west coast australia road trip perth to darwin

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West Coast of Australia: Perth to Darwin road trip itinerary

Quieter and wilder than the East Coast, the West Coast of Australia is a paradise for nature lovers. Here you will discover gorgeous landscapes, sprawling desert plains and heavenly beaches! The West Coast of Australia is one of the most popular routes on the continent for a road trip, with more than 4000 kilometres of landscapes as wild as they are varied. From Margaret River in the South to Broome in the North, discover all the best stops and spots not to be missed for an unforgettable trip.

Table of Contents

How much time do you need for your road trip? 

To travel the West Coast by campervan, 4WD or motorhome, give yourself at least 3 weeks (we recommend 4 weeks – to be adjusted according to your itinerary and your driving speed). If you want to make the most of it and take your time, allow at least 6 weeks.

You will cover nearly 4500km in total. The West Coast is less densely populated than the rest of Australia and cities can be separated by long distances. Make sure you always enough food, water and fuel.

Covering more than 4000 kilometers, this journey is an epic through red deserts, lush rainforests, wild coastlines, and remote towns, offering a mosaic of landscapes among the most spectacular in Australia.

Best time to travel the West Coast

The West Coast of Australia is huge – it stretches for thousands of kilometres. The climate can therefore vary a lot between the North and the South. Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures of 29°C in summer but this can rise to a scorching 40°C/45°C in February. Between June and August, during the winter season, temperatures hover around 12°C. The Coral Coast (between Broome and Perth) enjoys a warm climate all year round. Finally, from Broome to the North-West , you will enjoy beautiful sunny days during the “dry season” (from April to September) with temperatures around 29°C. On the other hand, from October to March, expect tropical rainstorms and high humidity. Temperatures hover around 30°C.

THE BEST TIMES TO VISIT THE WEST COAST ARE MID-SEASON, BETWEEN MARCH AND MAY, OR BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND NOVEMBER.

Climate in Darwin

Climate in perth, west coast road trip budget.

To have a successful trip, you’ll need to budget carefully . Make sure you have enough money (both in your bank account and in cash) to avoid awkward situations. For your information, here is our estimated budget for a 1-month van road trip (rental) for 2 people:

• 2-seater van rental, including insurance: $3,000
• Fuel: $1000 (average rate of $1.90/L and a consumption of 10L/100km)
• Food: $500 (for no-frills food)
• Campsite fees: $300 (1 night/5 or 6 nights at the rate of $50/night)
• Excursions and activities: $1000
• Restaurants and outings: $470

Total: $6 250 for two people.

Road Trip Budget Calculator

Calculate your road trip budget according to your needs. Free and easy!

Where to stay on the West Coast?

Unlike the famous (and touristy) East Coast, the West Coast is very wild, which means camping most of the time. You will find motels or roadhouses offering accommodation along the coast. However, the distances between these accommodations can be long, so plan where you will be sleeping in advance if you don’t want to find yourself having to camp in the middle of nowhere!

For those who plan to camp, you will easily find places to sleep on the coast. Some of them charge fees (caravan parks and rest areas) and others are free (camping spots or free camps). Wild camping , i.e. camping outside of designated areas, is generally not permitted and if you’re caught you could be landed with a big fine. However, you will see once you’re on the coast that there is no shortage of space and ranger checks are rare. Avoid wild camping in popular tourist areas. 

We advise you to buy a book called Camp Australia Wide , which details more than 1000 free and paid camping areas where you can sleep in Australia. You can also download the WikiCamps mobile app (costs $8) or a free version of the app, Campermate . Both app list places where you can sleep according to your criteria (whether there are toilets/showers, whether you have to pay, whether you can make a fire, whether there are bins, points of interest etc). We can assure you that it will come in handy during your road trip!

Download our complete guide to your West Coast road trip

• Prepare for your trip (best time to go, budget)
• All the best spots to hit along the coast
• Tours and activity recommendations
• Spots to park and sleep in a campervan

How to travel along the West Coast?

Pick your vehicle.

First, choose your type of vehicle according to your needs: 

• a motorhome with all the comforts and amenities
• a smaller but more economical campervan
• a 4WD : you can sleep in the vehicle, in a tent or in a rooftop tent
• a station wagon : you can save on travel this way. 

For a road trip on the west coast of Australia, a 4WD will allow you to visit all the national parks and remote locations not accessible by other types of vehicles. You will have the opportunity to drive across beaches and rivers and drive in the bush or on gravel roads . We strongly advise you to opt for a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Note that some sites are only accessible by 4WD , such as some campsites for example, or the famous Gibb River Road in the Kimberleys. However, if you want to stay on the marked paths and only explore the main tourist sites, a two-wheel drive vehicle will be fine.

Campervan rental

You have the option of renting a campervan or motorhome in Perth or Darwin (NT). Note that it is also possible to pick up or drop off a vehicle in Broome , although you will have fewer options to choose from.

Main rental companies

• Apollo Campervans
• Travellers Autobarn (5% discount available here: Travellers Autobarn Promo Code )

If you prefer to compare campervan and motorhome rental prices, visit the price comparison website Motorhome Republic

Another very popular option is car rental . You will find many different agencies across Australia, including Britz and Travelers Autobarn. Remember to plan ahead to nab your ideal vehicle because rentals go quickly, especially in high season. You will find many car rental agencies around Perth airport or in Darwin.

To compare car rentals in Australia: CLICK HERE

Buying a vehicle

If you’re planning to go on a road trip as soon as you arrive in Australia, a great option is to go through ba ckpackercars.com . They offer all types of vehicles for sale (cars, vans, and 4WDs) and can customize them according to your needs. The advantage is that all the mechanics are checked, the paperwork is in order, and you can pick up your vehicle as soon as you arrive in Australia.

📍 Vehicles available in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth 📝 Avoid all the paperwork 👨‍🔧 Avoid mechanical surprises with a reliable vehicle 🚗 Pick up your vehicle as soon as you arrive in Australia

🚨 BONUS: 1 year of free roadside assistance with our PROMO CODE: BACKPACKERS

Public transport

There are no trains or buses that run along the entire west coast. However, you can join a group of travellers by bus. This is an option if you don’t have your driving licence or don’t want to travel alone. You will have less freedom in your route, but that also means less things to worry about, like driving, refuellng, changing wheels in the event of a puncture, etc.

Bus companies:

• Integrity Coach Lines : “hop on/ hop off” system between Perth and Broome.
• Greyhound : only between Broome and Darwin.
• Why Not Bus : group trip with tours to the emblematic places between Perth and Broome (Pinnacles, Karijini National Park, Exmouth, etc.).
• The Magic bus: a group of 25 backpackers (from Perth to Broome, from March to November only).

Carpool or lift

You can find fellow travellers looking for people to join them on the road to split travel costs. This can be a good option if you want to meet new friends and save money. There are many ads on Facebook and Gumtree . Make sure you meet your road trip buddies before you leave, to make sure you get along and are on the same page.

Highlights of the Perth – Darwin Route

• Karijini National Park : Exploration of its spectacular gorges, natural pools, and hiking trails.
• Broome and Cable Beach : Relaxing on the pristine beaches and observing dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point.
• Kakadu National Park : Discovering the rich biodiversity, Aboriginal rock paintings, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
• The Kimberleys : Adventure in this wild region, visiting the Bungle Bungle Range and isolated waterfalls.

But we’ll tell you more about it below…

Perth to Darwin Road trip Itinerary

Perth and its surroundings (5 to 6 days), the capital of wa, perth.

Located on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is the capital of Western Australia. Cosmopolitan and modern, Perth is the most isolated city on the planet and continues to grow and develop. Don’t miss Kings Park sprawling over more than 400 hectares with beautiful plants and wild flowers. The more adventurous can climb the 101 steps leading to the highest point of the park for an exceptional view of the city and the river. Elizabeth Quay is also very pleasant for strolls on the seafront.

The Perth Cultural Center, in Northbridge , houses the Art Gallery of WA ( free – open from 10am to 5pm ) and the WA Museum (free – open from 9.30am to 5.00pm) where you can discover Aboriginal art , a 25m long whale skeleton and meteorites, as well as the “old jail” built in 1856 and which is now part of the museum. Open daily, the Perth Zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation and is home to no less than 160 different species.

Fremantle is a small town of 25,000 people located 19 kilometres southwest of Perth. “Freo” stands out for its history, closely linked to that of 18th-century convicts. Today, Fremantle’s main tourist attraction is its numerous street markets . Taste its many dishes across more than 150 stands: fruits, vegetables, confectionery, international food, crafts, etc …

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island sits 19km offshore from the city of Perth and is a must do! This little island paradise and protected nature reserve can be explored on foot or by bike. It’s home to the quokka , arguably the cutest marsupial in Australia! They aren’t scared to approach humans, so if you’re lucky you can get a selfie with one!

You can take many different day trips here (an adventure boat, for example) or guided tours that last just a few hours, like a Segway tour. There are also activities like parachute jumping, whale watching, etc.

To get to Rottnest Island, you will have to take a ferry from Fremantle or Perth. We advise you to book the ferry and bike rental package, to make the most of your trip.

Margaret River

Three hours South of Perth, you’ll find the Margaret River region. The landscapes here are very rich: white sand beaches , hills dotted with vineyards , wild pine forests, interesting rock formations …The South-West region, which has more than a hundred vineyards, will delight lovers of good wine. Surfing enthusiasts will also be able to indulge their passion on one of the best spots in the world to catch a wave.

Between Perth and Margaret River, stop at Eagle Bay and enjoy the scenery. If you have some time to spare, visit some of the small towns that border the ocean. With any luck, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Center in Bunbury.

Perth to Geraldton (2 days)

Three hours from Perth, head north on Indian Ocean Drive to reach Nambung National Park. This park is famous for its rock formations (the Pinnacles) that look like stalactites. It is possible to get there on foot or (when weather conditions allow) to follow a track with your own vehicle right in the middle of these strange totems. At the exit of the Pinnacles, you can visit the village of Cervantes, renowned for its fishing and its white sand beaches . On your way to Geraldton, stop at the famous and popular beaches of Jurien Bay. Surfers and windsurfers will also want to take the opportunity to stop in Geraldton for a dip.

Geraldton to Carnarvon (4 days)

A hundred kilometers away you can check out a rare phenomenon in the world, a pink lake called Hutt Lagoon. The colour of the water is due to the large presence of the carotenoid-producing algae, Dunaliella Salina, in the lake. There are 2 pink lakes in Australia – the other one is located in the south of the country (Lake Hillier). Access to the Hutt Lagoon is via the small town of Port Gregory.

Continue your drive to Kalbarri National Park. Along the Indian Ocean, take advantage of the many viewpoints to take in the spectacular red cliffs (Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock Walk Trail, etc.). Once at the national park, you’ll find fascinating local flora and fauna. Different options are available to you: hiking, climbing, kayaking, cruises, 4WD rides…Whatever you choose, don’t miss the “nature’s window” spot. The rock, sculpted by time, has turned into a natural window offering breathtaking views of the Kalbarri Gorge.

Further north, Shark Bay National Park on the West Coast is one of the biggest marine sanctuaries in the world. Famous for the town of Monkey Mia , you can approach the dolphins playing in the water and maybe even feed them some fish! Shark Bay is also home to a variety of marine wildlife : whales, manta rays, sea turtles, sharks and dugongs. Known for its extraordinary ecosystem, you will be fascinated by the François Perron National Park, where you will find one of the only sites in the world where you can observe marine stromatolites . These exceptional geological formations, resembling small domes, were built by microbes more than 350,000 years ago. A little further, Shell Bech beach is one of the few beaches made up entirely of shells !

Carnarvon to Exmouth (3 to 4 days)

Carnarvon is a coastal town and the last major town before you get to Karratha. Blessed with a subtropical climate, the temperature is pleasant all year round. The city is popular with backpackers looking for odd jobs on the farms . Many fruits and vegetables grow there throughout the year (but there is also a lot of competition for work).

On your way north, stop at Lake Macleod, a partially dry lake. Going up towards the North West point via the Minilya-Exmouth Road, you will arrive at the Ningaloo Marine Park. Coral Bay will be your starting point – a small coastal town very popular with Australian tourists and backpackers. The main attractions are the exploration of the coral reef and the marine wildlife (turtles, humpback whales, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, dugongs, etc.).

Continue on to the town of Exmouth to set off on an excursion to the famous Cape Range National Park. There are many different walks and gorges to discover in the park. Give yourself at least one day if you want to fully enjoy the park. You can also visit Oyster Stack and Turquoise Bay to continue exploring the Ningaloo Reef.

Exmouth to Karratha (1 to 2 days)

Cross the desert for 550 kilometres between Exmouth and Karratha. We advise you to stop at each roadhouse to refuel and enjoy a short break. There is not really much to see in this part of the coast.

Karratha to Broome (2 to 3 days)

Karratha is a small coastal town in northwest Australia. It is the largest town in the area ahead of Port Hedland. The city is essentially industrial.

A few kilometers after Karratha, more inland, you’ll find the jewel of the Pilbara: Karijini National Park . Covering 6274 km², it’s the second biggest park in Australia. Located 1000 kilometres north of Perth, it is renowned for its gorges and waterfalls . It is also home to lots of wildlife: kangaroos, echidnas, geckos, goannas, snakes and more. There are also many bushwalks on offer – definitely check out Fortescue falls or Fern Pool.

Tom Price, the nearest town, is 80 kilometres from the park, in the heart of the huge Marandoo iron mine. The road between Karratha and Broome is mostly desert. Port Hedland is a port city on the Australian North Coast. Its deep water makes it the main port in the region for receiving oil and containers. Its climate is harsh, with very high temperatures throughout the year and little rainfall. Port Hedland is not really a tourist town. There is only one beach, but be very careful of the crocodiles!

Broome (1 to 2 days)

Broome is considered the gateway to the Kimberley area and deserves a few days stopover. It is where the red dirt desert meets the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean . Enjoy the sunset while riding a camel on Cable Beach. Discover the history of the pearl industry and admire the most beautiful pearls in the world in the city centre shops. You can also discover dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point.

Each year from March to October, Staircase to the Moon takes place. It is a natural phenomenon which occurs when a full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. An excellent opportunity to share a beer on the beach and take a few snaps for your Instagram account! Broome also has some great local markets ; you can visit the Broome Courthouse Market on Saturday and Sunday mornings or during full moon nights (April to October). 

From Broome to Darwin (5 to 15 days)

From Broome, the road then continues to Darwin , located in the Northern Territory (NT). Along the way, you’ll find a few points of interest. For example, plan a short stop in Derby to see the giant baobab trees, some of which were once used as prisons for Aboriginal people.

For those with a 4WD, you will have many more places to discover, especially the Gibb River Road , a 659km track. You will cross rivers and desert landscapes to reach beautiful gorges. Among them Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek or Bell Gorge .

You can also discover El Questro , a cattle station with famous waterfalls (accessible with a standard vehicle). Next up is Kununurra , a small town in the heart of the Kimberleys, perfect for excursions to explore the region.

You then cross the border to enter the Northern Territory and reach Katherine for a short cruise among the crocodiles. Then it’s time to head to the capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin. On the way, you can stop for a few days at Litchfield National Park , a must in the Northern Territory.

West Coast tours and activities

West coast tours and excursions.

With its wild and varied landscapes, its magnificent beaches and its huge national parks, the West Coast is full of activities that you can indulge in during your road trip. Parachute jumping, snorkeling, scuba diving, scenic flights, 4WD tour, etc. There is something for everyone!

Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle)

The Bungle Bungle Range is a fantastic natural formation made of beehive-shaped sandstone domes . It is one of Australia’s few World Heritage Sites . There are many ways to discover this unusual place, by hiking or from the air. There are plenty of beautiful walks (Cathedral Gorge, Doms Walk, Mini Palms Gorge, Echnida Chasm) as well as charming local art sites and abundant fauna and flora.

The Margaret River region developed over 60,000 years ago . It is an important place in Aboriginal culture , since it is the traditional land of the Wadandi people (salt water). Take the time to visit the city and its surroundings to fully immerse yourself in the climate that reigns here. The best excursion you can take to Margaret River is a day trip from Perth . During this trip, you will visit Busselton Jetty and the lighthouse of Cape Leeuwin, as well as Mammoth Cave.

Ningaloo Reef, the little Barrier Reef

This incredible reef, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site , is absolutely worth a detour during your West Coast road trip! Its multicoloured corals, crystal clear waters and exceptional marine life combine to create an underwater paradise. Here you’ll discover colourful tropical fish, dugongs, reef sharks, humpback whales, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and more. You will be amazed by the much richness and beauty around you! We recommend the following activities:

• Swim with whale sharks (338€ for 8h to 9h excursion with meal included).
• Humpback whale watching excursion (74€ for 3 hour cruise with small snack).
• Swimming with manta rays (185€ for 5/6h eco tour safari).

The above are really must-sees in the region and definitely worth the money! You’ll come home with memories to last a lifetime.

The Kimberleys

Extending over an area of ​​more than 423,000 km2 , the Kimberleys offer some of the most beautiful landscapes in Western Australia . Here you will discover spectacular gorges and cliffs as well as majestic waterfalls and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with their coral reefs and tropical islands. Explore the many hidden caves and Aboriginal rock art. The main bucket list activity here is a scenic cruise over the reefs of Swans Bay Waterfall , a 2-hour sea safari during which you can observe the natural phenomenon of the tides.

Wildlife and Flora

Be on the lookout for kangaroos , wallabies , emus, and exotic birds that inhabit these regions. National parks and nature reserves are perfect places to observe these animals in their natural habitat, especially early in the morning or at dusk.

The diversity of ecosystems along your route allows for the observation of a wide variety of plants adapted to arid conditions, like the iconic baobabs in the Kimberley, or the lush rainforests in the Northern Territory. Take the time to stop and appreciate these fragile ecosystems.

Safety tips & Tricks

Safety should never be overlooked. It is vital to plan your route in advance, inform someone of your plans, and regularly check weather and road conditions. Moreover, store enough food, water, and fuel for several days, in case you are delayed or need to take an unexpected detour.

Never drive at night . The lack of light makes roads dangerous, and wildlife is very much present and can appear out of nowhere at any time. Vehicle rental companies even prohibit night driving for these reasons.

Our useful tips

Protect your skin as much as possible during this road trip. The sun is very strong in Australia, it is not for nothing that it is the country with the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

Bug spray will also be very useful during this trip, especially after dark.

Get up early – it’s the key to a successful road trip. In Australia, it can get unbearably hot in the afternoon.

On the road, remember to refuel regularly or to have reserves of gas because the distances are long. Also fill up with water as often as possible!

Tips for saving on fuel and food

Costs Plan your fuel stops in larger cities where prices are generally lower. For food, bring a camping stove and prepare your meals. Buying local and seasonal products at markets in small towns can also reduce costs while supporting local communities.

Download the complete West Coast Guide

Our FREE 40-page guide brings together all the info you need for your West Coast Road Trip in Australia:

• Prepare your trip (seasons, budget)
• All the best spots to do on the Coast
• Tours & activities recommendations

Updated on 10/04/2024

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Last year I visited Western Australia and love it. Definitely, recommend everyone to visit Peth and Margaret River region – with all those gorgeous beaches, ahh. For everyone searching for a campsite, I would recommend CamperMate app as its free, plus you can even download a database of camps to your phone to not use internet on the go. For more camping tips in Western Australia check our blog. 😉

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Ultimate Perth to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary

A road trip from Perth to Darwin is an epic journey that takes you through the vast and diverse landscapes of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Depending on which way you go, this adventure covers a distance of approximately 4,000 kilometres and offers a mix of stunning coastal scenery, expansive outback landscapes and unique cultural experiences.

Promising unforgettable moments and memories that will last a lifetime, it is a true adventure that allows you to witness the incredible natural wonders, cultural heritage and remote beauty of Australia’s vast northwest region.

So get your travel planner app ready and start making notes as we highlight what to expect on your Darwin road trip from Perth.

What is the Distance Between Perth and Darwin?

How long do i need driving from perth to darwin, best time of year to drive from perth to darwin, geraldton (1 – 2 nights), kalbarri national park  (1-2 nights), monkey mia (1 -3 nights), carnarvon (1-2 nights), coral bay (1-2 nights), exmouth (1-3 nights), port hedland (1-2 nights), broome (1-3 nights), lake argyle  – (1-2 nights), katherine (1-3 nights), kakadu (1-3 nights), more tips for road tripping perth to darwin.

The most direct route to drive from Perth to Darwin is via National Highway 95 and National Highway 1.

This route would take you for much of the journey into the heart of the Western Australian and Northern Territory outback. You can expect to drive for about 41 hours – not including stops – and visit places like Meekathara , Capricorn, Newman and Marble.

If you choose to go entirely on National Highway 1, it would be a longer journey. Running predominantly along the coastline and involving about 43 hours of non-stop driving over a distance of over 4150 km.

The more time you have to complete a road trip from Perth to Darwin, the better. But, at minimum, you should set aside at least five days for the journey. Doing this will enable you to see some significant highlights along the way.

However, as this drive will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, it is worth setting aside 10 to 14 days for it.

In this period, you will be able to see many more of the main attractions and spend quality time, including overnight, at the ones you want to immerse yourself in. You can also schedule full rest days where you don’t get in the car at all, should you not want to. 

The best time of year to drive from Perth to Darwin depends on the specific experiences you’re seeking and the weather conditions you prefer. Essentially, there are two primary factors to consider:

First of all, the weather. The Australian outback can experience extreme heat during the summer months (December to February), with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). If you are uncomfortable with intense heat, avoiding driving during this period is advisable.

Instead, consider the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the temperatures are milder and more pleasant for outdoor activities.

The other factor to consider is rainfall and road conditions. The Kimberley region, located in the northern part of the journey, experiences a wet season from November to April, with heavy rainfall and potential flooding. At this time, some roads can be impassable and limited access to certain attractions is limited. Therefore, for a safer and more enjoyable drive, avoid the wet season and plan your trip during the dry season, which spans from May to October.

Ultimately, the ideal time for your Perth to Darwin road trip will depend on your preferences, heat tolerance and desire to explore specific attractions. Check weather forecasts, road conditions and any necessary permits or park closures before embarking on your journey.

Best Stops on a Perth to Darwin Trip

Whichever route you take, there is plenty to see on a road trip from Perth to Darwin.

But for those who want to take the coastal route entirely along the National Highway 1 (aka the Great Northern Highway), these are some of the unmissable destinations you should plan to visit during your epic drive. 

