Take a road trip to the stars and dark skies of Western Australia’s Coral Coast and Golden Outback.
Wildflowers (seasonal), coastal fun and farming heritage are your highlights by day, while the stars light up the dark skies for you to stargaze at night. After stunning sunsets, best enjoyed with a picnic handy, the Milky Way comes out to play. It’s an adventure to keep coming back for.
This unique road-trip offers up wonderful contrasts from the beautiful countryside landscapes to stunning seaside beaches, showcasing spectacular wildflowers (July to September) and brilliant, star-spangled night skies. Bring your binoculars, camping gear, bathers, and a taste for adventure because this trip has it all.
Day 1: Coorow (260kms) or Three Springs (300kms)
It’s an easy morning road trip to Coorow or Three Springs to begin your Wild Flowers, Wild Stars adventure. Leave Perth mid-morning and make it to Coorow’s Old Ute café or the community-owned Coorow Hotel for lunch. The Midlands Route is the one less travelled, so you’re in for some great surprises along the way. In season, after glimpsing wildflower roadside wonders, you’ll discover Coorow’s Koobabbie Precinct and family farming legacy or the Three Springs Heritage Trail.
At night the stars are brilliant! Depending which town you choose to stay in, both the Coorow Golf Club and the Three Springs Golf Club on the outskirts of each town are perfect for stargazing. For astrophotography you can’t go past Touche Road Lakes in Coorow or the Three Springs Talc Mine Lookout where you’ll find horizon-to-horizon views of an amazing night sky.
Overnight: Coorow or Three Springs
Take in the wide open dark night sky from the Talc Mine Lookout near Three Springs.
Day 2: Mingenew (75-100kms)
If you’re up early enough, make it to Mingenew for breakfast at the famous bakery – remember to pick up a special treat too! Stock up with a picnic to take on your wildflower wanderings. Coalseam Conservation Park is a must-see, and one of the most diverse wildflower sites in WA. If you get time, stop in at Depot Hill; an interesting trail takes you through the nature reserve and to an historic World War II Army Rifle Range. After dinner at the local pub, take your telescope or binoculars to Yandanooka Hall for dark sky stargazing. If you want to stay around town instead, you’re welcome to wander up to the Hockey Oval or Golf Course.
Overnight: Mingenew
From Mingenew you can choose between two routes to take you on the path back to Perth. Go via the coast or via more wildflower country.
Choose the coastal star trip home from Mingenew via Leeman/Greenhead and Jurien Bay/Cervantes
Day 3: Leeman/Greenhead (125-140kms)
Wake up leisurely in Mingenew before heading off to the coastal towns of Leeman and Greenhead for a spot of fishing and camping. Stay overnight here and you’ll be able to explore the impressive Stockyard Gully Cave and the wildflowers of Stockyard Gully Reserve. Better yet, the night sky will be picture-perfect for seeing the band of the Milky Way overhead.
Overnight: Leeman or Greenhead
Day 4: Cervantes via Jurien Bay (70kms)
It’s only a short hop to Jurien Bay to grab a coffee at any of the popular cafes. You’ll have time to enjoy all or some of the 14km Turquoise Way coastal walk and cycle path. If the family is along for the adventure, the Dobbyn Park foreshore has a fun skatepark and a huge nature playground.
Then it’s off to the relaxing seaside fishing village of Cervantes. It boasts aqua-blue waters and white sandy beaches. Perfect for swimming, a spot of fishing or indulging in a scrumptious seafood platter at the popular Lobster Shack. Grab and early dinner and head out to experience a spectacular sunset and stunning night skies at either The Pinnacles or Lake Thetis. “Astrotourists” are welcome at night! If you’re an astrophotographer, pick up some handy hints from one of WA’s best, Michael Goh. Or join a sunset and stargazing tour with Jurien Bay Adventure Tours.
Overnight: Cervantes
Gaze at the stars by the shores of Lake Thetis, only a short drive from Cervantes.
Day 5: Return to Perth (200kms)
After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to see Cervantes and surrounds by day. Wander the boardwalk and easy 1.5km walking trail around Lake Thetis. You’ll encounter Earth’s oldest living lifeforms, the stromatolites! Just before heading towards home, call in to Nambung National Park and the fascinating Pinnacles Desert. Explore the desert with its unique landscape of limestone spires via the 4km driving trail before enjoying the delights of the Indian Ocean Drive as you head home. Stop in at vantage points along the way for amazing coastal scenery. Rugged in winter and sublime in summer.
Or choose the inland star way home from Mingenew via Morawa and Perenjori
Day 3: Morawa (60 kms)
Wake up leisurely in Mingenew before you hit the road to Morawa. There’s an extraordinary building designed by Monsignor Hawes, the Holy Cross Church, to discover. Or explore Bilya Rock with its abundant wildflowers in season. If you’re ready for a stargazing adventure, take a picnic dinner to stunning Koolanooka Springs. Watch the golden light fade and billions of stars emerge! If stargazing closer to town is more your cup of tea, the Morawa Caravan Park has a dedicated spot.
Overnight: Morawa
Day 4: Perenjori (40 kms)
On your way south of Morawa, you’ll travel through some expansive farming country. Stay overnight in Perenjori ready to explore the fascinating Rothsay Heritage Trail. Or, approximately 16kms out of Perenjori, you’ll come across the interesting heritage site of Caron Dam Reserve. It’s RV friendly and a wonderfully dark place to stargaze at night. If you’re traveling through wildflower season, make sure you find out where to see the stunning Wreath Flowers!
By night, the stars are simply stunning above the red rock breakaway country at The Salmons, 20kms east of Perenjori. If you prefer stars closer to where you’re staying, the Perenjori Golf Club welcomes “astro-visitors” at night with or without telescopes. There’s a Giant Planisphere that will help you discover what’s up in the night sky while you’re staying.
Overnight: Perenjori
Day 5: Return to Perth (340kms)
Take a morning stroll around Perenjori to see the unique Monsignor Hawes Church of St Joseph. Stock up with some supplies at the newly re-opened Perenjori supermarket and then it’s the open road return trip to Perth.
Maps: You’ll find a handy map and information you can download on our Wild Stars Stargazing Map.
Travelling north instead? Explore some other wonderful dark sky destinations along the way. Another itinerary to travel is the Starry Coast to Outback Adventure.
Ready to stay longer? You’ll find more about this wonderful region on the Australia’s Coral Coast website.
Driving distances are intended as a guide only and may vary depending on exact route taken.
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