The Ultimate Perth To Broome Road Trip

Next time you think road trip, go big and pick up some wheels in Perth for an epic 12-day trip north along the Western Australian coastline.

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.

a car driving along the Coral Coast Highway — Drive the scenic Coral Coast Highway from Perth to Exmouth. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Day one: Perth to Geraldton

Distance: 420 kilometres

After leaving laid-back Perth, head north on Indian Ocean Drive for two hours towards the fishing town of Cervantes.

View of Perth skyline at sunset — 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.

Leaning trees near Greenough, WA — 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.

Woman walking past Yamaji Art Centre, Geraldton — Check out the sights in town before cooling off at Geraldton’s beaches. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Must-see

The Pinnacles of Nambung National Park

Two hours’ drive north of Perth, The Pinnacles are other-worldly limestone structures that were formed 25,000 years ago.

Ellendale Pool

Swim in the stunning natural waterhole Ellendale Pool on the Greenough River, 45 kilometres south-east of Geraldton.

Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park

Hop on a light aircraft and fly 60 kilometres west of Geraldton to the Abrolhos Islands for a spot of snorkelling and diving.

an aerial view of the coral reefs at Abrolhos Islands, west of Geraldton — Off the west coast of Geraldton lie the spectacular Abrolhos Islands. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and @stevefraserphotography)

Accommodation tip: Mantra Geraldton

Day two and three – Geraldton to Monkey Mia

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.

a car driving along Hutt Lagoon, near Port Gregory — 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 ).

A group at Natures Window in Kalbarri National Park — 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.

a wildflower near Kalbarri National Park — 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.

Must-see

Dolphin experience

Get up early to join the rangers’ briefing session on the Monkey Mila boardwalk before meeting the wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins .

a woman paddling on the calm waters of Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Monkey Mia — Paddle through Shark Bay World Heritage Area at Monkey Mia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and @helen_jannesonbense)

Cruise to spot dugongs

View vulnerable dugongs from a wildlife cruise on a sailing catamaran, also check for turtles, manta rays and sharks.

a sea turtle swimming in Monkey Mia — Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles at Monkey Mia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Hamelin Pool

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.

Accommodation tip: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Emu with young at RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort — Local visitors make themselves at home in RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Day four – Monkey Mia to Carnarvon

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.

a woman standing on Bilung Pool — Just off the Carnarvon Mullewa Road, you’ll find Bilung Pool. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Must-see

Rocky Pool

Surrounded by lush grassy banks and shady eucalypts, Rocky Pool is a tranquil swimming hole and picnic spot.

Point Quobba, Blowholes

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 .

an aerial view of the beach at Red Bluff, Quobba Station north of Carnarvon — Capture the rugged scenery at Red Bluff, Quobba Station north of Carnarvon. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Kennedy Ranger National Park

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

Day five and six – Carnarvon to Exmouth

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.

A woman snorkels with a whale shark in Ningaloo — 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 .

Must-see

Cape Range National Park

Hikers will marvel at the rugged limestone range and arid coastal plain of Cape Range National Park , 50 kilometres south of Exmouth.

Bill’s Bay

Dive or snorkel off the beach at Bill’s Bay or visit the deeper waters to view dugongs, manta rays and whale sharks.

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

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

Day seven and eight – Exmouth to Karijini

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.

two people enjoying their time in Circular Pool, Karijini National Park — 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).

an aerial view of Cheela Plains Station — Discover the natural wonders at Cheela Plains Station. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Must-see

Hamersley Gorge

A favourite of many travellers to Karijini National Park, Hamersley Gorge boasts a lush, turquoise spa pool.

Joffre Gorge

Don’t miss checking out Joffre Gorge , a spectacular curved waterfall forming a natural amphitheatre.

Accommodation tip: Karijini Eco Retreat

Day nine and 10 – Karijini to Port Hedland

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.

an aerial view of Cape Keraudren, east of Port Hedland — Cape Keraudren boasts a picturesque beach with clear blue waters just east of Port Hedland. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Must-see

Lisa’s Kangaroo Retreat

If you have kids – or you just love kangaroos – a tour of Lisa’s Kangaroo Retreat is a must-do in Port Hedland.

Port Hedland Salt Industry Tour

Don’t leave town without taking a 90-minute Salt Industry Tour to learn how salt is grown and harvested.

