Exploring Western Australia’s Turquoise Coast, a picturesque and aptly named stretch of the Coral Coast, is both an easy and rewarding road-trip adventure. Located just a few hours north of Perth along Indian Ocean Drive, the biologically abundant region is a sight to behold – both above and below sea level. There’s hardly a dull moment along this coastline: travellers can swim with sea lions, spot wildflowers in bloom, sandboard on soaring dunes, and feel as though they’re on another planet gazing at lunar-like rock formations at sunset.

To experience the best of what this short coastal stretch has to offer, we headed out in a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, our rugged yet refined off-roader. Whether it’s the petrol, diesel, electric or Mercedes-AMG variant, the G-Class offers a smooth ride both on and off the beaten track; its high clearance is ideal for tackling rocks and sand, making it well-suited to the region’s diverse, otherworldly terrains.

If you're passing through WA or planning to stay a few days, here are the stops worth pulling over for along the Turquoise Coast.

Take your morning coffee by the beach

Start the coastal-hopping adventure by heading up to Yanchep, a charming coastal town around 45 minutes from Perth. Orion Café is a great place to have coffee, eat breakfast and bask in elevated views of the popular snorkel spot, Yanchep Lagoon. While you’re there, explore sweet-tooth haven and tearoom Chocolate Drops, which is conveniently positioned nearby in Yanchep National Park – also home to a koala boardwalk and glittery limestone marvel, Crystal Cave.

Back on the road, let the G-Class’ Burmester 3D surround sound system (optionally available) fill the cabin with your favourite playlist, and activate the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC feature to maintain a steady pace up the Turquoise Coast. It's an easy hour between Yanchep and Lancelin, with gentle bends and long, scenic stretches of road.

If you're alternating drivers along the way, the G-Class can also store up to three seat positions, plus the steering column and mirror settings, so there's no fussing around when you switch.

Test your balance (and leg muscles) on the Lancelin Sand Dunes

WA may not get snow, but there’s plenty of soaring white sand dunes to get your adrenaline pumping. The lofty and ever-shifting Lancelin Sand Dunes stretch for 2km, and the best way to navigate them is by sandboarding. Board hire is readily available from local tour operator, Perth Quad (in town), for $10.

In case you need to replenish energy levels, stop by the surfer hangout, Offshore Café. Grab one of their renowned pies before journeying to the next geographical marvel.

Set your sights on Nambung National Park

One of WA’s most iconic destinations is Nambung National Park, about an hour’s drive north of Lancelin. Home to The Pinnacles Desert, the 17,487-hectare park is famed for its lunar-like landscape and incredible natural limestone structures. Pinnacles of all shapes and sizes are scattered across the golden desert sands. It’s also one of the few places in the world where the ocean and desert meet.

The land’s Traditional Owners, the Yued people, refer to the Pinnacles Desert as ‘Kwong-kan’, meaning ‘sandy place’. The slender weathered monoliths – estimated to be between 25,000 and 200,000 years old – are believed to be the hands of warriors engulfed by the earth for defying their Elders.

A day ticket to enter the park is currently $17, granting vehicles access to a single, one-way dirt road bordered by small rocks. There are multiple places to park and wander freely around the park (without disturbing the Pinnacles); however, to truly appreciate the region’s diverse landscapes, be sure to visit the lookout platform at sunset. The Pinnacles is also an ideal spot for stargazing. (We recommend staying a night at RAC Cervantes Caravan Park to relish the full Pinnacles experience, day and night).

More rocks are located 20km north of Nambung National Park. Lake Thetis is home to the world’s oldest ‘living’ fossil: stromatolites. The lake is one of five places in WA to see the micro-organisms. The fossils at Lake Thetis are said to be relatively young, at roughly 3,000 years old.

Put the Turquoise Coast’s freshest produce on your plate

Need a bite to eat? No trip along the Turquoise Coast would be complete without a red-hot feed at the Lobster Shack, a five-minute drive (or 40-minute walk) north of Lake Thetis.

What started as a modest lobster factory in 1966 is now a highly sought-after destination for seafood lovers. Go behind the scenes on a 30-minute factory tour to learn more about Australia’s most valuable single species and the handling processes from ocean to plate. Then, head next door for another hands-on rock lobster experience: eating it. The upmarket coastal eatery offers outdoor seating to make the most of the warm weather, the waves, and, of course, devouring an ocean-fresh catch.

Get up close with rare local wildlife

If you’re looking for a reason to extend your adventure, add Jurien Bay to your itinerary. The sleepy coastal town, a drive just short of 20 minutes north of Cervantes, is one of a few places to spot the Australian sea lion: the world’s rarest sea lion species.

Get up close to these doe-eyed “dogs of the sea” in their element in Jurien Bay Marine Park. Local tour operator Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience offers swimming with sea lions while educating guests about the importance of marine conservation.

Finish up with a ‘cheers’ to the coastal adventure at Kakka Alley Brewing Co. The locally run microbrewery is both a beer and antique lover’s paradise, with boutique brews sharing space with maritime relics and menacing-looking (and thankfully, fake) shark heads. Order a beer paddle or non-alcoholic beer (if you’re the designated driver) and observe the nautical-themed grounds.