The drive from Perth to Broome is one of Australia’s great road trips. It follows the Coral Coast past the Pinnacles, Kalbarri’s gorges, the dolphins of Shark Bay and the reef at Ningaloo, then crosses the Pilbara to the pearling town of Broome and the sunsets of Cable Beach.
It is also a long and remote drive, with big distances between towns. This guide covers the route, the best stops, when to go, the car to hire and how to stay safe.
At a glance
1Choosing Your Route
There are two main ways north. The coastal route follows Indian Ocean Drive and the Brand Highway to Geraldton, then the North West Coastal Highway through Carnarvon and Port Hedland. With detours to Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Exmouth, it is the more scenic choice.
The inland route along the Great Northern Highway goes through Newman and passes near Karijini National Park. It is slightly shorter and a good way to see the Pilbara’s gorges. Many travellers combine the two: coast on the way north, with a detour inland to Karijini.
Distances between fuel stops can exceed 250 km in the north. Refuel at every roadhouse when you are below half a tank.
2The Best Stops Along the Way
Perth to Geraldton
Leave Perth on Indian Ocean Drive for the sand dunes of Lancelin and the limestone Pinnacles in Nambung National Park, then continue through Jurien Bay to Geraldton.
- Lancelin dunes
- The Pinnacles
- Jurien Bay
- Geraldton foreshore
Kalbarri and Shark Bay
Walk the Kalbarri Skywalk and Nature’s Window, then detour into the Shark Bay World Heritage Area for Shell Beach, Hamelin Pool and the dolphins of Monkey Mia.
- Kalbarri Skywalk
- Nature’s Window
- Shell Beach
- Monkey Mia
Coral Bay and Exmouth
Ningaloo Reef comes right up to the beach. Snorkel straight from the shore at Coral Bay and Turquoise Bay, and swim with whale sharks from Exmouth between about March and July.
- Coral Bay
- Turquoise Bay
- Cape Range National Park
- Whale sharks
Karijini detour
Head inland to Karijini National Park for its red gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes. Some roads inside the park are unsealed, so check your rental terms.
- Fortescue Falls
- Fern Pool
- Weano Gorge
- Mount Bruce
Port Hedland to Broome
The final leg crosses flat country past Eighty Mile Beach to Broome. Arrive in time for a camel ride or sunset at Cable Beach, and check the dates for the Staircase to the Moon.
- Eighty Mile Beach
- Cable Beach sunset
- Gantheaume Point
- Staircase to the Moon
3When to Go
The best time is the northern dry season, from about May to October. Days are warm and sunny, nights are cooler, and roads are open. The wet season, from about November to April, brings extreme heat, humidity, cyclones and flooding that can close roads in the Pilbara and Kimberley for days.
The dry season is also peak season, so book your rental and accommodation well ahead, especially in Exmouth, Coral Bay and Broome.
4Booking a One-way Rental from Perth to Broome
Several suppliers offer Perth to Broome one-way rentals, but because the route is long and remote, the one-way fee is often high. It can also change a lot with the season: cars tend to flow north at the start of the dry season and south at the end.
- Compare the total price, including the one-way fee, for several suppliers.
- Check the kilometre allowance. Some rentals on this route include a daily limit.
- Confirm which unsealed roads, if any, are allowed. Many standard rentals exclude them.
- Ask about roadside assistance in remote areas and what happens if the car breaks down.
- Consider driving the reverse direction, from Broome to Perth, if it is cheaper for your dates.
Australia Rent Car shows one-way deals from the suppliers that allow this route, so you can compare them in a single search.
Also read: One-way car hire fees explained
Also read: Car rental at Broome Airport
5Choosing the Right Car
The main highways from Perth to Broome are sealed, so a comfortable SUV or large sedan is enough for the direct route. A larger car makes long days more comfortable and has room for water, food and luggage.
If you plan to drive unsealed roads in national parks or along the coast, such as tracks in Cape Range or the Gibb River Road beyond Broome, you will need a 4WD and rental terms that allow it.
Also read: Best SUVs and 4WDs for the outback
6A Suggested 14-day Itinerary
- Days 1 to 2: Perth to the Pinnacles and Geraldton.
- Days 3 to 4: Kalbarri National Park.
- Days 5 to 6: Shark Bay and Monkey Mia.
- Days 7 to 9: Coral Bay and Exmouth on Ningaloo Reef.
- Days 10 to 11: Karijini National Park.
- Days 12 to 14: Port Hedland, Eighty Mile Beach and Broome.
If you have only ten days, skip Karijini and stay on the coast. If you have three weeks, add extra time at Ningaloo and in Broome, or continue to the Kimberley with a specialist 4WD rental.
7Outback Driving Tips
- Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night, when kangaroos, cattle and emus are most active.
- Give road trains plenty of room. They can be over 50 metres long, so only overtake on long, clear straights.
- Carry plenty of water, snacks and a first aid kit.
- Mobile coverage is patchy. Download offline maps and tell someone your plans.
- Check road conditions before each leg, especially early and late in the season.
- Take breaks every two hours to avoid fatigue on long, straight roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need to drive from Perth to Broome?
You can drive it in five or six long days, but ten days is the minimum to enjoy the main stops. Two to three weeks lets you include Shark Bay, Ningaloo and Karijini without rushing.
What is the best month to drive from Perth to Broome?
Any month from May to October, during the northern dry season. June to August has the most comfortable temperatures in the north.
Do I need a 4WD to drive from Perth to Broome?
No. The main highways are sealed, so a standard car or SUV is enough. A 4WD is only needed for unsealed roads and tracks, which must be allowed by your rental terms.
Why is a Perth to Broome one-way rental expensive?
Broome is a long way from the supplier’s main fleet in Perth, so cars left there often have to be driven back. The one-way fee covers that cost and varies by season.
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