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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

At Kalbarri National Park, either bushwalk, gorge hike or canoe (or drive to a lookout) to admire the beautiful gorges and dazzling wildflowers.

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.

Cruise to spot dugongs

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

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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.