Driving from Perth to Broome is one of Australia's great long-distance road trips. Over 10–14 days you pass pink lakes, limestone pinnacles, Shark Bay's dolphins, Ningaloo Reef and the red Pilbara before reaching the white sands of Cable Beach.
Distances are big, so this guide shows realistic daily drives and the best stops along the way.
Quick Overview
| Route | Distance | Recommended Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth → Broome | ~2,250 km | 10–14 days | Reefs, wildlife and remote coast |
Perth to Broome Route Map
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Route Overview
The route follows the Indian Ocean Drive and the North West Coastal Highway. Key stops include the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Karijini, Port Hedland and Broome.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Visit the Pinnacles Desert and swim at Lake Thetis stromatolites if time allows.
Walk into Kalbarri National Park to Nature's Window and the Skywalk lookouts.
Stop at Hamelin Pool's stromatolites and Shell Beach before reaching Monkey Mia's dolphins.
A long day via Carnarvon. Stock up on fruit and vegetables there.
Snorkel Ningaloo Reef directly from the beach, swim with whale sharks (March to July) or manta rays, and explore Cape Range National Park.
Visit Karijini National Park for gorge walks at Dales, Hancock and Weano Gorges.
Break the long drive at Port Hedland or Eighty Mile Beach. Finish at Cable Beach for a sunset camel ride.
Best Time to Go
Choose May to September for dry weather and comfortable temperatures. Whale shark season runs March to July.
Cost Overview
See our Sydney to Cairns guide for a comparable long-distance trip.
Campervan Tips
Check one-way fees
Perth to Broome one-way hire can be expensive, so compare early. See one way hire.
Carry spares
Remote areas have limited mechanics. Carry water, food and a spare tyre.
Avoid night driving
Livestock and wildlife are common on outback roads.
Where to Stay Along the Coast
Caravan parks are spaced one to two days apart on this route. Book ahead in Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, Exmouth and Broome during the dry season (June to September), as these towns fill quickly. Between towns, roadhouses and rest areas provide basic facilities for overnight stops.
- Kalbarri and Exmouth have the largest range of holiday parks.
- Karijini has a national park campground and a few eco-retreat options.
- Broome has several parks near Cable Beach and in town; book at least a month ahead.
Free camping is allowed at designated rest areas in many shires. See our free camping guide for guidance.
Planning Your Daily Drives
Distances are long. Plan realistic days of 400–500 km, break the drive every two hours and avoid driving after dark. Cattle, kangaroos and emus are common on the highway at dusk. Fuel can be 150–200 km apart, so fill up whenever you pass a station. Carry at least 10 litres of drinking water per person.
Highlights You Should Not Miss
Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo is one of the few large reefs in the world that you can reach directly from shore. Snorkelling at Turquoise Bay and Oyster Stacks is among the best in Australia.
Karijini National Park
Gorge walks at Dales, Hancock and Weano take you through narrow canyons and into natural swimming pools. Some walks involve scrambling and wading.
Shark Bay
This World Heritage area includes Hamelin Pool's stromatolites, Shell Beach and the dolphins of Monkey Mia.
Cable Beach
A 22 km white-sand beach known for sunset camel rides and the Staircase to the Moon in certain months.
Vehicle Tips
Choose a van with a good cooling system and air conditioning, and check tyres and spare before leaving. Ask your hire company about their remote-area policy, one-way fees and roadside assistance. See our campervan rental bond guide and the how much campervan hire costs article for budgeting.
What to Pack
- Sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
- Reef-safe snorkel gear
- Extra water containers and a first-aid kit
- Offline maps and a paper road atlas
- Warm layer for cool desert nights
Campsites and Roadhouses Along the Route
Overnight options range from large holiday parks to roadhouses and national park campgrounds. Book ahead in the dry season, especially for Kalbarri, Coral Bay, Exmouth and Broome.
Perth to Shark Bay
- Cervantes: caravan parks close to the Pinnacles Desert and the town's crayfish fishing fleet.
- Geraldton: coastal holiday parks if you want a longer stop on day one or two.
- Kalbarri: holiday parks beside the Murchison River and close to the coast.
- Denham and Monkey Mia: caravan parks in Denham and powered sites at the Monkey Mia resort.
Carnarvon to Exmouth
- Carnarvon: holiday parks and the Gascoyne's famous fruit and vegetable stalls.
- Coral Bay: caravan parks within walking distance of the beach and reef.
- Exmouth: holiday parks in town, plus Cape Range National Park campgrounds such as Osprey Bay, Lakeside and Mesa. Booking is essential in peak season.
Pilbara to Broome
- Karijini National Park: a national park campground and the Karijini Eco Retreat.
- Tom Price and Port Hedland: holiday parks for fuel, food and supplies.
- Eighty Mile Beach: a remote caravan park with long beach walks and fishing.
- Broome: parks near Cable Beach and in town, with powered sites and pools.
More Ideas for Your Perth to Broome Itinerary
Coral Coast and Shark Bay
- Lake Thetis stromatolites and Lancelin sand dunes
- Hutt Lagoon, the pink lake near Port Gregory
- Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve and Eagle Bluff
- Francois Peron National Park for wildlife and red cliffs
Ningaloo and Cape Range
- Snorkelling at Oyster Stacks, Turquoise Bay and Coral Bay
- Walks and cruises in Yardie Creek Gorge
- Whale shark or manta ray tours, depending on season
- Sunset at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
Pilbara and Kimberley
- Karijini's Weano, Hancock, Dales and Kalamina gorges
- Cossack, a restored ghost town near Karratha
- Gantheaume Point, Broome Pearl farms and Matso's brewery
- Cable Beach sunset camel rides and Sun Pictures cinema
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive Perth to Broome?
About 25–28 hours of driving, but 10–14 days is recommended.
Is the road sealed all the way?
Yes, the Great Northern Highway and North West Coastal Highway are sealed. Some side roads are unsealed.
When can you swim with whale sharks?
Typically March to July at Ningaloo.
Can I take a campervan one-way from Perth to Broome?
Yes, but one-way fees often apply. Compare operators first.
Is it safe to travel in summer?
Not recommended. Heat and cyclones make the north west risky from November to March.
What is the best month to drive Perth to Broome?
June to August offers dry weather, cooler days and the best conditions for Ningaloo and Karijini.
Is there mobile coverage along the route?
Coverage is reliable in towns but patchy between them. Download offline maps and tell someone your plan.
How much does it cost to drive from Perth to Broome?
Fuel alone can reach $700–$1,000, plus hire, campsites and food. A one-way hire may also add a drop-off fee.
Can I drive Perth to Broome in a 2WD campervan?
Yes. The main highways are sealed and suitable for standard campervans.
Where can you camp along the Perth to Broome route?
Holiday parks and roadhouses are spaced a day apart. Kalbarri, Denham, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Karijini and Broome are the main overnight stops.
What is the best snorkelling in Ningaloo?
Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks and Coral Bay are popular shore-entry sites. Check tide and current information before you go in.
Is Karijini suitable for a campervan?
Yes. The main roads are sealed, and some access roads are gravel. Check conditions before you set out and avoid the wet season.
Can you swim at Cable Beach?
Yes, in the dry season, but check for stingers and crocodile warnings. Swim between the flags when lifesavers are on duty.
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