Sean Scott Travel Series
Written by Sean Scott
Sean Scott is one of the world’s most talented photographers, having earned the prestigious title of Canon Master. He is also a Lotus Caravans ambassador and has owned several Lotus Caravans, with which he has travelled around Australia many times over.
The Coral Coast is one of those rare places where the desert meets the ocean. It’s all red dirt, turquoise water, and some of the best light you’ll ever shoot in. I planned my route around the conditions: mornings for calm water and drone work, and afternoons for those big west-coast sunsets. I travelled north to south so I wasn’t chasing the light in the wrong direction, starting at Bullara Station and working my way through Coral Bay, Warroora, Quobba, and over toward Dirk Hartog Island.
Overnight Stops
On this stretch, they’re all caravan-friendly, which is ideal for travellers like me who like to mix station stays with coastal camps.
Bullara Station
An epic outback stay and one of my personal favourites. It’s got a great community feel, friendly hosts, and it books out fast for a reason. The Friday night Burger Night is a must. Everyone gathers around the fire, and it’s always a great vibe. I’d honestly rather stay here than in the crowded Coral Bay.
Warroora Station (14 Mile)
Stunning beachfront camping. Drop your tyre pressures and take it slow in; the reward is worth it. Or stay at the station where there are showers and toilets.
Carnarvon
An easy resupply stop for fuel, food, and water.
Quobba Station / Red Bluff
The drive in is just a well-maintained dirt road, nothing tricky. I towed my Lotus Caravans rig without any issues. There’s no water available at Red Bluff, so stock up before you go. It’s rugged, raw, and absolutely beautiful — my favourite spot by far.
Dirk Hartog Island
You’ll need to leave your van on the mainland, but the 4WD ferry across opens up some of the most untouched landscapes in WA.
My Road Trip Highlights
Bullara Station is all about the people, the outback charm, and epic sunsets on the dunes. The little coffee and scone stand in the mornings is a great touch, and the burger night really captures that authentic station-stay atmosphere.
Quobba Station is where it all came together for me. It’s raw and wild, but still comfortable with the van. It’s also where some of my most famous shark images were captured, and even some of my drone footage has even featured in David Attenborough films!
Watching the sunsets over Red Bluff is something you never forget. Snorkelling in the lagoons near the Blowholes and just exploring the coastline is world-class.
Off-Road Caravanning
The conditions can change quickly, with corrugations, wind, and soft sand in sections, but my Lotus Caravans rig handled it all with ease. Dropping tyre pressures early makes a huge difference. The off-road suspension took the bumps effortlessly, and the dust sealing kept everything clean inside. Having the extra water and power capacity meant I could stay off-grid for much longer without having to rush between stops.
My Recommended Coral Coast Itinerary
Day 1–2: Set up at Bullara Station. Enjoy the burger night, relax, and explore Coral Bay or Five Fingers Reef from here.
Day 3–4: Head to Warroora Station (14 Mile) for remote beach camping and classic Coral Coast sunsets.
Day 5–6: Continue north to Quobba Station / Red Bluff. Spend your time exploring the coastline, snorkelling, fishing, or just soaking in the views.
Day 7: Return via Carnarvon to restock, or if you’ve got extra time, continue toward Denham and Dirk Hartog Island for the next adventure.
Best time of year for Coral Coast Caravanning
April through October is perfect. May to September gives the best balance of weather and light, plus whale sightings along the coast.
Things to avoid
Avoid driving at dawn or dusk, as there’s plenty of wildlife on the roads. Keep an eye on wind forecasts if you plan to snorkel or fly drones. And make sure you bring enough water if heading to Quobba or Red Bluff.
Coral Coast road trip packing essentials:
- Plenty of water and fuel (no water at Red Bluff).
- Tyre deflator, compressor, and recovery gear.
- Offline maps, UHF radio, and good shade setup.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear, and a windbreak for those strong coastal gusts.
- Camera kit: polariser, drone ND filters, and lens cloths (the salt spray is real!).
To see more of Sean’s incredible photography, follow him on socials or check out his website:
Facebook: Sean Scott Photography
Instagram: @seanscottphotography
Website: seanscottphotography.com.au
Check out some of Sean’s photos from his Coral Coast road trip, below:
