Broome to Exmouth Road Trip Via The Warlu Way

How to have an adventurous 10-day, 2500-kilometre road trip following the Warlu Way from Broome to Exmouth, with some luxury along the way.

From sapphire seas and shell-strewn beaches to historic towns, ancient rock art, lush oases and plunging gorges, the Warlu Way is rich in natural beauty and enchanting stories. Over 10-days, from the coastal towns of Broome to Exmouth, you might find yourself swimming with the world’s largest fish, viewing ancient carvings of Tasmanian tigers and exploring the Pilbara’s massive resource industry – think long trains, big ships and salt piles.

Day one: Broome to Eighty Mile Beach

Our odyssey begins in Broome and takes us initially to Eighty Mile Beach, a 360-kilometre drive along the coastal plain, where we spend our first starlit night at the caravan park, sheltered behind shell-strewn dunes.

Hugging the water’s edge, Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park boasts one- and two-bedroom cabins plus 150 grassy, powered sites and 50 unpowered sites. It’s a frisbee throw from the beach, the longest uninterrupted beach in Western Australia.

Must-see

Eighty Mile Beach

Head off early for the 5.1-kilometre return walk on Eighty Mile Beach – you might be the first to put footprints on the perfect white stretch of sand.

Flatback turtles

Time your visit between November and March for the chance to view hundreds of flatback turtles gathering on Eighty Mile Beach to nest.

a flatback swimming in the water towards Eighty Mile Beach — Time your visit just right and you’ll see flatback gathering on the sand. (Image: Cakewalk Media)

Fish for dinner

Eighty Mile Beach is a haven for anglers. Find the deeper channels along the beach at low tide and try to hook a fish as the tide comes in.

Accommodation tip: Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park

Day two: Marble Bar and Doolena Gorge

The next morning, we travel south down National Highway 1 for an hour and pass by the Pardoo Roadhouse (closed due to Cyclone Ilsa).

If you drive a further 15 minutes towards the coast from here, you’ll discover the world-famous Rabbit Proof Fence. But we decide to cut inland to Marble Bar, a mining settlement dubbed “the hottest town in Australia". For 161 consecutive days in 1923/1924, the temperature here remained above 37.8 degrees.

birds flying above Doolena Gorge, Marble Bar — Doolena Gorge is a favourite local swimming hole in Marble Bar. (Image: Dan Avila)

When we arrive at lunchtime, it is a degree hotter than that, so we retreat to the Iron Clad Hotel , built in 1892 to cater to thirsty miners.

the iconic Iron Clad Hotel, Marble Bar — Settle in for a meal at the iconic Iron Clad Hotel. (Image: Dan Avila)

After our hearty country beef sausages with mash, peas and corn, we drive 40 kilometres north to spend the night in Doolena Gorge. It’s hot, dry, undisturbed by other visitors and mesmerising – especially when the setting sun ignites its red rock walls and cloaks the gorge in echoing shadows.

a scenic view of birds flying across the serene landscape of Doolena Gorge, Marble Bar — Flocks of birds fly across the Doolena Gorge. (Image: Dan Avila)

Must-see

Carawine Gorge

If you feel like getting off the beaten track, head 174 kilometres east of Marble Bar to Carawine Gorge . Swim in crystal clear water while listening to birdsong – it’s worth the drive.

Comet Gold Mine

If you like gemstones, rocks and minerals, make a beeline for the historic Comet Gold Mine , 9 kilometres from Marble Bar.

Marble Bar Museum

Full of charm, the Marble Bar Museum and Visitor Centre has fabulous displays and doubles as an op shop that brings town folk and visitors together.

Accommodation tip: Camp at Doolena Gorge

Days three to five: Pilbara Coast

Over the next few days we journey along the Pilbara coast, searching for unspoilt corners away from Port Hedland and Karratha, towns at the centre of the region’s thriving iron ore, gas and oil industries.

At Point Samson, we discover the laid-back antidote to the industry and inland heat. If Broome circa 1990 was recreated on the Pilbara coast then this seaside resort would be it. We settle into the spotless Cove Holiday Village caravan park, swim in warm tropical waters off the little beach Honeymoon Cove and wonder, while having lunch on the verandah of Samson Beach Tavern , if we’ll ever leave.

a top view of a rock pool at Point Samson — Dip in the refreshing rock pools at Point Samson. (Image: Cjmaddock)

Must-see

Staircase to the Moon at Point Samson

If you can, time your visit to the Staircase to the Moon dates and snap some photos from the new viewing platform at the Point Samson Peninsula.

view of the full moon at Staircase to the Moon — Capture the majestic night scenery at Staircase to the Moon. (Image: Tourism WA)

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.

John’s Creek and Honeymoon Cove

Take a stroll along the sublime beaches at John’s Creek and Honeymoon Cove or have a picnic or barbeque on the grassed areas next to the beach.

the bedroom at Point Samson — Point Samson Resort offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms.