If you’re looking for a great family destination, Geraldton has beautiful beaches, fun attractions for kids and educational experiences.

Your little ones can spend hours building sandcastles and swimming in the clear waters at Town Beach or Back Beach . 

For some history, check out the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, which honours sailors lost in World War II. Similarly, the Geraldton Museum is also great for young minds, with exhibits on natural history, indigenous heritage and maritime history.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a boat trip to the Abrolhos Islands for snorkelling and to explore coral reefs. While for a closer look at native Australian wildlife, head to the Greenough Wildlife & Bird Park.

You won’t want to miss the impressive St. Francis Xavier Cathedral – both educational and awe-inspiring. There are also plenty of family-friendly restaurants in town with varied menus to appeal to all kid’s tastebuds.

Kalbarri National Park offers a fun-filled outdoor adventure encompassing breathtaking gorges, rugged cliffs and stunning natural beauty.

The park offers a range of walking trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Two of the easiest and most kid-friendly are Nature’s Window and the Z-Bend Lookout, which provide stunning views and opportunities to discover the park’s diverse flora and fauna.

Kids will also love swimming in the Murchison River’s refreshing waters at Chinaman’s Beach or the Nature’s Window Pool. While they are sure to be captivated by the sight of emus and kangaroos.

The park has designated picnic areas with facilities, making it convenient for families to enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings. In addition, the spectacular coastal cliffs at Red Bluff and Pot Alley provide dramatic landscapes that offer excellent backdrops for family photos and exploration.

Just remember to wear hats, slap on plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water at the park.

Visiting Monkey Mia with children is an incredible experience they will remember for many years.

Monkey Mia is renowned for its friendly wild dolphins that come close to the shore, providing a unique opportunity for children to interact with these intelligent creatures. The daily dolphin feeding sessions, guided by rangers, allow kids to learn about dolphin behaviour and conservation while having the chance to feed them under supervision.

The pristine beaches of Monkey Mia offer endless hours of fun for children. They can swim in the calm turquoise waters, build sandcastles, or run around on the sand.

In addition to the dolphins, Monkey Mia is home to various other wildlife, such as turtles, rays and an abundance of bird species. Kids can spot these creatures while exploring the beach or participating in guided wildlife tours.

The natural beauty of Monkey Mia extends beyond the beach, with nearby nature trails like the Peron Heritage Precinct providing opportunities for family walks, wildlife spotting and learning about the region’s unique ecosystem.

Carnarvon offers visitors a delightful blend of coastal charm, fascinating history and exciting outdoor activities. 

One of the region’s main highlights is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum . You can learn about space exploration, view fascinating exhibits and even interact with hands-on displays there. The museum’s focus on science and technology makes it an educational and engaging experience for everyone.

Carnarvon has its fair share of excellent beaches. At the same time, families can also explore the fascinating blowholes at Quobba Point , witness the stunning natural beauty of the nearby Cape Range National Park or take a boat trip along the Gascoyne River to spot wildlife and discover the unique ecosystem.

To taste local produce, check out the nearby fruit plantations and enjoy picking fresh fruits, such as bananas and tropical varieties, depending on the season. This fun, interactive experience allows children to learn about agriculture and gain an appreciation for where their food comes from.

Coral Bay is an idyllic coastal town renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, The Ningaloo Reef is one of its main drawcards. A World Heritage-listed site teeming with marine biodiversity, families can take part in guided snorkelling tours or hire snorkelling equipment to explore the wonders of the reef together.

The protected lagoon provides a safe and accessible environment to discover a kaleidoscope of colourful fish and playful turtles. If you are lucky, you’ll even get to swim with majestic manta rays!

For a unique experience, families can join a glass-bottom boat tour or a coral viewing cruise, which allows kids to witness the vibrant coral gardens and marine life without getting into the water.

On land, Coral Bay offers various family-friendly facilities, including picnic areas, BBQ facilities and nearby accommodation options, including caravan parks that cater to the needs of families.

Situated near the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth is a good alternative option if you don’t fancy stopping at Coral Bay.

Aside from the marine life at Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth is also home to stunning beaches, including the gorgeous Turquoise Bay , which features shimmering, crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral formations. It is a good spot for swimming and snorkelling with children due to its calm lagoon and easy-to-access reef.

For a change of scenery, families can explore Cape Range National Park , which boasts stunning gorges, walking trails, and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as kangaroos and emus. Likewise, with its breathtaking red cliffs and boat cruises, Yardie Creek provides a unique adventure for the whole family.

One of the best things to do whilst in Exmouth is to take in the magnificent sunsets the area is renowned for. There are also plenty of family-friendly accommodations, facilities and dining options for you to enjoy.

• If you want to focus more on the west coast this Perth to Exmouth itinerary will help you drill into more of the details

While Port Hedland may have fewer family-oriented attractions than other destinations, it offers a glimpse into an industrial hub and ample outdoor enjoyment opportunities. So it is an interesting stop for families looking to discover a different side of Western Australia.

Port Hedland is renowned for its booming mining industry, and there are several tours you can go on to find out more about it. They include one to see how Rio Tinto makes salt and another of BHP’s Nelson Point facility.

Elsewhere, children are sure to get a thrill when they see the massive iron ore trains that rumble through the town.

For a bit of culture, the Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery showcases local artwork and provides interactive activities for kids to unleash their creativity.

Another exciting attraction they’ll love is the Pretty Pool Playground, which features water play areas, climbing structures and shaded picnic spots. Kids can cool off in the splash pads and enjoy the playground facilities, providing hours of fun.

Broome is a perfect destination for families looking for natural beauty, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. With its soft white sand and turquoise waters, Cable Beach is a paradise for families where kids can play in the gentle waves and enjoy camel rides along the shore.

One unique experience families should try to enjoy in Broome is the natural phenomenon called the Staircase to the Moon . During certain times of the year, families can see the moonlight reflecting off the exposed tidal flats, creating an enchanting staircase-like effect. This captivating event is sure to ignite the imagination of young ones.

Families can taste the local culture, visit the bustling Chinatown area and explore its pearl shops, art galleries and historic buildings. Additionally, the Broome Historical Museum offers insights into the town’s pearling past, while the Pearl Luggers Museum allows children to step back in time and learn about the pearling industry.

Another must-visit attraction is the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park , where kids can observe these magnificent reptiles up close and even witness crocodile feeding shows.

A family adventure at Lake Argyle is a fantastic experience to enjoy during your Perth to Darwin road trip.

One of the largest man-made lakes in the Southern Hemisphere, the calm waters of Lake Argyle are perfect for a range of water activities, such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Guided tours are available for families who want to fully enjoy the lake’s beauty and serenity.

A wildlife cruise on Lake Argyle should be a real highlight for kids. They can spot crocodiles and numerous bird species while learning about the unique ecosystem that thrives in and around the lake. These cruises often offer informative commentary, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

For a change of scenery, families can explore the rugged landscapes and ancient rock formations nearby, such as the remarkable Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park . You can take guided tours and go on scenic flights to witness these natural wonders up close.

If you want to visit the lake a good place to stay nearby is Kununurra.

Visiting Katherine in the Northern Territory should be on everyone’s itinerary when planning a Perth to Darwin road trip.

Offering an incredible mix of cultural experiences, natural wonders and outdoor recreational adventures, one of the main attractions is Nitmiluk National Park, home to the stunning Katherine Gorge.

Families can embark on a boat cruise or hire canoes to explore the gorge’s tranquil waters, marvel at the towering cliffs and perhaps even spot freshwater crocodiles and birdlife along the way.

For a fascinating, educational and interactive experience, you should also visit the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre , where children can learn about the local Indigenous culture, traditional art and Dreamtime stories. They may even have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities and demonstrations.

Over at the Katherine Hot Springs , you should enjoy a soak in natural thermal pools surrounded by lush vegetation. The warm waters provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience for the whole family to enjoy.

In addition, The Katherine Outback Experience is also a must-visit attraction, offering entertaining and educational shows that highlight the region’s rich farming heritage, horsemanship skills and working dog demonstrations.

Kakadu National Park is an extraordinary place of ancient landscapes, diverse ecosystems and rich Indigenous culture. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers an array of experiences that will captivate the whole family.

Children will be fascinated by the abundant wildlife in the park, including crocodiles, wallabies and a spectacular range of bird species. The Yellow Water Billabong , famous for its wildlife cruises, allows kids to spot these creatures up close and learn about the importance of preserving their habitats.

At the same time, exploring the park’s rock art sites offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. You can marvel at the ancient stories depicted on rock walls, guided by informative interpretive signage and guided tours to help you understand this ancient art’s significance.

Swimming in natural plunge pools and waterfalls, such as Gunlom Falls or Maguk Gorge , is an experience not to be missed. Allowing you to cool off in pristine surroundings and experience the beauty of Kakadu’s water features.

In addition, the park also offers interactive cultural experiences where families can learn about Indigenous traditions, participate in traditional activities and gain a deeper understanding of the connection between the land and its people.

• This drive often marks the commencement for drivers taking on a Big Lap of Australia , so check out hire car companies and van rentals in Perth
• Car rental companies, including Hertz, allow you to drop off the vehicle at a different location from where you picked it up. So, if you are short on time, you can always do a one-way hire, making the drive up to Darwin, and fly back to Perth.
• This drive involves long distances without fuel stops; be sure to fill up whenever the opportunity avails itself. We’ve found Fuel Map Australia and invaluable app to refer to planning fuel stops.
• You are likely to encounter a lot of road trains on this route, be aware of the safety aspects of sharing the roads with these giant vehicles.
• When you cross from Western Australia to Northern Territory, be aware you are moving into ACST (Australian Central Standard Time) which is 1.5 hours ahead.
• We share all our top tips for tackling road trips in outback Australia over here.
• Seeking more Perth road trip itinerary ideas? We share our best ideas for exploring the west.
• Darwin makes a great base for exploring the Top End, check out all these Darwin day trip ideas to add yo your itinerary.
• Up next: continuing your journey across the top end from Darwin to Cairns

© Family Road Trip 2024

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Perth to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary

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Last Updated on February 11, 2024 by Sarah Puckett

With this Perth to Darwin road trip itinerary, I show you why and how to visit Australia’s west coast, where you’ll find a side of this country most people haven’t thought much about, let alone visit. When people talk about visiting Australia, images of Ayers Rock and the Sydney Opera House probably come to mind. Throw a kangaroo into the scene, and you have most people’s idea of Australia. Western Australia is frequently overlooked, but this guide will demonstrate why so many people say the West is best! On this itinerary, we visit over 10 national parks and cover over 4,000 km (nearly 2,500 miles) on a journey from Perth to Darwin over 22 days, or about 3-4 weeks depending on how you customize this itinerary for your ideal Perth to Darwin adventure!

Table of Contents

Perth to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary Day-by-Day

My Perth to Darwin itinerary reflects my minimum recommended time to spend in each location. It’s fairly fast-paced, and given that drives between locations are long (it’s over 4,000 km from Perth to Darwin), you may want to spread it out. I’ve indicated which places I recommend lingering in if you have extra time.

Search Flights to Perth:

Days 1-3: Perth

You’ll start your road trip itinerary to Darwin in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. The cosmopolitan city is a great place to settle in and get over any jet lag.

Things to Do in Perth

• Explore the waterfront at Elizabeth Quay
• Walk through the Kings Park and Botanical Gardens
• Enjoy the nightlife in Leederville
• Take a day trip to Rottnest Island to introduce yourself to the unique wildlife and scenery the west coast offers. You’re all but guaranteed to see adorable quokkas (tiny marsupials) roaming about.

• Wander through the small artistic city of Fremantle , another easy day trip from Perth.
• Visit the Fremantle Prison if you enjoy creepy and dark history. They offer a variety of tours, including one focused on the macabre aspects of its history and a tour through underground tunnels built by prisoners.

>>> Click here to read more about visiting Rottnest Island on a day trip from Perth!

>>> Click here to search for hotels in Perth

Day 4: Perth to Kalbarri via Pinnacles in Nambung National Park

Approximate driving time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Heading north from Perth, visit Nambung National Park (about 200km north of Perth) to see the mysterious Pinnacles Desert . This place is home to eerie limestone pillars. Scientists think they may be the remains of a dense forest, whose trees left behind towers of mineral deposits that accumulated from the water their thirsty roots pulled in. Others think they may merely be what is left of a dense shelf of compacted shells that have eroded over time.

Departing Nambung National Park, continue to Kalbarri overnight.

Alternative Route

You can easily see the highlights of the Pinnacles in less than an hour, but if you want to really enjoy the area or just space out the drive, I recommend staying a night in nearby Cervantes and adding in a visit to Lesueur National Park . Lesueur has over 820 plant species, many endemic to that area. This adds a night to the overall Perth to Darwin road trip itinerary.

>>> Click here to search for hotels in Kalbarri

Day 5: Kalbarri National Park to Shark Bay

Approximate driving time: 5 hours

Spend the morning exploring Kalbarri National Park .

Nature’s Window , Z-Bend Gorge , and the hike down to the gorge itself are all popular attractions. Inside the gorge, you can pay $40(AUD) to try abseiling down the gorge walls. Either way, bring lots of water! Don’t miss the fossilized tracks of the scorpion-like Eurypterid on the ground along the trail to Z-Bend Gorge! After enjoying Kalbarri, carry on to Shark Bay to overnight.

On the way, stop at Hamelin Pool for a quick view of the Stromatolites – the oldest life forms on earth.

Search for hotels in Shark Bay :

Day 6: Shark Bay to Coral Bay

Approximate driving time: 6 hours

I’d be remiss to exclude the dolphin feedings at Monkey Mia from my Perth to Darwin road trip itinerary, even though I thought it was overrated and ethically questionable.

It’s about a 45-minute drive from Shark Bay to Monkey Mia. At 7:45 every morning, rangers feed bottlenose dolphins to the delight of hundreds of ogling tourists.

Animal Ethics at Monkey Mia

Considerations.

I had complicated feelings about this place. On one hand, it feels wrong that humans should be feeding wild animals at all, and much more so if these feedings are the bait to draw the dolphins in for tourist amusement.

The crowds are overwhelming. Hundreds of people line up on the boardwalk above the beach until a Department of Parks and Wildlife volunteer announces that they can all go down to the shoreline. As soon as she made the announcement, everyone swarmed down to the water in such a dolphin-feeding frenzy that it made my stomach turn.

On the other hand, the feedings are tightly controlled and limited to only a handful of individuals in the wild population. The amount of fish the volunteers give them each day amounts to only 10% of their daily intake, meaning they still hunt for the majority of their food.

Lastly, before implementing the controlled feeding program, many more dolphins were eating large quantities of scraps thrown overboard on fishing boats, which was arguably worse for them than the current arrangement.

And I’ll admit, it was hard to resist the magic of the moment one of the females swam by us and then turned around and curved back towards us as if to show off her beauty one more time.

Conclusions

I haven’t settled on a clear answer on whether the dolphin experience at Monkey Mia is ethical or not. I tried finding articles from people smarter than me online, to find some science that can tell me how I should feel, but I found nothing.

In the end, my best assessment is that it’s not the best thing for the dolphins, but it’s a lot better than SeaWorld. There are worse ways to enjoy animals, and if the experience inspires the people (children especially) who visit to love wildlife and think mindfully about their engagement with animals, then that’s all the better.

That said, this is my least favorite stop on the Perth to Darwin route. If you want something really special, go on a dolphin spotting boat trip and see these animals free of human interaction.

Shell Beach

Leaving Monkey Mia, stop for a snack or a short rest on Shell Beach . It’s a pleasant beach to spend an hour. The best part is there’s no sand, just millions of tiny seashells! Continue to Coral Bay to sleep overnight.

>>> Click here to search for hotels in Coral Bay

Day 7: Coral Bay to Exmouth

Approximate driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes

This morning, go on a snorkeling trip to see manta rays (book in advance). Coral Bay Eco Tours offers manta ray tours starting at $175 AUD, and also offers whale shark and humpback whale swimming tours. In the afternoon, continue on to Exmouth for the night.

>>> Click here to book your manta ray snorkeling trip with Coral Bay Eco Tours

>>> Click here to read more about what it was like to snorkel with manta rays and whale sharks in Western Australia!

>>> Click here to search for hotels in Exmouth

Day 8: Exmouth

On your full day in Exmouth, I recommend snorkeling with whale sharks, or even humpbacks (seasonally). Ningaloo Discovery offers whale shark tours starting at $249 AUD. They also offer opportunities to swim with humpback whales seasonally!

>>> Click here to book a whale shark snorkeling trip with Ningaloo Discovery

Exmouth is a good place to spend a few extra nights if you have the time. My itinerary builds in 2 nights here to allow you to swim with whale sharks, but I recommend 3 nights if you can. This will allow you to swim with whale sharks as well as explore the canyons and gorges of Cape Range National Park.

Day 9: Exmouth to Karijini National Park

Approximate driving time: 8 hours

Today is a driving day as you make your way inland to the red sands of Karijini National Park . Overnight at Karijini Eco Retreat .

>>> Click here to glamp at Karijini Eco Retreat

Day 10: Explore Karijini National Park

There are several beautiful gorges to explore in this area. The hikes are challenging, requiring walking on large rocks, through water, and down steep and slippery areas as you descend into the gorges. When at the top of the gorges, you’ll be exposed to the hot sun. Pesky flies seek out any moisture they can find on your body. The flies alone are enough to make you dislike being in this region of Australia. If you can manage the flies, however, the national park has big rewards.

Best Gorges to Explore in Karijini National Park

With a full day to explore, you can visit Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge , and Joffres Gorge . Make sure you have good shoes and plenty of water. Be prepared to get wet during your hike, and carry a dry bag if you’re bringing anything that isn’t waterproof. In the gorges you’ll also have the opportunity to swim, so wear a swimsuit under your clothes!

Sky Watching in Karijini National Park

Karijini is one of the best places in the world for sky gazing thanks to the clear desert skies and extremely low light pollution. In the evening if the sky is clear, join the nightly sky-watching tours for opportunities to see other planets, stars, and moons through high-powered telescopes.

Day 11: Karijini National Park to Port Hedland

Before you leave Karijini, visit Circular Pool, Dale’s Gorge, Fortescue Falls, and Fern Pool .

The rest of the day is a travel day. Stay overnight in Port Hedland.

>>> Click here to search for hotels in Port Hedland

Day 12: Port Hedland to Broome

This is a travel day to Broome. You’ll pass near 80 Mile Beach . While pretty, it’s not unique from any other beach, and you can’t swim there due to jellyfish. Overnight in Broome .

>>> Click here to search for hotels in Broome

Days 13-14: Broome

Tropical Broome is a good town to relax for a few days at the midway point of the Perth to Darwin itinerary.

Things to Do in Broome

• Cable Beach is a popular spot, and you’ll likely see tourists riding camels there during sunset. Note that the water is unsafe for swimming during the wet season due to jellyfish and stingrays.

• During full moons over the dry season (winter months), the town has a big festival called Staircase to the Moon . During full moons and only at low tide, the moon reflects its light over the mud flats, creating the illusion of a staircase. On the night of the festival, food and craft stalls are set up at Town Beach , which makes it a fun evening out. It’s not something I would recommend traveling somewhere just to see, but it’s pretty cool.

• Broome if also home to a few sets of dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point and Cable Beach. They are only visible at low tides, and even then are very hard to find. If you want to find them, I recommend talking to a local who can take you to them.

Book a Tour in Broome:

Day 15: Broome to Silent Grove via Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek

Today marks the start of the second half of the trip from Perth to Darwin.

Gibb River Road

You’ll be heading onto Gibb River Road . This mostly unpaved road is closed during the wet season and can be dangerous during the dry season. The heat is intense, cell phone service is scarce, and refueling stops are limited. Additionally, the Gibb River Road requires a 4×4 vehicle (with lockers so that all wheels deliver power to the road) to traverse the streams and rocks without getting stuck. You should also bring spare tires, 20 liters of water, and enough food for a few days in the event of a breakdown.

If you don’t have experience in rugged terrain, I recommend going with a driver guide or sticking to the paved portion and then taking the alternative Highway 1. Along the way, there are campsites where you can overnight. Most have small, basic rooms or you can bring a tent and camp outside.

Today’s route is entirely on the paved part of the Gibb, so even if you choose to take Highway 1, you can still follow most of this itinerary.

Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek National Parks

From Broome, head to Windjana Gorge National Park , one of three Devonian Reef National Parks. This area used to be an expansive underwater reef 350 million years ago. The walls of Windjana Gorge stand 100m high over the Lennard River. There are many freshwater crocodiles here, but don’t be afraid. Freshwater crocodiles are not interested in eating humans. Keep your distance and leave them alone and they’ll do the same for you. Note that saltwater crocodiles, on the other hand, are dangerous and should be avoided entirely. Allow at least an hour to return for the walk into the gorge.

Next, visit nearby Tunnel Creek National Park to explore the cave and underground creek. Bring a headlamp to guide your path and keep on the lookout for freshwater crocodiles. If your light hits just right, you might catch the red glow of their eyes in the dark. Allow another hour here.

Continue back onto the Gibb River Road and overnight at Silent Grove campsite.

If you aren’t prepared or don’t have the desire to head down 660 km of unsealed road on the Gibb, stay overnight in Fitzroy Crossing. The next morning, visit the third Devonian Reef National Park, Geikie Gorge, before heading to Highway 1 and continuing your journey from there.

Day 16: Silent Grove to Manning Gorge campsite via Bell, Galvans, and Manning Gorges

If you opted to tackle the Gibb River Road, you are in for some great rewards today. Several gorges await you! The first is Bell Gorge . The hike into the gorge is relatively easy and flat. Most of it is along a creek. You’ll follow a rocky trail down to a plunge pool below the waterfall, where you can swim or lay out on the rocks under the sun. I recommend about an hour and a half here.

From Bell Gorge, Galvans Gorge is your next stop, with its beautiful green waters and another waterfall.

End your day at Manning Gorge , which is also where you can set up camp for the night. The hike to Manning Gorge starts by crossing a short river, but there’s a little boat on a pulley system you can use to get across dry! From there it’s about 45 minutes to the gorge with the usual rocky and steep descent. In the gorge you’ll find a swimming hole and, if it’s still early in the dry season, a waterfall.

If you opted for Highway 1 instead, some notable sights to visit on your drive are Mimbi Caves and Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater. Overnight at Halls Creek.

