14 Day Perth - Broome Adventure The journey from Perth to Broome is an unforgettable self-drive experience. This itinerary travels from Perth, along the coast to Broome. Careful planning and consideration of the extreme weather conditions that make the North West of Western Australia extraordinary will ensure these experiences are dramatic for all the right reasons. Some roads may need a permit before commencing your drive – check with the Visitor Centre before embarking on your journey. Please note: Britz 2WD Campervans can only be driven on sealed / bitumen roads, we recommend you consider a Britz 4WD Campervan if you are planning on any off-road travel. Please contact your local Britz representative to discuss.
Day 1: Perth to Cervantes Travelling north along the Indian Ocean Drive ,the first leg from Perth to Dongara takes you through the coastal town of Cervantes and one of Australia’s most unique landscapes, the Pinnacles Desert. The road into the Pinnacles is sealed, and there is a car park within walking distance of the golden limestone structures, which stand up to three and a half metres tall. After exploring the pinnacles, head to the Desert Discovery Centre to learn more about these distinctive formations. You can also pick up locally made handcrafted souvenirs here. After visiting the Pinnacles Desert, head to Lake Thetis (located off Hansen Bay Road) to marvel at some of the earth’s oldest living fossils, the stromatolites and strombalites. Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the nearby 1.3 kilometre walk trail. After marveling at ancient formations and living fossils consider visiting the Indian Ocean Rock Lobster Factory for an informative Lobster Shack tour to learn about the more recent history of cray fishing in Cervantes. After your busy day exploring Cervantes, cool off and relax with a swim at Hangover Bay near the Pinnacles Desert or Thirsty Point in town.
Overnight: Cervantes
Day 2: Cervantes to Geraldton Continue your journey north along the Indian Ocean Drive, stopping along the way at the Molah Hill Lookout, which offers uninterrupted views of native bush land and the ocean. Interpretive signage along the path to the lookout provides information about the nearby flora and fauna and an insight into the Indigenous heritage of the area. Heading further north towards Jurien Bay, Grigson’s Lookout is located in the Leseuer National Park, which is home to 900 species of flora. Continue north to Jurien Bay and jump aboard a sea lion charter or out of a plane and onto the beach! Jurien Bay is the only place in WA where you can land on the beach after skydiving. If you’re more of a water baby, don your mask and snorkel and explore the underwater wonderland of the Jurien Bay Marine Park, which is home to tropical fish, sponges, sea squirts, soft corals, sea lions and dolphins. More adventurous land lovers will enjoy nothing more than exploring the caves of the Stockyard Gully National Park, which is accessible only by four wheel drive. Continue your journey through to Geraldton for your overnight stay
Overnight: Geraldton
Day 3: Geraldton to Carnarvon This morning visit the HMAS Sydney II Memorial providing sweeping views across Geraldton and the Indian Ocean. Continue north to Carnarvon, a popular holiday spot for sun seekers. Explore and sample the abundant fresh produce along the Gascoyne Food Trail, particularly the delicious Carnarvon bananas. Take an evening stroll along The Fascine (Carnarvon’s central waterway), taking in the magnificent sunset views before heading out for a fresh seafood meal.
Overnight: Carnarvon
Day 5: Carnarvon to Coral Bay Drive north to Coral Bay.Here, the main beach is a snorkeller’s paradise with calm, protected waters and hundreds of fish and coral species just metres from the shore. Jump aboard a glass bottom boat to give you a close up, panoramic view, of the Ningaloo Reef's diverse marine eco systems or grab your snorkelling gear, step off the beach and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ningaloo’s coral gardens. You can cast a line from the designated beaches or join a deep sea bottom fishing or light game fishing tour. Swim with the whale sharks from late March to early July, or with the majestic manta rays all year round. Check out the reef shark nursery, just a 20 minute walk from Main Beach where as many as 200 reef sharks frolic in the shallow waters. Finally, head down to Main Beach at 3.30pm and feed the schools of norwest snapper that swim into shore at this time every day.
Overnight: Coral Bay
Day 6 – Coral Bay to Exmouth Try your luck at beach, reef or game fishing. Check out the region’s fishing spots and charters. Discover the rugged beauty of the Cape Range National Park, just 40 kilometres from Exmouth, it boasts some of the most spectacular gorges and canyons in WA, as well as amazing wildflowers, wildlife and 50 kilometres of pristine beaches. Take a cruise along Yardie Creek, or join a four wheel drive safari tour. Feast on fresh local prawns before watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. Learn about Ningaloo turtles at Jurabi Turtle Centre.
Overnight: Exmouth
Day 7 – Exmouth to Tom Price / Karijini National Park Head to Tom Price the highest town in Western Australia to take a fascinating tour of massive operations at Rio Tinto’s open-cut mine. Drive to the top of Mt Nameless - Jarndrunmunhna to the local Indigenous people -for unsurpassed views of the stunning Hamersley Ranges. Continue out of town to the awe inspiring Karijini National Park. Take in the award-winning Karijini Visitor Centre and its interesting interpretative information. Walk the designated trails into the depths of Dales Gorge, be rewarded with a refreshing dip in the emerald coloured pools of Fern Pool, Fortescue Falls and Circular Pool.
