Moresby

Moresby is a tiny, sun-bleached outpost on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, where the red dirt of the Gascoyne region meets the turquoise Indian Ocean. This is classic outback-meets-coast territory: a place of endless horizons, quiet fishing jetties, and a palpable sense of isolation that feels more meditative than lonely. For travellers on the long drive between Exmouth and Carnarvon, Moresby offers a genuine glimpse of life off the tourist trail—think salt-crusted air, pelicans on the shore, and a pace that slows you down whether you like it or not.

Highlights & What to See

• Moresby Jetty – A classic WA fishing jetty that stretches into clear, shallow waters. It’s a top spot for dropping a line (whiting, herring) or simply watching the sunset paint the tin roofs of the town in gold.
• Moresby Beach – A sweeping, uncrowded beach perfect for long walks, beachcombing, and spotting sea eagles. The water is calm enough for a paddle but watch for the odd stingray.
• Pelican Point – A short drive north, this headland offers panoramic views up and down the coast, and a chance to see roosting pelicans and ospreys.
• Moresby Pioneer Cemetery – A small, poignant cemetery with graves dating back to the late 19th century, telling stories of the area’s early pastoral and pearling history.
• Gascoyne River Mouth – A few kilometres east, where the ephemeral Gascoyne River meets the sea. After rains, it’s a vibrant wetland teeming with birdlife; in the dry season, it’s a stark lunar landscape.

Suggested Time to Spend

Moresby is a brief stop rather than a destination in itself. Most travellers spend an hour or two wandering the jetty, beach, and cemetery. If you’re a keen angler or photographer, you could easily stretch that to half a day, especially if you time your visit for sunrise or sunset. There’s no accommodation in Moresby itself, so plan it as a day stop along the Coral Coast Highway (Route 1).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Exmouth – 150 km north, the gateway to Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. Combine with a snorkel with whale sharks (March–October) or a manta-ray dive.
• Carnarvon – 80 km south, a historic port town known for its banana plantations, space-tracking station, and the fascinating Gascoyne Food Trail.
• Shark Bay World Heritage Area – About 300 km south, featuring Monkey Mia’s dolphins, the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, and the dramatic cliffs of Francois Peron National Park.
• Gascoyne Junction – 150 km inland, the start of the Kennedy Range National Park and a gateway to the red-rock gorges of the Gascoyne region.
• Point Quobba – 60 km south, a rugged coastline with blowholes, a historic lighthouse, and excellent fishing spots.

Please check official sources for current details.