Dreaming of heading off on a Perth to Broome road trip – one of the most amazing road trips in the whole of Australia?
If you only have 2 weeks and wish to enjoy a road trip around Western Australia, you’ll need to make sure you have the best itinerary so you see all the awesome places the West Coast has to offer!
If you are only able to take one road trip in Western Australia, the Perth to Broome itinerary has to be it!
Swimming with whale sharks and manta rays, seeing kangaroos on the beach, seeing otherworldly landscapes, taking quokka selfies, kayaking to stunning deserted beaches or watching stunning sunsets every night?
You’ll get to do all that here on this Perth to Broome Western Australia itinerary!
PERTH TO BROOME ROAD TRIP: 2 WEEK ITINERARY WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Firstly – What Is The Road Distance To Drive From Broome to Perth?
To drive directly from Broome to Perth on the fastest route (the inland route – National Highway 95) without any stops, the distance is just over 2,000km. This would take almost 24 hours of driving non-stop!
Even though the inland route is quicker, it misses out all the beautiful stops along the way.
If you take the coastal route (National Highway 1) – the distance is only a few hundred kilometres extra, but you’ll see many of Western Australia’s highlights, as well as be able to break up the trip along the way!
It is definitely the best way to do a road trip between Broome and Perth.
Adding up all the little detours to visit all the tourist places mentioned in this blog, it will mean the total road trip distance from Perth to Broome – accounting for all the sightseeing, will be about 3,300km.
How Many Days Should I Do My Road Trip From Perth To Broome?
Western Australia is huge – it covers over a third of the whole of Australia! Make no mistake – a road trip from Broome to Perth is not something you can do in a few days!
If you’ve ever done any road trips in Australia, you’ll know just how long the distances can be!
I have written below a 2 week Perth to Broome itinerary. I don’t recommend you to go any shorter than this – if you do so you will risk missing out on some beautiful places Western Australia has to offer.
Of course this 2 week itinerary can be extended to 3 or even 4 weeks easily if you take it slow, but I do not recommend spending less than 2 weeks on a Broome to Perth road trip.
If you only have a few days though and your time simply does not stretch to two weeks, you can do a Perth to Exmouth 6 day tour – CLICK HERE TO BOOK!
Should You Do The Road Trip From Perth To Broome, Or From Broome To Perth?
So, when you are starting to plan your Western Australia road trip itinerary, one important thing to decide is whether to do your road trip going up from Perth to Broome, or whether you wish to start in Broome and drive down to Perth.
It doesn’t make a difference on your itinerary – it will really just depend on your schedule.
For example if you are already doing a road trip around Australia you probably know which direction you want to go in (clockwise or anti-clockwise around Australia).
If you will be flying over to Western Australia to start your road trip, or if you will be a hiring a car or camper van, I would definitely recommend you to look at prices of airfare prices and car/campervan hire first, as sometimes prices from Broome – especially car and camper van hire, are a lot cheaper than they are from Perth.
If the rental vehicle prices are significant (sometimes it can be several hundred dollars difference in the vehicle hire!) then often that will make it much easier for you to decide where to start your Western Australia road trip from.
This itinerary however will focus on driving from Perth to Broome, as this seems to be the more common route.
What Time Of Year Should I Do The Perth To Broome Road Trip?
Most of Western Australia has good weather all year round, which means a road trip is possible during any season.
However whilst Perth enjoys consistent sunny days throughout the year, Broome is more tropical and so is defined by a wet and a dry season.
The wet season is roughly from November until April, and the dry season runs from May to October roughly.
Especially if you plan to continue your journey from Broome and head across to Darwin and the Northern Territory, some roads may become impassable during the wet season (as when it rains, it rains!) and some car hire companies may even stop operating during the wet season.
Therefore it is advisable to plan a Perth to Broome road trip during the dry season, between the months of May and October to avoid getting caught in flash floods.
Another thing to take into consideration when planning when you should do your Perth to Broome road trip is that many people will want to come to Western Australia to visit Ningaloo Reef to swim with the whale sharks!