>>> Click here to search for hotels in Halls Creek

Day 17: Manning Gorge to El Questro Wilderness Park

Approximate driving time: 10 hours

Today is primarily a travel day. Whether you’re on the main Perth to Darwin itinerary or my alternative route, head to El Questro Wilderness Park and check in for at least two nights.

Alternative route

If you’re coming from Highway 1, you’ll be driving about 24 km on the end of the Gibb to reach El Questro .

>>> Click here to book a stay at El Questro Wilderness Resort

Day 18: Explore El Questro

El Questro offers plenty to keep you busy for several days, and it’s one of my favorite places on the road trip itinerary from Perth to Darwin. Hiking highlights include El Questro Gorge (5 hours, extremely challenging), Emma Gorge (2 hours, relatively easy), and Zebedee Hot Springs (as long or as easy as you want!). The reception has a one-page description and map of all the hikes.

Day 19: El Questro to Lake Argyle

Approximate driving time: 2 hours

Lake Argyle is Australia’s largest manmade lake, and it’s a great place to spot wildlife like freshwater crocodiles and rock wallabies. Consider taking a sunset cruise out on the lake with Lake Argyle Cruises ($95 AUD), or just hang out in the infinity pool overlooking the lake at the Lake Argyle Resort . If you want to rest up, this is a good place to stay another night and relax.

>>> Click here to book a sunset cruise with Lake Argyle Cruises

>>> Click here to book a room at the Lake Argyle Resort

Day 20: Lake Argyle to Kununurra

Approximate driving time: 1 hour

Today it’s a short drive to Kununurra . From here I recommend taking the scenic flight and hiking trip to the iconic Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park ($399 AUD with Aviair ). While it’s accessible via car, the road is rough and floods often. No other geologic formation looks more like its name than the Bungles and learning how they were formed while walking among them is a great experience.

>>> Click here to book a scenic flight and hike to the Bungle Bungles with Aviair

>>> Click here to read more about our experience exploring the Bungle Bungles!

Overnight in Kununurra.

>>> Click here to search for hotels in Kununurra

Day 21: Kununurra to Katherine

Today you’ll be leaving Western Australia behind and heading into the Northern Territory.

About three and a half hours after the border crossing is a short but steep escarpment walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Victoria River area and Judbarra/Gregory National Park . If it’s still early and not too hot out yet, the 1.5-hour return hike is a nice way to break up your drive. After the hike, continue to Katherine . Depending on what time you get in, you can visit the hot springs (free) right in town.

>>> Click here to search hotels in Katherine

Day 22: Katherine to Darwin via Litchfield National Park

Approximate driving time: 4 hours

On your way into Darwin stop by Litchfield National Park to check out the magnetic termite mounds and swim in Florence Falls and Buley Rock Hole . If you have a few days to spend in Darwin, consider visiting Kakadu National Park as well!

>>> Click here to search hotels in Darwin

Book a Tour in Litchfield National Park

Perth to Darwin Map

And there you have it! My complete Perth to Darwin road trip itinerary. I hope you find it helpful and that it inspires you to plan a trip to Australia’s less-touristy coast!

Stuck in a packing quandary?

Check out our ultimate Road Trip packing list!

More Australia Travel Tips

While you’re in Perth, make sure you visit Rottnest Island on a day trip and spot adorable quokkas!

If you want to snorkel with manta rays or whale sharks (or both!) the Ningaloo Reef is the place to do it. My guide on snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays has all the details.

If you’re heading to the northern region of Western Australia, I highly recommend visiting Purnululu National Park and splurging on a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Range . My guide covers everything you need to know to make this bucket-list-worthy adventure happen!

If you want to get even more off the beaten path, I highly recommend visiting Tasmania. Day trips from Hobart to Port Arthur and Maria Island also fit perfectly in my comprehensive three-week Tasmania itinerary . Make sure you check it out and bookmark it for later!

Also, when you head to Cradle Mountain, consider doing the summit hike for a challenging but rewarding day!

Have you done this trip or are planning to? I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions in the comments or feel free to contact me!

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21 comments.

What a beautiful and long trip! I hope to one day visit Australia soon!

I hope you get to as well! It’s an impressive place!

This looks like such a fun itinerary! I have not yet done the west coast of Australia, so I’ll have to use this when I do. The Pinnacles Desert and the Lake Argyle Infinity Pool look right up my alley!

Thank you for reading! I am glad this can be helpful for a future trip 🙂

Australia has been on my travel list forever, but I’ve never considered the west! There are so many things on your itinerary, it looks perfect for when I make it over!

I’m so glad the itinerary was helpful and showed you parts of Australia you hadn’t considered before! I definitely enjoyed the western part of the continent most!

Wow, a nicely detailed road trip that covers a ton of land. I haven’t been to Australia yet, but saving this for the future. I also appreciate your honesty with your experience feeding dolphins – also not feeling the long line to enter so probably wouldn’t be on my list!

Thank you for reading, and I’m glad this post can help you plan a future trip! I think if you skip the dolphins, you probably won’t regret it. There are plenty of opportunities to see them from boat trips which is a more natural and wild experience anyway!

Great post, so many great tips! I would love to spend some time at the national park and would love to see some of the wild animals.

ahhh the animals always get to me! Love getting to see them in the wild. Thanks for reading my post!

Thanks for your great tips with a lot of beautiful places. I like to go hiking and I will make a trip to Kalbarri National Park to Shark Bay for hiking on my next trip. I can discover the wonderful corners away from the view of the majority, that clear in the middle of the forest, that lonely rock that you will not hesitate to upload to take a photo.

Thanks for posting! I’m planning to do the same route with two friends in July, so this is very helpful for us. Sadly the links for the route maps aren’t working, could you maybe post them again ? Thank you very much!

I’m so glad to hear it’s helpful! Have an excellent trip!

Such a great itineray filled with places I visited 30 years ago. This year I will return to Australia and among others take a short roadtrip along the westcoast. Won’t go further than Monkey Mia though and I was wondering the same about feeding the dolphins. Of course my 18 year old son really wants to see them and personally I love dolphins too. So it is going to be with mixed feeling that we will stay overnight. Best regards, Daniela

Hi Daniela! Thanks for your comment. I totally understand what you mean about the dolphins – it’s a complicated one! Still I hope you have a memorable and meaningful trip! Safe travels! – Sarah

Hi Sarah, Thanks for the thorough itinerary! I’ve made it as far north as Pentacles, and oh boy is it dark at night! My goal is to go overland Perth to Darwin and wonder if there are any small group tour guides for this trek? Thanks, Jim

Hi Jim! Check out Real Aussie Adventures. We traveled with them and they offer a Perth to Darwin trip!

Hey ! Thanks for all the great advices and all the details about this amazing trip. I was wondering when did you do this trip (what period of the year)

Thanks a lot. Max

Hey Max! We did this trip at the end of April and beginning of May 🙂

Read your Perth to Darwin car trip itinerary. Thank you for such a detailed map of where to go from place to place on the route and all links attached. Have driven most of Australia when I visited Australia for two months! Only section left is your itinerary from Perth to Darwin, and, would love to do this trip as well. So much to see in such a beautiful diverse country!

So happy to hear that! Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy trails!

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Exploring Australia’s West Coast: A 1500-Mile Journey from Perth to Darwin

Perth to darwin road trip.

“Pack your swag, embrace the adventure, and let the outback unveil its wonders as you drift off to sleep under the vast and enchanting southern sky. Happy camping!” Real Adventure Group

What Time of Year is Best to Drive from Perth to Darwin?

The best time to drive from Perth to Darwin is during the dry season, which spans from April to September. This period offers mild temperatures, clear skies, and ideal conditions for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.

Choosing the Perfect Season for Your Road Trip

Australia’s climate can vary significantly, so the best time for your Perth to Darwin road trip depends on your preferences. The dry season, from April to September, is the most popular. It offers mild temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.

Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes mean that the ideal time for your Perth to Darwin road trip largely depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek. Below, we’ll explore the seasons and help you choose the perfect time for your adventure:

Dry Season (April to September):

The Most Popular Choice: The dry season, spanning from April to September, is the most favored period for a Perth to Darwin road trip. During this time, you can expect mild temperatures, abundant sunshine, and clear skies, creating ideal conditions for outdoor explorations and sightseeing. Wildlife Encounters: The cooler weather attracts wildlife, making it an excellent time for spotting unique creatures along the way. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, and a variety of bird species.

Shoulder Seasons (March and October):

Mild Weather: The shoulder seasons, which include March and October, offer a balance between the dry season’s pleasant weather and the wet season’s occasional rain. Travelers can enjoy comfortable temperatures while experiencing fewer crowds. Wildflower Blooms: In regions like Western Australia, March is renowned for its wildflower displays. Witness a vibrant carpet of colorful blooms as you journey through this picturesque landscape.

Wet Season (November to March):

Chasing the Wet: While the wet season brings occasional heavy rainfall and tropical storms, it’s also a unique time to experience the region’s lush landscapes and vibrant foliage. Waterfalls flow more freely, and the natural world comes alive. Cultural Experiences: Embrace Indigenous culture by attending festivals and cultural events that often take place during the wet season. Learn about Dreamtime stories and traditions from local communities.

Personal Preferences:

Your choice of travel time also depends on your personal interests. Are you more drawn to vibrant green landscapes and waterfalls, or do you prefer the arid beauty of the dry season? Consider your outdoor activities and sightseeing goals when selecting your travel dates.

In summary, while the dry season from April to September remains the most popular choice for a Perth to Darwin road trip, each season offers its own unique charm and experiences. Consider your desired weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and cultural opportunities when choosing the perfect time to embark on this epic journey.

Where Do You Stop Between Perth and Darwin?

Unveiling the must-see stops along the way.

Pinnacles Desert (Day 1-2) : Our journey kicks off amidst the eerie and mesmerizing limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert, located in Nambung National Park. Wander among these ancient spires and camp under the starry outback skies.

Kalbarri National Park (Day 3-5) : Immerse yourself in the dramatic gorges, red rock landscapes, and coastal cliffs of Kalbarri National Park. Don’t miss the iconic Nature’s Window, a natural rock arch offering breathtaking views. Spend your nights camping along the Murchison River.

Monkey Mia (Day 6-8) : Encounter the friendly dolphins of Monkey Mia, where you can witness these playful creatures up close. It’s a marine paradise and a unique wildlife experience. Enjoy beachside camping and stargazing.

Coral Bay and Exmouth (Day 9-12) : Snorkel or dive in the pristine waters of Coral Bay and Exmouth, exploring the vibrant coral reefs of Ningaloo Marine Park. Get ready for encounters with turtles, rays, and colorful fish. Camp by the beach and soak in the coastal vibes.

Karijini National Park (Day 13-16) : Venture deep into the rugged beauty of Karijini National Park. Hike through narrow gorges, swim in crystal-clear rock pools, and marvel at ancient geological formations. Camp under the Milky Way.

Broome (Day 17-19) : Relax on Cable Beach’s golden sands and witness the spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean. Broome is also known for its rich Aboriginal heritage and the captivating Horizontal Falls. Enjoy beachfront camping.

The Kimberley Region (Day 20-24) : Dive into the heart of the Kimberley region, where you’ll encounter iconic sites such as Bell Gorge, Manning Gorge, and the mystical Bungle Bungles. Camp in the wilderness and explore this rugged paradise.

Is the Road from Perth to Darwin Sealed?

Navigating the Terrain: Sealed vs. Unsealed Roads

The primary highway connecting Perth to Darwin, known as the Great Northern Highway, is predominantly sealed. However, if you plan to venture into remote areas or take detours to explore hidden gems, be aware that some sections may feature unsealed or gravel roads. It’s essential to prepare accordingly and check road conditions before embarking on your adventure.

That’s why we recommend one of our 4×4 (4WD) tours from Perth to Darwin so you can get offroad. 

Check out our 24 Day Perth to Darwin Tour.

Is There a Train from Perth to Darwin?

The Rail Adventure Option

While there isn’t a direct train from Perth to Darwin, you can embark on an iconic rail journey by combining the Indian Pacific and Ghan trains. This two-train route takes you through the heart of Australia, offering a unique perspective of the continent’s diverse landscapes.

However it’s not via the West Coast, it’s Perth to Adelaide , then Adelaide to Alice Springs , Alice Springs to Darwin. A very different area of Australia to explore. 

How Many Days in Darwin Is Enough?

Exploring Darwin – Duration Matters

The ideal duration for your stay in Darwin depends on your interests. To explore the city and its immediate surroundings, three to four days are sufficient. However, if you wish to delve deeper into the Northern Territory’s wonders, consider extending your stay.

Is Darwin Hotter Than Perth?

Comparing the Climates

Darwin’s tropical climate is generally hotter and more humid than Perth’s Mediterranean climate. While both cities enjoy warm temperatures, be prepared for higher humidity and the possibility of tropical storms when visiting Darwin.

How Many Days from Perth to Darwin?

Planning Your West Coast Adventure

Your ideal Perth to Darwin road trip is a 24-day odyssey that encompasses a diverse range of experiences. With carefully planned stops and activities, you’ll have ample time to soak in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the West Coast.

How Long Does It Take to Drive from Perth to Darwin?

Calculating Your Road Trip Duration

The driving distance from Perth to Darwin is approximately 1500 miles (2400 kilometers), and the journey typically takes around 40 to 45 hours of driving time. However, we recommend spreading your adventure over 24 days to fully savor the region’s attractions, create lasting memories, and explore at a leisurely pace.

Your Perth to Darwin road trip is not merely a journey; it’s an expedition into the heart of Australia’s West Coast. With each stop along the way, you’ll uncover the hidden gems, natural wonders, and unique experiences that define this remote and remarkable region. Prepare for an unforgettable 24-day adventure, where the landscapes change, wildlife surprises, and culture enriches. It’s time to embark on the road trip of a lifetime.

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Real Aussie Recommendations

• Wildlife Encounters: Keep your camera ready for wildlife sightings. From dolphins at Monkey Mia to wallabies in Kalbarri and unique bird species, the West Coast is teeming with fascinating creatures.
• Starry Nights in the Outback: When camping along the route, take the time to gaze at the mesmerizing night sky. The outback offers some of the world’s clearest and most stunning views of the stars. It’s a celestial spectacle you won’t want to miss.

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Perth to darwin roadtrip 2024: Must see places

Australia is full of jaw-dropping landscapes, and untouched nature with mountains, beaches, waterfalls, and forests, it is a country where you will enjoy an authentic exploring experience. If you are planning a Perth to Darwin roadtrip on the west coast you will witness all of the above plus the unpopulated areas with a multitude of animals, and incredibly great underwater worlds.

The best travel time for a road trip between Perth and Darwin is not that easy to determine though, because, with a (road) distance of 4000+ km, the two cities at the ends of the route are in different climatic zones. Starting from Perth the capital city of Western Australia; it has a Mediterranean climate in the Australian summer (dec-Feb), which is longer and longer due to global warming, it gets really hot here; however, the winter (June-august) is rather cool and rainy. That being said, the road trip is doable throughout the year and is once in a lifetime experience.

• Must see places between Perth to darwin roadtrip

2. Kalbarri National Park

3. coral bay, 5. karijini national park, 6. pardoo station, 8. windjana gorge, 9. purnululu national park (bungle bungle), 10. el questro, 11. kununurra, 12. lake argyle, 13. katherine, let me know in the comments:.

Start your road trip from Perth the first place you can visit during your journey on the west coast of Australia. This city has great corners and it is worth planning a few days for it. In addition to the beautiful beaches, shops, and bars, I was particularly impressed by Kings Park. From up there you have the best view of the Perth skyline and at the same time, you can get a first impression of the local nature.

The next stop on your Perth to darwin roadtrip is Kalbarri national park. In transit stopover at Nambung national park so you can break the total of 6 hours drive into halves if you wish. Nambun is famous for the adjacent pinnacles dessert that combines the ocean with outstanding rock formations. It’s uniquely beautiful.

No one is indifferent to the sight of the cliffs of Kalbarri National Park as they cross the town boundary. The 2000 square kilometer National Park is made up of breathtaking gorges, cliffs overlooking the ocean with various viewpoints, and excellent bushwalking trails. The main attraction of the national park is the Nature Window and the impressive lookouts along the cliffs that stretch for 13 km. From the coast, it is possible to spot whales during their migration from June to November.

Red Bluff, Mushroom head, Natural Bridge, Z-Bend, and Nature’s Window are just some of the iconic places in Kalbarri national park. Furthermore, on the beach in the center of the town, every morning it is possible to closely observe the pelicans being fed. The park is home to nearly 200 species of nesting birds, including hundreds of black swans and large sea eagles.

En route to Coral Bay, check out toolonga nature reserve and monkey mia. It is well known for dolphins and they swim almost daily to the shore to interact with humans, which attracts thousands of visitors to Australia’s Shark Bay region each year.

When you arrive in the town after 673 km of semi-desert and dusty landscapes, you will feel like you are in an oasis and you will never want to leave! On the main beach, snorkeling is very easy, as the current carries you from one side to the other without having to swim! Watch where you put your feet because there may be stingrays that hide under the sand even in very shallow water.

In Coral Bay, the corals start right by the sea, so the reef and its colorful fish are accessible to everyone, including children. Coral Bay is little more than a couple of campsites, about twenty houses, a few shops, and a gas station (very expensive). In any case a lovely place, very popular with locals and holidaymakers.

One of the must-see stops on this Perth to darwin roadtrip is Exmouth. It takes approx 1:30 hours (152 km) further north and you will arrive here. The coral bay is probably just a taste of the wonders you will encounter in Exmouth’s Ningaloo Reef, a 260km long coral reef. Exmouth is a small, charming, and remote village that is also the gateway to Cape Range National Park, one of the most spectacular marine parks and reserves in Australia. 50,000 acres or so of rugged limestone ranges, deep canyons, and more than 50km of wild, pristine beaches, this is the Cape Range in short.

The marine life of these waters is truly varied, including turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and in deeper water dugongs, dolphins, manta rays, and from April to July whale sharks! An amazing variety of wildflowers can be admired in late winter while fauna abounds throughout the year; emus, echidnas, lizards, wallabies, kangaroos, dingoes, and a large variety of birds are very easily spotted especially along the road at sunset, so be careful!

In addition to all this, the Ningaloo reef makes this area a real paradise for snorkeling, with corals that start practically from the shore in some sites, Oyster Stacks and Turquoise Bay above all, perfect even for the most inexperienced as they could see the fish and corals almost from the shore!

After visiting Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef you will have two choices: continue along the coast to Broome or take a slightly longer ride and venture into arid Pilbara to visit Western Australia’s most spectacular national park and second-largest park! Karijini National Park is a playground of hundreds of meters deep gorges, waterfalls, surreal natural pools, unspoiled nature, and lots of fun!

Massive mountains and escarpments emerge from the Outback almost by magic. The plateau is dissected by breathtaking gorges and stony, tree-lined waterways that wind across the dusty plain. Erosion has slowly sculpted this landscape and its rocks which are over 2,500 million years old. It is impressive to go from the tremendous heat of the early Australian afternoon to the cold that can be felt in certain gorges.

When you cross the Pilbara region to reach the Pardon Station Caravan Park, alternating red gorges and fishing locations; you may want to see some of the oldest natural landscapes in the world. The Pilbara region has a lot to offes from vast, flat landscapes to hidden gorges, you are sure to find yourself having a spiritual moment at some point.

Endlessly wide beach, gentle waves, beautiful colors, and not a soul. Yes – the off-season has its advantages! Also, the town of Port Hedland in the Pilbara region is a good spot for a break.

From Pardoo Station it takes about 4.30 hours to get to Broome you are covering 461 km and en route take a break at the eighty-mile beach. Broome is the “gateway to the Kimberleys” and the worldwide center of the pearl industry. This 3,900-kilometer stretch of coastline will expose you to some of the best scenery and beaches Australia has to offer. Although the city itself is small and spacious she positively surprises us. Broome is kind of cozy and relaxing.

Tropical temperatures around 30 degrees, wide, miles of beaches, turquoise water, and bright red rock formations that start behind the beach. Not to forget those magical sunsets.

The biggest attraction of Broome is undoubtedly Cable beach, a beach that seems endless and that comes alive at sunset when the comings and goings of trucks and camels go up and down the beach waiting for the almost always spectacular sunset.

In the surroundings of Broome, there are also several dinosaur footprints fossilized in the rocks but it is not easy to visit them without a guide.

From Broome, take the National Highway 1 and Derby Hwy to Derby-Gibb River Rd in Derby for 2 hr 10 min (215 km) and continue on Derby- Gibb river road for another 2 hr 5 min (141 km) and you will arrive in Windjana Gorge in Windjana National Park. If you are in the mood for more adventure you could even go further up to gorge manning gorge and back to windjana gorge.

This park is famous for seeing in large numbers and up-close enough freshwater crocodiles. Smaller than seawater and much less dangerous. They only attack humans, if they feel they are in danger. The black tips of the Windjana Gorge go perfectly with the emerald green of the Lennard River.

The next stop on your Perth to darwin roadtrip is Purnululu National Park. 7:30 hours drive from Windjana and you will arrive here in a UNESCO World Heritage Site to witness its unique black and orange rock formations.

Also known as the Bungle Bungle range, it has existed for 350 million years and the Aborigines have looked after it for more than 40,000 years. Unbelievably, the park was not discovered by the outside world until 1983, ie. over 30 years ago! Today, the maze of orange and black-striped sandstone domes is one of the most popular attractions in Kimberley.

This National Park is open from April to November and closes in the rainy season. Admission is $ 15 per car per day and is included in the Western Australia (WA) Parks Pass.

Approx 4 hours drive up from Bungle Bungle and you will land in El Questro. It is one of the essential places to visit on the route Perth to darwin roadtrip.

An area of canyons, waterfalls, and pools that will make you forget that you are in the middle of the desert. El Questro is crocodile territory though and you should only bathe in the indicated places and, as always, they warn you that you do so at your own risk.

After El Questro, the next stop is Kununurra, which takes about a 1:30 hour drive. Kununurra is a modern, friendly and welcoming city that represents the administrative center for all of East Kimberley, and is one of the most populous cities in the entire region.

Kelly’s Knob, the highest point in the whole city offers excellent views of Ord Valley and Lake Kununurra as well as stunning sunsets. Easily reachable and it is the ideal gateway to begin exploring the entire surrounding region.