Accommodation tip: Hedland Hotel

Day 11 and 12 – Port Hedland to Broome

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.

Must-see

Eighty Mile Beach

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.

Cable Beach by camel

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.

Camel ride on Cable Beach Broome — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Horizontal Falls

For many Broome visitors, spending time at the tidal waterfalls deep in the Buccaneer Archipelago is the ultimate Kimberley experience.

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 at Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay — A seaplane will deliver you to your accommodation at Horizontal Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia

Accommodation tip: Eco Beach Resort

For more WA road trip inspiration, read our itineraries for Darwin to Broome and Broome to Exmouth via Warlu Way.

The Kimberley’s red landscape is iconic, but its true colours run deeper than the eye can see. From a croc cruise to wild bush luxury and cultural ceremony, the region reveals its many layers.

I’m swimming in the vast, cool waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by domes of rock glowing that unmistakable shade of Kimberley red. This is Australia’s second largest man-made reservoir – and home to some 30,000 freshwater crocodiles. There’s a sudden splash in the water near me.

And then it surfaces: an ice-cold tinny of XXXX Gold, slung my way by skipper ‘Big Scotty’ from the stern of The Kimberley Durack. “This is Australia’s best swim-up bar,” he jokes. But with the sparkling expanse of water fringed by heaving, ancient rock formations, it’s hard to disagree.

A croc-spotting cruise around Lake Argyle

swimming in Lake Argyle — Cooling off with a tinny in Lake Argyle. (Image: Tourism Australia)

I’m cruising Lake Argyle with Big Scotty and Captain Jack Furzer, learning about the geology and wildlife of this ancient landscape. “It’s among the most geologically complex on Earth,” Jack tells us. “The oldest rocks here are 2 billion years old.”

We’ve moored for a swim and, despite the city-sized population of resident crocs, Captain Jack has assured us that the water is safe. The freshies, he says, are timid by nature. He would know: Jack has spent years sailing these parts, and even recognises a few crocs by name.

Captain Jack Furzer, Lake Argyle — Cruising Lake Argyle with Captain Jack Furzer. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

“That’s Cheech,” he’d said earlier, pointing to a sunbaking crocodilian as The Kimberley Durack pootled around the wetlands. “He’s got a girlfriend, Chong, but she’s not here right now.” When I ask how he can tell them apart, he grins. “It’s all in their personality.”

cruising Lake Argyle onboard The Kimberley Durack — Exploring the lake onboard The Kimberley Durack. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

We can only cover a fraction of this Hong Kong-sized lake, but we still see plenty: agile rock wallabies bounding down the cliff face, buzzards circling overhead, mighty sandstone formations so fluid-like, it seems as if they’re spilling into the lake itself.

rock wallabies by the river, Kimberley — Spot rock wallabies. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Checking into Lake Argyle’s only accommodation

an aerial view of Discovery Resorts - LakeArgyle — Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle sits atop a cliff overlooking the lake. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

There’s only one accommodation option in this remote yet spectacular reach of the Kimberley. Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is a hub for caravanners and road trippers. But this is no ordinary holiday park. For a start, it’s got an infinity pool often named the country’s most beautiful.

view from the infinity pool at Discovery Resorts - Lake Argyle — The view from the infinity pool at Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is considered one of the most beautiful pool vistas in the country. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

Sidling up to the pool’s rim, I flutter my legs and gaze out at the sweeping view of the lake, topaz now, although it seems to change colour throughout the day like a giant mood ring. The vista from my lakeview cabin, one of the resort’s premium options, is even better. I’d checked in just in time to settle into my private balcony and watch an orange moon rise above the cliffs like a sunset in reverse.

the balcony Deluxe Lakeview cabin at Discovery Resorts - Lake Argyle — The park’s Deluxe Lakeview cabins have expansive balconies to take it all in.

El Questro: Australia’s most remote luxury stay

Travelling west from Lake Argyle, the Kimberley’s landscape continues to reveal itself, like origami unfolding. The roads are flanked by curious, stumpy boab trees, native to this part of Australia. They’re the only species of baobab found outside Africa: a strange, tuber-like relic of ancient Gondwanaland.

aerial view of the El Questro Homestead, Kimberley — Spy salties from your cabin at El Questro Homestead. (Image: Delaware North Companies)

I’m headed for El Questro Homestead, one of the country’s most luxurious wilderness lodges. It’s secluded within El Questro wilderness park, a 165,000-hectare former cattle station that was officially returned to its Traditional Owners in 2022. On arrival, lemongrass-infused cold towels and Champagne set the tone. Here, the remoteness makes the comforts feel all the more extravagant.

the Chamberlain Suite Bedroom interior, El Questro Homestead — The luxury lodge’s station-chic interior. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

The Homestead is perched atop a gorge overlooking the Chamberlain River, where guests can keep watch for salties gliding through the malachite-green water from the comfort of their suite or by the poolside. The interiors sing with station-chic decor: all toffee leathers, cowhide rugs and exposed timber beams that nod to its pastoral past. The heart of El Questro Homestead is the lounge, where guests gather each evening for sundowners and elegant, fine dining beneath the stars. But the highlight lies in the Homestead’s all-inclusive activities calendar.

a private tub with view of the Chamberlain River, El Questro Homestead — Take in the view of the Chamberlain River from your private tub. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

Each afternoon, guests can embark on an after-hours visit to Zebedee Springs when it’s closed to the public. We cross the colour wheel as we hike in, swapping the Kimberley’s burnt-orange for a Jurassic-green jungle of prehistoric ferns.

The Zebedee Springs, El Questro — The palm-shaded Zebedee Springs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The hot springs seep from a fault line deep beneath the Earth’s skin, the water so pure and clear it looks invisible. I sit under a small waterfall, letting the warm water massage my back: it’s a sense of serenity that no spa could replicate.

view of the wilderness park at El Questro Homestead — El Questro Homestead is secluded within the wilderness park. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

Another morning sees us tackling the park’s rugged 4WD tracks with ranger Gab Murphy, powering through epic river crossings and gunning it up hills to breathtaking lookout points. Gab points out features in the landscape, like an ancient boab tree so massive it would take more than 20 people to encircle it. But the most compelling excursions are the ones with the Ngarinyin Traditional Owners.

The Kimberley’s new Indigenous tourism experience

cruising the Chamberlain River — A cruise of the Chamberlain River is included in a stay at The Homestead. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

Standing atop a gorge overlooking the Chamberlain River, eyes closed, I hear the hypnotic murmur of a didgeridoo and the crackle of fire. Eucalyptus smoke perfumes the evening air like incense, and I feel the warmth of two hands pressing against my shoulders. “This is so your joints can be strong, to help you stand tall and proud,” whispers Mary O’Reeri, a Nyul Nyul woman from the Kimberley. She releases her grip, warms her palms over the fire, and transfers the heat to my jaw, cradling my face gently.

The Munbala Cruise, Kimberley — The Munbala Cruise takes guests into sacred sites with the Traditional Owners. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

“Your voice matters,” she whispers. “Use it to speak up for injustice, to be a voice for those who don’t have one”. A final time, Mary cups heat from the flames and presses it to my sternum. “This is your ngiadi,” she says softly. “It’s an ancient pathfinder, your deep intuition, your own personal GPS. Connect with it. Learn the beauty of who you are.” When she lifts her hand, something more ineffable than warmth lingers on my skin. Mary invites me to step into the smoke billowing from the fire and let it cleanse me. I move about the haze, allowing the tendrils of smoke to swirl around me, healing my spirit as the sun dances on the river like a million golden blinks.

a Nyul Nyul woman conducting a smoke cleansing ceremony — A smoke cleansing ceremony with the Ngarinyin Traditional Owners. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

This is Injiid Marlabu Calls Us, a new addition to El Questro Homestead’s activities calendar. With a vision to deepen visitors’ connection to place, this heartfelt welcome onto Wanjina Wunggurr Country is run by Mary, her husband, Ngarinyin Traditional Owner Nelson O’Reeri, and their daughter Shonelle. This smoke cleansing ceremony, or Bijagoon, is an ancient ritual, passed down by Nelson’s grandmother Injiid, who learned it from her grandmother before her. Injiid is the namesake and inspiration behind the tour, a “mother of all mothers” who was one of the first generations to make contact with the region’s first explorers.