Swimming with the whale sharks is an incredible experience and should definitely be high on your list!
The whale shark season runs roughly from March to July, so if swimming with whale sharks is something you are keen to do, plan your road trip between March and June so you don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!
Therefore taking into consideration the dry season and the whale shark season, the best time to visit Western Australia and do your Perth to Broome road trip is from May to July, give or take a little.
Of course this is the busiest time, and when prices are slightly higher, so you will need to book your transport and accommodation in advance.
Don’t worry if high season doesn’t coincide with the time you plan to be in Western Australia.
There is still plenty to see (and turtle nesting season is from November to March!), plus travelling off season generally means a reduction in car rental and accommodation costs.
It also means places aren’t as busy so you can be a little bit more flexile with your itinerary.
PERTH TO BROOME ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
How To Get From Perth To Broome
There are three main ways to get from Perth to Broome. One way is by using your own transport (your own car/campervan or one you have hired), the other is by using public transport, and the third is by doing a tour that is organised for you.
1. Hiring A Car/Campervan
Unless you have your own transport, the most popular way to explore Western Australia from Perth to Broome is to hire a car or a campervan.
This will give you flexibility to plan your itinerary as you wish, and it means you can be more flexible as you can change the itinerary whenever you wish – for example if you love a certain spot and want to stay longer there.
Rentalcars is a good price comparison website for car rental. As mentioned earlier, to find the best prices it is smart to look at car rental for both Perth to Broome and from Broome to Perth.
Depending on the time of year, car rentals can often be cheaper from Broome to Perth. It is wise therefore to sort this out before you book your flights, so you aren’t forced to take your road trip in one direction.
You will of course be charged a one way car fee, but this will still work out cheaper and a lot more convenient than having to drive all the way back to Perth from Broome (or vice versa) once you’ve done the road trip, as it will mean shelling out petrol money for another 2000km, plus it will add another couple of days of (very boring) driving onto the end of your road trip.
Should I Hire A Campervan Or A Car To Roadtrip From Perth To Broome Western Australia?
This one is really a matter of preference. You can either hire a car – which is cheaper, and then pay for hotels each night, or you can hire a campervan – which costs more to hire, but then you don’t have to pay for hotels and just sleep in your van.
You will have to pay if you go into main campgrounds, but you will be able to do some free camping too at designated spots, which will save you paying for accommodation each night.
You aren’t allowed to just camp up anywhere in Australia and you could get fined. Apps such as Campermate are great for showing you places where you can camp (both free and paid).
If you book basic hotels, the cost of the car hire and the hotels will amount to roughly the same as if you hire a campervan. If you book very expensive hotels, it will of course cost more than campervan hire.
Some people prefer to rent a car as opposed to travelling in a campervan as they prefer their creature comforts of staying in a proper bed and air conditioned room for the night.
The downside to renting a car as opposed to a campervan is that you aren’t as flexible – you often need to arrive at the hotel before a certain time in the evening as reception staff won’t be there if you arrive late.
This can be a little annoying if you get delayed. It also means that you can’t be as flexible with your itinerary and have to stick to a rough timetable if you have pre-booked your hotels already (which is advised so you are guaranteed somewhere to sleep that night!).
Travelling in a car will also of course mean less space for your luggage and you won’t have a fridge, a sink, a cooker (or even a toilet sometimes!).
With a campervan, you can stop anywhere and make some lunch quickly with your supplies when you get hungry, whereas you are a lot more limited with a car.
You’ll also find naturally that in a campervan you’ll start your days earlier, whereas when you are in a hotel you’ll often stick around for breakfast, and it will mean you may not get as much as an early start. But of course the choice is up to you.
I have done road trips in camper vans, as well as road trips in cars where we slept in hotels, and they were both enjoyable.
In regards to which camper vans to get – the smaller ones which are usually a converted Toyota Hiace Sprinter or similar, are perfect for 2 people and are a lot cheaper than the big camper vans suitable for up to 6 people.
