30 October 2023
9 mins Read
From white beaches, coral reefs and charming fishing towns to rugged national parks, plunging waterfalls and ancient Indigenous rock art, a Perth to Broome road trip boasts a myriad of landscapes and marine life.
Over almost two weeks and a whopping 3200 kilometres, explore the best of this remarkable stretch of Australia, including swimming with whale sharks, flying over pink lakes and devouring fresh tropical fruits and crayfish.
Drive the scenic Coral Coast Highway from Perth to Exmouth. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Distance: 420 kilometres
After leaving laid-back Perth, head north on Indian Ocean Drive for two hours towards the fishing town of Cervantes.
Farewell the city lights of Perth and begin your road trip to Broome.(Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Explore the 30,000-year-old limestone structures at Lake Thetis before devouring some fresh seafood at the legendary Lobster Shack.
Refreshed, continue north to Greenough, where you can spot the iconic leaning trees from the highway.
Marvel at the curious species of leaning trees as you drive by.
Arrive in Geraldton with enough time to explore the city’s diverse beaches. Choose from the soft white sand of Back Beach, surfing at Sunset Beach, or floating in the sheltered waters of Town Beach.
Check out the sights in town before cooling off at Geraldton’s beaches. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Two hours’ drive north of Perth, The Pinnacles are other-worldly limestone structures that were formed 25,000 years ago.
The Pinnacles are limestone formations within Nambung National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Swim in the stunning natural waterhole Ellendale Pool on the Greenough River, 45 kilometres south-east of Geraldton.
Hop on a light aircraft and fly 60 kilometres west of Geraldton to the Abrolhos Islands for a spot of snorkelling and diving.
Off the west coast of Geraldton lie the spectacular Abrolhos Islands. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and @stevefraserphotography)
Accommodation tip: Mantra Geraldton
Distance: 433 kilometres
Grab coffee at Geraldton’s Flowvitality and head to the bubblegum-pink Hutt Lagoon, a marine salt lake. Nestled between the lagoon and the beach, you’ll find the quaint fishing town of Port Gregory, where you can grab an ice cream at the general store.
Hutt Lagoon features a bubblegum-pink marine salt lake. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
From Hutt Lagoon to Kalbarri National Park takes about an hour to drive (or longer if you stop in the seaside town of Kalbarri for a bite at The Gorges Cafe).
Take the Loop Walk in Kalbarri National Park to see the iconic Natures Window. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
At Kalbarri National Park, either bushwalk, gorge hike or canoe (or drive to a lookout) to admire the beautiful gorges and dazzling wildflowers.
Wildflowers bloom near Kalbarri National Park. (Image: Greg Snell)
Four hours’ drive further north, Monkey Mia comprises white sandy beaches, rusty red sand dunes and water teeming with dolphins, dugongs, sharks and more.
Get up early to join the rangers’ briefing session on the Monkey Mila boardwalk before meeting the wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.
Paddle through Shark Bay World Heritage Area at Monkey Mia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and @helen_jannesonbense)
View vulnerable dugongs from a wildlife cruise on a sailing catamaran, also check for turtles, manta rays and sharks.
Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles at Monkey Mia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Looking like giant boulders, the stromatolites of Hamelin Pool are living fossils, examples of what life on Earth was like 3.5 billion years ago.
Find the oldest stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and credit @tom_tit_)
Accommodation tip: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
Local visitors make themselves at home in RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Distance: 352 kilometres
Located on the edge of the mighty Gascoyne River delta, Carnarvon is where banana, mango and papaya plantations thrive on fertile land. If you adore tropical fruit, take a tour of one of the plantations or visit the Gascoyne Growers’ Market.
Carnarvon also boasts some mind-blowing natural wonders, such as blowholes, freshwater pools and nearby gorges.
Just off the Carnarvon Mullewa Road, you’ll find Bilung Pool. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Surrounded by lush grassy banks and shady eucalypts, Rocky Pool is a tranquil swimming hole and picnic spot.
Arrive at the Blowholes on the incoming tide (when they perform at their best) to see jets of water erupt into the air, sometimes up to 20 metres. Don’t miss the nearby coral-filled lagoon, the Aquarium.
