campervans.

Stop 4: Coral Bay — Manta Ray encounters

The Experience: Just 150km south of Exmouth, Coral Bay offers some of Western Australia's most accessible manta ray encounters. These graceful giants glide through the water with wingspans up to seven meters.

Manta rays glide through Coral Bay's crystal waters with wingspans reaching seven meters—grace personified.

Ross recommends Coral Bay Eco Tours for guided experiences: "Just a small drive south from Exmouth is Coral Bay and this is one of the best places to swim with manta rays. I recommend Coral Bay Eco Tours for a special experience!"

Why Summer: Manta rays feed on plankton blooms that peak during warmer months, making summer an excellent time for encounters. The shallow, protected waters of Coral Bay make snorkeling accessible even for beginners.

Park Accommodation: Coral Bay has limited but quality camping options. The Coral Bay Caravan Park offers powered and unpowered sites, though bookings are essential during peak season.

Stop 5: Sal Salis, Ningaloo — Swimming with Turtles

The Experience: While Sal Salis is a luxury eco-retreat, its location on Ningaloo Reef makes it accessible for campervan travelers seeking turtle encounters from nearby areas. Green sea turtles at Ningaloo Reef: snorkel straight from the beach and encounter these ancient mariners in their natural habitat.

"Swim with turtles? Stay at Sal Salis Ningaloo where you can simply head out from the beach into the ocean. It doesn't take long to find a turtle," Ross explains. "They do guided tours included with your stay so that your guide can help you as they know the reef really well."

For campervan travelers, Yardie Creek and other sections of Cape Range National Park offer similar turtle snorkeling opportunities from pristine beaches. Green and loggerhead turtles are commonly spotted year-round, with hatchling season typically running December through March—a magical summer spectacle.

"It's also worth staying here so you can experience sleeping under the stars below the mighty Cape Range," Ross adds—something easily achievable in a campervan at one of Cape Range's excellent campgrounds.

Cape Range Camping: The national park offers multiple campgrounds including Kurrajong, Osprey, and Sandy Bay. These sites are basic (no powered sites) but position you directly on some of Australia's best reef-accessible beaches. Book well in advance through Parks and Wildlife Service WA.

Stop 6: Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth — Whale Shark Swimming

The Experience: Swimming with whale sharks—the biggest fish in the ocean—ranks among the world's greatest wildlife encounters. Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places globally where these gentle giants gather reliably, typically from March through July, though encounters can extend into summer.

The ocean's largest fish and the encounter that defines Ningaloo Reef—swimming with whale sharks is bucket-list material.

"Ever wanted to swim with the biggest fish in the sea? Head to the Ningaloo reef and here you can swim with whale sharks!" Ross recommends Live Ningaloo for their intimate approach: "There are lots of operators to choose from, but I recommend Live Ningaloo on one of their more intimate boats with a max of ten people."

Planning Notes: While peak whale shark season is mid-year, Ningaloo's diverse marine life makes it worthwhile year-round. Summer brings manta rays, turtles, and reef sharks in abundance. Book tours in advance, especially during school holidays.

Caravan Parks: Exmouth offers several holiday parks with full amenities for campervans, including Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, both within easy reach of the marina.

How to find the best campervan hire in Perth

Planning a Western Australia wildlife road trip requires the right vehicle—one that can handle remote locations, off-grid camping, and the unpredictable distances between wildlife encounters.

Start with Camplify

As Australia's favourite van hire platform, Camplify connects you with thousands of privately owned campervans, caravans, and motorhomes. The platform offers:

• Thousands of custom vans with the lovingly-curated touches of a personal home-on-wheels

• Pickup right across the country from Byron Bay to Exmouth

• Local knowledge. Rather than another transaction, every Camplify booking is a moment of connection where decades of camping knowledge are passed from one traveller to another.

Find a campervan for hire in Perth through Camplify today. Or learn more about how it works.

