Below, we’ll talk in detail about the Perth to Broome road trip route, including the stops, what sights you can find along the way, and all the important details to help you prepare for your adventure!
The Route from Perth to Broome
The National Highway 95 allows you to go from Perth to Broome in as quick as 22 hours. However, quickness is not our main priority here. Thus, we have rounded up a more scenic route that takes you through Australia’s western coastline and up north to the city of Broome.
Without further ado, here is a quick overview of the 7-day itinerary!
1. Perth to Geraldton
It’s time to pack your things, hop on your vehicle, and get on Route 60 to kick off your journey to Broome! You will be taken north to Nambung National Park, which is home to the famous Pinnacles Desert area.
If you are in no rush, spending the night in Cervantes before you reach Geraldton is a great idea. This city is a popular spot for beach fishing and paddle boarding, which are must-try activities if you arrive here before the sun sets.
You can also leave Cervantes and head to Geraldton immediately after lunch instead. Once you come across the city’s border, you’ll see that it is filled with small restaurants and shops. This is your time to stock up on things because resources can get scarce further north.
2. Geraldton to Carnarvon
To start your second day, you can have a morning meal in one of the many eateries in Geraldton. Salt Dish is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. It is just a short walk away from the Marine Terrace and it serves various seafood dishes.
Then, you can continue your journey to Carnarvon. The route there is best taken at a relaxed pace. You will see how the landscape changes from farmland to Australia’s iconic desert-style outback area. Also, always be on the lookout for feral goats and emus.
3. Carnarvon to Coral Bay
Your trip from Geraldton to Carnarvon typically only takes about 5 hours, which means you can continue your trip directly to Coral Bay if you think that you can still drive further. It will require you an additional 3-hour trip, though, so make sure that you still have the energy for it.
The route from Carnarvon to Coral Bay is a colorful and vibrant stretch. As you cruise along, keep your eyes on the blue water as rays and reef sharks live in the area. And, you should not miss the opportunity to get a glimpse of the sun going down over that turquoise water.
After driving all day long, you should arrive at Coral Bay. One interesting thing about this city is that, despite its remote location, it is actually packed with backpackers. For a cheap stay, travelers usually book a room in the Warroora area, which is much cheaper than the city.
4. Coral Bay to Exmouth
The distance between Coral Bay and Exmouth is merely 150 kilometers and it will only take you one and a half hours to complete. There are not a lot of things to see along the route. Thus, it is a good idea to just drive as quickly as possible until you reach Exmouth.
If you are a diver, make sure you visit the Navy Pier at Exmouth, which is named one of the most fantastic on-shore dive sites on the planet. Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera before you jump in the water because you surely don’t want to miss the corral and marine species.
You can also spend a night stargazing and taking great pictures on the beach in Exmouth. So far, this area boasts more than 40 camping sites. However, make sure you book them in advance since they can get packed during peak season, which is around April to October.
5. Exmouth to Karijini
This time, you should prepare yourself (and your vehicle) for another long drive. The route from Exmouth to Karijini is more than 640 kilometers in distance and it can take up to 8 hours from start to finish. Don’t worry though, because there are a lot of exciting stops along the way.
Just two hours after you leave Exmouth, you will arrive at Yannarie. This is a popular spot for sightseeing and learning about a rural Australian community. If you bring a four-wheel drive, you can go to Mount Nameless, which provides an epic view of the surrounding landscape.
You can then continue your way east to Nanutarra. Here, you should make a stop for lunch at the Nanutarra Roadhouse. This family-run establishment also has a gas station in its complex, making it a great place to refuel your inventory before you continue driving to Karijini.
6. Karijini to Port Hedland
Karijini sure has a lot to offer to visitors. From brilliantly red cliffs to deep natural pools to impressive gorges, it has all kinds of things that will excite an adventurer. However, you should pack your things again because you still need to go on a three-hour drive to Port Hedland.
One of the reasons you making a stop in Port Hedland instead of going directly to Broome is that it is very hard to find any accommodation once you pass this city. Another reason for that is to give yourself the opportunity to enjoy the sunset at Redbank Bridge.
7. Port Hedland to Broome
Congratulations! It is time to get on the last leg and finish off your Perth to Broome road trip. You still have a 6-hour drive ahead, so fill up your stomach, drink your morning coffee, and don’t forget to put some gas in your vehicle!
Keep in mind to make a stop at the Eighty Mile Beach. This stretch of white sand is known for its abundant marine life, which is why it is a popular spot for fishing. You can also have lunch at either the Caravan Park or the Beach House restaurant.
Once you are done recharging yourself at Eighty Mile Beach, you can get back on the road again and head to Broome. It will take you another four-hour drive before you arrive at Broome, where you can finally pop a bottle to celebrate your new achievement.
Everything You Need to Know Before Setting Off
Now that you know what route to take to reach Broome from Perth, do you think you have what it takes to complete that journey? As you can see, the road trip itinerary above covers more than 2600 kilometers and it definitely involves a lot of hours on the road.
In fact, the whole journey can take anywhere between 7 to 10 days. Thus, you should never underestimate the challenges you might come across along the way. It is important that you make absolutely sure that both you and your vehicles are in good condition.
If you are not sure about your vehicle’s condition, go to a car shop near you and ask the mechanic there to do a checkup. If the mechanic says that your vehicle is in good working order, then you are good to go. Otherwise, complete any required repairs first.
Also, you should save important contacts on your phone in case something goes wrong during your trip. Your family doctor is the most important contact to keep on your device and notebook. It is also wise to keep the number of a tow truck service provider.
Of course, it is a good idea to bring a gadget like BLUETTI EB3A to keep all your gadgets powered, especially when you want to camp on the desert or beach. The reason it is recommended to bring this device is because it has a 268 Wh capacity and LiFePO4 battery.
On top of that, you should keep in mind to bring your personal belongings. There is no need to bring the whole wardrobe during your trips. Just try to bring three to four shirts as well as a couple of pants. A jacket is also a must because the night wind can be cold even in the summer.
The Takeaway
Taking you across large parts of Western Australia's uninhabited areas, taking an adventure from Perth to Broome is among the most thrilling things you can do in Australia. Considering the conditions of the terrain, it is really not for the faint of heart.
Along the way, you can observe the turquoise Indian Ocean while you navigate the rugged outback area. And, don’t forget to make stops in the beautiful locations you come across en route. It will certainly be a one-of-a-kind and memorable adventure for you!