Capture the rugged scenery at Red Bluff, Quobba Station north of Carnarvon. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Located 230km inland from Carnarvon, the dramatic views in Kennedy Ranger National Park are simply spectacular. For those who like bush campsites, settle into Temple Gorge campground for the night.
Accommodation tip: BIG4 Plantation Caravan Park
Distance: 364 kilometres
World-famous Exmouth is home to whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and humpback whales. Dive, snorkel or drift over Ningaloo Reef in a glass bottom boat to explore the World Heritage-listed reef that is jam-packed with over 500 species of fish and 300 species of coral.
See whale sharks up close at Ningaloo Reef. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Before you reach Exmouth, you might want to take a few detours – catch a wave at Gnaraloo Bay or go snorkelling at Quobba Station.
Hikers will marvel at the rugged limestone range and arid coastal plain of Cape Range National Park, 50 kilometres south of Exmouth.
Charles Knife Gorge in Cape Range National Park is spectacular from above. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and credit @apertunity_)
Dive or snorkel off the beach at Bill’s Bay or visit the deeper waters to view dugongs, manta rays and whale sharks.
Hop on the Scenic Lighthouse Drive and head up the hill to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. With panoramic views of the ocean, it’s a fantastic spot for sunset drinks.
Accommodation tip: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Distance: 658 kilometres
From the dreamy blue and clear waters of Exmouth to the deep red colours of Karijini National Park in a day. What more could a traveller ask for?
Head to the bucket-list Karijini to see awe-inspiring gorges of ancient rock, cool swimming holes and showering waterfalls. Visit the Karijini Visitor Centre, walk the Dales Gorge trail and take a dip in the pools of Fern Pool, Fortescue Falls and Circular Pool.
Plunge into the Circular Pool at Karijini National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
You might want to break up this 655-kilometre drive with a stop at the beautiful Cheela Plains Station (don’t miss the sublime carrot cake).
Discover the natural wonders at Cheela Plains Station. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
A favourite of many travellers to Karijini National Park, Hamersley Gorge boasts a lush, turquoise spa pool.
Don’t miss checking out Joffre Gorge, a spectacular curved waterfall forming a natural amphitheatre.
Joffre Gorge is an impressive sight at Karijini National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and credit @cjmaddock)
Accommodation tip: Karijini Eco Retreat
Distance: 316 kilometres
Port Hedland is famous for its massive resource industry. Think big ships, long trains and salt piles. But it’s also rich in Indigenous culture, pioneering history and is a great spot for fishing and crabbing.
If you’re keen to extend an adventure to the Pilbara, the main towns to explore beyond Port Hedland are Onslow, Point Samson Peninsula, Dampier and Karratha.
Cape Keraudren boasts a picturesque beach with clear blue waters just east of Port Hedland. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
If you have kids – or you just love kangaroos – a tour of Lisa’s Kangaroo Retreat is a must-do in Port Hedland.
Don’t leave town without taking a 90-minute Salt Industry Tour to learn how salt is grown and harvested.
Accommodation tip: Hedland Hotel
Distance: 609 kilometres
Renowned for its beaches and rich and colourful history, Broome may be small but it sure packs a punch. Bordered by the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean and the creeks and mangroves of Roebuck Bay, Broome offers wide empty beaches, wildlife and breathtaking colours. Throw fantastic accommodation, unmissable markets and plenty of things to do into the mix, and you’ll soon know why Broome attracts thousands of visitors each year.
If you want to stretch out your odyssey a little longer, stay a few nights at Eighty Mile Beach to soak up the endless stretches of white sand, turquoise water and excellent fishing and birdwatching.
Stroll along the pristine sand of Eighty Mile Beach. (Image: Cjmaddock)
Cable Beach is the one and only place to take a camel ride in Broome, and frankly, you couldn’t hope for a more glorious backdrop.
Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
For many Broome visitors, spending time at the tidal waterfalls deep in the Buccaneer Archipelago is the ultimate Kimberley experience.
Experience the majestic Horizontal Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
And just when you think it can’t get any better, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures offers a new package that includes a night on board the luxurious Jetwave Pearl.
A seaplane will deliver you to your accommodation at Horizontal Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia
Accommodation tip: Eco Beach Resort
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Enjoyed your trip coverage from Perth wa to Broome.
It got me thinking for a future trip