The ultimate Perth to Broome road trip: a 12-day WA itinerary

Leah McLennanBy Leah McLennan
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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.

the limestone formations at The Pinnacles of Nambung National Park
The Pinnacles are limestone formations within Nambung National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

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.

stromatolites at Hamelin Pool
Find the oldest stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and credit @tom_tit_)

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.

an aerial view of Charles Knife Gorge in Cape Range National Park
Charles Knife Gorge in Cape Range National Park is spectacular from above. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and credit @apertunity_)

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.

a person soaking in the swimming hole at Joffre Gorge, Karijini National Park
Joffre Gorge is an impressive sight at Karijini National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia and credit @cjmaddock)

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.

the pristine shoreline of Eighty Mile Beach
Stroll along the pristine sand of Eighty Mile Beach. (Image: Cjmaddock)

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.

an aerial view of Jetwave Pearl along Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay
Experience the majestic Horizontal Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

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.
Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

    Jennifer EnnionBy Jennifer Ennion
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    The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

    Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts  that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

    A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead.
    Dine in the heart of nature.

    Your guide to Lake Argyle

    The backstory

    With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle .

    The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

    Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

    A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation.
    Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

    The rooms

    A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins . The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

    The facilities

    There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise , during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

    If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise . You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

    Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

    Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

    Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks.
    Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

    Your guide to El Questro

    The backstory

    One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro . A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

    The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

    A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity.
    Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

    The rooms

    Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead , where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

    At Emma Gorge , travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

    Families also love The Station , home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

    Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below.
    Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

    The facilities

    Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience ; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

    Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

    A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
    Experience thrilling nature activities.

    Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.