From Perth to Ningaloo and the flavours of the Gascoyne, there’s something uniquely West Australian about a road trip north from Perth (Boorloo). The city skyline quickly gives way to windswept dunes, fishing towns, turquoise waters and some of the freshest seafood in the country.
Feature by Western Australia
Along Australia’s Coral Coast, the journey becomes a feast. Including Food and Drink experiences in the Western Australia Dream Collective, this Ultimate Seafood Trail celebrates the people, places and produce that define this remarkable coastline, culminating in the Gascoyne Food Festival, a celebration of food, culture and landscapes across Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Bullara and Shark Bay.
Coral Coast, Carnarvon and Whaler's Restaurant, Exmouth
Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Dongara-Port Denison: Where the Seafood Story Begins
The trail begins with one of Western Australia’s most prized delicacies: Western Rock Lobster on Yeud Country. The waters between Cervantes and Geraldton (Jambinu) support one of the nation’s most important lobster fisheries, making this stretch of coast the perfect introduction to WA's seafood story.
In Cervantes, Lobster Shack serves the state's signature crustacean fresh from the source, while nearby Seashells Café offers relaxed beachfront dining. In Jurien Bay, Screaming Mudlark Coffee Company has become a favourite stop for quality coffee and coastal charm.
Further north, Dongara-Port Denison blends seaside hospitality with local flavours. At Southerly’s Harbour View Bar and Restaurant and Sea Folk Co, visitors can enjoy fresh produce and marina views in equal measure.
Southerly's Harbour View Bar & Restaurant in Dongara-Port Denison and Lobster Shack, Cervantes
Geraldton and the Batavia Coast: Seafood with a Contemporary Twist
Geraldton has earned its place as one of regional Western Australia’s standout food destinations. Fresh seafood from the Abrolhos Islands sits alongside a growing scene of chefs, brewers and distillers championing local ingredients.
Discover a Dream Collective experience showcasing the city's coastal lifestyle at waterfront Restaurant and cafe Skeetas, or explore seasonal menus at Salt Dish to locally crafted beverages at Batavia Brewing and 30 Knots Distillery.
For sunset, few places rival Old Man and The Sea, where sweeping views across the marina provide the perfect backdrop for a classic Coral Coast sundowner.
Skeetas Restaurant Bar & Cafe, Geraldton
Kalbarri and Shark Bay: Wild Landscapes, Exceptional Seafood
In Kalbarri (Wurdimarlu), where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean, fresh seafood remains central to the local dining scene. The Jetty Seafood Shack serves classic fish and chips, while another Dream Collective experience Finlay’s Kalbarri, pairs craft beer with laid-back coastal character.
Further north, the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay (Gathaagudu) region offers one of Australia's most distinctive food experiences. Fresh prawns, seafood and local delicacies are enjoyed against a backdrop of spectacular marine landscapes.
Venues including Ocean’s Restaurant, Shark Bay Hotel, The Boughshed and Monkey Bar at Monkey Mia showcase the region’s relaxed style, while Dirk Hartog Island (Wirruwana) offers the rare opportunity to enjoy food and drinks in one of Australia's most remote coastal locations.
Inscription Bar & Cafe, Dirk Hartog Island
Carnarvon: The Food Bowl of Western Australia
Known as the food bowl of Western Australia, Carnarvon (Yinggarda) is where the seafood trail meets an abundance of tropical fruit and fresh produce. The region's fertile growing conditions have helped create one of the state's most celebrated food destinations.
Local establishments such as Jardilunji Mia Café, Kestrel Café, 6701 Waterfront Café and Miss Fangs Café & Restaurant highlight the cultural diversity and produce-rich flavours of the Gascoyne.
A drive along the Carnarvon Fruit Loop Trail offers the chance to meet local growers and sample the region's renowned tropical fruits, with many producers transforming local produce into award-winning preserves, dried fruits and ice creams.
Exhale Restaurant, Exmouth
Ningaloo, Coral Bay and Exmouth: The Grand Finale
As the trail reaches Ningaloo, world-class marine experiences are matched by exceptional food and hospitality. Coral Bay and Exmouth combine pristine waters, abundant seafood and relaxed coastal living.
Operators including Froth Craft Brewery, Whalers Restaurant and Exhale Exmouth showcase local seafood and regional produce, while Sweet Ningaloo serves artisan gelato in Coral Bay and Bill’s Bar remains a popular post-reef gathering place.
At nearby Bullara Station, the Dream Collective station stay offers dinners under vast outback skies add a distinctly regional flavour to the journey, combining local ingredients with warm country hospitality.
Published August 2026