A colossal land replete with natural attractions, Western Australia’s vast expanses and unique landscapes will surprise you at every turn. From the serene shorelines of Broome and Shell Beach and freshwater swimming holes of Karijini National Park to Ningaloo’s vibrant reef, this 10-day Broome to Perth adventure really does make for an unforgettable road trip. Discover the hidden grottoes and rock pools of the Pilbara, dip into the crystalline waters of Turquoise Bay and admire the world’s oldest living organisms in Kalbarri before finishing up in laidback Perth. Covering an immense distance at a leisurely pace, this trip serves as the perfect getaway for those looking to unearth some of Australia’s most serene delights.
Why we love this trip
- Explore Western Australia’s desert landscapes, national parks and spectacular Coral Coast in rugged style on the ultimate overland trip
- Enjoy the flexibility of a private vehicle, the local knowledge of a passionate guide and the magic of camping under the great southern sky
- Wade in the shallows of Monkey Mia beach and be amazed at the friendly dolphins that approach
- Peer into the ecologically diverse underwater world of Ningaloo Reef by snorkel, and swim with the gentle beasts of the deep in season, whalesharks
- The cattle stations, red earth and mining communities of the Pilbara are reminiscent of the sun-baked Australia much of the world imagines
- Hike and swim in the ancient gorges and waterholes of Karijini National Park
Day 1 : Broome to the Pilbara Region
Welcome to the pearling town of Broome, where your Western Australian adventure begins. Those keen on beach-lazing might like to arrive a few days earlier, as the local beaches are superb. Depart Broome and drive along the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, calling in at Eighty Mile Beach for a stroll along the white sand. Spend the night on a station in the Pilbara Region.
Accommodation: Station Stay (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 6 hours and approximately 525km. Total walking distance is approximately 1km.
Accommodation: Station Stay (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 6 hours and approximately 525km. Total walking distance is approximately 1km.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 : Pilbara Region to Karijini National Park
This morning we head toward Karijini National Park with a stop in Port Hedland to check out the iron ore mecca of Australia. If time permits, we may duck into one of the Gorge’s this afternoon. If not, we’ll set up camp in the National Park and get a good nights’ rest before we head in for a full day of exploring tomorrow.
Accommodation: Camping (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours and approximately 520km. Total walking distance can be up to 3km, some sections may be through water.
Accommodation: Camping (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours and approximately 520km. Total walking distance can be up to 3km, some sections may be through water.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 : Karijini National Park
This, without any doubt, is one of Australia’s most magnificent national parks (and it’s not like Australia has any shortage of them). Freshwater springs trickle through chasms to form translucent rock pools, walking trails weave between dramatic rock ravines.. Spend a full day exploring the gorges, gullies and secluded swimming spots of Karijini. Weano Gorge, Hancock Gorge, Dales Gorge and Oxers Lookout are just some of the better-known sites we’ll get to during our visit to Karijini.
Accommodation: Camping (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is 2.5 hours and approximately 180km. Total walking distance is approximately 6km, some sections may be through water.
Accommodation: Camping (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is 2.5 hours and approximately 180km. Total walking distance is approximately 6km, some sections may be through water.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 : Karijini National Park
Pack up your towel and walking shoes and head out for another day exploring Karijini with your guide. Anything you didn’t tick off the list yesterday you can chase up today – whether it’s a snooze in the sun or a strenuous trek to a lookout. Swim in waterholes, hike along rocky trails and splash about in waterfalls. Paradise!
Accommodation: Camping (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 2 hours and approximately 30km. Total walking distance is approximately 6km.
Accommodation: Camping (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 2 hours and approximately 30km. Total walking distance is approximately 6km.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 : Exmouth
Today is a long day of driving (approximately 9 hours and approximately 750km in total). Leaving Karijini, travel through the vast bushland and cattle stations of the Pilbara region. This sparsely populated region is known for its red earth and rich mineral deposits. Spend the night at our campsite at Yardie Creek Homestead near the Cape Range National Park, Exmouth.
Accommodation: Permanent twin share tent (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 9 hours and approximately 750km. Not much walking today.
