Planning a road trip in Australia has never been a dull affair, and especially when it is Australia’s western coast in question, your road trip is bound to be more adventurous and full of awe-inspiring views. Of all the road trips that can be planned in Western Australia, Perth to Broome remains one of the most popular choices among travelers. Featuring an array of attractions, stunning landscapes, and multiple not-to-be-missed stops, the Perth to Broome road trip is one of a kind, and it’s a kind of experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Whether you’re a native or a tourist, if you’re up for a long road trip with multiple destinations to explore along the way, we’re here to help you kickstart your journey. No matter if it’s a 3-day or 10-day trip, you can turn your Perth to Broome road trip into an exhilarating journey by taking the exquisite route we have set for you.
How Long is the Road Trip from Perth to Broome?
Boasting a distance of approximately 2046 km/1271 mi, the journey to Broome is roughly a 22-hour ride from Perth if traveled via National Highway 95. While it’s the shortest and recommended route for people looking to reach Broome at the earliest, we have a different route for travelers looking to experience this journey from an explorer’s perspective.
Based on the time you have on your hands, you can reduce or extend the duration of your road trip accordingly. You can either keep it as short as a 3-day trip or extend it for a week or two or even a month, but we would suggest dedicating at least 10 days to this trip to make the most of your road expedition. The more time you have on your hands, the deeper you can dive and explore everything this road trip has to offer to you.
Perth to Broome Road Trip Itinerary
We have a scenic alternative to the otherwise short yet mundane stretch from Perth to Broome. With several stops to make along the way, you are in for a treat. From beaches and rocky mountains to deserts and coastal roads, our take on the Perth to Broome road trip is nothing short of a memorable and beautiful experience.
Perth to Geraldton
Approximate Distance
418.6 km/260 mi
Estimate Time
4.5-5 hours
Majorly dominated by flat landscapes, the road to Geraldton from Perth is a fast and smooth ride, which can be either covered in a day or you can take your sweet time exploring the attractions this route has to offer. If you are planning your trip during winter or school holidays, we suggest starting your road trip early in the morning to avoid traffic.
Best Highlights
The Pinnacles Desert
Want to experience what it feels like to be on the moon? Visiting the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is one of the best ways to start your road trip and give your journey an adventurous beginning. Featuring limestone structures sticking out of the ground in distinctive shapes and sizes, the Pinnacles offers a unique experience to visitors.
They were formed out of seashell deposits about 30,000 years ago and since then have been exposed to various elements, which explains their unusual appearance. To get a mystical view of these limestone rock formations, head to the viewpoint. And if you wish to learn more about these natural structures, you can visit the Discovery Center.
Jurien Bay
If you’re up for some fun and relaxation in the form of water-based activities, you must consider stopping by Jurien Bay, which is a tranquil and charming coastal town. From taking walks along the beaches and taking in the spectacular views to indulging in activities like snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, diving, swimming, etc., Jurien Bay makes for the perfect laid-back stopover.
Leaning Tree
On the way to Geraldton, you will notice a few trees leaning on the ground, which explains why they are addressed as “leaning trees”. You can stop by one of the spots that feature a leaning tree to possibly get a picture of it or just to admire the beauty of nature.
Geraldton to Kalbarri
Approximate Distance
156 km/97 mi
Estimate Time
2 hours
It is one of the shortest drives during the whole road trip. And considering the road is fast-sealed, offering spectacular views and an incredible driving experience, you are going to enjoy every second of this journey. With many activities to enjoy on the way like fishing, swimming, snorkeling, etc., you are going to benefit from all the extra time you have on your hands.
Best Highlights
Horrocks
Also referred to as Horrocks Beach, Horrocks is a beautiful coastal town that offers the perfect opportunity to go for a swim or indulge in other thrilling water-based activities, such as fishing, beach combing, etc. But if you’re just looking to relax and spend some time in solitude, you can either take a walk along the beach or bask in the sun while enjoying the majestic views.
Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon)
When in WA, you can’t miss out on exploring one of its must-visit attractions, the Hutt Lagoon, popularly known as the Pink Lake. The lake that sometimes appears to be bright pink, occasionally turning lilac and on some days appearing red, is easily one of the best highlights of the route to Kalbarri. There are various points along the way that offer the best views of the lake. You can make a quick stop at one of those points to admire the dreamy view of the lake.
Kalbarri to Coral Bay
Approximate Distance
673 km/418mi
Estimate Time
7 hours
The stretch from Kalbarri to Coral Bay is probably going to be one of the best highlights of your road trip. It’s everything from spellbinding to exciting, boasting incredible wildlife and vibrant colors. Popularly known for being the coral coast of Australia, the drive from Kalbarri to Coral Bay is sure to leave you amazed and awestruck.
Best Highlights
Kalbarri National Park
Visiting Kalbarri but not exploring Kalbarri National Park is one thing you wouldn’t want to do. Kalbarri National Park is incredibly popular among nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. From sightseeing and picnicking to rafting, canoeing, hiking, and abseiling, there are a myriad of things to see and do at the park. Make sure to head to the Kalbarri Skywalk and the Nature’s Window Loop Trail.