Learning about culture and history on Country

Shonelle, Mary and Nelson O’Reeri. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

This tour isn’t only about healing, it’s about learning, too. About the bush foods and medicines, a pantry and pharmacy to the Traditional Owners who know Country. About the extraordinary yet difficult life of Injiid. And about dark truths – the lasting damage left by the trauma of Australia’s colonial past.

“The Kimberley has one of the highest suicide rates in the world,” Nelson tells us. “Every single Aboriginal family here has been impacted.” He begins to pluck an acoustic guitar as the family gather round to sing a tribute to relatives they’ve lost. When Nelson sets his guitar down, nobody speaks. Silence and sorrow hang thick in the air like humidity in the wet season. “For us to heal, we have to talk about it,” Nelson says.

And so we listen, as the O’Reeri family share not just the beauty of Ngarinyin culture, but the unflinching truths of the challenges their community continues to face. “Our children’s ngiadi is broken, they feel like they don’t belong,” Mary says. “We’ve got solutions, we’ve got people on the ground. But we need to work together in the spirit of reconciliation.”

Before we leave, the O’Reeri family perform another ritual, cleansing us with water from the Chamberlain River. Shonelle calls out to the wind, to let Country know we’re here, to look after us. Through fire, water, earth and wind, we’ve touched every element – but none more so than spirit. I still feel Mary’s handprint on my chest above where my ngiadi resides.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

The Gibb Road in the Kimberley — Gibb River Road runs through the heart of the Kimberley. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Qantas and Airnorth fly to Kununurra from Perth; Airnorth also flies from Darwin and Broome. From there, it’s a 45-minute drive south to Lake Argyle, and a 90-minute drive west to El Questro wilderness park.

Staying there

Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle has options ranging from campsites and powered RV spots to luxe one- and two-bedroom lakeview cabins (rates from $220 per night). There’s a bistro and bar onsite open for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is self-catered.

El Questro Homestead is a luxurious, full-board ten-suite hideaway that caters for a maximum of 20 guests at any one time. It includes, airport transfers, fine-dining meals, alcohol and activities. Rates are from $2805 per night.

Playing there

an al fresco Cliffside Dinner, Lake Argyle — The al fresco Cliffside Dinner features a bush tucker twist. (Image: Miles Brotherson)

Kimberley Durack cruises of Lake Argyle include transfers from Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle. The resort also hosts Cliffside Dinners onsite. Excursions at El Questro Homestead include Injiid Marlabu Calls Us Aboriginal Immersion, a Munbala Cruise of the Chamberlain River with the Traditional Owners, exclusive use of Zebedee Springs each afternoon, Bush Natives and Nature 4WD tour and more.

Next time you think road trip, go big and pick up some wheels in Perth for an epic 12-day trip north along the Western Australian coastline.

Day one: Perth to Geraldton

Must-see

The Pinnacles of Nambung National Park

Ellendale Pool

Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park

Day two and three – Geraldton to Monkey Mia

Must-see

Dolphin experience

Cruise to spot dugongs

Hamelin Pool

Day four – Monkey Mia to Carnarvon

Must-see

Rocky Pool

Point Quobba, Blowholes

Kennedy Ranger National Park

Day five and six – Carnarvon to Exmouth

Must-see

Cape Range National Park

Bill’s Bay

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

Day seven and eight – Exmouth to Karijini

Must-see

Hamersley Gorge

Joffre Gorge

Day nine and 10 – Karijini to Port Hedland

Must-see

Lisa’s Kangaroo Retreat

Port Hedland Salt Industry Tour

Day 11 and 12 – Port Hedland to Broome

Must-see

Eighty Mile Beach

Cable Beach by camel

Horizontal Falls

For more WA road trip inspiration, read our itineraries for Darwin to Broome and Broome to Exmouth via Warlu Way.

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Unforgettable Horizontal Falls tours to choose from

Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

The Kimberley’s red landscape is iconic, but its true colours run deeper than the eye can see. From a croc cruise to wild bush luxury and cultural ceremony, the region reveals its many layers.

A croc-spotting cruise around Lake Argyle

Checking into Lake Argyle’s only accommodation

El Questro: Australia’s most remote luxury stay

The Kimberley’s new Indigenous tourism experience

Learning about culture and history on Country

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

Staying there

Playing there

The Kimberley’s red landscape is iconic, but its true colours run deeper than the eye can see. From a croc cruise to wild bush luxury and cultural ceremony, the region reveals its many layers.