Accommodation: Permanent twin share tent (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 9 hours and approximately 750km. Not much walking today.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 : Coral Bay
Depending on the season, today you’ll have the option (own cost) to snorkel or scuba dive in search of whale sharks or manta rays, the largest rays in the world. If not taking up one of the optional boat tours, perhaps visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, or soak up the sun on the pristine beach at Turquoise Bay. Explore the beauty of Cape Range National Park. This afternoon we’ll take a short trip to beautiful Coral Bay.
Accommodation: Hostel (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 3.5 hours and approximately 300km. Total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Accommodation: Hostel (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 3.5 hours and approximately 300km. Total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 : Coral Bay
Enjoy a day of freedom and relaxation. If you didn’t squeeze a snorkel in yesterday, today you get to; if you did, you get another one. Everyone wins. Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s largest fringing reefs, meaning that it starts practically from the water’s edge. You just swim out from shore and suddenly you’re in a world of coral, fish, turtles and manta rays. Swimming above these enormous, majestic creatures is really something else, they might even put on an acrobatic show for you! Not much of a swimmer? There’s also the option of taking in the scene on a glass bottom boat tour, along with many other optional activities. We’ll introduce you to the friendly staff at Coral Bay Eco Tours.
Accommodation: Hostel (shared facilities)
Note: There is no driving today, just a short walk to Coral Bay Eco Tours and water activities.
Accommodation: Hostel (shared facilities)
Note: There is no driving today, just a short walk to Coral Bay Eco Tours and water activities.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 : Monkey Mia
Today we cross over the Tropic of Capricorn. You probably won’t notice it, but what crossing this latitude means is that from here on south the sun will never be directly above you. You should still wear a hat though. Main stop for the day is Shell Beach, which, much as name would suggest, is a beach made of shells. What’s quite incredible about the place however is the amount of shells that there are. Locals have been using them in various industries for years, yet they still cover a stretch 60 km long and up to 7 metres deep. Tonight we stay in Monkey Mia.
Accommodation: Hostel (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours and approximately 600km. Total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Accommodation: Hostel (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours and approximately 600km. Total walking distance is approximately 2km.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 : Kalbarri
This morning, check out Monkey Mia – part of the Peron Peninsula, which extends into part of the Indian Ocean known as Shark Bay. This popular spot is known for its world famous dolphins. Afterwards, continue your road trip down the West Australian coast with a short drive across the Eastern Peninsula. See stromatolites, the oldest living organisms in the world, then head south for Kalbarri. Time permitting, there’ll be a stop-off along the way at Murchison Gorge, where there’s the opportunity to admire the landscape through Nature’s Window.
Accommodation: Hostel (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 5.5 hours and approximately 470km. Total walking distance is approximately 5km.
Accommodation: Hostel (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time today is around 5.5 hours and approximately 470km. Total walking distance is approximately 5km.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 : Nambung National Park to Perth
It’s a driving day today, but a spectacular one. Cruising through the coastal gorges of Kalbarri National Park, we come to the quaint coastal town of Dongara, which sits at the head of the Irwin River. Take in the strange limestone structures of the Pinnacles Nambung NP. After a walk around here it’s on to Perth, where this adventure winds up.
Note: Today’s driving will take approximately 7 hours and approximately 600km (with about 2km of walking). You’ll arrive in Central Perth around 6pm and there is no accommodation planned for this evening.
Note: Today’s driving will take approximately 7 hours and approximately 600km (with about 2km of walking). You’ll arrive in Central Perth around 6pm and there is no accommodation planned for this evening.
Meals :Lunch
Departure location : Select Broome accommodation from 7am.
Default pick up: Broome Visitor Centre at 7.30am
Select Saturdays from April to October
Arrival location : Select Perth accommodation early evening Day 10.
A sleeping bag is required for this tour. You can bring your own or pre- purchase one from Adventure Tours for A$75.
There are a number of optional activities available on this tour, all of which can be booked by your Guide on the bus.
Day 5 - Exmouth
- Snorkel with the Whalesharks (own expense – April to July only)
- Snorkel at Turquoise Bay (own expense)
Day 6 - Coral Bay
- Snorkel with the Whalesharks (April to July only)
- Beach snorkelling (own expense)
Day 7 - Coral Bay
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruises
- Whale Watching – 3 hours (seasonal)
- Snorkel with Manta Rays – half day trip