Should I Hire a 4×4 For Western Australia Road Trip?
Many people wonder whether a 4×4 is necessary for their Perth to Broome road trip.
Whilst it is certainly not necessary and you can see all the sights below in a 2 wheeled drive, a 4×4 does offer more flexibility as you’ll be able to drive on the dirt roads. You’ll find lots of nice secluded campgrounds down dirt roads.
Note that if you don’t have a 4 wheel drive car or campervan you mustn’t drive along dirt roads as you won’t be covered by the insurance if there is a problem with your vehicle.
National Parks Pass For Western Australia
There are several gorgeous National Parks in Western Australia where you will need to pay a visitor fee to enter. Rather than paying each time to enter, to save you money you can buy a National Parks Pass before you start your trip.
You can get a 14 day Holiday Pass for $40 per vehicle.
As it costs around $12 per car/campervan to enter the National Parks, if you visit at least 4 you will definitely get your money’s worth.
The 4 National Parks we will visit on this itinerary include Nambung National Park, Francois Peron National Park, Cape Range National Park and Karinjini National Park,
2. Hop On Hop Off Coach Between Perth and Broome
Backpackers on a budget, or those who do not drive, or those who want to travel at their own pace and want someone else to do the driving will find the Hop On Hop Off bus from Perth to Broome perfect.
Integrity Coach Lines is the only coach company that runs between Broome and Perth.
Prices are very reasonable and it makes stops at all the major tourist spots, however the bus only runs 3 times a week so you will definitely need to check the timetable and plan your itinerary accordingly.
It will mean your journey will take a little longer than if you have your own transport, but it is a great option if that isn’t possible!
3. Tours From Perth To Broome
If you’d like to travel in more luxury, and have someone organise everything for you, a tour is the perfect option for you!
You can do a tour from Perth to Broome with Intrepid Travel. Alternatively there is a great 6 day tour from Perth to Exmouth that includes all the best places and experiences along the way!
All accommodation, food, transport and entrance fees are included! Click here to book.
PERTH TO BROOME ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Highlights & Key Stops on the Perth To Broome Drive
If you plan to do a roadtrip between Perth and Broome, below are all the highlights and must do experiences you will want to include on your Western Australia drive itinerary.
- Perth (including Fremantle and Rottnest Island – famous for it’s cute quokkas!)
- Lancelin Sand Dunes
- The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park) – landscapes literally out of this world!
- Jurien Bay (to swim with sea lions!)
- Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon)
- Kalbarri National Park
- Shark Bay – Monkey Mia (to see wild dolphins come up to the beach!)
- Coral Bay (swimming with whale sharks and manta rays!)
- Exmouth – for Ningaloo Reef
- Karinjini National Park
- Broome (including camel ride on Cable Beach!).
I would advise no less than 2 weeks to do the complete itinerary. It’s a long drive and you want to enjoy all the unique experiences and landscapes that Western Australia has to offer!
The trip from Perth to Broome is a fantastic road trip but do be prepared a lot of driving is involved, so you want to make sure you spend enough time at the stops to really enjoy all the beauty of Western Australia.
If you have less time, you may have to omit some of the stops from your itinerary. If you only have a few days and your time does not stretch to two weeks, CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PERTH TO EXMOUTH 6 DAY TOUR!
This blog will detail the itinerary from Perth to Broome. If you will be doing the road trip the other way, and driving from Broome to Perth, just do the itinerary in reverse.
PERTH TO BROOME ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: Perth
There are many things to do in Perth before you head off north on your road trip to Broome.
Aim to spend a few days based in Perth before you start your road trip to Broome, so you can enjoy the only bit of ‘city’ life in Western Australia, as well as giving you time to explore Rottnest Island and see the quokkas there.
Discover all the things you can do in Perth in this self drive travel blog, including visiting King’s Park, Zig Zag Scenic Drive, Fremantle Market (only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), as well as Perth’s iconic Cottesloe and Scarborough Beaches.
