Australia's west coast boasts some of the world's best beaches set against a backdrop of rugged terrain – an ideal road trip for adventurers! This unique 10-day Perth to Broome tour brings you face-to-face with the region's best natural wonders and exposes you to a rich and colourful landscape. Snorkel in Ningaloo Reef, discover the rocky gorges and waterholes of Karinjini National Park, and drive along the Coral Coast through the Pilbara to Broome. Western Australia's coast and desert regions are vast and amenities sometimes sparse, but the rewards alongside expert local leaders and small-group experiences are rich beyond belief.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Perth/Kalbarri
Welcome to sunny Perth, where your overland journey begins! Leave the city, driving north to Nambung National Park to explore The Pinnacles. These are ancient rock sculptures that rise out of the desert. Journey on to Jurien Bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to sand-board down the massive expanse of dunes. From here, continue on through Geraldton to the quiet beach town of Kalbarri, where you’ll stay the night.
The total driving time today is about 2.5 hours. The total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Accommodation
- Hostel (mixed gender multi-share) (1 Night)
Included Activities
- Nambung National Park - Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) Entrance
- Perth - Sandboarding Jurien Bay
Meals
Day 2: Kalbarri National Park to Shark Bay
Today take a short drive to Kalbarri National Park. Hike around some of the park’s diverse scenery, including Murchison Gorge, the Loop Walk, and Nature’s Window. It's a steep descent into Z-Bend Gorge. For those seeking more adventure, there’s also an opportunity to abseil (at your own expense). After lunch visit the beautiful Shell Beach, which is one of only two beaches in the world composed entirely of shells. Get back on the road and continue towards Denham and Shark Bay.
The total driving time today is about 5 hours. The total walking distance is approximately five kilometres.
Accommodation
- Hostel (mixed gender multi-share) (1 Night)
Included Activities
- Kalbarri National Park - Kalbarri National Park Entrance
Optional Activities
- Kalbarri NP - Abseiling in Kalbarri National Park - AUD30
Meals
Day 3: Monkey Mia to Coral Bay
After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula, head to the beach and see if you can spot marine life in Monkey Mia. The idyllic shores around the Francoise Peron National Park are perfect to stretch the legs and admire another slice of Western Australian coastline. The next stop is Carnarvon where you’ll see the fascinating stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. These marine rock formations are some of the world’s oldest and largest living fossils. After a short break, continue along the highway to Coral Bay – known as the ‘Jewel of the Northwest’.
The total driving time today is about 6.5 hours. The total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Accommodation
- Hostel (mixed gender multi-share) (1 Night)
Included Activities
- Coral Bay - Monkey Mia Dolphins
Meals
Day 4: Coral Bay to Cape Range National Park
Today, explore picturesque Coral Bay, home to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Snorkel equipment is available to hire, or you could cruise the reef in a glass-bottom boat to observe the tropical life teeming below the surface. The marine park is home to 250 species of coral and over 500 species of fish. You might prefer to take an optional scenic flight over the reef. In the late afternoon, it’s a short drive to our campsite at Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park, near Exmouth.
The total driving time today is about 2 hours. The total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 Night)
Included Activities
- Coral Bay - Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
Optional Activities
- Coral Bay - Snorkel with Manta Rays - half day trip - AUD225
- Coral Bay - Whale Watching (seasonal) - AUD85
- Coral Bay - Glass Bottom Boat Cruises - AUD37
Meals
Day 5: Exmouth and Cape Range National Park
Spend the morning snorkelling right off the beach in the stunning Cape Range National Park. Depending on the time of year, you have the option to snorkel or scuba dive in search of whale sharks and manta rays. Take a visit to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, one of the few places in Australia where you can see the sun both rise and set. Enjoy taking a wander around the town of Exmouth before settling down in our permanent campsite.
The total driving time today is about 2 hours. The total walking distance is approximately two kilometres.
Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 Night)
Optional Activities
- Cape Range NP - Snorkel with the Whalesharks (April to July only) - AUD350
Meals
Day 6: Karijini National Park
Head inland today through the vast cattle stations of the Pilbara region. The sparsely populated Pilbara desert is known for its red earth and rich mineral deposits. In the afternoon pass through the little town of Tom Price, which is renowned for its iron ore mining. Continue on to your campsite overlooking the magnificent Hamersley Range in Karijini. Before you go to sleep, take a minute to gaze up at one the most magnificent night skies you’re ever likely to see.
Today’s travel will take around 8 hours, in total.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 Night)
Meals
Day 7: Karijini National Park
Over the next two days explore the almighty gorges of Karijini National Park. Formed over 2500 million years ago, the Hamersley Ranges feature some of the most unusual landforms on Earth. You’ll be able to take great photographs while you’re here. Hike deep into the gorges, where you’ll come across cascading waterfalls and fresh waterholes ideal for swimming. Dales Gorge and Circular Pool, Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool and Weano Gorge are just some of the places you can visit. This part of the journey is a real highlight.
The total driving time today is around 2 hours, but you could be walking up to six kilometres.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 Night)
Included Activities
- Karijini National Park - Karijini National Park Entrance
Meals
Day 8: Karijini National Park
Head back into the gorges today for further exploration. Sing a tune in the natural amphitheatre caused by curved gorge walls, then make your way down to Hancock Gorge. Named after the Australian tycoon Lang Hancock, this is a narrow inlet of red rocks leading to a refreshing waterhole.
The total driving time today is only around 30 minutes, but you could be walking up to 6 kilometres. Please note that in order to reach Hancock Gorge you will need to descend and scale a vertical ladder. Should you wish to opt out of this activity please talk to your leader.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 Night)
Meals
Day 9: Pilbara Region / Pardoo
Depart Karijini this morning and travel towards the coast (approximately four hours in total). Visit the iron ore port of Port Hedland, the second most populated town in the Pilbara. Take a quick tour of the town and gain an understanding of the scale of the iron ore industry. After lunch, continue to a nearby station, where you’ll spend the last night of your trip.
The total driving time today is about 5 hours.
Accommodation
- Camping (with shared facilities) (1 Night)
Meals
Day 10: Broome
The drive to your final destination of Broome will take around six hours. En route, enjoy a leisurely break and stroll along the immense 80-Mile Beach. On arrival into Broome, say goodbye to your fellow travellers and enjoy an idyllic Broome sunset — a fitting end to your overland adventure! There are no more activities planned for today.
Meals