The Ultimate Road Trip: Perth to Broome

Starting your journey

Western Australia is an amazing state and there’s no better way to see it all than on a road trip from Perth to Broome.

When driving north from Perth, the landscape changes significantly on your 2,500km trip. From suburban homes, to rural plots; to scrubby bushland, and on to the dusty red desert of the Kimberley.

A road trip from Perth to Broome is a bucket list trip for many people. There are many ways to do it, depending on how you like to travel.

But however you do it, we recommend taking a little extra time. Time to stop off, see the sights, and really enjoy your adventure.

And when you get here, The Continental Hotel will be waiting for you – book a room today.

Here’s our ultimate road trip from Perth to Broome—with a few suggestions if you want to add some extra experiences along the way.

Day 1: Perth to Jurien Bay

Length: Approx. 230km or 2h 30min

Driving from Perth to Jurien Bay takes between two-and-a-half to three hours, so it’s a reasonably short leg—the perfect way to start your trip.

Starting by driving up Perth’s coast, there’s plenty to see along the way. Some of the biggest draw cards are the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park. These famous, jagged limestone pillars are between 25,000-30,000 years old. You can walk among them, and learn how they were formed, and take a quick trip to the nearby Lake Thetis stromatolites—the oldest living life forms on our planet.

Day 2: Jurien Bay to Kalbarri

Length: Approx. 380km or 4h 10 min

This will be a longer day, but one that definitely lets you know you’re in a different part of the state.

Setting out from Jurien Bay you continue your drive north. As of this writing, a section of the Indian Ocean Drive is closed to traffic for repair works, so you need to make a detour, heading inland to Eneabba first, then continuing north on the Brand Highway.

You can take a break at Geraldton or Horrocks, two towns with beaches and cafes to rest and recharge, before continuing to Kalbarri.

When you reach there, it’s time to relax. Take a dip in the beautiful crystal blue water, relax on the white sand beaches. Or if you’re spending more time there, drive out to Kalbarri National Park just a half hour out of town, and walk through the gorgeous rugged scenery and experience the Kalbarri Sky Walk.

Kalbarri is the perfect town to spend a day or two.

Day 3: Kalbarri to Carnarvon

Length: Approx. 440km or 4h 30min

Kalbarri feels like the gateway to WA’s tropical beaches, particularly as you head further north, driving up along WA’s Coral Coast. While the drive itself is a long one, you’re following a particularly rugged and stunning (two words we’re unashamedly going to say quite a few times during this blog) coastline.

Carnarvon feels like a tropical paradise in itself, where you’ll discover perfect swimming and snorkelling conditions, and plenty of lush foodie options. If you’ve got extra time, there are other exciting activities to do outside of town. Iconic WA locations like Shark Bay and Monkey Mia are within easy reach, meaning it’s the perfect place to spend a few days—one that both adults and kids will love.

Day 4: Carnarvon to Coral Bay

Length: Approx. 240km or 2h 30min

This section of WA is where you can choose to take your time.

While just a short drive between Carnarvon and Coral Bay, it’s the ideal leg to take a bit longer. You could spend a few days up here, heading to legendary WA holiday destinations like the stunning tropical Exmouth, and Ningaloo, home to the Ningaloo reef.

Or just spend time on the beautiful Coral Bay beach, enjoying the water and the scenery.

Day 5: Coral Bay to Karratha

Length: Approx. 525km or 5h 30min

This is one of the longer days, which takes you inland into the iconic WA desert. You’re heading up towards the mining regions, so expect to see lots of red dirt and industrial machinery along the way. As it’s a long one, be sure to schedule regular rest and stretching stops, and bring plenty of water. There’s a road house at Nanutarra, around halfway through the drive, where you can stop for fuel.

When you make your way to Karratha, it’s a beautiful town to explore. We recommend spending the night at the Karratha International Hotel. Located right in the heart of town, it features the attached Luce Bar e Cibo, which serves mouthwatering Italian fare.

After a long day on the road, you’ve earned it.

Day 6: Karratha to Port Hedland

Length: Approx. 240km or 2h 30min

After the long day previously, this is one of the shorter, more relaxing days, giving you more time to spend in both towns.

When you arrive in Port Hedland, check in to The Hedland Hotel. Located right on the water, it’s a place to drop your bags, grab a bite to eat at Rays Port Hedland and go and explore this bustling port city.

Fancy a more rugged adventure?

Instead of heading straight to Port Hedland, this is where you can spend a few days further inland exploring the gorgeous Karijini National Park. Famous for its spectacular gorges, rock formations, and water holes, it’s a place that needs at least a few days to truly come to terms with.

Day 7: Port Hedland to Broome

Length: Approx. 610km or 6h 15min

Day 7 is your longest day on the road, so it’s best to break it up.

Stop off at Eighty Mile Beach for a swim and a refresh. Just over two-and-a-half hours from Port Hedland, it’s the longest uninterrupted beach in WA. Discover crisp, white sand and stunning blue water—it’s not a beach you want to miss.

When you’re ready, jump back in the car and head to the Sandfire Road House for fuel. From here, you can safely tackle the remaining leg of the trip to Broome.

Where to stay in Broome

When you arrive in Broome, 2,500km from Perth, book a room at The Continental Hotel. We’ll be waiting, featuring comfortable, inviting rooms and a relaxing pool that’s ready to just sink into and relax.

It’s been a big drive, so celebrate your trip in style at Papá Fuego, dishing up exciting food and drink long into the night.

Then the next morning, have a chat with our friendly front reception to find out what’s on in town.

After all, your holiday has just begun!

See & Do Broome

Perth to Broome: The Ultimate Road Trip