Overnight: Karijini
Day 8 – Karijini National Park Checkout the west side of the national park including the stunning Kalimina Gorge to explore the waterfall upstream. Don’t miss the Joffre Falls lookout and the most spectacular lookout in Australia – Oxer’s Lookout, the junction of Weano, Red, Hancock and Joffre Gorges. For the fit and adventurous, descend to the bottom of Hancock Gorge or Weano Gorge, swim in fresh water pools and tuck into a picnic lunch amongst some of the oldest rocks in the world. In the evening enjoy a dinner set under a millions outback stars.
Overnight: Karijini
Day 9 – Millstream Chichester National Park From Karijini to Millstream Chichester, journey along the unsealed road adjacent to the longest privately owned railway in the world. You will encounter more than one 2.5km locomotive transporting iron ore from the inland mine to the Port of Dampier. Visit the old Homestead, which has been transformed into the park’s Visitor Centre. Walk trail takes you around the lushly tropical Jirndawurrunha Pool and link the homestead with Crossing Pool. Enjoy the spectacular sunset at Cliff Lookout. Before exiting the park must take a drive along the winding road to the peak of Mount Herbert for amazing views of the plain and upon descent, enjoy a refreshing swim at Python Pool.
Overnight: Millstream Chichester
Day 10 – Millstream to Karratha/ Dampier Jump onboard a cruise around magnificent Dampier Archipelago, swim in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, snorkel and see dolphins and from July to September, whales frolicking. For the more independent minded traveller, hire a boat and head out amongst the 42 islands into the deep blue for some serious fishing. Red emperor, coral trout and snapper feature in the daily catch. Head to the protected beach at Hearson’s Cove on the Burrup Peninsular and check out nearby Deep Gorge to see an array of Aboriginal rock engravings. Afternoon shadows allow visitors a superior view of the thousands of petroglyphs at the site.
Overnight: Karratha or Dampier
Day 11 – Karratha to Port Hedland Continue on your journey to Point Samson, enjoying a stop in the historic town of Roebourne en route. Discover the regions rich, colourful history. Visit the Old Gaol Museum, drive or walk Emma Withnell heritage trail and step back in time but before heading out of town be sure to check out local indigenous artists at work at one of the Art Gallery on the main street. Don’t miss the historic buildings at Cossack, the earliest port along the WA coastline where Reader Head Lookout is a must see with a view like no other. Enjoy an afternoon stroll along the Point Samson Peninsular or take a cruise upstream along the Harding River and explore the lighthouse on Jarman Island. Before you leave this seaside paradise ensure you take the time to enjoy a sunset drink and seafood feast like no other.
Overnight: Port Hedland
Day 12 – Port Hedland to Eighty Mile Beach Head north to Port Hedland via the historic copper mining town of Whim Creek. Tour BHP Billiton port facilities, follow the cultural and heritage trail and check out the historical museum and Court House Gallery. Visitors can enjoy the harbour, the closest vantage point in Australia to observe the movement of massive ore-carriers and salt ships passing through. At certain times of year turtles can be seen nesting on Cemetery Beach. Heading further north visit the Cape Keraudren Coastal Reserve, a haven for marine, terrestrial and oceanic animals. Make camp for the night at Eighty Mile Beach, go fishing, fossicking for shells or sit back and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets.
Overnight: Eight Mile Beach
Day 13 – Eighty Mile Beach to Broome The final leg of your experience takes you from the pristine coastline of Eighty Mile beach into the charismatic town of Broome. Whether it is nature, culture, animals or history, there is plenty to occupy your day. Jump aboard a hovercraft cruise, see spectacular wildlife, view ancient dinosaur footprints, or head to the crocodile park to checkout the massive rogue crocodilians. This is all before enjoying sunset drinks on the mudflats of Roebuck Bay and then soaking up the atmosphere at one of many alfresco restaurants.
Overnight: Broome
Day 14: Broome You’ll need at least another day to savour all the flavours of Broome. Discover Broome’s exotic blend of cultures, coveted South Sea pearls and the world-famous Cable Beach – 22 kilometres of beautiful white sand and turquoise water. If you’re visiting between May and October, and your visit coincides with a full moon, you can also witness the natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon. Cruise to a local pearl farm to find out how Broome cultures its prized pearls, or browse the dazzling pearl showrooms of Chinatown. Discover the romantic and tragic tales of the original pearl luggers on a tour or walk through the Japanese Cemetery. Treat yourself at Broome Court House Markets, or catch a film at the world’s oldest outdoor picture gardens, Sun Pictures. You can fly out of Broome to Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Darwin.
Please note: Britz reserves the right at its sole discretion to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions, and the distance to nominated destinations in relation to the length of the hire period.