Essential van features for wildlife photography

• Solar panels and dual battery systems for charging camera equipment off-grid

• Adequate fridge space (60L+) for extended periods between towns

• Good storage for camera gear, snorkel equipment, and camping supplies

• Comfortable sleeping arrangements for rest after early morning wildlife encounters

Best campervan hire features for Western Australia roadtrips

• Unlimited kilometers (essential for this itinerary)

• Off-grid capabilities (many best campsites have no facilities)

• 4WD or high clearance if planning beach driving at Lucky Bay

Book Early: Summer is peak season for campervan hire Perth. Popular vehicles, especially those with premium features like OnlyVans' LDV Deliver 9 campervans, book months in advance. Although instant book is available, start searching at least 8-12 weeks before your intended travel dates.

Freedom on four wheels: finding the right campervan hire in Perth unlocks wildlife encounters across thousands of kilometers of WA coastline.

Traveler tips for your WA wildlife encounters

Timing is Everything Summer (December through February) brings new life to Western Australia. However, this is also peak tourist season—arrive at popular spots like Lucky Bay before 8am to avoid crowds.

Respect Wildlife Boundaries These are wild animals with protective parents. Always observe from a safe distance, never feed wildlife, and follow park guidelines. This isn't just about safety—feeding disrupts natural behaviors and can harm animals. Let them control encounters. If an animal approaches you, remain still and let them decide whether to interact.

Book Tours in Advance Whale shark tours, sea lion snorkeling, and manta ray experiences often sell out weeks ahead during summer. Book these as soon as you confirm your campervan hire dates. Most operators have cancellation policies that protect you if weather interferes.

Water and Fuel Distances between fuel stations can exceed 200km in remote areas. Fill up at every opportunity and carry extra water—both for drinking and for rinsing snorkel gear after ocean swims. Ross's 65L fridge proved essential for keeping hydrated during long driving days.

National Park Passes Many wildlife destinations sit within national parks requiring entry fees. Consider purchasing an All Parks Pass from Parks and Wildlife Service WA if visiting multiple parks—it pays for itself after 3-4 park visits and covers everyone in your vehicle.

Photography Considerations "For me battery power and storage are the most important thing as a photographer," Ross explains. Even if you're not a professional, consider these tips:

• Charge devices overnight using your campervan's power system

• Bring waterproof cases for phones and cameras during snorkel encounters

• Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for wildlife photography

• GoPros or action cameras excel for underwater encounters

Snorkel Gear While most tour operators provide gear, having your own mask that fits properly makes encounters more enjoyable. Rash vests protect from sun and minor coral scrapes. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential—many areas including Ningaloo Reef prohibit chemical sunscreens that damage coral.

Campsite Bookings Popular spots like Lucky Bay campground and Cape Range National Park campsites require advance bookings, sometimes months ahead for summer holidays. Have backup camping options researched in case your first choice is full.

Mobile Coverage Expect limited or no phone coverage at many wildlife hotspots. Download offline maps, save important tour operator contact details, and let someone know your planned route. This isn't a reason for concern—just planning ahead for remote adventure.

Picking the right RV for your Western Australia road trip is essential to having a safe & enjoyable adventure.

Start your Western Australia wildlife road trip

Ross Long's journey from corporate boardrooms to swimming with whale sharks proves what many of us suspect: the most profound experiences exist far from our everyday routines, in moments of connection with the natural world.

A wildlife road trip Western Australia offers exactly these moments—quokkas controlling their own photo sessions, sea lion pups performing underwater acrobatics just for you, and kangaroos sharing their beach at dawn. These aren't manufactured experiences or viewing platforms. They're genuine encounters with wild animals in environments they've called home for millennia.

"None of this would be possible without wheels," Ross reflects on his journey with OnlyVans and Camplify. "We booked @onlyvanswa through the Camplify platform. These vans were perfectly kitted out for those longer adventures."

Ready to start planning? Visit Camplify to find the best campervan hire in Perth for this wildlife road trip. With thousands of vehicles available and instant book options from trusted operators like OnlyVans, your Western Australia wildlife adventure is just a booking away.

Want to see more of Ross's wildlife photography and join one of his expeditions? Visit rosslongphoto.com or follow his adventures on Instagram.

View more itineraries:

Perth to Esperance: The ultimate 10 day Western Australia road trip (Vlog)

The Wheatbelt Way: Perth's Best Short Road Trip

Kendall & Glenn's epic 10 day NZ Adventure (Vlog)