Francois Peron National Park
Francois Peron National Park is easily one of WA’s most underrated and overlooked attractions. Boasting pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and red cliffs, the park is a sight to behold with many activities to indulge in, including bushwalking, fishing, canoeing, etc. However, this park is recommended to visitors who have access to 4WD with a good driving experience, so plan accordingly.
Monkey Mia
Want to interact with some of the friendliest Dolphins? Visiting Monkey Mia should be next on your to-do list. The dolphins mostly visit the beach at Monkey Mia in the morning, so plan things accordingly and try to reach the location as early as possible in the morning. Apart from meeting the dolphins, you can also book a sunset sailing cruise to end your day on a good note.
Coral Bay to Exmouth
Approximate Distance
153 km/94.4 mi
Estimate Time
1.5-2 hours
This one is yet another short and delightful drive, with nature surrounding you and offering the best possible views and vibe. By the time you cover this stretch, you will be halfway through your journey, with only half the distance remaining to reach the final destination, Broome. You will find various reasons to step out of the car and indulge in fun activities while traversing from Coral Bay to Exmouth. Don’t be in a hurry and spend a good amount of time exploring the best of everything this stretch has to offer. Just make sure to find a nice accommodation to get some rest before you finally hit the road again.
Best Highlights
Ningaloo Reef
Want to admire the marine life of Australia? Ningaloo Reef is the answer. This place is believed to be the only location in the world where you can swim with manta rays, whale sharks, and humpback whales. If you also want to experience this once-in-a-lifetime thing, you can book an excursion or a dive into the reef. If not diving, you can opt for snorkeling to admire the marine life along the coast between Coral Bay and Exmouth.
Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
To enjoy the most magical view of the North West Cape, you must consider stopping by the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. The best time to visit the lighthouse is during sunset and sunrise. If you have planned your road trip during the migration season, you might also get to witness the migrating humpback whales.
Cape Range National Park
Cape Range National Park is one of the must-visit parks in Australia. It features rugged mountains, deep canyons, and idyllic beaches that collectively make for an awe-inspiring landscape. If you’re lucky enough, you might also get to spot red kangaroos, so be on the lookout for them. Bushwalking and snorkeling are the most preferred activities at the park, besides that, you can also take a boat tour of Yardie Creek in the park.
Exmouth to Karijini
Approximate Distance
658 km/409 mi
Estimate Time
7.5-8 hours
To take this trip, you will have to slightly detour, but we don’t see the harm in it considering you’re on the road to make the most out of your journey and this stretch will allow you to discover one of Australia’s most dramatic and astonishing attractions, Karijini National Park. However, if you are tight on schedule, you can set your route to Port Hedland.
Best Highlights
Tom Price
Known to be the highest town above sea level in Western Australia, Tom Price is a modern and liveable mining town in the Pilbara region. You can make a quick stop here to grab some snacks or other essentials from the supermarket before making your next stop at Karijini National Park.
Karijini National Park
Ready to witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes at Karijini National Park? You certainly won’t be disappointed. There’s bountiful beauty to admire around the national park. From gorges to swimming holes, the park is brimming with an array of picturesque spots that are worth exploring, such as Climb Mount Bruce (Punurrunha), Circular Pool, Hamersley Gorge, Weano Gorge, and Hancock Gorge, to name a few.
Karijini to Broome
Approximate Distance
936 km/582 mi
Estimate Time
10 hours
With this being the final and the longest stretch of your road trip, we would advise you to take a break in Karijini, explore the area, and then commence your journey again. There are limited options when it comes to the attractions on this route. While the views on this journey may not be as picturesque as the ones you witnessed on previous routes, you can find pleasure in the fact that this is the last leg of the trip and you will be reaching your destination soon.
Best Highlights
Port Hedland
Given the long distance between Karijini and Broome, stopping by Port Hedland to stretch your legs is a wise thing to do. While Port Hedland doesn’t have much to offer in terms of attractions, you can use this stopover to fuel up your ride and buy supplies you might need for the journey ahead. However, if you do wish to explore this mining town, you can visit the Pretty Pool Park to spend some time relaxing and admiring the stunning views. You can also explore the Dalgety House Museum to learn about the local history of the town. And don’t forget to witness the sunset at Redbank Bridge.
Eighty Mile Beach
Eighty Mile Beach or 80 Mile Beach is WA’s longest uninterrupted beach stretching for over 220 km. Find a good spot along the beach and spend some time either relaxing, collecting shells, or just enjoying the pretty sunset, whatever you would prefer to do at the moment. If you want, you can also camp in the area and spend a night here before getting back on the road.
Why Book a One-way Car Rental from Perth to Broome?
Road trips are best enjoyed in a private or self-drive vehicle, considering it gives you the convenience and freedom to move around at your own pace and plan your itinerary as per your schedule. If the idea of commuting in buses or booking taxis doesn’t excite you, reserving a one-way car rental is always an option. With a rental car by your side, you will get to set your own travel terms. And since the trip from Perth to Broome is no short drive, you can travel comfortably and at your leisure while making a few stops along the way.
To find the best and cheapest one-way car rental, you can explore the top deals being offered by Australia Rent Car, including short-term and long-term car deals. From economy to SUVs (4WD), there is a huge fleet of high-quality cars to explore on this platform. You can hire a car at your preferred location in Perth and drop it off at a spot that is convenient for you.