Accommodation in Perth: The Mantra on Murray is the perfect hotel situated in an absolutely fabulous location on the river.
Day 2: Lancelin Sand Dunes and Pinnacles Desert
Head north from Perth and it will take around 1.5 hours to drive to Lancelin Sand Dunes (traffic may be heavier on holidays so I advise you to leave early). Here you can try sand boarding, which is actually so fun!
For just $10 you can rent sand boards from The General Store (you’ll need to leave a deposit or some form or ID until you return the board).
The sand is so white, so I would recommend wearing sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive to it, especially if it is a sunny day!
Pinnacles Desert
After you have finished at the sand dunes, it will take around 50 minutes to drive to the Pinnacles Desert, located in Nambung National Park. The Pinnacles Desert is so vast and unique and impressive.
It honestly feels like you are walking on a different planet! The Pinnacles are natural limestone structures that were formed around 25,000 to 30,000 years ago – previously this area was all under water.
Over time, the sea receded and left deposits of seashells. They formed into these pinnacles over time as wind and the elements eroded them.
There are so many opportunities to get great Instagram-worthy photographs here and it will never feel crowded as the National Park is so big.
If you can time your visit for later afternoon and stay until golden hour and sunset, the Pinnacles look especially beautiful at this time.
You will need to pay National Park entry at Nambung National Park, or just use your National Parks pass if you have already purchased one.
Estimate for around half a day to explore the Pinnacles Desert and Lancelin Sand Dunes.
After you’ve visited The Pinnacles, drive the 40 minutes to Jurien Bay as accommodation is very limited by the Pinnacles Desert.
Accommodation in Jurien Bay: Jurien Bay Motel Apartments located just a 2 minute walk from the beach!
Day 3: Jurien Bay
There’s lots to do in Jurien Bay, but if you’ve ever fancied swimming with sea lions Jurien Bay is the place to do so!
Start your day in Jurien Bay down at the beach. Here at Jurien Bay there is a large colony of sea lions and you can actually swim with them!
The best way to swim with the sea lions in Jurien Bay is to book onto a snorkelling tour with Turquoise Safaris. The tours run in the mornings and they last 2.5 hours long.
The sea lions are very playful and may even try copying you if you do some tricks like spinning around in the water!
After your morning swimming with sea lions, you can relax on the beach at Jurien Bay for a while, rent a Stand Up Paddle Board or stroll to the jetty.
Afterwards you can also head to nearby Sandy Cape Recreation Park to check out some of the beautiful beaches there – some of which you can spot kangaroos at dawn and dusk!
From Jurien Bay make the 3 hour drive north towards Hutt Lagoon.
PERTH TO BROOME ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Day 4: Hutt Lagoon & Kalbarri National Park
Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake)
Hutt Lagoon is one of Western Australia’s stunning pink lakes! The lake is pink due to the presence of carotenoid-producing algae and it definitely deserve some photos!
For an even more memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experience, as well as to get the best photos you can book a scenic flight to view the Pink Lake from above!
From Hutt Lagoon drive into Kalbarri to get some lunch.
Kalbarri National Park
You’ll need your National Parks Pass to enter Kalbarri National Park. If you just want to visit the main sights listed below, you’ll probably only spend a couple of hours at Kalbarri National Park.
If however you want to do more hiking here (there are several hiking trails), you may want to spend longer here.
There are several unique spots to visit at Kalbarri National Park – the most famous and iconic sight being Nature’s Window.
Nature’s Window is a natural wind-eroded opening in layered sandstone where you can see the river behind. To reach Nature’s Window it is an easy 1km return hike from the car park.
Other spots of interest at Kalbarri National Park include Hawk’s Head and the Z-Bend. The Z-Bend lookout is just 600m from the carpark. The lookout is on an overhang and offers sunning views over the Murchison River Gorge.
The Hawk’s Head lookout is right next to the car park and also offers great views of the Murchison River Gorge.
