The Ultimate WA Coastal Adventure
The Perth to Broome road trip is one of Australia's most epic drives. Over 2,200 kilometres, you'll journey from the sophistication of Perth through wildflower country, along turquoise reef coastlines, past ancient red gorges, and into the pearl town of Broome with its famous Cable Beach sunsets.
Western Australia's coastline is staggeringly beautiful and largely empty. Outside of school holidays, you may have entire beaches to yourself. The marine life is extraordinary — whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, dugongs, and sea turtles all call this coast home.
Days 1–3: Perth to Kalbarri
Distance: 590 km | Drive Time: 6 hours
Head north from Perth along the Indian Ocean Drive through the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park — thousands of limestone pillars rising from the yellow sand. Continue to Geraldton for supplies and the HMAS Sydney II Memorial.
Kalbarri National Park is a revelation — the Nature's Window rock arch frames the Murchison River gorge in one of WA's most iconic views. The new Kalbarri Skywalk extends over the gorge rim, 100 metres above the river. The coastal cliffs at Kalbarri are equally spectacular — dramatic red rock formations meeting the turquoise Indian Ocean.
Where to camp: Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park has ocean views. Murchison House Station offers bush camping on a working cattle station.
Days 4–6: Shark Bay World Heritage Area
Distance: 340 km from Kalbarri | Drive Time: 4 hours
Shark Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most unique natural areas on the planet. At Monkey Mia, wild dolphins swim into the shallows every morning for a supervised feeding — an incredible wildlife encounter. Shell Beach is made entirely of tiny white cockle shells, up to 10 metres deep.
The real scientific wonder is the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool — living fossils that are among the oldest forms of life on Earth (3.5 billion years). They look unremarkable but their significance is profound.
Where to camp: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort has powered campervan sites near the dolphin interaction area.
Days 7–10: Coral Bay & Exmouth (Ningaloo Reef)
Distance: 450 km from Shark Bay | Drive Time: 5 hours
Ningaloo Reef is Australia's other great reef — and many say it's better than the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling because it's accessible directly from the beach. At Coral Bay, you can wade in from the shore and be snorkelling over pristine coral within minutes.
Exmouth is the gateway for whale shark swimming (March–July) — the chance to swim alongside the world's largest fish is a bucket-list experience. Cape Range National Park offers stunning gorges, secluded beach campsites, and more incredible snorkelling at Turquoise Bay (often rated Australia's best beach).
Read our full Perth to Exmouth itinerary →
Where to camp: Sal Salis-style camping at Cape Range is the dream. More affordably, Yardie Creek and Osprey Bay campgrounds in Cape Range National Park are right on the beach (book via Parks and Wildlife WA).
Days 11–14+: Pilbara to Broome
Distance: 900 km from Exmouth | Drive Time: 10 hours
The final stretch passes through the ancient Pilbara landscape — iron-red earth, massive mining operations, and the stunning Karijini National Park (detour inland). Karijini's gorges, waterfalls, and swimming holes are among Australia's most spectacular — the Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool are not to be missed.
Arrive in Broome and watch the sunset over Cable Beach — 22 km of pristine white sand meeting the turquoise Indian Ocean. Ride a camel along the beach at sunset (a Broome tradition), visit the pearl shops, and dine on fresh seafood at the outdoor cinema.
Where to camp: Cable Beach Caravan Park is perfectly located. Broome Vacation Village offers good-value powered sites.
Campervan Tips
- The main highway is fully sealed and suitable for all campervans.
- Side trips to Karijini and Cape Range have some unsealed roads — check conditions.
- Fuel is expensive in the north — budget accordingly.
- Carry extra drinking water (at least 10 litres per person) in the Pilbara section.
- One-way hire from Perth to Broome is available but may incur a relocation fee.
