14 day road trip from Perth to Broome - Travelling in Australia
Soak up the experience of traveling from Perth, through Australia�s
Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef, along Warlu Way up to Broome.
What to expect
�Discover one of the most unique and dramatic landscapes in Australia,
the Pinnacles Desert.
�Swim with Whale Sharks and Giant Manta Rays in Coral Bay.
�Visit the most sacred Aboriginal sites for the Yunjibarndi people,
�Deep Reach� on the Fortescue River, home of the mythical Warlu
Serpent.
Fast facts
�Time: 14 days
�Distance: 2,500 kilometres (1,553 miles)
�Transport: car/campervan/motorhome and 4wd/4wd camper
�Nearest major city: Perth
A road trip from the most isolated city on the planet, Perth,
through to Broome, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia,
is an epic driving experience to say the least. In total, the distance
is over 2,500 kilometres (1553 miles), which is equal distance between
Paris and Istanbul, or a road trip from Montreal in Canada all the
way through the United States to Miami.
Day 1: Perth to Cervantes
The Pinnacles, Indian Ocean Drive, Nambung National Park , Western
Australia Your road trip begins on the Eastern Highway in Redcliffe,
less than a 10 minute drive from Perth Airport. Head north along
the Indian Ocean Drive, for 200 kilometres (124 miles) to discover
one of the most unique and dramatic landscapes in Australia: the
Pinnacles Desert. Created from the skeletal remains of ancient marine
life millions of years ago, the Pinnacles Desert remained undiscovered
until the 1960s. You�ll find some of the world�s oldest living fossils
at Lake Thetis, located off Hansen Bay Road. While you�re there,
take a leisurely stroll on the nearby 1.3 kilometre (.8 mile) walk
trail. You�ll have worked up quite the appetite by now, so if you�re
feeling a little peckish check out the delicious local produce at
the Lobster Shack when you arrive at Cervantes.
Day 2: Cervantes to Dongara
Swimming with sea lions, Jurien Bay, Western Australia Begin the
next day by travelling 15 kilometres (9 miles) north on the Indian
Ocean Drive until you reach the Molah Hill Lookout. Take in the
spectacular views over the Indian Ocean and native outback. Another
lookout, Grigson�s Lookout, is located just before you pull into
Jurien Bay. When you arrive in Jurien Bay, check out Skydive Jurien
Bay for the only skydive in Australia which lands on a beach. If
this is a bit too much adrenaline for your liking, jump aboard with
Turquoise Safaris for a sea lion charter cruise or don your mask
and snorkel and explore the underwater wonderland of the Jurien
Bay Marine Park. This diverse area is home to tropical fish, sponges,
sea squirts, soft corals, sea lions and dolphins. More adventurous
land-lovers will enjoy nothing more than exploring the caves of
the Stockyard Gully National Park , which is accessible only by 4WD
vehicle. After discovering caves and the coast, finish this leg
of the trip by continuing north for just over an hour to Dongara.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Southerly�s Tavern, home of Western Australia�s
best steak sandwich.
Day 3: Dongara to Geraldton
Road trip to Geraldton, Western Australia Named after the aboriginal
word �Thung-arra� meaning �Sea Lion place�, Dongara is a great place
to spend most of the day. Grab a coffee on Moreton Terrace, which
is named after the large Moreton Bay Fig trees which line the main
street, and head to the beach for a morning of exploring, swimming
and playing in the sand. Take a stroll along the Dongara-Port Denison
Heritage Trail, which includes highlights such as the Royal Steam
Roller Flour Mill and Russ Cottage. In the afternoon, travel 65
kilometres (40 miles) to Geraldton, and be sure to keep an eye out
for leaning trees along the way. Buffeted by prevailing southerly
winds, the trees� horizontal trunks have become something of an
icon for the region.
Day 4: Geraldton to Carnarvon
Batavia Coast Marina, Geraldton, Southern Coral Coast, Western Australia
Geraldton is home to the HMAS Sydney Memorial, located on top of
Mount Scott, commemorating the Australian warship�s World War II
battle with the German cruiser, Kormoran, off Shark Bay in 1941.