Explore more of Kalbarri National Park by checking out the coastal part of Kalbarri National Park (just drive along the coast and you will see the main sights). Notable stops are:
Island Rock & Natural Bridge – think similar to Durdle Door or the once Azure Window arch in Malta. The carpark is only 100m from the lookout for Island Rock & Natural Bridge, and the views out to the ocean are simply stunning.
Red Bluff Lookout – this is the highest viewpoint in Kalbarri National Park, with a hundred metres of soaring high cliff edges. From the car park the viewpoint is about 250 metres.
Pot Alley – you’ll also get a nice ocean view over at Pot Alley. You can walk down to the beach (it’s a rocky and winding path) which is really lovely, but it is not safe to swim here.
Day 5: Shark Bay
From Kalbarri National Park it is a 4 hour drive north to Shark Bay.
Shark Bay is a beautiful place in Australia and has been awarded World Heritage Status. When you get to Shark Bay, explore the area and be sure to check out the viewpoint at Eagle Bluff Point, as well as Shell Beach.
Francois Peron National Park
You can rent a kayak from RAC Monkey Mia Resort for the afternoon and kayak over to Francois Peron National Park (still located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area).
Here dramatic red cliffs and red desert sand meet with beautiful white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.
The beaches here at this part of Francois Peron National Park are only accessible by water or by a high clearance 4×4 so it will be very quiet here – you might not even see anybody else here!
Look out for the dolphins, stingrays, manta rays, turtles, dugongs (sea cows!) and sharks!
Before you kayak to Francois Peron National Park be sure to check out the wind forecast and the tides beforehand.
Where to stay in Shark Bay: Stay at the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort if you want to be close to the dolphins in the morning!
PERTH TO BROOME ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Day 6: Shark Bay/Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia is in Shark Bay and this is where you will get to see the wild dolphins come to the beach! This is a fantastic experience and should definitely not be missed!
Go for the early morning feed (at 7.45am) which is when the most dolphins are likely to attend! There are later feeds throughout the day, but you may not get as many dolphins at these times.
If you have seen the wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay on Australia’s Eastern Coast it is a similar experience. Only a certain amount of fish are given to these wild dolphins so they learn not to depend on the daily feeds for their food.
Plus the dolphins are completely wild so they choose to come to the shore every day. It is in no way like a zoo or aquarium – the animals are free to come and the feeding and interaction doesn’t affect their natural habitat.
From Shark Bay to Coral Bay it is around a 6 hour drive. Luckily there are a few interesting places to see along the way that help break the trip up:
Hamelin Pool
1.5 hours drive from Monkey Mia you’ll find the Hamelin Pool Nature Reserve. Hamelin Pool is home to the most abundant and diverse examples of marine stromatolites (‘living fossils’) in the world.
This is a protected marine area so you are not allowed to swim in it.
Carnavon Cactus Garden
Almost halfway on the drive between Shark Bay and Coral Bay is Carnavon (about a 2 hour drive from Hamelin Pool). Stop here to break up your journey, have some lunch and to visit the famous Cactus Garden!
You’ll find The Cactus Garden by The Gascoyne River on the South River Road, along the Fruit Loop Drive Trail. The Cactus Garden is now Insta-famous and is literally on the side of the road, as well as being free to walk around!
Tropic Of Capricorn
Almost two hours north of the Cactus Garden, about half an hour before you reach Coral Bay, you’ll see a sign on the side of the road that marks the Tropic of Capricorn. Can definitely be worth a photo stop!
Day 7: Coral Bay – Ningaloo Reef
Coral Bay is a small town located on Ningaloo Reef. Along with Exmouth, it is a gateway to the Ningaloo Reef.
One of the most incredible experiences in Western Australia and in fact the whole of Australia, is to be able to swim with whale sharks – the largest fish in the ocean, which is possible at Ningaloo Reef!
Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with wild whale sharks in a sustainable way. It is a fantastic experience and one I would highly recommend! These animals are so majestic and leave you in awe.