Accommodation tip: Point Samson Resort

Day six: Roebourne, Cossack and Deep Gorge

When we do leave two days later, it is to visit the nearby historic towns of Roebourne and Cossack.

the historic structure of Roebourne’s Old Gaol — Pay homage to the historic Roebourne Old Gaol. (Image: Brian Yap)

Here, at Roebourne’s Old Gaol and at the Cossack Museum in the courthouse building, we discover the area’s past as a pearling and gold mining centre and learn about the shameful treatment of local Aboriginal people who were forced to free-dive for pearls little over a century ago.

a diverse display of historic items at Cossack Museum — Find astounding historic items inside the Cossack Museum.

Later, we find our way to Ngajarli (Deep) Gorge in Murujuga National Park, north of Karratha. Etched on hillside boulders are 10,000 rock engravings (petroglyphs) depicting animals including the extinct thylacines (Tasmanian tigers), as well as emus and turtles. It is one of the world’s largest collections of rock carvings, but we have it to ourselves.

a couple walking along Ngajarli Trail, Murujuga National Park — Journey through Ngajarli Trail, Murujuga National Park.

Almost as deserted is Hearson Cove, a broad slather of caramel-coloured sand beneath the rock engravings. Parking up behind the beach, we pull a bottle of West Australian white out of the campervan fridge, barbecue some fresh prawns and decide to stay overnight.

an aerial view of Hearson Cove, Burrup Peninsula near Karratha, Pilbara — Hearson Cove is a pristine sandy cove surrounded by steep rugged hills.

Sitting beside a roaring fire, with the ancient art behind us and a star-spangled sky above, it is an unforgettable night.

an aerial view of the coastal landscape at Cossack — Cossack boasts a rugged but serene coastal landscape. (Image: Cjmaddock)

Must-see

Murujuga National Park

Home to the largest and most diverse collections of rock art in the world, Murujuga National Park really is mind-blowing.

Karratha Tank Hill Lookout

Witness a wonderful panorama that takes in the city centre and swathes of land, sea and sky at the Karratha Tank Hill Lookout.

Red Earth Arts Precinct

Catch a live show, movie or workshop at Karratha’s Red Earth Arts Precinct , a striking building that echoes the colours, contours and materials of the adjacent mountain.

Accommodation tip: Karratha International Hotel

Day seven to eight: Millstream Chichester National Park

The next day, we move inland and arrive at Deep Reach Pool (Nhanggangunha) in the Millstream Chichester National Park at the mid-point of our 10-day journey from Broome to Exmouth. After the hot three-hour drive from the Pilbara coast, travelling through spinifex-covered hills and past huge mesas rearing out of the red desert, we are amazed to discover this deep waterway, lined by paperbark trees. Before the campervan engine has stopped humming, we are immersed in the pool’s cool waters.

an aerial view of Millstream Chichester National Park — Admire the ethereal beauty of Millstream Chichester National Park. (Image: Cjmaddock)

For the next half-hour, we have Deep Reach Pool to ourselves. As the olive-green water gathers reflections in the late afternoon, we drift through amplifications of the cobalt Pilbara sky and overhanging greenery. Even the corellas in nearby trees seem transfixed, barely moving from their perches.

an aerial view of a car parked at Millstream Chichester National Park — Venture through the dry and barren landscape. (Image: Cjmaddock)

Nhanggangunha is one of the most significant Indigenous cultural sites in Western Australia, the place where the creation spirit serpent or Warlu is believed to live. It is the legend of this sea serpent, emerging from the ocean to cross the barren land while laying down waterways, that inspired the 2500-kilometre Warlu Way.

a car driving along Millstream Chichester National Park — Drive along the scenic road toward Pyramid Hill. (Image: Cjmaddock)

Whatever direction you do this drive, either from Exmouth to Broome or vice-versa, the desert oases of Millstream Chichester National Park lie at the journey’s heart.

Must-see

Millstream Chichester National Park

Swim in natural spring-fed water at Python Pool and Deep Reach, where the water can be so clear you can spot catfish swimming around your ankles.

Millstream Homestead

Built in 1920, the homestead housed its last family in 1964. It’s now home to the visitor centre and a museum with rooms dedicated to the local Aboriginal Yinjibarndi people.

the Millstream Station homestead — Drop by the historic Millstream Station homestead. (Image: Cjmaddock)

Mount Herbert

For an expansive view over Chichester Range, head to the Mount Herbert car park and walk up the 600-metre return summit trail.

an aerial view of Millstream Chichester National Park Waterhole — Capture stunning views of Millstream Chichester National Park Waterhole on the summit of Mount Herbert. (Image: Cjmaddock)

Accommodation tip: Miliyanha Campground (near Millstream Homestead)

Day nine: Karijini National Park

After two days, we journey onto Karijini National Park, 150 kilometres south-east of here. Karijini’s plunging chasms and swimming holes established it as our favourite Australian national park.

a woman admiring the striking red rock formations at Karijini National Park — Striking red rock formations surround the Karijini National Park. (Image: Cjmaddock)

Each day follows the same pattern of gorge walks and swims in natural pools. We start at Hamersley, a broad fissure that drops down from a plateau in a series of small falls and blue-green pools.

a person admiring the sunset while standing on huge red rocks at Karijini National Park — Witness the sunset from the stunning red landscape of Karijini National Park. (Image: Cjmaddock)

Bands of coloured rock, from ruby to light sapphire run through the gorge walls and beneath them there’s a fern-fringed swimming hole. Above it is a hidden grotto, hollowed out of the rock face. Bubbling with sweet-tasting freshwater, it’s an irresistible natural jacuzzi.

a swimming hole in Karijini National Park — Find hidden swimming holes within Karijini National Park.