Visit the beautiful memorial in the morning before getting back
on the road. It�s a 5 hour drive to Carnarvon, so stock up on food
and refreshments before you head off. If you�re keen for a little
more history, just 60 kilometres (37 miles) off the Western Australian
coast you�ll find the Houtman Abrolhos Islands. This is the location
where the VOC flagship, Batavia, became shipwrecked in 1629. Known
as one of the most epic stories in Australia�s history, the chilling
events that followed the shipwreck are articulated in sordid detail
by Australian author Peter Fitzsimons in his book Batavia. Once
you arrive in Carnarvon, take some time to sample the fresh produce
along the Gascoyne Food Trail. An evening stroll along The Fascine
(Carnarvon�s central waterway) is a great way to wind down before
heading out for a fresh seafood meal.
Day 5: Carnarvon to Coral Bay/Ningaloo Reef
Snorkelling, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia Head out early the
next morning on National Route 1 and drive the 238 kilometers (149
miles) from Carnoarvon to Coral Bay. If you�re road tripping during
late March or early July, don�t miss the opportunity to book a diving
experience in stunning Coral Bay. You can discover what it�s like
to swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea, or majestic
giant manta rays, which are abundant throughout the year. Something
else to tick off your bucket list. If you love a bit of snorkelling,
you�re in for a treat at Coral Bay. You can rent equipment and get
tips on finding all the best locations for spotting reef animals.
The Ningaloo Reef also hosts glass bottom boat tours, which is a
great way to get up close and personal with the abundance of marine
life in the region. There�s even a shark nursery just 20 minutes
walking distance from the main beach as well as daily snapper feeding
at around 3:30pm.
Western Australian Coast Ningaloo | Credits MBrouwer
Western Australian Coast Ningaloo | Credits MBrouwer
Day 6: Day trip to Cape Range National Park
Whale shark, Coral Bay, Western Australia | Just 40 kilometres (25
miles) from Exmouth lies the rugged beauty of Cape Range National Park , showing off some of the most remarkable gorges and spectacular
canyons Western Australia has on offer. You can also enjoy a relaxing
cruise along Yardie Creek or, if you�re up for something a little
more adventurous, jump in a 4WD safari tour. A sunset view from
the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is a perfect end to the day (especially
if you�re dining on the local fresh prawns).
Day 7: Coral Bay to Tom Price
At 547 kilometres (340 miles) west of Coral Bay, it will take you
just over 6 hours to get there, but an epic road trip wouldn�t be
complete without a visit to Tom Price. Locally coined the �Top Town
in Western Australia�, Tom Price is the highest town (above sea
level) in WA and hometown of the (Rio Tinto owned) Mount Tom Price
iron ore mine. If you think it�s just a coincidence seeing so many
young people in and around town, you�re not mistaken. Tom Price
is home to Australia�s youngest population, with a median age of
just 29. It is also Australia�s most affluent regional town, largely
due to Rio Tinto�s employees, who earn well above Australia�s average
wage. While you�re in town, and if you can tolerate the blistering
temperatures, check out Western Australia�s second highest peak,
Mount Nameless. Another tick on the bucket list.
Day 8: Tom Price to Karijini National Park
Fern Pool, Karijini National Park , Western Australia It�s time to
discover one of the most popular local attractions in the region,
the award-winning Karijini National Park . Just an hour drive north
of Tom Price, this is a magical place of deep gorges, invigorating
rock pools and picturesque waterfalls. There�s a myriad of awesome
walking trails that lead you deep inside the surrounds of the Dales
Gorge. You can also cool off in the emerald-coloured waters of the
Fern, Fortescue, Falls and Circular pools - don�t forget your camera
for these.
Day 9: Karijini National Park to Millstream Chichester National Park
Python Pool, Millstream Chichester National Park , Western Australia
It�s an additional 508 kilometres (316 miles) from Karijini National Park north to your next destination of Millstream Chichester National Park . Take extra care along the unsealed roads as you travel alongside
one of the longest privately owned railways in the world. You�ll
need a 4WD vehicle to tackle these roads. If you�re lucky, you may
even encounter one of the 2.5 kilometre (1.5 mile) long locomotives
transporting iron ore to Port Dampier on the coast. There�s tons
to see and do here. Start with a tour of the old Homestead in Millstream
Chichester National Park , which since has been remodelled into the
park�s main Visitor Centre. If you�re keen for a cultural experience,
then check out the �Deep Reach� on the Fortescue River. This is
one of the most sacred Aboriginal sites for the Yunjibarndi people,
and home of the mythical Warlu Serpent. Before you leave, get your
camera ready for some awesome photo opportunities of the views from
the peak of Mount Herbert.
Day 10: Millstream Chichester National Park to Dampier Karratha
Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia
Heading North along the unsealed Karratha-Tom Price Road, you�ll
reach the North West Coastal Highway (again, choose a 4WD vehicle
to navigate the challenging road conditions). After a short 20 minute
drive via Madigan Road, and the Dampier Highway, you�ll arrive in
the port town of Dampier. Brace yourself for tropical delights of
the breath-taking Dampier Archipelago. This is a place to marvel
at nature�s paintbrush. From swimming in the turquoise waters with
dolphins and whales, to exploring the 42 tropical islands by boat,
you�re guaranteed a memorable experience. You can also discover
an array of ancient Aboriginal rock carvings at the Deep Gorge,
which is located near Hearson�s Cove, on the Burrup Peninsula.
Day 11: Dampier to Point Samson
Old Roebourne Jail, Roebourne, Western Australia If you navigate
yourself back onto the North West Coastal Highway, and turn East,
you�ll arrive at the historic gold rush town of Roebourne (about
one hour from Port Dampier). Although mostly a gateway town for
tourists on their way to local national parks, it�s still worth
the trip to experience some of the old heritage listed buildings
and art galleries on Main Street. There are also some great spots
to relax and enjoy a good lunch. Taking a trip out to Point Samson
Peninsula for a stroll along the beach is a nice way to enjoy the
afternoon. There�s also the option of taking a river cruise along
the Harding River to check out the lighthouse on Jarman Island.
Day 12: Point Samson to Port Hedland to
Eighty Mile Beach
The Simpson Desert, Western Australia Make your way back onto the
North West Coastal Highway and drive a further two and a half hours
east, over the Yule and Turner Rivers, until you arrive at Port
Hedland, the second largest town in the Pilbara region. Here you
can take a tour of the BHP Billiton port facilities or take a cultural
and heritage trail walk through the historical Museum and Court
House Gallery. From Port Hedland, drive another three hours along
the Eighty Mile Beach coastline. Although named �Eighty Mile Beach�
this coastline stretches just over 220 kilometres (140 miles), and
is the location where the Simpson Desert meets the Indian Ocean.
A beautiful spot to kick back and enjoy the scenic views of the
open ocean.
Day 13: Eighty Mile Beach to Broome
Dinosaur Footprint, Gantheaume Point, Broome, Western Australia
From Eighty Mile Beach take the North West Coastal Highway 376 kilometres
(234 miles) en route to your final destination, the pearling town
of Broome. Take a detour to the white sands and turquoise waters
of Cable Beach for a swim in the refreshing ocean, and then check
out Gantheaume Point to see up-close what 130-million-year-old dinosaur
footprints look like. If you�re keen on seeing one alive, then check
out Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Wildlife Park home to giant saltwater
crocodiles.
Day 14: Broome Staircase to the Moon, Roebuck Bay, Broome, Western
Australia
Broome is home to a myriad of activities and attractions. From the
award-winning pearls at the Chinatown showrooms to hovercraft adventures
and whale watching tours, you�re spoilt for choice. Don�t miss one
of the more popular attractions in Broome such as the Horizontal
Falls where tidal movements of the Indian Ocean render a waterfall-like
effect on the water�s surface. If you are traveling between the
months of May and October, the natural phenomenon known as Staircase
to the Moon, is an absolute must-see. This unique phenomenon takes
place when the moon rises above the ocean with swells leading toward
the distant horizon provide a staircase-like illusion.
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