The whale shark season runs from March to July and I recommend you to spend your first day in Coral Bay on a whale shark tour.
This is in the off chance that just incase you don’t manage to see any whale sharks, as most companies usually let you go on another tour for free the next day if you don’t see any on your first tour.
There are several companies that offer the swimming with whale sharks tours, and most of the tour operators all charge a similar price for the tour (around $500). It is expensive but it is definitely worth it.
Some of the whale shark tours offer more than others however, for example some include pick up and drop off and photos. Most will include food and snorkelling gear though.
WHALE SHARK TOUR AT NINGALOO REEF
This is the best tour I found. It departs from Coral Bay and is an all day tour (9 hours).
You’ll get the opportunity to swim with reef sharks, fish and other marine life whilst the spotter plane is locating the whale sharks (giving you a higher chance of being able to swim with the whale sharks!).
Once the spotter plane has located the whale sharks, you’ll be able to swim with them for up to an hour, before then going to another snorkelling spot. Meals and champagne is included, as well as snorkelling equipment and a wetsuit.
EXMOUTH TO BROOME ROAD TRIP
Day 8: Coral Bay – Exmouth
Coral Bay is also very well known as one of the only places where you can swim with manta rays! Join this 6 hour tour where you can see turtles and swim with the manta rays year round!
There are also many beautiful beaches round the area, so after your manta ray tour relax on the beaches before heading up to Exmouth. Exmouth is 1.5 hours driving north from Coral Bay.
You can also swim with whale sharks at Exmouth if you didn’t get the chance in Coral Bay.
Where to stay overnight in Exmouth: There is accomodation near Cape Range National Park and the nearby beaches.
Day 9: Exmouth – Cape Range National Park
In the morning, visit some of the beautiful beaches at Cape Range National Park (you will need your National Parks pass to enter). There are some absolutely stunning beaches here – including Turquoise Bay which is an absolute must visit.
Turquoise Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Western Australia, and you can even spot turtles and stingray here whilst you are snorkelling.
If you happen to be around Exmouth from November to March, this is the turtle nesting season! This can be such an incredible sight to witness (although please do not disturb the turtles).
Hundreds of turtles will come to the shore to lay eggs at sunrise and sunset so be sure to visit around this time.
Enjoy your time at the beaches before the long car journey to continue your road trip itinerary.
It’s then a long drive – around a 6 hour drive from Exmouth to Cheela Plains, where you’ll spend the night. There are a couple of gas stations along the way, so remember to stock up when you see them.
Where to stay overnight: Stay overnight at Cheela Plains, on the way from Exmouth to Karinjini National Park.
You can stay at Tom Price, which is very to Karinjini National Park (an hour further drive than Cheela Plains). Accommodation options are limited at Tom Price however, so be sure to book accomodation beforehand.
Plus Tom Price is another hours drive on top of an already long drive so you may find it is too much and would prefer to drive to Karinjini National Park from Cheela Plains in the morning.
PERTH TO BROOME ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Day 10: Karinjini National Park
Karinjini National Park is the second largest National Park in Western Australia and is absolutely worth a stop on any Perth to Broome itinerary. Karinjini National Park is full of waterfalls and gorges and it has a very unique landscape.
It reminded me a lot of Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory (minus the crocs!).
Before you enter Karinjini National Park:
- make sure you have enough water (at least 5 litres per person) and food. There are no shops or water fountains in Karinjini!
- fill up your tank with petrol – there is a petrol station just outside Karinjini National Park at Auski Tourist Village.
Spend your first day in Karinjini exploring the eastern part of the National Park:
- Fern Pool (15 minute walk from car park)
- Fortescue Falls (15 minute walk from car park)
- Circular Pool – a very picturesque pool (1 hour hike each way).
Where to stay at Karinjini National Park:
There are no hotels in Karinjini National Park. You can camp at the Karinjini Eco Retreat ($20 per person but includes use of the facilities – water and BBQs). It does need to be booked ahead of time.
