Ready for the road trip of a lifetime? Driving from Perth to Broome is a journey through some of Western Australia’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, and trust me, it’s worth every kilometre of the long drive.
I used to live in Broome for two years, so it’s a place that’s super special to me. I’ve also travelled this route myself a few times, so it’s safe to say I have a bunch of advice and suggestions to share to make your trip spectacular!
In this post, I’ll cover all the must-knows to plan your Perth to Broome road trip, straight from my local’s perspective. Whether you want to know the most unmissable stops along the way, are looking for a tried-and-tested Perth to Broome itinerary you can use, or just want some practical advice for the drive, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s hit the road!
Overview: Perth to Broome Road Trip
Here are a few must-know details before you set off on your Perth to Broome adventure:
- Distance: Approximately 2,200 km one-way.
- Total driving time: Around 23-25 hours of driving.
- Time needed for the road trip: Plan for at least 12 days one-way to fully enjoy each stop, with 14-16 days being ideal for a relaxed pace.
- Best time to travel: April to October for the best weather, avoiding the extreme heat and wet season.
- Vehicle tips: A 4WD is best for exploring some of the more remote areas and national parks.
Must-See Stops Along The Way
The Pinnacles
Start your epic road trip from Perth to Broome with a stop at The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park. This spot is famous for its surreal landscape filled with limestone spires that stick out of the desert floor. It’s super cool to see, and even cooler to walk through – like wandering through a giant’s rock garden.
The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight makes the rocks glow golden. Make sure to swing by the park’s Discovery Centre too, where you can grab a quick guide on how the formations came about and what makes them so special.
Kalbarri National Park
Next up is Kalbarri National Park, WA’s answer to the Grand Canyon. Top of your bucket list should be checking out the stunning views from Nature’s Window, a natural rock arch framing the Murchison River below. You also can’t visit Kalbarri without taking a hike or two. The Loop Walk is a 9 km trail that shows off jaw-dropping scenery at every turn.
For a shorter walk, the Z Bend Lookout offers a 1.2 km circuit trail that leads to incredible views of the river gorge. If you’re visiting between July and October, don’t miss the wildflowers blooming throughout the park; they add a splash of colour that makes Kalbarri even more photogenic – if that is even possible!
Shell Beach
After soaking up the rugged beauty of Kalbarri, head down to Shell Beach as your next road trip stop. This is one of only two beaches in the world made entirely from billions of tiny shells, and they’re up to 10 metres deep in some spots!
As you walk along the shore you’ll feel the unique, crunchy texture of the shells under your feet. It’s a bizarre feeling! Shell Beach is also great for a relaxing swim, as the water is super salty, making it easy to float and relax. Just a heads-up, the beach can get pretty bright on sunny days, so bring your sunglasses.
Francois Peron National Park
Francois Peron National Park is where the red desert sands meet the turquoise sea, offering a dramatic landscape that’s unlike anything else I’ve seen. This park is a bit off the beaten track, located at the tip of the Peron Peninsula, but it’s totally worth the detour. The contrast between the rust-coloured cliffs and the sparkling water is unreal.
For the best experience, book onto a 4WD tour of the park to hit all the high points, like the Skipjack Point Lookout where you might spot rays, sharks, and even dolphins. The hot springs near the Homestead are also perfect for a warm soak after a day of exploring. Be warned that the tracks in the park can be sandy and rough, so you’re in for a real adventure.
Monkey Mia
Make sure Monkey Mia is on your Perth to Broome road trip itinerary for a chance to get up close with the friendly dolphins that visit the shore daily!
You’ll find Monkey Mia in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. I usually stay at the RAC Park in Monkey Mia and can confidently recommend it.
Watching these playful dolphins of Monkey Mia is a hands-on experience, with rangers on hand to guide your experience, making sure it’s safe and fun for everyone. It’s also worth popping by Shark Bay before carrying on to Monkey Mia.
Beyond dolphin watching, take a boat tour to see more of the bay, or just relax and enjoy the beach before hitting the road again. Visiting Monkey Mia is an essential Western Australia experience, and something I recommend that everybody does at least once.
Exmouth
Congratulations, you’ve reached the halfway point on the drive from Perth to Broome!
Exmouth is a real gem on your road trip, especially if you’re into snorkelling or diving. This small town on the Ningaloo Coast offers some of the best underwater adventures in Australia. Joining a snorkelling tour of the Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim alongside whale sharks, manta rays, and hundreds of colourful fish, is something you won’t forget in a hurry.
Exmouth isn’t just about what’s under the water, though. Back on land, check out the rugged beauty of Cape Range National Park. The park’s gorges and limestone ranges make for great hiking and stunning photography spots. Oh, and the sunsets here are absolutely unreal!
Here’s an insider tip: you can’t go to Exmouth without going to Whalebone Brewing Co! This brewery has brilliant food, delicious beer and a lively atmosphere. Grabbing a t-shirt here is one of the most important souvenirs you’ll get on this trip. You’ill see loads of people wearing them up and down the WA coast!
Karijini National Park
When the entire trip feels like one big highlight reel, it’s hard to narrow down the very best stops, but Karijini National Park is definitely one of them. It’s Western Australia’s second-largest national park and is packed with jaw-dropping gorges, deep blue swimming holes, and epic hiking trails.
