We are a family of four with two teenage kids. Saw a travel program about swimming with whale sharks at Exmouth that looked amazing. Helluva long way to go for just one thing though. What else is there between Perth and Exmouth? What should we do and see, what is overrated, any tips? We would really appreciate your advice on this.

There is absolutely NOTHING between Perth and Exmouth that is worth seeing or doing. It would rank as one of the most boring trips you could think of, eclipsed only by going further up north or across the Nullabour Plain to Adelaide. Some will tell you that there is this and that en route but honestly it is dreadful

I visited The Pinnacles on a day tour from Perth and found it a worthwhile place to visit. It is "on the way" from Perth to Exmouth. Another place along the way (with a slight detour to the coast) is Monkey Mia, where wild dolphins visit the beach. I have kind of mixed feelings about Monkey Mia. I really enjoyed seeing the dolphins and getting a chance to feed them, but it is rather crowded and touristy. There is not a lot going on there (other than the dolphin feedings) and I found the area a bit too quiet for my taste. I flew up from Perth and thought it wasn't necessarily worth the trip BUT I would say that it is probably worth a stop if you are passing through the area anyway. You've probably already checked it out, but I found http://www.westernaustralia.net to have some good information. Have a great trip!

I agree with Marg, nothing much to see at all but flat, flat flat and very long distances to cover. Best to go south from Perth which is a pretty and diverse area with lots to see, the coast lines, karri forests, caving and wildflowers in the spring. Also an excellent wine industry. Even a trip to Kalgoorlie is more interesting than going north.

Thanks you all for taking the time to reply. Having established that there is absolutely nothing of interest between Perth and Exmouth, has anyone been to Exmouth to do the reef snorkelling thing and get cosy with whale sharks? How long would you stay there and is it worth the AU$300 or so to see them? If we drive to Exmouth over a couple of days is there an inland route back to Perth that has more to offer than the coastal yawn?

Any other route is even worse than the main one but I doubt that there is another anyway. No it is not worth it. About 30 miles north of Perth the desert starts and let me tell you that it is just one boring klm after another. You could find you went all that way and the whale sharks were not there anyway. If I went I would fly, but that is expensive

I was in Exmouth in May of 2001. Drove there from Perth. The whale shark thing is neat but don't think that you're going to be feeding the things by hand. All divers (snorklers) must maintain a 30 foot buffer from the Sharks. Visibility is dictated by the wind. It's a 2 hour ride to get to the location. Most of the dive operators hire spotting planes which will direct you right to them. A much better and cheaper time can be had by driving to Emerald Beach on the other side of the peninsula. Ningaloo Reef is 20 meters off shore and is pristine. My 12 year old and I saw sharks, hawksbill turtles and thousands of large fish. And it's free. Visibility is outstanding. Further down the coast about 15 miles is Yardie Creek. You can paddle up the creek and catch sight of Barramundi and Rock Wallabies. Shot Hole canyon is also excellent. Exmouth is a small town but boasts a dozen dive operators and a couple of outstanding restaurants. If you drive up make sure you stop in Kilbarri which is a fantastic spot where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean. Spectacular cliffs and vistas. I don't understand why it is not better known amongst travelers. Kilbarri alone is worth the trip North. We spent a week in Denham near Monkey Mia. The Dolphins aren't much but the fishing in Shark Bay is great.