It takes about 50 minutes driving time to arrive here from Kununurra and the welcome cannot be better. Lake Argyle is the largest artificial lake in Western Australia and offers a multitude of activities, from hiking to some of its viewpoints, to kayaking, or simply taking a dip in its refreshing waters. The campsite swimming pool is very famous because it is an infinity pool overlooking the lake. This one is stuck between mountains depending on the angle, you have the impression of having the lake directly under the pool. So beautiful!

Lake Argyle is 70 km from North to South and 40 km from East to West. Only a wall was built to block the river to make a reservoir. The river and the rainy seasons filled it and here is the magnificent landscape obtained and almost 30,000 freshwater crocodiles live in the lake.

The next stop on your Perth to darwin roadtrip is Katherine. It is a long way with approx 5+ hours on the road (513 km) but once you arrive you will find Katherine is worth it. The famous place here to visit is the Nitmiluk National Park, also known as Katherine Gorge, which is 3,000 km in size and accordingly has a lot to offer. The landscape consists of gorges that were formed over millennia and have been traditionally owned by the Aborigines ever since. The highlights in this national park are the breathtaking Edith Falls, which are wonderful for bathing under the powerful waterfall, and the hiking trail to Katherine Gorge.

Katherine Gorge is located 350km south of Darwin in Nitmiluk National Park. Onboard a boat you can cross the spectacular gorges carved by the Fitzroy River. Then, it is worth visiting the caves of Cutta Cutta, 24 km south-east of Katherine. Or, you can join the accompanied tour of the limestone caves, in the dry season.

You have arrived at the final stop of your Perth to darwin roadtrip but if you are still hungry for more adventure. Head to two of these national parks that are a must in this region. Litchfield national park and Kakadu national park.

Not only that, the capital city of the Northern Territory of Australia has a lot to offer to keep you going for another week or so. Visit the beaches for sunsets and eat from the food stalls near the beach market. The whole night food market near the beach plus the humidity in summer reminded me of Asia.

Stroll through the most famous monuments of this small cosmopolitan town. A few museums will catch your eyes, such as the Darwin Military Museum and the Fannie Bay Prison Museum. You may wish to continue the day outdoors, in the Botanical Gardens, the Waterfront Precinct by the sea, and Cullen Bay Marina.

Check out the top 5 must do in Darwin, Australia for more info.

Darwin is a perfect place to unwind and discover the wonders of the surrounding area then fly out to Asia. Because the distance is close to Bali, the flight was $50 one-way pre covid of course.

Either way, I hope this Perth to darwin roadtrip guide helped you and wish you safe travels.

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23 thoughts on “ perth to darwin roadtrip 2024: must see places ”.

I have always wanted to visit Perth! You are just giving me more reason to go one of these days!

Wow! Such a beautiful post and so many places I’d love to visit in the future but for now the top of my list definitely is Singapore I’m going to check out your itinerary!

All of these destinations on that road trip sound amazing, but that coral bay, wow! What a fun trip.Can’t wait to go there in June!!

Wow, this looks like it was such an incredible adventure! I would love to see a place like this first-hand one of these days. 🙂

Wow! So beautiful. The Karijini looks magically. Thanks for sharing.

Oh my gosh! These photos of this road trip are amazing! When I think of visiting Australia, I think of the Opera House or the Great Barrier Reef. I am not familiar with these areas. Thank you for introducing me to them — the rock formations and waterfalls are gorgeous!

One of my best friends is in Australia, we were actually talking about doing some road trips when its more suitable to travel. I might suggest this to her!

We are planning a number of road trips over the next few months. I wish we were closer to Perth! I would totally make this drive.

There are so many treasures of places to see in this post! I want to visit all of these places! Saving this pin for future use!

This sounds like an amazing road trip! It is nice to find an itinerary like this just when I am planning for this winter trip. So many great destinations on the list!

This road trip covers a lot of beautiful places. I really love to experience such a trip. cannot wait for summer!

Wow this has given me some serious travel inspo right here. I love this and it makes me want to travel to beautiful place and so much to see and do xx

Whoa, this looks and sounds like an AMAZING place to go to! I would love to visit here myself one day.

It would be Kalbarri National Park! I’ve heard good things about the bushwalking done there!

Wow, the trip’s truly amazing! I especially love going to some national parks or natural scenery, and hope to travel to all these places in the future!

was planning to do this roadtrip but then we have a ban now.. hopefully soon. Thanks for sharing with us.

I am planning this right now and this guide came in handy. Thank you for sharing your trip!

Those are all wonderful! I want to go there someday! Hopefully in summer now that there’s ban now..

All these sites look amazing and breathtaking! I gasp when I saw the photo of Exmouth . I just could not believe that a site such as that can be found here on earth! Good on you for sharing all these gems, I’m inspired.

These pictures are breathtaking! Is that first picture of the bay in Kalbarri National Park? If so, THAT’s the place I’m looking forward to seeing!

Coral Bay looks amazing! These are definitely places on my list!

Wonderful pictures in this blog. It makes me miss travelling so much! Inspired.

Those are all wonderful selection of places to check out some time and totally loving the photos as well. Thanks for sharing this informative post with us.

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Highway 1: Perth to Darwin

Any road trip through the rugged Australian outback will be packed with sweeping red desert and wild native flora to soak in from the car window. The journey from Perth to Darwin via Brand Highway is no different and offers the opportunity for a selection of unrivaled side trips that will open any traveler’s eyes.

Leaving Perth

Highway 1 is a network of roads that run all the way around Australia’s coastline. For the particular route between Perth, the capital of Western Australia, and Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, travelers will need to begin their journey on the road known as Brand Highway.

Starting off from the Perth city, you will make your way to the coastal city of Geraldton. Simply head north along Brand Highway. The scenic views as you travel along the coast-straddling highways will cause most people to stop for photographs.

Once you arrive in Geraldton, the next destination to head for is Carnarvon, another coastal town which resides at the mouth of Gascoyne River. After Geraldton, the Brand Highway becomes the North-West Coastal Highway.

To prevent driver’s fatigue, it’s always a good idea to stop in as many towns as you feel you need to. Carnarvon is equipped with dining options, recreational facilities such as parks and reserves, which are perfect for leg-stretching, and accommodation.

The Kimberly Region

Upon leaving Carnarvon, you need to head south to re-enter the North-West Coastal Highway. Once you’ve safely joined the highway, head towards the large town of Port Headland. This will be in a northeastern direction.

From here, take the Great Northern Highway to the major coastal city of Broome. After passing through Broome, you can continue to take the Great Northern Highway through the Kimberly region, which is one of the nine regions in Western Australia.  This area will no doubt offer majestic vistas as you pass the Purnululu National Park to the town of Kununurra, which sits close to the border between the Northern Territory and Western Australia. 

On Towards Darwin

From this point, the highway becomes the Victoria Highway. Head in an easterly and then northeasterly direction until you cross the border. All you need to do from here is travel towards the town of Katherine, which is approximately 320 kilometers southeast of Darwin.

At the town of Katherine, Highway 1 extends in a vertical direction, north and south across Australia. This is known as the Stuart Highway, which you must take north until you reach your destination, the city of Darwin.

There are several side trips which travelers may embark on during their journey from Perth to Darwin. During the initial leg of the trip, between the Western Australian towns of Geraldton and Carnarvon, many drivers take the opportunity to see the tourist destination known as Monkey Mia. Here, bottlenose dolphins and small sharks are fed and friendly enough to frolic with in the bay.

After you pass Carnarvon, you can head to Coral Bay and Exmouth from the small locality of Minilya. From here, you’ll have access to the famed and stunning Ningaloo Reef, where you’ll get the opportunity to swim with whale sharks and manta rays.

Once you arrive in the Northern Territory, you could take some time out to visit the Katherine Gorge, which is made up of 13 gorges in Nitmiluk National Park. Kakadu National Park is also located in the region if you need more time to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing surroundings.

Edited and updated by  Sarah Megginson

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Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide: Perth to Darwin

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Why traveling from Perth to Darwin with kids is a must

When you are thinking about an epic road trip with your family, Australia must be on your radar. The country is known for its adventurous outback and lots of amazing national parks. Most people focus on the famous East Coast. Everybody knows about the Great Barrier Reef, the Blue Mountains and the Opera House in Sydney . The East Coast is surely going to amaze you.

But, if you’re looking for a beautiful coastline, a relaxed atmosphere, dramatic gorges and a stunning reef to explore you shouldn’t overlook the West Coast. It brings you all that and more, but is quieter and more rugged than the East Coast. This is the ultimate family road trip guide: Perth to Darwin. One of the best Australian road trips!

Book your tours and entrance tickets for Western Australia here

Book your tours and entrance tickets for Northern Territory here

Road tripping from Perth to Darwin with kids

Australia is one of the best countries for a family road trip. There are exciting things to see and fo for all ages in every destination. From diving and snorkeling in Ningaloo Reef or Great Barrier Reef to camping in the outback and exploring amazing cities like Perth, Broome, Melbourne and Sydney. You’ll never get bored!

The food is kid friendly and the majority of the people speak English. Infrastructure is great and you know which road to avoid, because when a road is unsealed multiple road signs will tell you in time. If you’re not used to road tripping through a foreign country, Australia is a great pick. And if you want to avoid the crowds, don’t pick the popular East Coast, but the West Coast and road trip Darwin to Perth or the other way around, like in this example.

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Self-drive from Perth to Darwin with kids

The absolute best way to road trip through Australia with kids is by car. It’s the most convenient and cheapest way to travel. Set your own Perth to Darwin itinerary, go off the beaten path whenever you please and stop when you want for as long as you want.

There are other options like joining a tour, which is often very expensive and more often than not not aimed at families with children. And it’s mostly not a package deal, but a day trip from one of the major cities. You’d have to get around by plane or (Greyhound) bus.

Which brings me to the last option and that’s public transport. It’s possible to get around Western Australia and Northern Territory by using public transport like the bus and train, but it will take lots of time and doesn’t get you to amazing highlights like Peron NP or Purnululu NP.

Renting a campervan or a car is the best option and this way you’re the most flexible and the basis for this ultimate family road trip guide: Perth to Darwin.

Top tours in Western Australia and Northern Territory with kids

Safety in australia.

Australia as a whole is a pretty safe country. Western Australia and Northern Territory are no exception. There are 3 things you need to be careful with: bushfires, wildlife and the sun.

The sun is very strong in Australia, because it’s close to the equator, but also because UV radiation is stronger due to a hole in the ozone layer above the Antarctic. Wear hats or caps and apply heaps of sunscreen and swim with long sleeve UV shirts.

Wildlife is beautiful in Northern Australia and Northern Territory. Kangaroos, koala bears, wallaby’s and camels can be spot all over the area, but so are spiders and snakes. Don’t leave shoes or other clothing unattended while camping and check your shoes, before putting them on. You’ll never know what happens. I had a huge spider in my shoe that turned out to be harmless, but there are plenty of spiders that are harmful.

And lastly, stay away from bushfires. In lots of places, like Kakadu NP, the native people start bushfires on purpose to maintain the health and safety of a forest. It’s called controlled burning. And unfortunately, because of climate change, the heat grows stronger by the year. Resulting in more and more bushfires. Stay away from areas when road signs warn you or when you smell smoke or see smoke in the distance.

Last thing to note is to bring a first aid kit, lots of water and food and fill up on gas wherever you can when you’re road tripping from Perth to Darwin with family. You’ll often drive for hours without seeing a soul and without passing through towns. Make sure you’ve got everything with you to stay healthy and safe.

Get my FREE pocket guide >>   How To Stay Healthy Traveling With Kids

Best time to visit Western Australia and Northern Territory

The best time to visit Western Australia and Northern Territory with kids is during winter, from June to August. Weather is pleasant (24° to 34° Celsius) in Western Australia and the western part of the Northern Territory. But along the west coast it does get pretty cold during the night. The closer you get to Darwin it does get pretty hot during winter, with temperatures ranging from 35° to 40° Celsius.

If you’re traveling from Perth to Darwin during the wet season, or summer, temperatures reach 35° to 40° Celsius with high humidity. This is from October to March. Expect the heaviest rains and thunderstorms from December to February. With most unsealed roads being closed.

But to be far, because of all the different microclimates naming a specific best time to visit is hard. With a mediterranean climate in the south, desert in the east and tropical in the north it’s a year-round holiday destination.

Book your plane tickets to Perth here

Best time to visit the highlights

When it comes to the best time to visit the highlights, that depends on what you want to visit. Parts of Kakadu NP, Peron NP and Purnululu NP are only accessible by 4WD via unsealed roads. In the wet season those roads are mostly (partially) closed.

To see the Staircase to the Moon on Cable Beach in Broome you have to visit between March and October.

And if you want to swim with whale sharks you should travel there between March and August and for the humpback whales July to October is best.

In short, you should figure out what your family wants to see and check the best times to visit those activities and pick your best time to travel from Perth to Darwin or vice versa.

Planning a family road trip from Perth to Darwin

Getting your Perth to Darwin road trip with kids right involves some serious planning. It starts months before the trip, choosing the destination, planning the route, arranging visa, renewing passports or ID’s and checking if you need medical declarations . And don’t forget renting a car or camper and/or buying flight tickets.

Planning a family road trip can get pretty overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my eBook! I’ll be holding your hand every step of the way. Just to make sure your family road trip through the Yucatán Peninsula will go smoothly.

Get my FREE ebook >>   The Ultimate Beginners Guide: Planning a Family Road Trip

How to get to Perth

If you’re flying in internationally to Perth (or Darwin, if you’re going the other way around) then I recommend you to use a site like Expedia to check which airline offers the best price for your flight . Expedia is an online travel agency where you can not only book your flights, but also hotels, rent cars or even excursions. I usually turn to Expedia for flights, but if you like to book everything in one place then Expedia is going to be your best friend. This ultimate family road trip guide: Perth to Darwin starts by your arrival at Perth Airport. But if you want you can easily start in Darwin, where there’s also an international airport.

If you are taking a domestic flight or if you want to travel from Perth to Darwin or from Darwin or Perth by train, I recommend 12Go . It’s a user-friendly website that will show you all the different price options and comparisons as well as reviews from fellow travellers.

Booking a 4×4 campervan

Our family choose to hire a 4wd campervan and drove from Perth to Darwin. It turned out to be the most adventurous drives we ever did. We started in Western Australia and we ended our 4 week self-drive in the Northern Territory. If you are looking for the ultimate family road trip guide from Perth to Darwin, look no further. Read on and find out what the must-sees and do’s are when spending 4 weeks in Australia and drive your car or motorhome from Perth to Darwin. Of course you can also use this itinerary from Perth to Darwin if you take the road trip from Darwin to Perth.

Read more >>   10 Things to Do In Western Australia with Kids

Read more >>   Best campsites in Western Australia with kids

Book your rental car here

Before I start the ultimate family road trip guide from Perth to Darwin, I would like to mention that we rented our 4WD from WA Experts . A rental company just outside of Perth. An easy booking with great service. Even before we arrived the owner shared great tips about Perth like good places to eat and things to see. He even picked us up with his car from our AirBnb in Perth and drove us back to his place, where he gave us an extensive instruction on how to use everything the car had to offer. We highly recommend WA Experts!

Perth to Darwin – Australia Itinerary Map

This ultimate family road trip guide: Perth to Darwin requires you to start in the capital of Western Australia: Perth and ends in the capital of Northern Territory: Darwin. See the Perth to Darwin road map above for all the locations we will touch upon.

And now the perfect itinerary for a road trip in a 4WD from Perth to Darwin in 4 weeks. A trip of a total distance of roughly 4050 km, depending on the route. Which takes about 43 hours in one go. But that’s not going to bring you the adventures you and your family are looking for, right? Take it slow and admire all that this part of Australia has to offer.

FYI, if you’re planning a 4 week Darwin to Perth road trip, this Perth to Darwin road trip itinerary can be just as helpful. Just work your way up from the bottom.

You start your road trip WA to NT in Perth. A nice town with great food and a tropical climate. Stay here for one or two days. After this short city trip you take off in your 4WD, with a rooftop tent, a fully loaded freezer and/or cooler and a great mood, because this is when the magic starts. If you have more time be sure to check out the former prison in Fremantle to learn more about the time when Great Britain set foot in Australia.

A great tip for kids is a visit to Rottnest Island. This is the only place in the world where you can spot the insanely cute (but very helpless) Quokka’s in the wild.

Here are all your accommodation options in Perth

Top tours in Perth with kids

Clean water on the road.

You can safely drink the tap water in most towns and cities in Australia. But there are also a lot of places where you can’t get drinking water, like some campsites. While outdoors or on the road you can avoid buying plastic water bottles when you bring a LARQ bottle. UV-light cleans the water in the bottle and also cleans the bottle itself after you’ve used it. Get your own LARQ bottle and always feel safe drinking water from taps all over the world. We never go anywhere without it.

Yanchep National Park

On your first day you will only take a short drive, 55 km, to Yanchep National Park. It is a great NP to start. It’s not too touristy. And there are a lot of Grey Kangaroos humping around and that will totally make your day. We were sitting in front of our Troopy with a beer in hand and they where chillling right in front of us. Slowly the sun went down and it was a magical experience that made for a great first day! And oh, did I mention you can also spot koala’s here? You can and they’re adorable.

Nambung National Park

In the morning you’ll leave Yanchep NP to drive to Nambung NP in just a few hours. The highlight in this NP is the Pinnacles Desert. Spend a few hours walking through this park. It is quite a sight. Everyone knows about the pinnacles so it is a touristy spot, but definitely still worth a visit. And to be fair: it’s still far quieter than any other tourist spot on the East Coast of Australia.

Top tours to the Pinnacles Desert with kids

Kalbarri national park.

Next on this ultimate family road trip guide: Perth to Darwin is another national park. Western Australia is filled with gorgeous national parks, so if hiking is your thing, you’ll love WA!

Kalbarri NP is a definite must-see on a road trip Perth to Darwin. You can hike multiple routes. We walked to Nature Window and then hiked the 10km Loop Route, which is a beautiful walk through the gorge. Both routes were do-able for children, but when you visit this NP when it’s hot take enough water with you and hats and sun glasses. There aren’t many shady places around.

We did these two hikes in a day. If you like to hike more routes, then I recommend an extra day.

Peron National Park (4wd only)

Before I get into Peron NP I would love to give you the first inside tip: on your way to Peron NP, stop at Overlander Roadhouse for the best hamburger you have ever had. Spend a whole day exploring Peron NP, you can only drive here with a 4WD and there are multiple free camping spots there. We choose to set up camp at Herald Bight, where we spotted dolphins while hanging the laundry out to dry. Can you believe it?

Monkey Mia dolphins

If you want a good chance at spotting dolphins, make sure to visit Monkey Mia early in the morning. No monkeys to be seen, but Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins can be spotted here. The bad news is that they come here because they’re being fed. Please don’t be a part of the feeding process, but just watch. Currently there’s a petition online to help the Monkey Mia dolphins. They’re displaying unnatural behavior because of all the interaction with humans.

After playing around here you head on over to the next spot: Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will drive by the Blowholes, make time to see them if you can. It felt like walking on Mars, don’t walk around on flip flops, you will get hurt.

Ningaloo Reef

Remember that I promised you a beautiful reef? It’s time to spend a few days at the amazing Ningaloo Reef. Book a camping spot for a few days to charge your battery after all that traveling. Relax and swim, dive, bbq and do a whale shark tour. Ningaloo Reef is Australia’s most accessible coral reef. The area is cheaper than around Great Barrier Reef. If I have to compare the two: Great Barrier Reef is more diverse on all accounts, but I’d go for Ningaloo reef where you get the chance on more intimate wildlife encounters.

The whale shark tours aren’t much fun for younger children. They won’t allow younger kids to partake in the snorkeling (too deep and dangerous). It’s a great family outing for families with kids 14 and up.

My second tip: swimming with a whale shark is a great experience. Just make sure you check out which company does it sustainably.

We booked the tour with Coral Bay Eco Tours and enjoyed it very much. We didn’t only see the whale sharks, but also dolphins and whales.

Top tours in Coral Bay with kids

We skipped driving further up to Exmouth and instead drove back to National Highway 1 to get to our next destination.

After a last chill morning at your camping spot at Ningaloo Reef it is time to hit the road. The next highlight is Karijini NP, but I recommend to stop halfway, because it’s a very long drive and you don’t want to drive in the dark, because you should avoid hitting wildlife. Spend the night in miners town Tom Price and fill up on gas and do groceries to get you going for the next few days.

Karijini National Park

Karijini NP is a place where we could’ve spend an extra day, but we arrived at the camping ground (Dales) around 9am, so we did have a full day to hike and therefore we did decide to move on the next day. What did we do during the day? We went to Oxer Lookout first, where you get rewarded with a great view of three gorges coming together. After that it was time to hike and we walked to Fern Pool and then back to Circular Pool. After a picnic at Circular Pool we hiked back to the Threeway Lookout before walking back to Dales Campground, enjoying our surroundings, in little less than an hour. A schedule I highly recommend.

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Eighty Mile Beach

Drive to the start of Eighty Mile Beach via Port Hedland. Play in the sand (shark alert, so now swimming here) and chill in your hammock. After all the hiking you did yesterday you deserve to put your feet up and have a beer, mate!

Next up in this ultimate family road trip guide: Perth to Darwin is a city called Broome. It’s been a while, because the only other (semi)big city until now has been Perth.

There are many campings in Broome. It is really popular with Grey Nomads, families and backpackers. It was really the only place where we drove for hours before we had any luck and that’s only because the guy at the reception saw my despair after the 10 th “ no ” and looked at my very tired 11yo who almost started crying. He gave us a spot that wasn’t officially a camping spot, but we were really grateful. Moral of the story is, that if you visit Broome during high season, than you should book ahead.

Highlights include:

• driving onto the famous Cable beach with your 4WD, cooking and eating there while people are riding camels (yes, really: camels)
• visiting a pearl farm
• check out dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point (kids love it!)
• visit the Bird observatory
• if you’re here between May and October you have to watch the sun go down at the beach to see the Staircase to the Moon

Check out the best things to do in Broome . Local Wendy shares 40+ great things to do in this Kimberley destination.

Here are all your accommodation options in Broome

Top tours in Broome with kids

Gibb river road.

Today you start driving the impressive Gibb River Road. Your first visit is to the Prison Boab. A Boab with a horrific background story. Aboriginals used to get strapped to it in the scorching heat as punishment, mostly for petty crimes or even just the hint of suspicion of a crime they might have commited. It will teach your kids and you more about the racism the original inhabitants of Australia had to cope with (and sadly still have to endure, like most minorities in the world).