Whether you’re scaling down into Hancock Gorge or floating in the warm waters of Fern Pool, you’ll easily find something to get your heart racing here.
The trails in Karijini cater to all levels of hikers, and they all offer something special – like unexpected waterfalls or hidden lookouts that give you a birds-eye view of the park’s red rock landscapes.
Karratha is a town close to Karijini that’s a logical stop along the way to grab some supplies. Always pack plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes – these trails don’t mess around!
Eighty Mile Beach
If you’re packing a fishing rod and have a 4WD, make sure Eighty Mile Beach is on your list. While the beach offers fantastic fishing opportunities and is famous for its beautiful shells, swimming here isn’t recommended due to strong currents and tides. Instead, it’s the perfect place to drive along the coast, set up a fishing line, and enjoy the solitude of one of Australia’s most secluded beaches.
And let’s talk about sunsets – Eighty Mile Beach has some of the most spectacular views in Western Australia. The horizon stretches endlessly, painting the evening sky with colours that’ll make you gasp every time. If you have the time, I also recommend the Eco Beach Resort which is around 1 hour from Broome and focuses on eco-friendly stays. And the sunsets here are even more amazing!
Broome
And finally, your Perth to Broome road trip comes to an end. The laid-back town of Broome is all about stunning Cable Beach sunsets and its rich pearling history. Don’t leave without trying a camel ride along the beach – it’s as quirky as it sounds and a whole lot of fun.
Check out Gantheaume Point too, where you can see real dinosaur footprints when the tide is low. And if your timing is right, catch the ‘Staircase to the Moon,’ a natural phenomenon that lights up the night sky in a spectacular way. Got a couple of extra days? Great! Town Beach, the Broome Markets and the annual Shinju Festival in September are other fabulous Broome activities you can’t miss!
Broome is the kind of place that makes you want to linger longer and that’s why I stayed there for two whole years! Between exploring it’s historical sites and chilling at beachside bars, it’s easy to feel like you’re on island time.
Perth to Broome Road Trip Itinerary
Give yourself at least 12 days for your Broome road trip from Perth to soak in all the cool spots along the way. If you have 14 days to spare, that’s even better! Here’s my suggested Perth to Broome road trip itinerary you’ll want to steal:
- Day 1 – Depart from Perth, visit The Pinnacles, then drive to Kalbarri: Spend the morning exploring the fascinating limestone formations at The Pinnacles before heading to Kalbarri. Overnight in Kalbarri to rest up for the next day’s adventures.
- Days 2 & 3 – Explore Kalbarri National Park: Dedicate these days to visiting local highlights like Nature’s Window and Z-Bend. Enjoy hiking and the stunning river gorges.
- Days 4 & 5 – Drive to Shark Bay and Monkey Mia: Travel to Shark Bay, visiting Shell Beach on the way, and spend the next day in Monkey Mia, saying hi to the friendly dolphins and enjoying the beach.
- Days 6 & 7 – Coral Bay and Exmouth: Head to Coral Bay and then Exmouth. Spend time snorkelling or diving in Ningaloo Reef, with opportunities to swim with whale sharks if in season.
- Days 8 & 9 – Karijini National Park: Spend two full days exploring the deep gorges, swimming in natural pools, and hiking through the breathtaking scenery of Karijini.
- Day 10 – Travel to Eighty Mile Beach: Head to Eighty Mile Beach for a relaxing day of fishing, beachcombing, and enjoying the unique landscape.
- Days 11 & 12 – Broome: Finish your trip in Broome. Relax on the famous Cable Beach, take a sunset camel ride, explore the local history, and maybe catch the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon if you’re lucky!
Our Top Tips!
- Watch for wildlife: Keep an eye out for kangaroos and other wildlife, especially during dawn and dusk when they’re most active. They can dart onto the road unexpectedly, so it’s smart to slow down and stay alert to avoid a crash.
- Keep your tank full: You’ll pass through some remote areas where petrol stations are few and far between, and sometimes, you’ll pull up to a petrol station to find it closed. Always top up your fuel when you can, especially before heading out to more isolated stretches.
- Hit the highlights early: Popular spots like Cable Beach and Ningaloo Reef can get busy. Try to get there early in the morning to enjoy them before the crowds arrive, or catch a sunset when others have left.
- Stay connected: Mobile reception can be spotty, especially as you get further from major towns. Download maps and local guides for offline use to keep on track. Apps like Maps.me can be a lifesaver.
- Know your routes: While main roads like the North West Coastal Highway are well-maintained, side roads, especially those leading to natural attractions, can be rough or unsealed. Make sure your vehicle is equipped to handle them, and always check local travel advisories.
Your Perth to Broome Road Trip Starts Here!
So there you have it – the ultimate stops for your Perth to Broome road trip! From exploring the mystical Pinnacles to diving into the underwater wonders of Ningaloo Reef, and soaking up the sunset at Cable Beach in Broome, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.
With these tried-and-tested tips and itinerary suggestions, you’re all set for a road trip that captures the best of Western Australia. So, start planning, pack your bags, and get ready to hit the open road. And if you’re on the lookout for more travel inspiration across WA, make sure to check out my other road trip guides. Happy travels!