You can also rent one of their tents if you come in a car and don’t have any camping equipment, or you can camp for free at Dales Campground (there is no water here though).
Day 11: Karinjini National Park
Hamersley Gorge
Start your second day in Karinjini National Park nice and early. Hamersley Gorge is where you will find the Instagrammable waterfall that is synonymous with Karinjini National Park.
Head off to the right hand side path – note that this path has recently been closed (although you can still access it) as there had been some accidents at the waterfall.
Follow the river upstream – you’ll then see the pool and the waterfall. Be very careful as it is extremely slippery around the waterfall.
At Hamersley Gorge you’ll also find a beautiful large swimming hole nestled amongst impressive layered rocks, as well as a couple of other waterfalls
Hancock Gorge
Hancock Gorge is a lovely red gorge and is another must visit in Karinjini National Park. From Hamersley Gorge it will take you around 1.5 hours to drive to Hancock Gorge.
You will climb down a steep metal staircase and then wade through the river and ledge walk along the uneven rocks to get to the beautiful Kermit’s Pool.
If you have been to Wadi Mujib in Jordan, Wadi Shab in Oman or The Narrows in Zion National Park it is a similar kind of experience.
The Hancock Gorge hike will take around 1 hour each way, and make sure to bring sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
There may be parts of the hike where you will be wading through the water up to your waist, so be prepared for this (and wear a swimming costume underneath!)! There is also the option to clamber along the rocks on the side.
It will take you around 3 hours to drive from Karinjini National Park to Port Hedland.
Stay overnight at Port Hedland. Alternatively you can stay overnight at Auski Tourist Village, right outside the entrance of Karinjini National Park.
Day 12: Port Hedland
And for the final stretch of driving. From Port Hedland it will take you around 6 hours to reach Broome driving. There is only one petrol station along the way so make sure you have enough food and drinks supplies for the journey.
It’s good to have sandwiches prepared so you can eat on the go.
PERTH TO BROOME ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Day 13: Broome
Located in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia, Broome is a nice beach town where you should spend a day or two after your long drive from Perth.
Horizontal Falls
Start your morning with a trip to the incredible Horizontal Falls, which is a natural phenomenon of fast moving tidal currents through two narrow gorges, which then create waterfalls on their sides, hence the name Horizontal Falls!
You’ll ride a jet seaplane through Horizontal Falls and then get to view the turquoise waters from above in a sea plane!
Horizontal Falls is not accessible by vehicle and so you will need to do a tour to get there – click here for the best half day tour!
Cable Beach Camel Ride
One of the most iconic things to do in Broome is to ride a camel along the beach at sunset. Get Your Guide offers a great sunset camel tour at a great price.
This also makes for some great photos, so even if you’re not keen to go on the camels you can get pictures of it. Head to the beach in the afternoon to relax and enjoy before the camel ride.
You may see the odd person swimming at Cable Beach but I wouldn’t recommend it, especially as you will see signs warning you of crocodiles and jellyfish.
Where to stay in Broome:
Kimberley Sands Resort is located in a peaceful bush setting just minutes from Cable Beach and it’s iconic turquoise blue waters and white sands.
Day 14: Broome
Cape Leveque 4×4 Tour
Head off for the day on a 4×4 tour to Cape Leveque, the northern-most part of the Kimberley Region.
You’ll visit this stunningly unique and remote region by 4×4 where the vibrant red cliffs meet the white sand beaches and the turquoise waters of The Indian Ocean, which you have time to go for a swim in.
Then fly back to Broome so you can enjoy aerial views of the area and get some stunning photos from above!
Continuing Your Western Australia Perth To Broome Road Trip:
Perth To Esperance
Continuing your road trip south of Perth all the way to Albany and Esperance – or even as far as Adelaide will take you past some gorgeous places such as Busselton, Margaret River and Bremer Bay – where you can see orcas!
Broome to Darwin
From Broome you can head east across to Darwin in the Northern Territory.