Windjana Gorge

After that you hike through the gorgeous Windjana Gorge and observe hundreds of freshwater crocs. No, I’m not exaggerating! It is a loop, because there is only one way to enter and exit the gorge. The good news is that you will see all those crocs again on your way back. Believe me, it won’t get old.

Halls Creek

Our plan was to drive the complete Gibb River Road. But after our visit to Tunnel Creek we were tired of the bumpy roads and a piece of pebble broke our front window, so we had to change our plans anyway.

We needed to drive to Halls Creek and leave the Gibb River Road. That meant we could enjoy Fitzroy Crossings, but better yet: we found a hidden gem in the process: Caroline Pool! We camped out there for free, were surrounded by wildlife drinking from the creek. We made a fire and had so much fun by ourselves in the middle of nowhere with no one around.

Purnululu National Park

Our car was at a mechanic for a few hours, but in that few hours we came up with a new plan and it turned out to be the best decision we could’ve made. We would’ve missed out on one of the highlights of our road trip, Purnululu NP, another UNESCO world heritage site.

I’ve said it before about spots in Oz, and I’ll say it again: it’s a must-see. The beehive-shaped Bungle Bungle Range is out of this world and the hikes are amazing. Don’t skip Cathedral Gorge and if you have the time go on a helicopter ride to admire the view from the sky. Bungle Bungles is one of the best tips in this ultimate family road trip guide: Perth to Darwin!

You really do need a 4WD for a lot of the roads in Purnululu NP and the camping grounds that are only accessible by 4WD are less crowded and surrounded by nature. If you can live without a hot shower and clean toilets you will have an awesome time here.

Gibb River Road or Purnululu NP

If you can do both the Gibb River Road and Purnululu NP, than go for it. If you have to choose because of time, then I advise you to do the start of the Gibb River Road, so you can check out Windjana Gorge and then drive back and make your way to Purnululu NP.

Timber Creek

Another insider tip. In Timber Creek we decided that it was time for a little chill out time. So we spend time at a camping where we could wash our clothes in a real washing machine and where we could bbq and make a bonfire. We didn’t do much else but read, watch freshwater crocodiles and watch dozens of eagles fly by. A nice little breather.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu NP deserves so much more praise than it already gets. It was the absolute number 1 highlight of our road trip and one of the best UNESCO World Heritage listed sites we ever visited. If we had more time we would’ve stayed even longer than we already did. The NP is huge and you could easily spend a week there and you still wouldn’t have seen it all. We were there for 3,5 days and we saw as much as we could and we really enjoyed it, but I already know I want to go back there.

Please don’t skip the Yellow Water Cruise and make sure you find out when the sun will set and book the tour at that time slot. It is enchanting and you will never forget it. Magical for children too!

If you want to read more about what to see and do in Kakadu National Park with kids , click the link and check out my article.

Read more >> 8 Things to Do In Kakadu NP With Kids

Our last stop on this Perth to Darwin roadtrip is of course: Darwin. We really enjoyed Darwin so I advise you to stay there for a day or two. Our highlights include the Darwin Waterfront, Bicentennial Park and the Big Buoy Water Park.

That’s it for this ultimate family road trip guide: Perth to Darwin. You’ve reached the end of the 4 week Perth to Darwin itinerary.

Here are all of your accommodation options in Darwin

Top tours in Darwin with kids

Our verdict after sharing with you the ultimate family road trip guide: Perth to Darwin. This Perth to Darwin drive remains our fave! But our trip through Australia wasn’t over yet. We also visited Sydney and Melbourne after. If you are taking a domestic flight from Darwin to either of these cities, I recommend 12Go . We used them to find the cheapest flight from Darwin to Sydney and from Sydney to Melbourne. It’s a user-friendly website that will show you all the different price options and comparisons as well as reviews from fellow travellers.

Did you ever go an a self-drive through Western Australia and Northern Territory? Did I leave things out that people really shouldn’t miss? Would you like more information? Share it with us by leaving a comment below. I hope you enjoy your family road trip from Darwin to Perth, or the other way around. Please let me know how you liked your Perth to Darwin road trip.

FAQ – Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide: Perth to Darwin

Before I end this post let’s answer some frequently asked questions about a family road trip from Perth to Darwin or from Darwin to Perth. If you don’t have time to read the entire article, read this FAQ for a quick fix.

How long is the flight from Perth to Darwin?

A flight from Perth to Darwin takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes. A flight from Darwin to Perth takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. Flights from Perth to Darwin can benefit from tailwinds, because the wind in this region tends to blow from west to east. And that’s why this flight is a little shorter than the flight from Darwin to Perth. Those flights often face headwinds. Ultimately 5 minutes is nothing and no reason to start your ultimate Perth to Darwin family road trip in Perth instead of Darwin.

What time of year is best to drive from Perth to Darwin?

The best time of year to go on a Perth to Darwin road trip depends on what you want to see and do. If you want to swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef you should go between March and August. While the unsealed roads of the famous Gibb River Road are typically open from May to November. These are just some examples, so start by making a Perth to Darwin bucket list and find out when it’s the best time for your family to hit this ultimate family road trip from Perth to Darwin.

When it comes to the weather the best time to travel is during winter, from June to August. Weather is pleasant (24° to 34° Celsius) in Western Australia and the western part of the Northern Territory. But along the west coast it does get pretty cold during the night. The closer you get to Darwin it does get pretty hot during winter, with temperatures ranging from 35° to 40° Celsius.

How long is the drive from Perth to Darwin?

Without extended stops it will take between 45 to 55 hours of driving time. But this is not advised of course and we all know you’re reading this post because you want to road trip from Perth to Darwin with kids. If you spend 4 weeks to complete this roadtrip, like we did, and you visit all the sights we visited you’ll spend about 4 to 5 hours behind the wheel every other day or two (depending on how long you spend at a destination).

How many kilometers is the drive from Perth to Darwin?

The drive from Perth to Darwin covers over 4000 kilometers. The exact amount of kilometers is hard to tell, because that depends on the route you choose and how often you go off route to check out some of the beaten path highlights.

How many miles is the drive from Perth to Darwin?

The drive from Perth to Darwin covers over 2500 miles. The exact amount of miles is hard to tell, because that depends on the route you choose and how often you go off route to check out some of the beaten path highlights.

Is the road from Perth to Darwin sealed?

The majority of the road from Perth to Darwin is sealed. Most of the route follows Stuart Highway, aka National Highway 1. And you’ll also follow the Great Northern Highway when visiting Broome (a must-see imo). The last leg from Katherine to Darwin is the Victoria Highway. All these highways are sealed roads.

Some highlights can only be reached via unsealed roads. Like parts of Purnululu National Park and Kakadu National Park, the Gibb River Road and also parts of Peron National Park. Check out before renting a car if the destinations you’d like to visit can be reached with a 2WD or if you need a 4WD to get everywhere you want to go.

Did you enjoy this ultimate family road trip guide: Perth to Darwin?

If so, read more about family travel in australia, you might also like:.

• 10 things to do in Western Australia with kids

Best campsites in Western Australia with kids

8 things to do in kakadu np with kids, 21 best places to visit in australia with kids, 10 things to do in sydney with kids, 10 things to do in melbourne with kids, animal abuse in the tourism industry.

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Hi, I’m Saskia!

I travel the world with my family of 4 and write about our adventures.

Sas Crossing Countries is a family travel blog. It’s created to inspire other parents to travel the world with their kids. Gift your kids the world! It’s the most valuable present you can give them.

With all the experience I have as a traveling parent I’ve got lots of tools and tips for you. So on this site you’ll not only find family travel blog posts, you can also download FREE pocket guides, travel checklists and eBooks from my resources page.

All that I share can be used to plan your own ultimate family road trip!

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Comments ( 8 )

Kris posted on 10 Jun 2023 at 9:54 pm

Doing RV trip from Darwin to Perth in late August to Sept. over 4 weeks. Any tips on weather? Packing? Your blog here is great!

Saskia posted on 11 Jun 2023 at 5:13 pm

August/September is great imo, it’s still winter which means winter. That said, you’ll experience cooler temperature, but during the day that means 20-27 degrees Celsius. It does cool off during the nights, so if you’re camping, bring layers for the night.

When driving in a 4wd, every place is still accessible, starting from October flooding starts to happen and you won’t be so lucky.

You also ask about packing. Have you seen that you can get free access to digital lists? Including packing lists for kids and adults. Split into checked luggage and carry-on. And also bucket lists that are fun to download and use, including a Western Australia bucket list. Find all my free resources, including the once I mention, here: http://www.sascrossingcountries.com/resources/free-resources/

Have fun planning and I hope you’ll love this road trip as much as we did!

Shannon FitLifeTravel posted on 09 Jan 2023 at 4:06 pm

I am adding the national parks in Australia to my bucket list for sure after reading your post here!

Saskia posted on 09 Jan 2023 at 4:09 pm

There were so many amazing ones along the route, that we couldn't even visit them all. The ones we did visit were all amazing. I hope you get to visit them sometime.

Adriane posted on 07 Jun 2021 at 11:53 pm

I am dying to go to Australia. These photos are amazing. My kids aren't quite ready for that flight yet, but I can't wait.

Saskia posted on 08 Jun 2021 at 7:22 am

Thank you so much! And once they are ready: they’ll love it as much as you will :).

Cosette posted on 07 Jun 2021 at 12:02 pm

Cool road trip. Would love to do this one. We haven't been to Australia yet, but all these places look cool.

Saskia posted on 07 Jun 2021 at 7:50 pm

I hope you’ll get the chance to visit Australia someday!

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Ultimate Darwin to Perth Road Trip Itinerary

Keen to experience the best of things to do in Australia’s Top End and west coast on a road trip through Northern Territory and Western Australia? There’s no better way than with a Darwin to Perth road trip.

Discover the rugged beauty of outback towns, explore biodiverse national parks, drive along sparkling coastlines and soak in the incredible views along the way on this 14 day ultimate Darwin to Perth road trip.

Things to do in Darwin before you hit the road  

Once you arrive in town, pick up your campervan at Mighty’s Darwin branch . Then let the adventures begin! Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and is rich with Aboriginal culture, art galleries and natural beauty. Some of the best Darwin attractions include:

• Parap Village Markets
• Crocosaurus Cove
• Charles Darwin National Park

Before you begin the journey west, it is also worthwhile organising your Western Australia parks pass before you head out into areas with little to no reception. You can choose from 14 days for $40 or a month for $60, which will give you access to all WA parks for the duration of the pass.

Darwin to Perth

Best Time of the Year

May to September

The Journey

Tourism NT Image Gallery

Day 1 Darwin to Katherine

Distance 317 km - driving time 3 hours.

Making your way south, take a drive on the wild side through Kakadu National Park . Discover the beauty of this untouched landscape filled with indigenous culture, outdoor adventure, and spectacular monsoonal rainforest-covered waterholes.

Continue the drive south to Katherine to unwind at Katherine Hot Springs before cooking up a storm with the campsite facilities at the Katherine BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park for the evening.

Day 2 Katherine to Kununurra

Distance 514 km - driving time 5 hours.

On this leg of the drive, you will leave the Northern Territory and enter Western Australia. Remember to clear your camper of any fresh produce as you won’t be able to cross with it. This rugged outback region is best known for its pink diamonds and is the gateway to the Kimberly region. On the way, be sure to:

• Explore the spectacular rock formations, stunning views and hiking trails in Mirima National Park
• Take a detour to explore Lake Argyle and swim in the infinity pool
• Take a dip in Kununurra Lake

Settle in for the night at Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park and enjoy their on-site rare finch aviary, outdoor dining area, and live entertainment.

Tourism Western Australia Image Library

Day 3 Kununurra to Halls Creek

Distance 358 kmkm - driving time 3 hours 44 minutes.

Drive south to visit Cathedral Gorge inside Purnululu National Park. This astonishing natural amphitheatre geological formation of red rock is one of many natural attractions within the park. Please note that these are located 52 kilometres into the national park along a four-wheel-drive track. Park at the entrance and get on an early tour so you can spend your day exploring.

If you’re looking for somewhere to rest for the night, grab one of the powered camping sites at Halls Creek Caravan Park .

Day 4 Halls Creek to Derby

Distance 546km - driving time 5 hours 33 minutes.

You are well and truly in the outback now. On this long stretch between Halls Creek and Derby, soak up the last of these red dirt views and plan a stop off at the river crossing just before Fitzroy Crossing to see if you can spot a saltwater crocodile, and visit the over 1,500-year-old Boab Prison Tree .

If you time it right, watch the sunset from the Derby Jetty and try to catch a glimpse of the incredible tidal fluctuations (ranging up to 12 metres). Stay the night at Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park .

Day 5 Derby to Broome

Distance 222km - driving time 2 hours 16 minutes.

Drive the final stretch of these outback roads as you make your way to Broome, where the red dirt meets the vivid blue of the ocean. You could easily spend a day or two roaming around this scenic coastal town. Here are some of the best things to do in this Australian region:

• Visit the world-famous Horizontal Falls
• Join a pearl tour
• Go for a camel ride on Cable Beach
• Escape the ordinary with the award-winning Asian-fusion food and drinks at Matso’s Broome Brewery
• Enjoy watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean

If you time your trip right, be sure to check out the Staircase to the Moon . This natural phenomenon occurs when the full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay and gives the impression of a staircase leading to the moon. This happens 2-3 days a month between March and October.

Grab one of the powered camping sites at Broome Vacation Village and wash away the red dirt of the desert using all the on-site facilities.

Day 6 Broome to Eighty Mile Beach

Distance 376km - driving time 3 hours 55 minutes.

Eighty Mile Beach is 220 km - making it the longest uninterrupted beach in Western Australia. This stunning coastline is where the Great Sandy Desert meets the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This is the perfect place to go beach fishing, bird watching and enjoy the magnificent sunsets.

Get in early and snag a million-dollar view waterfront property for the night at Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park - only 50 metres from the beach.

Day 7 Eighty Mile Beach to Port Hedland

Distance 251km - driving time 2 hours 42 minutes.

Continuing south, spend the day exploring the dynamic town of Port Hedland. As the world’s largest bulk export port, it has a rich industrial area, but it is also a great spot for fishing, whale watching and turtle nesting. Here are some of the highlights of Port Hedland:

• Learn about the town’s rich history by taking a tour of Port Hedland
• Explore the tidal creeks of Pretty Pool . This is generally safe to swim in, but before you do, it’s worthwhile checking with the locals if there have been any recent crocodile sightings
• Grab your camera and head to Redback Bridge Lookout to capture an incredible sunset

Then settle in for the night at Discovery Parks Port Hedland.

Day 8 Port Hedland to Karijini

Distance 336km - driving time 3 hour 39 minutes.

Often referred to as Mother Nature’s adventure park, Karijini National Park is filled with natural springs, cascading waterfalls, hiking trails and cavernous gorges to explore. While many of the areas of this park are tucked away down corrugated unsealed roads, Fern Pool is easily accessible by campervan and has plenty to explore.

Stay at Karijini Eco Retreat , where you can treat yourself to an outback-style dinner at the on-site alfresco restaurant.

Day 9 Karijini to Exmouth

Distance 640km - driving time 7 hours 48 minutes.

This is one of the longest drives of the trip, so get an early start. Better yet, if you have the time, it is worth splitting this up over a few days, so you have time to explore the spectacular scenery and underwater worlds awaiting in Exmouth.

Exmouth is a laid-back town where shoes are optional, and water sports are a way of life. As the northern gateway to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, it is the perfect base to explore this coastal paradise. There are so many things to do in Australia’s coral coast, including:

• Swimming with the majestic giants of the sea on a whale shark tour
• Snorkelling with the sea life in the breathtaking Turquoise Bay
• Visiting Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for sunset and to soak up the incredible beauty of the North West Cape
• Watching the sunrise over Charles Knife Canyon
• Hiking Yardie Creek Gorge trail

Stay at RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park for the night.

Day 10 Exmouth to Coral Bay

Distance 153km - driving time 1 hour 34minutes.

If you need additional supplies, stock up in Exmouth before driving down to Coral Bay. This sleepy little town comes alive in the busy season with plenty of tours and activities to check out, including:

• Spotting baby sharks at the Coral Bay shark nursery
• Catching a glimpse of a humpback whale on a whale watching tour
• Snorkelling amongst the coral gardens in the clear calm waters of Paradise Beach

Stay at Coral Bay Caravan Park for the night.

Day 11 Coral Bay to Monkey Mia

Distance 581 km - driving time 5 hours 49 minutes.

Enjoy the rugged inland views as you make your way toward Shark Bay . Here you can see the world’s oldest ‘living fossils’, and visit Shell Beach - one of two beaches in the entire world made entirely of shells! Stay the night at RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort .

Day 12 Monkey Mia to Kalbarri

Distance 398km - driving time 3 hours 59 minutes.

Wake up early and start your morning with a dolphin watching experience in Monkey Mia . Stand on the beach edge and watch resident wild dolphins up close as they come to shore for their daily feedings between 7:30-12 noon every day - just as they have done for the last 50 years.

Continuing the drive south, stop by Kalbarri National Park to brave the 100-metre-high Kalbarri Skywalk to see the panoramic views of Murchison Gorge. Then enjoy the short hike down to see the gorge through the iconic rocky portal of Natures Window . It can get hot so start early and bring plenty of water.

Stay at Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park for the night.

Day 13 Kalbarri to Cervantes

Distance 378km - driving time 4 hours 5 minutes.

Take the scenic route south along the coastal road to see the vivid pink salt lake Hutt Lagoon. Australian pink salt lakes are such a unique experience and can make it feel like you have stepped onto another planet. Hutt Lagoon is one of only a few places to visit in Western Australia where you can see these pink lakes, so it is worth the detour! Once you’re finished, head south and enjoy a few of the highlights of this region:

Have a factory tour at the Lobster Shack and then enjoy a bite to eat Drive through Cervantes Pinnacles Desert and admire the unique landscape of limestone spires of all shapes and sizes jutting out from the desert floor

Park up for the evening at RAC Cervantes Holiday Park .

Day 14 Cervantes to Perth

Distance 199km - driving time 2 hours 19 minutes.

Begin the day by driving the final stretch of this Darwin to Perth road trip. While Perth is relatively low-key compared to many Australian cities, prepare yourself for a little culture shock after 14 days in remote Western Australia and Northern Territory. Ease your way into the vibrance and pace of city life with some of Perth’s best places to visit:

• Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden - the largest inner-city park in the world
• Go for a walk along the popular Cottesloe Beach
• Head over to Rottnest Island to see the smiling quokka
• Venture a little further south to check out one of Australia’s best surf spots at Margaret River

Once you drop your campervan at the Mighty Perth branch , it’s time to head home.

Ready for your next Australian adventure?

And there you have it! The ultimate Darwin to Perth road trip. We have broken this trip up over 14 days, but if you have more time, then you will be able to explore more of the incredible natural Australian attractions between Darwin and Perth. If you are fully self-contained, you could also try a mix of holiday parks and free camping, as there are some great free camping sites available between Darwin and Perth for self-contained vehicles.

If you’re ready to rent a van to explore Australia’s top end and west coast for yourself, be sure to check out all our latest deals and book your Mighty camper today . If you’re looking for other ways to get the most out of your Australian road trip, then be sure to check out our blog and download the thl Roadtrip app.

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Road tripping Australia’s west coast: Self-drive Perth to Darwin

While many visitors to the Land Down Under instantly think of places like Sydney or the coastline of Queensland, Western Australia offers some incredibly diverse regions without the crowds. There are postcard-perfect white sandy beaches that stretch of miles without another soul in sight and vast expanses of outback. Some say Coral Bay and the Ningaloo Reef are actually very good alternatives to the Great Barrier Reef.

Of course, you’ll have to come here to find out for yourself. This suggested self-drive from Perth to Darwin will bring you to many of the area’s highlights.

Start your journey in Perth, a city that’s becoming increasingly popular to visit with its laidback atmosphere and tropical climate, thriving food scene, abundance of trendy bars and a revitalized arts community, not to mention a wealth of outdoor adventure that can be enjoyed nearby. You might want to plan to spend a few days exploring, beating the inevitable jetlag before heading out on the road. Swan River runs right through before it joins the sea, and a river cruise is an ideal way to view the city skyline. If you want to relax at the beach, Cottlesloe Beach is just a short drive away as Perth’s top spot for swimming, snorkelling or surfing. This is also one of the best places to watch the sun go down, with especially colourful sunsets marking the end of nearly every day.

Nambung National Park

Your first stop after leaving Perth is about 125 miles northwest: Nambung National Park. It boasts one of the country’s most unique landscapes, the Pinnacles Desert. This vast area provides natural habitat for a wide range of bird life and native animals, along with magnificent limestone spires that soar from the golden sands of the desert. Some stand over five meters high – gazing out at this scene you might think you were looking at another planet. They were formed around 30,000 years ago following the receding of the sea which left deposits of shells. The wind removed the surrounding sand over time, resulting in the pillars being exposed to the elements. Be sure to watch for the cockatoos, grey kangaroos and emus as you explore, and if you visit nearby Hangover Bay, bottlenose dolphins can often be seen just offshore.

Kalbarri National Park

Nestled at the mouth of the Murchison River, Kalbarri National Park is a must-detour on the way to Shark Bay. It’s renowned for its abundant marine life and stunning landscapes, carved over millions of years into the sandstone cliffs, and surrounded by magnificent coastline, glistening bays and river gorges. This is a great place for an outdoor adventure, with opportunities for canoeing, gorge hiking and bush walking. The park’s Murchison River gorges are especially impressive with the dramatic sandstone cliff faces plunging into the river as it winds toward the town of Kalbarri. You’ll be able to view the gorge from lookouts like Nature’s Window, which provides a glimpse through its huge red rock frame.

If you visit from July through October, you’ll see the landscape ablaze with brilliant colour, with wildflowers like kangaroo paws, banksias and grevillias all in bloom. While many of the native mammals here are nocturnal, emus and grey kangaroos can be seen during the day.

Monkey Mia and the Shark Bay World Heritage Area

Monkey Mia isn’t famous for monkeys, but for dolphins that are known for their almost daily ritual of swimming to shore to interact with humans. The Monkey Mia dolphins are a must-see for any visitor to Western Australia, located along the eastern shore of the Peron Peninsula, just a short drive from the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The dolphins draw thousands of visitors to this region every year which is considered to be one of the most reliable spots to encounter wild dolphins in the world. In fact, there have been just four days that the creatures haven’t visited in the past five years.