Must-see

Hamersley Gorge

A favourite of many a visitor to Karijini National Park, Hamersley Gorge features swirls of rocks and a lush, turquoise spa pool.

Joffre Gorge

Don’t miss checking out Joffre Gorge, a stunning natural amphitheatre with a curved seasonal waterfall in Karijini National Park.

a beautiful gorge with a natural pool at Karijini National Park — The waterholes within Karijini National Park are otherworldly. (Image: Cjmaddock)

Fish the Montebello Islands

If fishing is your passion then jump on a multi-day fishing charter from Onslow to the Montebello Islands with Apache Charters .

a tent at Karijini Eco Retreat — Get off-grid at Karijini Eco Retreat. (Image: Cjmaddock)

Accommodation tip: Karijini Eco Retreat

Day 10: Exmouth

It is soon time to move on again to Exmouth, on the state’s north-western tip, a full day’s drive away. Although Exmouth marks the end of our 2500-kilometre drive, the Warlu Way has one more highlight in store: swimming with whale sharks off Ningaloo Reef.

Having made an epic journey inspired by a mythical sea serpent, it seems apt to conclude it by encountering not only the planet’s largest fish but one of its oldest surviving creatures, which first appeared millions of years ago.

Must-see

Swim with whale sharks

Dreaming of swimming with the world’s largest living sharks? Live Ningaloo offer small group tours on their luxury vessel Wave Rider.

Manta ray swim

If you haven’t got your fix swimming with whale sharks or humpback whales, dive in with the manta rays on a cruise with Ningaloo Coral Bay.

Snorkel in Exmouth

Filled with more than 500 species of fish and stacks of vibrant coral, Exmouth’s bays, beaches and islands offer world-class snorkelling.

Accommodation tip: Exmouth Escape Resort

The details

Equipment required

Outback 4WD or campervan for national parks, around Marble Bar and for overnight stays in remote spots like Doolena Gorge.

Approximate costs

$5889 for Britz Outback 4WD hire for 14 days, from $341 per day + $280 for a one-way fee +

$835 Broome location fee.

$480 for two nights in eco-tent at Karijini Eco Retreat

$920 for two nights at Exmouth Escape Resort .

$300 for five nights in caravan parks like Eighty Mile Beach and the Cove Holiday Village , Point Samson

$1200 for fuel from Broome to Perth (for campervan drop-off)

$1200 for food and drink (including dining out)

Total cost = $9989

The route

Broome > Eighty Mile Beach > Marble Bar > Doolena Gorge > Point Samson > Hearsons Cove > Millstream-Chichester NP > Karijini NP > Exmouth

Highlights

Overnight in Doolena Gorge, Point Samson Beach Resort, Aboriginal petroglyphs at Deep Gorge, Crossing Pool in Millstream Chichester NP, Hamersley Gorge at Karijini NP, swimming with whale sharks off Ningaloo Reef.

Best time to go:

May to September

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

How to have an adventurous 10-day, 2500-kilometre road trip following the Warlu Way from Broome to Exmouth, with some luxury along the way.

Day one: Broome to Eighty Mile Beach

Must-see

Eighty Mile Beach

Flatback turtles

Fish for dinner

Day two: Marble Bar and Doolena Gorge

Must-see

Carawine Gorge

Comet Gold Mine

Marble Bar Museum

Days three to five: Pilbara Coast

Must-see

Staircase to the Moon at Point Samson

Port Hedland Salt Industry Tour

John’s Creek and Honeymoon Cove

Day six: Roebourne, Cossack and Deep Gorge

Must-see

Murujuga National Park

Karratha Tank Hill Lookout

Red Earth Arts Precinct

Day seven to eight: Millstream Chichester National Park

Must-see

Millstream Chichester National Park

Millstream Homestead

Mount Herbert

Day nine: Karijini National Park

Must-see

Hamersley Gorge

Joffre Gorge

Fish the Montebello Islands

Day 10: Exmouth

Must-see

Swim with whale sharks

Manta ray swim

Snorkel in Exmouth

The details

Equipment required

Approximate costs

The route

Highlights

Best time to go:

The new trail reinventing WA as a mountain biking hotspot

The best walks and hikes for an active day in Perth

A local’s guide to the best wineries near Perth

A local’s guide to the ultimate things to do in Perth

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Pair’d Margaret River Region is proudly owned by the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA.