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Published Dec 2024
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Travel & Touring| WA Road Trips
If you're venturing to the vast Kimberley and Pilbara regions and would like a map or guide for your road trip, we've got you covered.
We've curated a collection of far North West driving itineraries for you to download, print out and bring with you in case of a low phone battery or spotty WiFi.
RELATED:Kimberley travel: By land or water? »
Kununurra to Broome via Gibb River Trail
Distance and days | Approx 1,200 kilometres (with stop-offs), one way. Allow between 15 and 17 days. |
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Why do it? | Lake Argyle - El Questro Wilderness Park - Home Valley Station - Manning Gorge - Diamond Gorge - Tunnel Creek National Park - Buccaneer Archipelago - Cable Beach |
When to go | Aim for 'dry season' between May and October, when the weather is cooler and all tourist attractions are open. |
Spanning 660 kilometres between Derby and Kununurra, the Gibb River Road is one of the last true outback experiences, passing vast cattle stations, remote wildlife sanctuaries and stunning gorges. On this beautiful route to Broome, you'll view stunning birdlife and wildlife, unique flora, densely vegetated waterholes and many families of Boab Trees. Plus, there are plenty of national parks, homesteads, swimming holes and beautiful campsites to stop at along the way.
Kununurra to Broome Drive Adventure
Distance and days | Approx 1,100 kilometres one way, allow 10 days. |
|---|---|
Why do it? | Lake Kununurra - Five Rivers Lookout - Purnululu National Park - Wolfe Creek Crater - Geikie Gorge National Park - Windjana Gorge - Roebuck Bay |
When to go | Visit during 'dry season' between May and October for the best weather conditions. |
If you don't have a four-wheel drive but are eager to explore the beauty of the North West, opt for this sealed road trip from Kununurra to Broome. Dubbed the gateway to the East Kimberley, you'll start your journey in the scenic Kununurra before heading further inland to the smaller towns of Warmun, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. On the way you'll view the famous Wolfe Creek Crater, the heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, spectacular wildlife and plenty of hidden gorges, chasms and waterholes.
Dampier Peninsula
Distance and days | Approx 450 kilometres round trip, allow between four and five days. |
|---|---|
Why do it? | Middle Lagoon - Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community - Buccaneer Archipelago - Broome |
When to go | Visit during dry season, from May to October. Cape Leveque Road may be closed due to weather conditions in wet season. |
On this unique trip, explore and experience the unique culture, history and lifestyle of the local indigenous people along the Dampier Peninsula. Stretching 220 kilometres north from Broome, you can only access the area via the partially unsealed Cape Leveque Road. Once you reach the Peninsula, consider a glass bottom boat tour, fishing charter or self-guided reef walk at low-tide along the Eastern and Western beaches. There's also plenty of whale-watching, shore fishing, bush walking and bird watching on offer.
Pilbara 4WD Adventure Trail
Distance and days | Approx 1,456 kilometres round trip, 15 days. |
|---|---|
Why do it? | Coppins Gap - Radio Hill Lookout - Mt Whaleback iron ore mine - Eagle Rock Falls - Karijini National Park - Mt Nameless - Millstream Chichester National Park - Fortescue River - Point Samson - Burrup Peninsula |
When to go | The Pilbara's 'dry season' between May and October is the best time to visit. |
The incredibly diverse landscapes of the Pilbara region are best explored in a four-wheel drive. This adventurous road trip travels through Australia's hottest town, a few fascinating mining precincts, the spectacular Karijini National Park and some of WA's most impressive Indigenous rock art. There are countless gorges, rock pools and swimming holes to cool off in along the way, along with idyllic fishing, picnicking, bushwalking and wildlife-watching spots.
Warlu Way Dreamtime Trail
Distance and days | Approx 2,771 kilometres round trip, take between 12 and 15 days. |
|---|---|
Why do it? | Coral Bay - Mackerel Islands - Hamersley Ranges - Karijini National Park - Mt Whaleback - Millstream Chichester National Park - Burrup Peninsula - Dampier Archipelago - Coongan River |
When to go | Visit during the Pilbara's 'dry season', between May and October. |
The Warlu Way follows the path of the Warlu, or Dreamtime sea serpent, as it traverses the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. Beginning on the shores of the pristine Ningaloo Reef, the Warlu Way leads you from the water to the soaring gorges, rugged ranges and ancient Aboriginal art of these vast regions. Interpretive signage along the drive reveals the historical, cultural and natural wonders of the area. Other highlights on the route include beach-hopping along the Coral Coast, snorkelling within the bio-diverse Dampier Archipelago, exploring the many gorges of Karijini and visiting Australia's hottest town.