Shark Bay World Heritage area is considered one of the most important wilderness regions on Earth, covering 2.2 million hectares, with its diverse landscape home to an abundance of planet and animal life, including some that can’t be found anywhere else.  On any visit, you’re likely to glimpse dugongs, with the world’s largest population inhabiting this area, along with manta rays, sea turtles and whales. Of course, you could just relax and enjoy the scenery, lounging on one of the white sand beaches while gazing out at crystal-clear blue water.

This area is also home to world-famous Shell Beach, with its sands as white as snow thanks to the millions of shells that some say are as much as 10 meters deep. It’s made up of coquina bivalve shells which extend from the shoreline into the sea, forming large areas of shells that have fused together over time. Hamelin Pool is well-worth a visit too, with the most abundant and diverse examples of living fossils on the planet, monuments to life on Earth more than 3500 million years ago.

Venturing north to Coral Bay, you’ll discover a tranquil beach paradise that’s popular for a variety of water sports, including snorkelling, cruising and swimming with whale sharks. From March through June, you can swim with these creatures that are the biggest fish in the sea. These gentle giants offer the opportunity of a lifetime to visitors who come from across the globe for the experience. While they may be huge, at up to 18 meters long, this area is one of the few spots on the planet where these harmless filter feeders regularly appear in large numbers.

The snorkelling at Coral Bay is outstanding – you can walk straight out from the reef from the shore, with prolific Cabbage Coral Gardens teeming with turtles and colourful fish. If you’d rather not get wet, cruises are an option too. Enjoy cruising over spectacular Ningaloo Reef viewing coral gardens and exotic fish through underwater windows.

Located just off the North West Coastal Highway as you make your way toward Broome, Karratha makes an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the area, which includes the spectacular beach at Hearson’s Cove, a shell beach surrounded by the deep red rocky hills that’s ideal for swimming, and ancient Aboriginal rock engravings on the Burrup Peninsula. You might want to stretch your legs on the Yaburara Heritage Trail, a 3.5-kilometer walk that highlights the natural history and cultural heritage in the area, particularly the traditional inhabitants known as the Yaburara Aboriginal tribe. As you hike the rugged trail, you’ll come to multiple Aboriginal sites, including artefact scatters and rock engravings. The trek offers fantastic views throughout from the hilltop, overlooking the city of Karratha and its surrounds.

Port Hedland

The second largest town in the Pilbara region, Port Hedland may best be known for its flatback sea turtles. They nest only on the beaches in Australia and have the shortest migratory range of any sea turtle. If you’re here between October and March, there will be hundreds of the animals on the beaches here nesting – and, from December to March the younglings hatch. During the winter months of July, August and September, you’ll be able to view a wide range of native wildflowers by following the Pilbara Wildflowers Trail. Keep an eye out for as many as 65 species of Acacia, along with Sturt’s desert pea, Ashburton pea and Mulla Mulla.

This perpetually sunny town in the Kimberley Region is considered to be one of Australia’s most unique wilderness destinations. Here you can enjoy the practically endless stretch of pristine white sands that are framed by brilliant turquoise waters. If you’re up for a big adventure, ride a camel into the sunset on Cable Beach. In the heart of this region you’ll find cascading waterfalls, spectacular gorges and vast wildlife sanctuaries. You won’t want to miss exploring the town of Broome itself either. Be sure to stop into the Short Street Gallery which features extensive collections highlighting the distinct and varied styles of Aboriginal tribal groups. In Chinatown, go pearl shopping for a classic souvenir in the finest pearl showrooms in the world. You can learn about pearling history, tour restored luggers, watch a diving demo and sample pearl meat.

The Bungle Bungle Ranges in Purnululu National Park and Kununnara

Kununurra is the gateway town to the East Kimberley. It makes a great base for exploring some of the region’s most impressive natural attractions, including Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungle Ranges. Unknown to most until the early 1980s, the Bungles are made up of sandstone domes striped in orange and black, looking as if they’re massive beehives. Created some 350 million years ago, the best way to see them is by taking a scenic flight for a bird’s-eye view. This range can also be explored on foot, where hidden gorges and long narrow chasms can be discovered. Echidna Chasm is at the north end, while Cathedral Gorge and the Bungle Bungle range are in the south. There are trails of varying lengths for nearly all fitness levels, and you might spot some unique native animals along the way such as the short-eared rock wallaby and the nailtail wallaby, along with any one of more than 130 bird species.

Victoria River and the Northern Territory

Crossing into the Northern Territory, Victoria River is a tiny settlement just under 200 kilometres west of Katherine. The area around it is considered one of the territory’s most stunning, with ranges rising into huge amphitheatres with rugged cliffs that spill into scree slopes. Just off the highway are multiple short walks that can be taken in Gregory National Park. The Nawulbinbin Walk and Joe Creek Picnic Area are just off Victoria Highway. The 1.7-kilometre loop takes only about an hour to complete and will bring you up the rocky slope to the base of an escarpment wall to take in dramatic views and marvel at local Aboriginal rock art.

Katherine and Kakadu National Park

Katherine, known as the place where "the outback meets the tropics,” is located along the Katherine River below “The Top End,” 320 miles southeast of Darwin. It’s home to the interesting Katherine Museum, which is well-worth a visit, but the eye-popping surrounds are what it’s best known for, particularly Katherine Gorge, which is made up of dry bushland with pockets of rainforest, water holes and streams. Wherever there is water, you’re likely to spot all sorts of wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles. This is a wonderful place to walk, including the one-hour Baruwei Lookout Walk that offers an impressive view of Katherine River. There are long challenging treks for serious bush walkers, but the best way to experience the area with a more limited amount of time is to take a cruise. There are multiple options that include guides, providing fascinating insight into both the scenery and the local Jawoyn people.

Cruising through the still waters of Yellow Water is really a must, bringing opportunities to view a wide variety of magnificent flora and fauna, incredible scenery. 50,000-year-old rock art and over 5,000 sacred Aboriginal sites. You’ll glide along the water through mangroves, pandanus and tropical trees, watching for wild horses, crocodiles, over 60 species of birds and more. The excursion also includes a walk through the Nourlangie Art Site for admiring rock art that’s thousands of years old.

Darwin and the Adelaide River crocodiles

Finally, as you make your way to the tropical city of Darwin, which hugs the coastline in the Northern Territory, you won’t want to miss stopping for a cruise on the Adelaide River to see the jumping crocodiles. Viewing them in the wild is a very unique experience – the most popular in the Darwin area, and the vessels will get you as safe as you can get, as if you can almost touch them, from behind thick glass windows.

In Darwin itself, you’ll experience a place with a Bali-like feel, and a waterfront area that’s surrounded by cool cafes, laid-back bars, seafood restaurants and shops. Mitchell Street is famous for its buzzing nightlife scene. Right in the heart of the city you can even climb into a Perspex tube called the “Cage of Death,” at Crocosaurus Cove. The daring can head right into the crocodile enclosure for an eye-to-eye look at one of the toothy animals. Quite the unforgettable way to cap off this holiday through Western Australia.

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Perth to Darwin: West Coast Australia Road Trip

by Rich Jevons

Driving from Perth to Darwin is one hell of a road trip: it is some 4,147 km (2,576 miles) or 44 continuous hours. But this itinerary breaks the journey up nicely, allowing everything from bathing on the beach, taking in Aboriginal art, dining out, nature watching (yes, up close to crocs!) and lots more. So let’s set off with Perth.

Both for its size and sheer beauty Kings Park ranks among the world’s premier inner city parks. Its history is both European and Aboriginal and is also a centre for scientific research and promoting conservation.

And if you fancy leaving the car for some time you can take a cruise down Swan River from Darling Scarp to Fremantle. The local Aboriginals dubbed it Derbal Yerrigan and believed it was created by the rainbow serpent Waugul.

While for culture vultures the Art Gallery of Western Australia , founded in 1895, displaying both traditional and contemporary art. It is particularly interested in promoting the understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal art through both displays and talks or workshops.

Now you culture vultures have had your way how about a visit the Scitech Science Centre . With some six interactive galleries the kids will be kept busy with even educational puppet shows to keep them amused.

All this sightseeing can be hungry work so the Elizabeth Quay has a wide range of eateries: high-end stuff at the Ritz-Carlton; something more simple at the V Burger Bar; look out from the Reveley’s rooftop at this wonderful city; or simply take fish and chips from Amberjacks.

The town beach here has been well looked after with good facilities and a nice family atmosphere plus handy cafes for the post-dip snack.

To capture a glimpse up-close of Aussie wildlife the Wildlife Sanctuary cares for crocodiles, kangaroos and farmyard animals, many part of their rescue programme.

With its sugar-sweet red and white stripes the Point Moore Lighthouse is an emblem for the port. Although it is not open to the public suignage explains the lighthouse’s history and the beach lends itself to diving to explore the kaleidoscopic reef.

The Old Gaol Museum and Craft Centre has transformed what was a place of internment for criminals into a place where artisans can display and work on their craft objects. There is a chance to chat to them about their stories as well as discover the history behind the building too.

While some were trapped in three to a cell NASA’s astronauts were busy exploring outer space. The Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum documents the role Carnarvon played in many of NASA’s missions. It consists of two parts: the Tracking Station and OTC Satellite Earth Station and communicated with space capsules both leaving and returning to earth.

Gwoonwardu Mia, the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre recognises the inspiring cultures of Aboriginal culture in the region. There are interactive exhibtions – a great way for both old and young to listen, learn and respect these indigenous people – and Artists in Residence, all going a long way to making up for years of abuse and neglect.

And it may seem too long since you have been at the beach so a visit to Turquoise Bay is a must. The balmy beaches lead you onto excellent waters for both swimming and snorkelling. The marine life will bedazzle you with Bay Loop parking area giving easy access. Be aware of strong currents at the southern part of the bay.

Jurabi Turtle Centre warns of the dangers of naturalists disturbing turtles’ nesting process through their worthy interest. So here is an opportunity to come close to the turtle life experience without damaging their lives.

Swimming, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boards are permitted at Deep Reach but the Yindjibarndi people ask to respect what they consider the home of Barrimurdi, the Warlu or serpent. You can also explore the walk trails followed by local Aboriginal people using plants for food and medicine.

The Red Earth Arts Precinct offers a space for contemporary arts and community activities to make the arts prosper in the city. There is a 450-seat theatre; an outdoor amphitheatre; a library with a local history collection and a rooftop terrace. More proof of the rich tapestry of Australian culture.

One fantastic tour on offer is a fantastic camel ride at sunset on Cable Beach , one of the most perfect on the west coast. You get a chance for some breathtaking views of  Gantheaume Point and the marvellous bay. They have soft saddles and explain the history of camels in Australia too.

The Sun Pictures in Chinatown began its life at the turn of the century as an emporium, then theatre, then, with the advent of the movies, a cinema. A bit of escapism (as if you need it) on your super road trip.

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) powerfully represents the culture of the NT. Of particular interest is Telstra NATSIAA, the longest-running and most prestigious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. It explores the variety and complexity of today’s indigenous artists.

And then, yes, it’s back to the beach! Mindil Beach is only five minutes from the city but once there you can soak up the golden sunsets. There are markets twice a week and you can take walks to Fannie Bay or East Point Reserve if you want to take in these stunning surroundings.

Then if one Australian icon has to be Crocodile Dundee you may like to meet his namesake up close but comfortable at Crocosaurus Cove. There is the Cage of Death and you can feed the crocs too – and all in the heart of Darwin.

Then, if like I was when I was a kid, your offspring have a fascination with aircraft then Darwin Aviation Museum will bring your road trip to a happy end. There is a B-52 bomber and the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter plus engines and parts to intrigue any budding mechanic.

One more thing for either repose or play at the Darwin Waterfront . Ride the wave at the wave pool then come out of the water for international cuisine. Bon appetit!

So it comes to that side time to hand in the keys to your hire car, but be assured you will have memories filled with the joy and diversity of Australia’s West Coast.

If you need further inspiration then why not flip things around and explore the east coast of Australia with our in-depth guide .

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• 28 Day Darwin to Perth Road Trip Itinerary

• Australia Self Drive Holiday Itineraries
• Western Australia Itineraries and Packages
• 28 Day Darwin to Perth Road Trip

Tour Overview

Day by Day Itinerary

Welcome to darwin.

Darwin is nearer to Singapore than it is to Sydney, which gives you an idea of the sheer size of Australia. This multicultural, fast-developing city has a chilled-out feel and a beautiful climate.

Between cyclones and bombing by the Japanese in World War Two, Darwin has been rebuilt several times in its history. While the architecture is modern and stylish, it's still very much a "frontier town" with a small-town feel.

If time allows after settling into your hotel you might like meet the Top End's most unique inhabitants at Crocosaurus Cove . Armed with a VIP Pass, you can hold a baby crocodile, take part in feeding or simply watch some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in Australia as they interact with each other.

Later you can relax and see a movie at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema, catch the sunset over the Timor Sea, or try street food at the Mindil Beach Markets. You'll feel like a laid-back local in no time.

Accommodation: Darwin - 2 Nights

Litchfield National Park Full Day Tour

Learn the real story on this small-group day tour from Darwin to Litchfield National Park . Explore the area with a personable Indigenous guide with countless generations of history in the region. Get hands-on as our guide demonstrates bush resources in season. See and refresh yourself at iconic waterfalls. Experience dramatic stone country as it comes alive in our tropical summer. Enjoy a flame-grilled lunch of ocean-caught barramundi, marinated kangaroo, and crocodile eye fillet, in beautiful shaded surrounds. Be treated to expert natural and cultural interpretation from guides with unrivaled knowledge of the area. Take home memories you’ll never forget.

Inclusions—Small-group touring by air-conditioned tour vehicle; pickups from any Darwin accommodation; expert interpretation of the natural and cultural environment from an Aboriginal viewpoint; lunch of freshly cooked ocean-caught barramundi, crocodile, and kangaroo; cool water.

Drive to Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is renowned for the richness of its Aboriginal cultural sites. It covers an area of 19,804 square kilometres which is the size of Israel or nearly half the size of Switzerland! Aboriginal people have occupied the Kakadu area continuously for at least 40 000 years.

There are more than 5000 cave paintings and rock carvings illustrating Aboriginal culture over thousands of years. Kakadu is a magnificent area with many different landforms and habitats. There are over 60 species of mammals and a great many reptiles including goannas, frill-necked lizards and the frightening saltwater crocodile. The Park also supports more than 280 species of birds what is about one-third of Australia's bird species.

Approximate Distance:  255 km | 158 miles    Total Driving Time:  2 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Kakadu - 2 Nights 

Yellow Water Billabong Cruise

Yellow Water Billabong is Kakadu's most famous wetland and is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The river system is the largest in Kakadu and contains extensive wetlands that include river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps. About one third of Australia's bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in the wetlands. Whistling Ducks and Magpie Geese are the most abundant. There are plenty of crocodiles in their natural habitat, and buffalo on the floodplains, as well as a huge Jabiru's nest nearby.

Outstanding Rock Art at Ubirr

In the afternoon, make your way to  Ubirr Rock , the site of some of the world’s oldest rock art. Your guide will walk you through the ancient rock galleries, where you will hear about the history and culture of the traditional custodians.

Drive to Katherine

Katherine is the third-largest town in the Northern Territory, located three hours' drive south of Darwin on the banks of the Katherine River. A Katherine holiday combines some of the Territory's best nature and culture experiences with pioneering history and heritage. Explorer John McDouall Stuart visited the region in 1862 and named Katherine after the daughter of one of his expedition sponsors.

Once established, the town became a popular base for pioneers whose legacy continues to live on at the many historic sites. Katherine is the perfect base for exploring the Gulf region, the southern part of Kakadu National Park and the Victoria River region - places where you can immerse yourself in nature.

Approximate Distance: 305 km | 190 miles    Total Driving Time:  3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Katherine - 2 Nights 

Nitmiluk / Katherine - 3 Gorge Cruise

Relax as you cruise the waters of the Nitmiluk Gorge and travel back to Australia's dreamtime. Your expert tour guides go into depth about the history and function of the eight to ten-thousand-year-old Indigenous rock art you will see on this journey.

Once you get to the third gorge, you will have an opportunity to swim at the Lillypond seasonal waterfalls or at the shallow rock pools. Depending on what time of the year you visit you may be able to swim in the many rock pools in gorges 1 and 2.

Western Australia & Lake Argyle

Continue South from Katherine until you get to drive through the vast Kimberley landscape to the east Kimberley hub of Kununurra, right on Lake Argyle.

The wildlife-rich waters of Lake Argyle, near Kununurra, is the biggest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere. Created by the Ord River Dam, it's classified as an inland sea and at its peak in the green season Lake Argyle holds a staggering 32 million cubic metres of water. That's more than 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour

Approximate Distance:  515 km | 320 miles    Total Driving Time:  5 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Lake Argyle - 3 Nights 

Lake Argyle Cruise

The best (and only) way to experience the full length of Lake Argyle is on a cruise. From the rugged northern end to the vast expanses of the southern reaches and 120km in between, this is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience the heart and soul of this beautiful lake!

The bird is the word in the lake’s Southern wetlands, being home to a myriad of birdlife that sometimes numbers into the tens of thousands! Take a gander through the binoculars for an up-close look at the many different species of birds and other wildlife including wallabies and crocodiles.

Stop on a remote island to fossick for the intriguing Zebra Rock. Unique to Lake Argyle, this rock is alluring with its perfect stripes and spots that can appear to be painted on. We’ll cruise past the submerged site of ‘Argyle Downs’, the Durack Family’s Homestead, while listening to stories about the pioneering families and how they began the pastoral industry in the Eastern Kimberley.

Includes:  Complimentary lunch, afternoon tea and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Bungle Bungle, Lake Argyle and Ord River Scenic Flight

Scenic Flight over the beautiful Bungle Bungle Range 

Take off in our fixed wing aircraft for an amazing two-hour air adventure to see the famous Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle and the Ord River Irrigation Area.  The beehive like orange and black striped sandstone domes of the Bungle Bungle Range are one of the Kimberley’s favourite attractions

This is an unforgettable adventure over the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and Ord River Irrigation Area. Your aircraft is an air-conditioned, high wing, beautifully presented aeroplane offering comfort, safety and spectacular viewing opportunities.

This award winning scenic flight from Kununurra to the Purnululu National Park is an exhilarating adventure taking in the Kimberley's best scenic views.

Drive to Halls Creek

Halls Creek is a busy service town for surrounding pastoralists, Aboriginal communities and travellers exploring northern Western Australia. Situated in the heart of the Kimberley, Halls Creek is the gateway to a range of world-renowned natural attractions, including the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle ranges of Purnululu National Park. Halls Creek offers a genuine insight into the spectacular Australian outback. Covering some 142,908 square kilometres of predominantly desert and pastoral country, Halls Creek has something for everyone, from wide-open spaces and magnificent natural attractions.

Approximate Distance:  430 km | 267 miles    Total Driving Time:  4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Halls Creek - 1 Night 

Fitzroy Crossing & Geikie Gorge National Park

Fitzroy Crossing is one of only two "towns" along the over 1000 km stretch of highway between Broome and Kununurra.  Today Fitzroy Crossing is a welcoming, pleasant little township with a mostly Aboriginal population.

For a taste of Aboriginal culture and stunning outback scenery, visit Geikie Gorge near the town of Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The floodwaters of the Fitzroy River have carved out the ancient 30 metre deep gorge through Geikie Range. Here you can see layers of fossils and an ancient reef, which show glimpses of life before reptiles or mammals evolved. The traditional owners, the Bunaba, call the gorge Darngku. You can hear Aboriginal Dreamtime stories of how the gorge was created on a special boat tour. You'll also see the steep 30-metre high rock walls, dazzling reflections in the water, freshwater crocodiles, fish and freshwater stingrays.

Approximate Distance:  290 km | 180 miles    Total Driving Time:  3 Hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Fitzroy Crossing  - 1 Night

Travel to Broome

Once a sleepy outback pearling town, Broome has long been renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and unique character. This pearl in the heart of the North West is a gateway to the West Kimberley with all of its adventures, but offers plenty of reasons to stay for a relaxing getaway or romantic break, a family holiday or a fishing adventure.

The town is surrounded by the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, with the white sandy stretch of Cable Beach contrasting with the red rocks of Gantheaume Point and the dusky sands of Roebuck Bay.

Approximate Distance:  400 km | 249 miles    Total Driving Time:  4 Hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Broome  - 2 Nights

Horizontal Falls Scenic Flight

The Broome to Horizontal Falls half-day tour lets you experience the incredible Horizontal Falls and the pristine beauty of the Kimberley.

Enjoy a flight over spectacular coastlines, striking rugged landscapes and colourful characters. You will see horizontal waterfalls, giant tides, cliffs that glow red. You will land at remote Cape Leveque and enjoy a relaxed breakfast or lunch at Raugi's open air restaurant at Kooljaman. Swim in the cool, sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean before you return by plane with more coastal views

Port Hedland: Staircase To The Moon

Get set to head to Western Australia’s famous Pilbara region, known for its rich cultural landscape, red earth, and vast mineral deposits. Port Hedland is a hub for major resource activity and is a powerhouse of the Australian economy.

If the dates are right you may witness the Staircase to the Moon.

This natural phenomenon is caused by the rising of a full moon reflecting on the exposed mudflats at extremely low tide - creating a beautiful optical illusion of a staircase reaching up to the moon (check for dates).

Accommodation: Port Hedland - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 610 km | 379 miles    Total Driving Time:  6 hours 30 mins

Drive to Karratha

Taking its name from the local Indigenous word meaning 'good country', Karratha is the youngest and fastest-growing town in the Pilbara. It is situated right in the heart of the Central Pilbara Coast. Karratha was established in 1960s due to the tremendous growth of the iron ore industry.

Today, it is a busy, modern and well-serviced town and a great base for exploring Millstream Chichester National Park, Karijini National Park and the 42 islands of the Dampier Archipelago. Walk the Jaburara Heritage Trail and discover Indigenous rock engravings and artefacts. Head for Hearson's Cove for a swim and catch the 'Stairway to the Moon' from May to October. Or take a picnic or swim at Miaree Pool.

Accommodation:   Karratha - 1 Night

Approximate Distance:  240 km | 149 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Drive to to Exmouth

Exmouth is the perfect base to explore the grandiose landscapes of the Cape Range National Park and the northern reaches of the Ningaloo Marine Park. Visitors flock here from around the world to swim with whale sharks and humpback whales.

Exmouth is also the gateway to the rugged Cape Range National Park, which features breathtaking canyons, limestone ranges, and 50 kilometres of unspoiled coastline.

Approximate Distance:  550 km | 342 miles    Total Driving Time:  6 hours 

Accommodation: Exmouth - 2 Nights

Marine Adventures in Exmouth

Sit back for a joyride as we travel to our snorkel site around the Ningaloo area. We get to snorkel with gorgeous colourful fish, corals, with opportune sightings of Dugongs, Turtles & much more! Then we venture out to look for mantas from the deck of one of our big stable boats. Get ready for an added bonus of humpback whale watching in whale season. Equipment, and full lunch drinks and snacks are provided along with our professional in-water guides for extra safety.

Coral Bay is a marine paradise and one of Western Australia's premier family holiday destinations. Named Coral Bay due to the beautiful coral gardens which lie just metres from the pristine white sandy beach. Enjoy the Coral Bay Walk Way which is a stunning beach walk fringing the coastline along Ningaloo Reef. As a result of the reef's proximity to the shore, you have a unique opportunity to witness dolphins, manta rays and a large variety of fish swimming through the crystal clear waters from a number of vantage points along the shore.

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles    Total Driving Time: 1 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Coral Bay - 2 Nights

Ningaloo Marine Interactions

Your day will include snorkelling amongst beautiful coral gardens and the chance of observing other wildlife including turtles, dolphins, sharks, dugong, humpback whales (seasonal) and more!

We pride ourselves on delivering you a memorable and informative day on the Ningaloo Reef, gaining a greater respect of all things Manta Ray with minimal impact on this fragile, pristine environment. We offer you the chance to participate in research and give you the opportunity to name any newly discovered Manta Rays!

Travel to Carnarvon

Welcome to the food bowl of Western Australia. Famous for its banana plantations, Carnarvon on Australia's Coral Coast is the southern gateway to the world-famous Ningaloo Reef and provides the ideal base for exploring Mount Augustus and the Kennedy Ranges to the east and coastal stations to the north. A friendly community nestled at the mouth of the Gascoyne River, Carnarvon lies just over 900 kilometres north of Perth on the North West Coastal Highway. Skippers Aviation offers daily flights from Perth to Carnarvon. 

Accommodation: Carnavon - 1 Night

Approximate Distance:  240 km | 150 miles    Total Driving Time:  2 hours 30 mins

Travel to Monkey Mia

In the heart of Western Australia's Shark Bay is a place where you can experience the mystical world of wild dolphins. Monkey Mia is one of the world's premier natural dolphin sighting areas; a destination of magical encounters. Located at Dolphin Beach, famous for its kilometres of secluded crystal blue waters and pristine white-shell beaches, Monkey Mia has attracted schools of dolphins to its tranquil shores daily for more than forty years. This dolphin interaction is known to be one of the most reliable meeting places for dolphins in the world. Dolphins have visited everyday in the last five years excluding only four times. It is the only place in Australia where dolphins visit daily, not seasonally, and costs nothing. 

Accommodation: Monkey Mia - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance:  355 km | 221 miles    Total Driving Time:  3 hours 45 mins

Monkey Mia: Francois Peron National Park 4WD Tour

Join an unforgettable 4WD Adventure with a local Aboriginal guide and explore the amazing Francois Peron National Park.

Francois Peron National Park

Immerse yourself in nature and culture of this world-class park, where the red desert sands meet the Indian Ocean's beautiful turquoise waters. Visit fantastic lookouts like Skipjack Point, Point Peron, and many other scenic locations that provide breathtaking views across the beautiful bays.

Look for turtles, rays, sharks, dugongs, manta rays, birds, and much more. We also look for the amazing Thorny Devil Lizard, the elusive Echidna, Kangaroos, Snakes, and other rare and endangered wildlife.

Guests can even enjoy a refreshing snorkel and swim in one the many sheltered bays, if weather permits. Your tour finishes with a relaxing dip in the natural Hot Tub at the Peron Homestead.

Travel to Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri National Park is located 485 kilometres (301 mi) north of Perth. The major geographical features of the park include the Murchison River gorge which runs for nearly 80 kilometres on the lower reaches of the Murchison River. Spectacular coastal cliffs are located on the coast near the mouth of the Murchison River and the town of Kalbarri. Hike the rugged ranges and canoe past the rust-red rock gorges on the Murchison River which carved them. Between July and October, the landscape comes alive with the colours of 800 wildflower species. See banksias, grevilleas, kangaroo paws and red-blossomed eucalypts scattered across the landscape.

Approximate Distance: 400 km | 249 miles    Total Driving Time:  4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Kalbarri - 1 Night

Pink Lake - Geraldton

Heading south to Geraldton, stop off to see Hutt Lagoon and the Pink Lake.

Sometimes bright bubblegum pink, sometimes lilac, and occasionally even red, the waters of Hutt Lagoon can be an extraordinary sight on the drive between Port Gregory and Kalbarri.  Kalbarri National Park surrounds the lower reaches of the Murchison River, which has cut a magnificent 80 kilometre gorge through the red and white banded sandstone to create formations such as Nature’s Window and The Loop, Z-Bend and Hawks Head, with scenic gorge views at the Ross Graham Lookout and views of the town and river mouth at Meanarra Hill.

Continue on to Geraldton is the capital of Western Australia's Mid West and gateway to the magnificent Abrolhos Islands. Geraldton is perched near beautiful coastline to the west and rolling hills and breakaway ranges to the east. The Chapman and Greenough Rivers frame the city to the north and south. This superb positioning, combined with the friendly feel of a country town, makes for a truly memorable holiday experience. 

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles    Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Geraldton - 1 Night

Pinnacles Desert / Yanchep National Park

Pinnacles Desert

Head South this morning and prepare for a weird and wonderful sight. The sandy yellow  Pinnacles Desert  is filled with rocky spires as far as the eye can see. There are thousands of these strange limestone formations, like giant stony desert mushrooms.

Yanchep National Park

This afternoon heading further South along the West Australian coastline, stopping in Yanchep National Park  to enjoy a fascinating Aboriginal cultural experience. 

Approximate Distance:  420 km | 261 miles    Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Perth - 3 Nights

Ferry to and Bike Rottnest Island

Unlock your adventurous side by using pedal power to explore Rottnest Island at its best! With no cars allowed on Rottnest Island, cycling is the best way to explore.

Set off at your own pace and make your way around to all of the different bays, take a ride to Wadjemup Lighthouse, or race out to West End - the opportunities are endless!

Explore Australia's Sunniest City

With soft sandy beaches, epic skyscrapers, huge green parks, and a thriving street art scene, Perth is a fascinating town to explore. It's home to one of the biggest city parks in the world – Kings Park & Botanic Garden – right in the heart of town. It's even bigger than Central Park in New York! This is a great place to get your bearings with sweeping views of the Swan and Canning rivers.

Perth's urban villages and small bistros offer plenty of dining options.

Depart Perth

Say farewell to Perth today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 28 Day Darwin to Perth Self Drive vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

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• Yorkshire Three Peaks
• National Three Peaks
• Edale Skyline
• Nine Edges Challenge
• Lost Earth Adventures

• Travelling the West Coast of Australia in a Car: Perth to Darwin Drive Itinerary

After completing 88 days of farm work to secure a second-year visa, we had to put it to good use. We stayed on Australia’s east coast for the duration of our first-year visa and decided to explore the west coast with the second-year visa. We lived and worked in Perth for 9 months to fund a road trip from Perth to Cairns and a trip across South East Asia.

We lived in the car during our east coast road trip and planned to do the same on the west coast. There are plenty of Wikicamps along the west coast. We decided to upgrade our accommodation on wheels to a proper bed, rather than just throwing a mattress in the back as we did previously. A couple of hours graft and $70 at Bunnings Warehouse and our Nissan Pathfinder had an official bedroom.

National Parks Pass

Visiting National Parks in Western Australia isn’t free and it is typically $13 per vehicle per day. We planned to visit a number of National Parks  and purchased a WA Holiday Pass . The Holiday Pass costs $46 per vehicle and grants you free entry to every WA National Park for 4 weeks. It’s definitely worth buying; we visited smaller National Parks that we wouldn’t have bothered to pay $13 for and we never had to worry about having a spare $13 in change when visiting the parks. The Holiday Pass paid for itself in the first week.

A quick side note about mobile phone signal in Western Australia: Vodafone is terrible. Vodafone was great on the east coast and was fine in Perth, but as soon as we started the road trip, signal was non existent. We had to switch to Telstra in Broome. We bought a SatNav for the trip, which was definitely needed as we could not rely on Google Maps with poor mobile reception.

We were driving to Cairns to sell the car. We purchased the car in Queensland and had to sell it in Queensland. The road trip was split into three sections

• Perth to Broome
• Broome to Darwin
• Darwin to Cairns

Best time for a Western Australian Road Trip

We timed our trip for the Aussie winter. We knew that Northern Territory regularly hits 40+ degrees in the summer. We didn’t want to live out of a car in the extreme heat and was conscious of extreme sunburn since we would be outdoors for the majority of the trip. I am glad we completed the trip in winter – we left Perth on 1st June. The temperature was 20 degrees plus for the majority of our trip. Summer is also Australia’s wet season with the risk of extreme rainfall and roads flooding. A downside of completing the trip in winter was the early nights. The sun set at 6.00pm and we often ate dinner in the dark. Early morning and early nights was the only answer.

Driving from Perth to Broome

First stop: yanchep national park – 50km from perth.

Yanchep was our first stop. It is only 50km outside of Perth but it was a worthwhile pitstop before heading to Nambung National Park.

The Koala Boardwalk is the only sanctuary of koalas in Western Australia. Koalas are not native to Western Australia and Yanchep is a great place to see them if you haven’t yet seen a koala in Australia. There is a boardwalk through eucalyptus trees that takes you close to the koalas. It is a small sanctuary and the boardwalk won’t take up much of your time. There is a small walk around a lake in Yanchep and there are plenty of friendly kangaroos. There are larger walks in Yanchep National Park but an hour was enough for us.

The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park) – 170km from Yanchep

The Pinnacles are in Nambung National Park. Although they are just rocks sticking out of the ground, it was nice to walk around them for 30 minutes.

You can drive around the pinnacles in a 4km loop or wander round them on foot. They are very crowded near the entrance but a 10-minute walk will take you away from the crowds to secluded areas and have some pinnacles to yourself.

Geraldton – 240km from Nambung

We didn’t stop in Geraldton for long. A quick pitstop to refuel. We were too excited for Coral Bay and Exmouth to hang around.

Pink Lake (Port Gregory) – 100km from Geraldton

Unfortunately the Pink Lake did not live up to its name. Brown Lake would have been more fitting. We had seen some amazing photographs online and was expecting much more colour in the lake. We had arrived early morning at Pink Lake, which is a good time to avoid the crowds but not a great time to see the colour. Pink Lake is on route to Kalbarri so it is worth having a look as you drive by.

Kalbarri – 65km from Pink Lake

Kalbarri is amazing. For me this is where the road trip really started. If you don’t have much time, just complete the 9km loop walk. It was the highlight of Kalbarri. There are sections of Kalbarri that you need to pay for and some sections are free.

Natures window

Scrambling across the cliffs in Kalbarri

Cliff top walking through Kalbarri

The Bigurda Trail is a coastal walk from the Natural Bridge to Eagle Gorge. We walked a small section of the Bigurda Trail, but a 16km return walk with limited views didn’t seem worth the effort. We saw a pod of 9 dolphins but didn’t see any whales. We drove to The Loop Trail and stopped off at Eagle Gorge. It was a nice view but it certainly wouldn’t have justified a 16km hike from Bigurda Trail. Ross Lookout is also free and is on the way from Kalbarri to Shark Bay.

You have to pay for the good stuff in Kalbarri (or it’s free with your Holiday Pass). After paying your entry fee, the straight road reaches a T junction; it’s one way for The Loop and the other to the Z Bend. We completed The Loop and unfortunatley ran out of time and never had chance to complete the Z Bend. The Loop is a 9km walk with the iconic Natures Window at the very start of the walk. The walk has a lot of variety including cliff-top walks and views, small sections of scrambling and gentler walks by the river. You will see plenty of kangaroos too.

Shark Bay and Monkey Mia – 250km from Kalbarri

Hamelin pool and the stromatolites.

You will pass Hamelin Pool and the stromatolites when driving to Shark Bay. The stromatolites are one of the oldest living creatures on Earth and a short boardwalk provides plenty of information about the stromatolites and a chance to view them up close.

Denham Information Centre is the place to book your campsite. There are no free campsites in Shark Bay. We stayed at Eagle Bluff for $15. The campsite was spacious and secluded and we had access to a private beach. There are no facilities but it was a great campsite. The Eagle Bluff boardwalk is a cliff-edge walk with a lagoon below. The lagoon often has sharks and rays but unfortunately we didn’t see any on our visit. Denham is a small and scenic place but there is not much to do.

The Dolphin Experience at Monkey Mia is a must do. It costs $12 per person and the wild dolphins interact with Monkey Mia’s staff and volunteers. You have the opportunity to wade into the sea and hand feed the dolphins a fish. The staff feed the dolphins a small percentage of their diet to ensure the dolphins still hunt and teach the baby dolphins to hunt too. Once the experience is over, you can stay around Monkey Mia and spot the dolphins swimming around and hunting fish.

There is a swim exclusion zone to stop people interacting with the dolphins. You can swim in other areas, where there may be dolphins present too, but the main exhibition area is a swim-free zone.

If it wasn’t so cold and windy I would have definitely hired a sea kayak in Monkey Mia and spent the day watching the dolphins.

Carnarvon – 220km from Shark Bay

The jetty was closed due to storm damage and a bunch of kids set a fire under the bridge we went for a walk along. We stocked up supplies at Woolworths and left.

Coral Bay – 240km from Carnarvon

Coral Bay is a lot smaller than I expected, but it packs a punch for its size. The best part of Coral Bay is how you can swim from the beach to the Ningaloo Reef. I’d estimate the reef is 80 metres away from the beach. A quick swim and you are surrounded by coral, colourful fish and other marine life.

The recommended snorkel spot is to start at the 5 knot sign and drift back to the main beach. You can collect a map from the campsite which shows you were the 5 knot sign is. It’s all good snorkelling, though, and hard to go wrong. It was such a difference from the Great Barrier Reef, which required at least an hours boat ride to reach the reef.

We initially booked a Manta Ray Tour with Eco Tours but due to low numbers they transferred us to Ningaloo Reef Dive & Snorkel. The full day was amazing. It was action packed and we snorkelled at key points, snorkelled with manta rays, had lunch, another snorkel and finally humpback whale watching. On the snorkel stops we saw plenty of turtles.

They took us to a shark cleaning station where reef sharks rest and small fish nibble the bacteria and parasites from the shark’s teeth. We swam near four reef sharks. The sharks are harmless and actually swim away from you.

I highly recommend the manta ray tour. We swam with four huge manta rays. The only downside of the tour was photographs weren’t included and were quite expensive – hence my amateur photography shown here.

Cape Range National Park – 200km from Coral Bay

We drove through Exmouth, booked our whale shark tour, and headed for the Cape Range National Park. You can only get to the Cape Range National Park by driving through Exmouth.

The Cape Range National Park has all kinds of wildlife. There are plenty of kangaroos, emus and dingoes roaming around.

The kangaroos here are notorious for jumping out in the road and we saw a few roadkills that were fresh. There are a number of hikes in the Cape Range National Park but the highlight was the snorkelling spots. Turquoise Bay was my favourite as a light current drifts you through the Ningaloo Reef.

Stop at the Exmouth Information Centre to collect a map of the Cape Range National Park. You can also use the Information Centre’s wifi to book accommodation in the Cape Range National Park. It is half the price of staying in Exmouth but spaces book up fast.

We stayed one night in the Cape Range National Park as the following night was fully booked. We completed the hike at Yardie Creek. It’s a small but scenic hike and has lots of rock wallabies around.

Exmouth – 40km from Cape Range National Park

Exmouth is all about the whale sharks. In all honesty I would skip Exmouth unless you plan on doing a whale shark tour. The beach is terrible, the sea is unappealing and there’s not much to do. It has some history from World War 2 and American’s populating the area in the 1940s, but for its size, things to do are limited.

The whale shark tour is amazing. Expensive, but amazing. We swam with 5 different whale sharks. The whale sharks are huge. They are chilled out and are unfazed by snorkellers. We booked with Kings as they were right outside of our accommodation in Exmouth. If you stay at Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort, you receive a 10% discount at Kings when you present your proof of stay when booking the whale shark tour. We didn’t know this until after  we’d booked our Kings tour and missed out on saving $90.

During the whale shark tour you venture outside of the Ningaloo Reef, but also spend time snorkelling on the reef and going to key locations with snorkelling guides in the water. We saw a lot of turtles, rays and lion mane jelly fish.

The whale shark day trip was one of the highlights of the Western Australia trip and I would certainly do it again. It is expensive but worth the money.

Tom Price – 550km from Exmouth

It is a big drive from Exmouth to Karijini and Tom Price is a good place to stop for supplies and fuel.

Karijini – 100km from Tom Price

Karijini has two places to stay: Dales Campground and Karijini Eco Retreat. As you can tell from the names, Dales Campground is the cheapest of the two. You book campsites at the Karijini Visitor Centre. They also provide you with detailed maps of the Karijini National Park with further information about each gorge. There are showers at the the Karijini Visitor’s Centre ($4 pp) and 15 minutes of free wifi each day.

From Dales Campground you can walk to Fortescue Pools and Circular Pools. We completed the walk in the morning and drove to Kalamina Gorge in the afternoon. Kalamina Gorge was worth the drive and is an amazing walk through the gorge.

The following day we visited Kermit’s Pool, Hand Rail Pool and Joffery Gorge. We missed out Hamersley Gorge as it is out of the way and we were consious of fuel. The gorges are amazing and combine short hikes, scrambles and swims. You can jump off the gorges into the water below or relax around the waterfalls.

Handrail Pool

Spider walk

The roads through Karijini are signed as 4WD only. Although our car was a 4WD, I never switched from 2WD throughout the whole time in Karijini. You need to let your tyres down in Karijini as the roads are corrugated and you will bounce around. I let my tyres down to 20-25psi. You can inflate your tyres at Auski Tourist Village (Munjina Roadhouse) when leaving Karijini.

We spotted a snake hiding in the rocks on one of the walks. I had no idea if it was friend or foe and left it to hide in its hole.

We visited Karijini in June and the weather was 20-25 degrees during the day and quite cold on the night time. It was perfect weather and temperature, but the sun set early and we were in darkness by 6.00pm.

Broome is an 11-hour drive from Karijini. 

Port Headland – 320km from Karijini

Port Headland is another fuel stop and a chance to replenish your supplies after Karijini.

Broome – 600km from Port Headland

Broome is a nice little town. Be aware that the campsites are expensive compared to other areas in Western Australia and there are no WikiCamps. We paid $90 for two nights. Cable beach is a great beach and was very calm during our stay. Lots of opportunity for swimming, kayaking or stand up paddle boards.

The dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point are worth a visit. Broome had a high population of dinosaurs and footprints have been preserved in the rocks. You have to go at low tide and there are no signs pinpointing the footprints; you have to find them among the rocks.

There is an evening market on every Thursday with live music, food stalls and the usual market stalls. We were lucky and timed our arrival in Broom to witness the stairway to the moon.

Broom to Darwin – via Gibb River Road

There are two routes from Broom to Darwin: One is a standard highway and the other is the Gibb River Road; A 660 km 4×4 track filled with gorges, hikes, river crossings and fresh water crocodiles. We chose the Gibb River Road.

We heard and read many scary stories about the Gibb River Road, mainly people breaking down, puncturing many tyres, expensive rescues, terrible road conditions and not seeing another vehicle for days. It’s even recommended to take 2 spare tyres with you…

Our experience was smooth. Not a single problem on the whole 660 km road. We only took the one standard spare tyre and a puncture repair kit, both of which were never needed. We passed hundreds of people each day and even saw signs for a couple of tyre repair shops. Granted, it was Winter and the school holidays, but even so, there were so many other people driving the Gibb River Road.

We didn’t go unprepared though and took the following precautions:

• Checked the spare tyre’s condition and did a practice change
• Bought a puncture repair kit, foot pump and tyre pressure gauge
• Had 40 litres of water for a 5-day trip
• Had enough food to survive an apocalypse
• Never drove at night

Luckily I didn’t need any of the repair gear. I let the tyres down to 25 psi for the start of the journey and had to lower it to 20 psi when the road condition worsened. We took the drive steady rather than risk a puncture. The car and you bounce around a lot on the road – I hit my head on the roof of the car on a couple of occasions.

We spent 3 days on the Gibb River Road. You could spend longer but we tend to rush rather than taking it slow. Our 2000 Nissan Pathfinder survived the Gibb River Road and I only used the 4WD option when we crossed the creeks.

Derby – 220km from Broome

Derby is the final stop for fuel and a supermarket before tackling the Gibb River Road.

The distances look short on the Gibb River Road but allow plenty of time for driving. Your speed will vary a lot depending on the road conditions. Sometime we were driving at 80 kph and others 30 kph. Ignore Google Maps timings – it greatly overestimated how long it would take.

Windjana Gorge National Park – 145km from Derby

Windjana Gorge was the first place we saw crocodiles in the wild. The walk through Windjana Gorge is jam packed with fresh water crocodiles. The crocodiles mind their own business and leave you alone. I wouldn’t have gone swimming in the water, or walked along the bank near murky water, but it was an amazing experience hiking near so many crocodiles. Salt water crocodiles tend not to visit Windjana Gorge but it’s best to be cautious.

Tunnel Creek – 35km from Windjana Gorge

I foolishly missed Tunnel Creek. I thought it was on the way to Bell Gorge and didn’t check the map. It was too late to turn back once I realised my mistake. Apparently  Tunnel Creek is amazing and bats are in the tunnel you walk through – make sure you have a good torch with you.

Bell Gorge – 180km from Tunnel Creek

Bell Gorge is amazing. You can swim, sun bathe, admire the waterfalls, jump off rocks or a combination them all. Bell Gorge is the most popular gorge along the Gibb River Road and I can see why. We spent a couple of hours at the gorge before continuing along the Gibb River Road.

Good jumping spots at Bell Gorge

Mount Barnett Road House – 115km from Bell Gorge

Mount Barnett Road House is the half way point and the required fuel stop. It is just before Manning Gorge

Manning Gorge – 10km from Mount Barnett Road House

Manning Gorge competes with Bell Gorge for it’s waterfalls and activities. The best rock jumping is at Manning Gorge as there are multiple levels depending on how high you want to jump. It is a long walk to Manning Gorge and it starts with a little pull boat.

Watch our for fresh water crocodiles in this area. A few were spotted during our visit.

Once you have pulled yourself across the water, it is a long hike to Manning Gorge. It took us approximately an hour to reach Manning Gorge and the long hike makes the water feel so much better.

The Pentecost River Crossing – 290km from Manning Gorge

Credit:  Bäras

The Pentecost River crossing was the only crossing I was unsure about. It was long, flowing and I had no idea about depth. You can’t go test the depth due to saltwater crocodiles. I pulled over and waited for someone to cross first. I waited for about 5 minutes and someone pulled up next to our car and asked if we were ok. I told him we were unsure about crossing and wanted someone else to go first. He gave me a massive grin, a thumbs up and ploughed straight through the water. I let him reach the other side, tripled checked I was in four-wheel drive and revved hard until I reached the other side.

El Questro Station – 40km from The Pentecost River Crossing

It’s a long drive to El Questro Station. We probably didn’t make the most of El Questro Wilderness Park but we were conscious of fuel and warnings about high-clearance 4×4 tracks and deep river crossings. We still needed our Nissan Pathfinder to make it to Cairns and didn’t want to break down in the Kimberleys or float down a creek.

Zebedee Springs are definitely worth a visit and only a short walk from the car park. There are a collection of small rock pools for you to lounge and relax in. The water is naturally heated and comfortable sits at a warm temperature. The pools are often busy and are closed in the afternoon, so it’s best to arrive early.

Emma Gorge has a good hike with a swimming hole and waterfall at the end.  It is expensive to complete: even with your WA Holiday Pass it is an extra $10 per person.

Kununurra – 100km from El Questro Station

Kununurra is back to civilisation and time to stock up on supplies and inflate your tyres back to their normal pressure.

Lake Argyle – 70km from Kununurra

Lake Argyle Campsite was the perfect stay after the Gibb River Road. It had great showers, a good pub, live music and a chilled out atmosphere. It was a welcomed rest with great views and a small swimming pool above the lake.

After Lake Argyle it’s a short drive to the Western Australia and Northern Territory border. Don’t forget to change your clocks 1 hour and 30 minutes ahead.

Nitmiluk National Park – 570km from Lake Argyle

Starting at the Nitmiluk National Park Visitor Centre there are a number of hikes, ranging from 2km to 40km, with swimming holes and gorges and views that overlook the Katherine River. The hikes range in difficulty and a map can be found at the Visitor Centre.

Litchfield National Park – 250km from Nitmiluk National Park

There are so many National Parks in NT and Litchfield is another great place for waterfalls and swimming holes.

There are a number of small walks in Litchfield that spruce up the visit to the watering holes, rather than taking the direct route from the car park. You can walk along the creeks and through the woods to reach each swimming spot. Florence Falls and Wangi Falls are popular spots in Litchfield.

Next stop: Darwin – 140km from Litchfield National Park

That’s the end of the road trip. There are other things to do along the drive and you can take the trip as slow or as long as you like . We completed the trip in 4 weeks but we tend to rush rather than taking things slow.

We stayed a short time in Darwin and beelined for Cairns to sell the car. The two-year Australian dream had come to an end and it was time to sell the car in Queensland before catching a flight out of Australia.

We booked the car for its Road Worthy Certificate and while the mechanics were doing their thing, we plastered every hostel in Cairns with a for sale poster and placed adverts on Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. It wasn’t until the next day that we discovered that is was going to cost $2600 to pass it’s Road Worthy Certificate…

It was a big blow, as we expected to sell the car for $2500-$3000 dollars before departing Australia. We had to take it on the chin and we sold the car for scrap for $150. The car saw us through 40,000 km and we drove the whole circumference of Australia so it has hard to be too disappointed.

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AUSTRALIA , Oceania

The ultimate west coast australia road trip.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the West Coast of Australia is my FAVOURITE part of the country to road trip and that’s a fact!

There’s just something about the grandeur of it all, the vastness, the emptiness, the enormity… and the lack of people that immediately grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let it go!

No surprise then that when I finally clambered out of the Landrover and decided to stay put for a few months it was on Australia’s west coast too!

So after spending almost a year living, working, travelling and exploring this state, here’s my full rundown of the ULTIMATE West Coast Australia road trip to end all road trips!

FYI: I’ve split this post into 5 sections – each taking in a different part of the state:

Week 1: Kununurra to Broome

Week 2 & 3: broome to perth, week 4: the south west.

Week 5: Albany, Esperance and Wave Rock

This way you can easily mix and match your itinerary, so just jump to the relevant section and start your planning now!

Related Posts

• Perfect Perth to Broome Road Trip Itinerary
• Ultimate Darwin to Broome Road Trip Itinerary
• Ideal Itinerary for Driving Australia’s South West

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Day 1: Lake Argyle

Begin your West Coast Australia road trip in the northern frontier of the state – Lake Argyle.

Quite the engineering feat, this flooded valley, which hugely helped to aid agriculture in the area, is seriously impressive and stretches for miles.

Grab your snaps and then head back to set up camp and chill at the Lake Argyle Resort & Caravan Park .

This award-winning caravan park (and its infinity pool) is awesome!

Day 2: Kununurra

From Lake Argyle, your first stop should really be the town of Kununurra!

There’s loads to do around this cute little hamlet and you could easily keep extending your stay for a number of days.

For some ideas about what to do, check out my post about the best free things to do in Kununurra … oh and another tip, make sure you stay at the Discovery Parks – Lake Kununurra , the sunsets and sunrises here are to die for!

From Kununurra the road splits, giving you 2 options for your West Coast Australia road trip! For those with 4WD, why not attempt the famous Gibb River Road? For those who want to take the 2wd Great Northern Highway option, there’s plenty along here to see as well. And for those who want the best of both worlds (like I did) pick and choose between the 2!

2wd Route Day 3-4-5: Great Northern Highway

From Kununurra, head north towards El Questro and spend 2 nights there, exploring the amazing Zebedee Hot Springs, Emma Gorge and more.

Take a side trip to Wyndham to see the Fiver Rivers Lookout before heading onto to take a hike and a dip at Bells Gorge and then spending the night near here.

4wd Route Day 3-4-5: Gibb River Road

From Kununurra, make your way into Purnululu National Park .

Absolutely spellbinding, you’ll need 2 nights here to really appreciate the spectacle of the giant beehive-like rock formations and the park’s other attractions including Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm.

Do beware the ride into the park is ROUGH however and a 4wd is essential… it will also take you ages!

If you want to cheat, and splurge, then why not consider a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Range!

After this, make your way west stopping 1 night at Fitzroy Crossing on the way – we thought it much nicer than Halls Creek and there was a good visitor centre there.

Next, pop into Tunnel Creek on your way to see…

Day 6: Windjana Gorge

Both the Gibb River Road and the Great Northern Highway essentially join at Windjana Gorge, so this is a stop worth making regardless of the West Coast Australia road trip route you take.

Be sure to walk into the gorge and don’t miss the daily croc display!

You can camp here and there are showers as well – hoorah!

Day 7: Derby

The final stop before Broome, Derby is an interesting little town worth exploring.

The main attractions include the highest tides in Australia, which can viewed from the Wharf, and the Boab Prison Tree believed to be about 1500 years old.

Stop here and spend the night, or glimpse it in an afternoon before motoring on to Broome.

Day 1-3: Broome

Prepare for some intakes of breath as Broome’s spectacular landscape has you running for your camera!

Yes this town situated at the top of Western Australia is no less stunning than you would expect, and an absolute must on your West Coast Australia road trip.

Everybody loves Broome and it’s easy to see why with Cable Beach Sunsets, Gantheaume Point views and a rich cultural heritage evident throughout the town.

Check out my favourite free things to do in Broome , as well as my guide to the best Broome Caravan Parks and allow yourself at least 3 days to explore all this magnificent destination has to offer.

Otherwise, if you fancy a splurge, this helicopter flight and Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour could be just the ticket!

Day 4: Eighty Mile Beach

Eighty Mile Beach is certainly worth a stop as you begin your journey south.

The colours of the coast here, as they spread before you, are unbelievable and the brilliant Eighty Mile Beach caravan park sits right on top of them.

Day 5: Port Hedland

Not the most picturesque of places, it has to be said, the mining town of Port Hedland is, however, a great overnight stop if you want to grab a decent coffee and replenish supplies.

It’s also a good place to spend the night before you head to Karijini National Park.

I highly recommend the Discovery Park – Port Hedland caravan park in town, which is situated right above the gorgeous beach of Pretty Pool that has stellar sunset views.

In town itself, there’s loads of FREE things to see (check out my full list here ), including the snow mountain – Rio Tinto’s massive huge salt piles – the never-ending iron ore trains or the insanely huge ship-loading facility.

Day 6-7: Karijini National Park

20 billion years in the making, the ancient wilderness of Karijini National Park is definitely worth a 2 night stopover on your West Coast Australia road trip.

Set in the remote Pilbara region, Karijini showcases some stunning landscapes with incredible gorges, waterfalls, swimming holes and lookouts you can explore on foot and by vehicle.

Accessible even by 2wd vehicles, there is basic national park camping available, or upgrade and enjoy a spot of glamping at the Karijini EcoRetreat .

The Spider Walk is the most epic attraction for the intrepid explorers among you and it’s hard to beat Fortescue Falls for a delightful dip.

The park is split into 2 sections and both are worth exploring, so do give yourself plenty of time.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Karijni National Park

Day 8-9: Ningaloo Reef

Today’s the day to head to the amazing Ningaloo Reef.

Choose to either base yourself at Exmouth – the main town in the region and best for diving – or at Coral Bay – a much smaller settlement great for snorkelling with Mantra Rays.

Get here and book your excursion for the next day – after all, you can’t come to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site and not get out on the water to explore it.

For those choosing Coral Bay as a stop, you can also hit the beach to check out the shark nursery.

There’s 3 caravan parks in town, but I think Bayview was the best.

For those, selecting Exmouth, spend the night at Potshot Hotel Resort where you can camp, grab a dorm bed for the night, or splash out on an apartment.

Then head to the Vlamignh Head Lighthouse near Exmouth for stunning views over the reef, especially at sunset.

If you have time, then you definitely want to check out Cape Range National Park too.

This stunning reserve protects both the reef and an on land area, where emus, echidnas and roos roam freely. Highlights include Yardie Creek and Turquoise Bay – the colours of which really have to be seen to be believed!

You can camp cheaply in Cape National Range National Park too.

Day 10: Carnarvon

Next on your West Coast Australia road trip, it’s time to head onto the country town of Carnarvon – the fresh produce capital of Western Australia.

Here, the One Mile Jetty, the Fascine and the Heritage Precinct Museums are all worth exploring (free to enter or by gold coin donation).

Drive Carnarvon’s fruit loop, stopping at farm shops to buy some delicious local produce, before heading out to see the amazing Blowholes at Quobba Point!

Then either camp cheaply out here or head back into town and stay at the awesome Wintersun Caravan Park .

READ MORE: 10 Best Things to Do in Carnarvon, WA

Day 11: Shark Bay

Continue south from Carnarvon to the UNESCO World Heritage Area of Shark Bay.

This is really where the Outback meets the ocean, so be prepared for some gorgeous views of red dirt hitting white sand and the turquoise Indian Ocean beyond.

There’s tons of incredible free things to do in Shark Bay – from Stromatolite boardwalks to dugong spotting and even soaking in an artesian water hot tub.

Most of these are situated along the World Heritage Drive, which takes you up the Peninsula to the main town of Denham – a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch on the foreshore.

Then continue onto Monkey Mia and camp at the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin resort .

Day 12: Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri National Park is another definite highlight on your West Coast Australia Road Trip.

From stunning gorges to sensational lookouts, don’t forget the camera when it comes to exploring one of Australia’s best national parks .

Highlights include Nature’s Window and the Z-Bend.

There’s no camping within Kalbarri National Park, so return to the nearby town to spend the night at the YHA Backpackers, stopping at the Meanarra Hill Lookout on the way.

Finish with a delightful swim at one of Geraldton’s great beaches or watch the windsurfers and kitesurfers ripping it up at Point Moore and Coronation Beach.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Kalbarri National Park TOP TIP: Buy a WA Parks Pass before your road trip and save on a ton on National Park entrance fees.

Day 13: Geraldton

From Kalbarri, motor on to Port Gregory to check out the Hutt Lagoon, otherwise known as the Pink Lake.

This bubblegum-coloured body of water really has to be seen to be believed and will give you some of the best photos of your West Coast Australia road trip!

Then it’s time to drive onto Geraldton.

I loved this cute little town, which has some super quirky cafes (Quiet Life was my favourite), great street art, historic buildings and a lovely Esplanade to explore.

There’s also the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and the brilliant Museum of Geraldton (both free to enter) which are definitely worth checking out.

Treat yourself to a night at Ocean West Apartments (still affordable, but nice if you want to have a proper bed, kitchen and a swim in the pool) or camp very cheaply at Ellendale Pool.

LEARN MORE: 10 Reasons I Fell in Love with Geraldton

Day 14: Perth

Leaving Geraldton, it’s all about the Indian Drive, which takes you south towards Jurien Bay, snapping the awesome Leaning Trees at Greenough as you go.

During the months of July to October, there are spectacular wildflowers to be found here too, so head to Lesueur National Park to see the best displays.

Otherwise, make a beeline for Nambung National Park, otherwise known as The Pinnacles.

These crazy looking desert towers make for an awesome excursion and are best captured at sunset, when the colours of the golden sand really spring to life.

Then head onto Perth to complete another section of your West Coast Australia road trip!

READ MORE: 10 Day Trips From Perth You Can’t Miss

Day 1-3: Fremantle

Have an easy day’s travel from Perth on the first day by just hopping, skipping and jumping across the river to the historic port city of Fremantle – a former industrial hub, now progressive, hipster, artistic mecca!

From cafes to vintage shops, markets to heritage buildings, there’s tons you can fill a day or 3 with here!

Why not check out the Fremantle Prison, the WA Maritime Museum or Little Creatures Brewery for a start.

Or else pop over to Rottnest Island to rent a bike for the day and meet the Quokkas!

Find out why I think this day trip is well worth the splurge here .

Ferries with Rottnest Express leave from right near the centre of Fremantle and take only 45 minutes to cross.

Either way, end your day in Fremantle at the wonderful Old Fire Station Backpacker Hostel – it’s like a home away from home that puts a funky spin on a beautiful heritage building in the true Freo way.

READ MORE: 18 Hidden Things to do in Fremantle the Locals Love

Day 4: Busselton

After Freo (as the locals love to call it!) stop in at Dunsborough, a cute little coastal town where you can grab a great coffee and breakfast to set you up for the day.

The head onto Busselton to snap and stroll the incredibly picturesque 148 year old jetty – I think it has to be one of the prettiest in the whole of Australia.

This gorgeous seaside resort also boasts lots of lovely cafes and its safe swimming beach, set within Geographe Bay, is the perfect place to unwind.

Check out the RAC Busselton Holiday Park for a great value option accommodation options here.

Day 5-6: Margaret River

After Busselton, the forested beauty starts as you make your way towards Margaret River.

The beach at Prevelly is a gorgeous spot to relax, as is Gracetown, Sugarloaf Rock, Canal Rocks and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

And you can’t come to Margaret River and not savour some of the delicious local produce, wine and treats that are grown and developed in this rich area.

From open cellar doors to farmers’ markets, it’s all here for the tasting and a drive along Caves Road will give you more options than you can ever hope to fit into your time.

And if you’re still looking for things to do, then there’s plenty of caves to explore, trails to hike, lanes to drive and tracks to cycle too!

Afterwards, move south and check out Augusta.

The bottom of the peninsula, this spot will give you a great chance to snap the tallest lighthouse in Australia and even spot whales between the months of June – September.

Along the way, you can’t miss Hamelin Bay where giant rays can be seen right from the shoreline!

From there head to Conto’s Campground within Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park to spend the night close to the shoreline, or else head into the town of Margaret River itself where Margaret River Lodge is a great budget option.

READ MORE: How to Visit Margaret River on a Budget

Day 7: Pemberton

It’s time to start leaving the coastline and heading inland again on your West Coast Australia road trip towards Pemberton.

And if you’re into big trees, then the Gloucester Tree just outside of this town takes some beating.

Set in the heart of Karri Tree country, this is the world’s tallest fire lookout tree, which you can climb to enjoy views above the canopy… if you’ve got the nerves for it!

After a big day, finishing up at the Pemberton Best Western is the perfect place to unwind.

Week 5: Albany, Wave Rock & Esperance

Day 1-2: Albany

After your relaxing day in Pemberton, it’s really time to get on with some serious driving and the stretch down to Albany is a serious one.

On the way, the Walpole-Nornalup National Park is the heart of the Tingle Tree country.

These towering giants rise 40m above the forest floor and can be enjoyed via some delightful free walking trails through the forest.

After that, heading to William Bay National Park is a must.

Here the amazing Elephant Rocks and Greens Pools are the perfect place to while away an afternoon and enjoy a swim, before skipping up to the cute town of Denmark.

Once in Albany, Torndirrup is another stunning national park you need to visit.

The Gap and the Natural Bridge here are quite remarkable and will give you a direct insight into the force of the great Southern Ocean which roars around you.

After this, a drive to near the Old Whaling Station gives sensational views as well or, back in town, the National ANZAC Centre is well worth a trip too.

Finish your time by watching the sunset from West Cape Howe National Park, where you can also camp right on the beach – bliss!

Day 3-4: Wave Rock

From Albany, head up to Porongurup National Park – one of the oldest ranges in the world.

It is well worth climbing the granite skywalk here to enjoy the stunning views it gives.

From there it’s time to hit the gas and make it all the way to Hyden, the home of the famous Wave Rock, which you can explore and snap the following day at your leisure.

Day 5-7: Esperance

The final days of your West Coast Australia road trip, can hardly be better spent than at one of the state’s most fabulous stretches of coastline.

With its resident kangaroos that love to lounge on the beaches here, through to plenty of fishing, surfing and sailing on offer, this is a mecca for water lovers everywhere.

There’s also the amazing Cape Le Grand National Park to explore with its stunning sand dunes, or why not enjoy the Great Ocean Drive which gives amazing views of the coast here, including the Pink Lake!

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5 Key Packing Items for Western Australia

#1 Good Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop in Australia and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous country justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000 , which I use for all my travels and love, not least because it’s light, compact and robust!

#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking in Australia – from cities to national park! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers . Perfect for stylish strollling, I love mine

#3 Good Guidebook – I’m still a massive fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks and do think their Australia edition is well put together

#4 Good Water Bottle – Travelling in hot old Australia can be thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because tap water is drinkable… and free!

#5 Good Sun Hat – And there’s no denying you’ll need a good sun hat for protection in Australia too. In my opinion, you can’t go past this Hello Sunshine one, which is both gorgeous and ideal for keeping the rays off your face.

Travel Insurance for Western Australia

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

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So there you have it, my ULTIMATE West Coast Australia road trip.

Have I inspired you to get away from the east coast yet?!

Do let me know in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Perth, Western Australia

Guide to Perth

Aboriginal name:  Boorloo (pronounced Boor-loo)

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• Getting to Perth
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Embrace the best of both worlds in Perth, where soft-sand beaches and scenic parks meet a thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants and curated street art.

Australia's urban oasis of Perth is nestled within the vast nature of Western Australia – and that's why the locals love it! Here, not only can you relax on the serene white-sand beaches, but you can immerse yourself in the bustling art galleries, historic neighbourhoods and epic events. Just outside of Perth, you can find idyllic local wineries and unique wildlife.

Perth/Boorloo stands on the ancient country of the Whadjuk Noongar people, one of the 14 clans of the Noongar nation, who have been the Traditional Owners of the south west of Western Australia for at least 45,000 years. Experience Aboriginal culture with the many First Nations tours operating in Perth all year round.

• Traditional name: Boorloo (pronounced Boor-loo) 
• Indigenous Peoples: Whadjuk Noongar people
• Traditional lands: Whadjuk Noongar Nation
• Traditional languages: Noongar language
• How to say g’day in Noongar: Kaya

Perth Airport is easy to access both from international and domestic transit hubs. If you are flying from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, you can get a direct flight into Perth with an average flight time of five hours. 

• Perth Airport (PER) is 12km (7.5mi) from the city and services domestic and international arrivals
• Hire cars, taxis and rideshare services as well as shuttle buses are available to book prior to your arrival, or on the day 

Cycling is the most popular mode of transport for residents, but the city also offers an efficient and affordable public transport system. Read more about getting around Perth .

The weather in Perth is very consistent all year round. Enjoy a hot, dry summer between December and February, and a mild winter between June and August. 

From September to November, not only is the weather dry and warm, but it is also the perfect time to spot whales migrating along the coast as the females with newborn calves are on their way back from the nursery grounds.

• High season: Dryer seasons (September to January)
• Low season: Wetter seasons (March to May)
• Don’t miss: Whale watching in spring (September to November)

Perth welcomes visitors of all abilities and offers a range of accessible facilities and experiences.

• Arrival: Travellers with disabilities, including hidden disabilities , can receive special assistance with baggage and travel throughout Perth Airport.
• Getting around: The Transperth website helps you navigate Perth’s many accessible buses, trains and ferries.
• Accessible experience highlights: Travellers with limited mobility can join Go Cultural Tours to explore Aboriginal art and history. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, head out for a day of fishing with Fishability .
• Helpful resources: Travellers who are blind or have low-vision can access audio guides to Perth and surrounds via the Vacayit app .

Top restaurants in Perth

Must-try restaurants

Top coffee shops

Cheap eats in Perth

Best cocktail bars

Best breakfasts

Wineries in Swan Valley

Trip essentials.

Where to stay

Weather in Perth

Suburb guide

Getting Around

Destinations near Perth

Cottesloe Beach

The Coral Coast

Albany & Denmark

Trips and Itineraries

3 days in Perth

10 days along the Coral Coast

10-day trip of colourful attractions

14 incredible days on Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Explore another city.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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