Perth to Broome Road Trip: Everything You Need to Know

If you're looking for an unforgettable Australian road trip, the journey from Perth to Broome should be high on your list.

Stretching along Western Australia's spectacular coastline, this journey takes you through some of the country's most incredible yet underrated landscapes. Think turquoise water, white-sand beaches, dramatic red-rock gorges, remote national parks and some of the best wildlife encounters in Australia.

At approximately 2,200–2,400 kilometres depending on your route, it's not a journey to rush. With plenty of incredible places to stop along the way, you'll want to allow enough time to experience everything Western Australia has to offer.

Here's everything you need to know about planning a Perth to Broome road trip, including the best stops, how long to spend and how to make the journey more affordable.

How Far Is Perth from Broome?

Perth and Broome are approximately 2,200–2,400 kilometres apart by road, depending on the route you choose.

The journey can be completed in around 23–27 hours of driving, but this doesn't include stops for food, fuel, sightseeing or overnight accommodation.

For a more enjoyable trip, we'd recommend allowing at least 10 days, particularly if you want to explore the coastal attractions along the way.

There are two main route options:

The coastal route: Follow the Indian Ocean Drive and North West Coastal Highway, stopping at places such as the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay and Exmouth.

The inland route: Follow the Great Northern Highway, passing through more remote landscapes and offering opportunities to explore the Pilbara region.

For first-time visitors, the coastal route is particularly rewarding.

The Best Stops on a Perth to Broome Road Trip

1. Perth

Before heading north, spend some time exploring Perth.

Western Australia's capital is known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere and sunny weather.

Some highlights include:

• Kings Park and Botanic Garden for panoramic city views.

• Cottesloe Beach for swimming and sunset views.

• Fremantle for its historic architecture, markets and independent shops.

• Rottnest Island for cycling, beaches and the famous quokkas.

If you have time, a day trip to Rottnest Island is well worth considering before starting your road trip.

2. The Pinnacles Desert

Approximately two hours north of Perth, the Pinnacles Desert is one of Western Australia's most unusual natural attractions.

Located within Nambung National Park, the landscape is covered with thousands of limestone formations rising from the golden sand.

The formations create an almost otherworldly setting, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the shadows stretch across the desert.

You can explore the area using the scenic driving loop or stop at designated viewpoints to take photographs.

3. Geraldton

Continue north to Geraldton, a coastal city known for its beaches, fishing and maritime history.

It's a useful place to stop for fuel, supplies and an overnight stay before continuing towards Kalbarri.

If you have time, visit the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, explore the waterfront or relax at one of the local beaches.

Geraldton is also a gateway to the Abrolhos Islands, an archipelago known for its marine life and snorkelling opportunities.

4. Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri is one of the highlights of the entire Perth to Broome journey.

The surrounding national park is famous for its dramatic river gorges, towering cliffs and striking red-rock landscapes.

Some of the best attractions include:

• Nature's Window, a natural rock formation framing the Murchison River.

• The Kalbarri Skywalk, offering spectacular views across the gorge.

• Z-Bend Lookout, overlooking the winding river below.

• Coastal cliffs and viewpoints along the Kalbarri coastline.

There are also beautiful beaches and opportunities for kayaking and wildlife spotting.

Allow at least one full day to explore the area.

5. Shark Bay and Monkey Mia

Further north, you'll reach Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region known for its incredible marine environment.

The area is home to dolphins, dugongs, turtles and an abundance of marine life.

One of the most popular attractions is Monkey Mia, where wild bottlenose dolphins regularly visit the shoreline.

Dolphin experiences are managed by park staff, and sightings are not guaranteed, but it's a memorable opportunity to see these animals in their natural environment.

Other highlights include:

• Shell Beach, famous for its tiny white shells instead of sand.

• Eagle Bluff Lookout for coastal and marine wildlife views.

• Hamelin Pool, known for its ancient stromatolites.

• Denham, a great base for exploring the peninsula.

6. Carnarvon

Carnarvon is an important stop along the North West Coastal Highway.

Known for its tropical fruit plantations, the town is a great place to stock up on fresh produce and supplies.

The nearby Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum is also worth visiting, particularly if you're interested in Australia's involvement in space exploration.

Use Carnarvon as an opportunity to refuel, restock and break up the longer drive north.

7. Coral Bay

Coral Bay is one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in Western Australia.

Located on the Ningaloo Reef, the area is famous for its crystal-clear water, colourful marine life and accessible snorkelling opportunities.

Unlike many reef destinations, you can access sections of Ningaloo Reef directly from the beach.

Popular activities include:

• Snorkelling directly from the shore.

• Swimming with whale sharks during the seasonal migration.

• Taking glass-bottom boat tours.

• Spotting manta rays and turtles.

• Relaxing on the beautiful beaches.

If you're looking for somewhere to slow down and enjoy the coastline, Coral Bay is an excellent place to spend a couple of nights.

8. Exmouth and Cape Range National Park

Exmouth is another major highlight of the journey and provides access to some of Australia's best marine experiences.

The nearby Cape Range National Park combines rugged limestone landscapes with beautiful beaches and incredible reef access.

One of the most famous spots is Turquoise Bay, where the clear water and white sand create an incredible setting for snorkelling.

Other activities include:

• Exploring Yardie Creek.

• Snorkelling at Turquoise Bay.

• Visiting Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.

• Taking a whale shark or manta ray tour during the appropriate season.

• Exploring the Ningaloo coastline.

9. Karijini National Park

If you have extra time, consider taking an inland detour to Karijini National Park.

Known for its enormous red-rock gorges, natural swimming holes and dramatic waterfalls, Karijini offers a completely different landscape from the coastal destinations further south.

Some of the most popular locations include:

• Hancock Gorge.

• Weano Gorge.

• Fortescue Falls.

• Fern Pool.

• Oxer Lookout.

The park is particularly beautiful after rainfall, although conditions can affect access to walking trails and swimming areas.

It's important to check park alerts before visiting and understand that some gorge walks require scrambling over rocks and navigating uneven terrain.

This detour adds significant driving time, so allow additional days.

10. Broome

Finally, you'll arrive in Broome, a beautiful coastal town in Western Australia's Kimberley region.

After thousands of kilometres on the road, Broome is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the tropical surroundings.

The most famous attraction is Cable Beach, known for its incredible sunsets and long stretch of white sand.

Other things to do include:

• Visit Gantheaume Point and its red cliffs.

• Explore Chinatown's historic buildings and shops.

• Visit the Staircase to the Moon during the appropriate lunar dates and conditions.

• Discover Broome's pearling history.

• Take a scenic flight over the Horizontal Falls, subject to current tour availability and access conditions.

Spend a few days here before continuing your Australian adventure.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Drive from Perth to Broome?

The best time depends on which parts of the journey you want to prioritise.

April to June: A popular period for exploring the coastline, with generally comfortable temperatures and opportunities to experience the Ningaloo region.

July to September: Cooler weather in the southern parts of the route, with opportunities to see migrating humpback whales along the coast.

October to November: Warmer temperatures and opportunities to experience the region before the wet season.

December to March: Hotter conditions, particularly further north, with the possibility of tropical rainfall and cyclones in the Kimberley region.

Always check local weather forecasts, road conditions and park alerts before travelling.

How Much Does a Perth to Broome Road Trip Cost?

Western Australia is enormous, so fuel can be one of the biggest expenses.

Your budget should account for:

• Vehicle hire or relocation fees.

• Petrol or diesel.

• Campsites and accommodation.

• Food and groceries.

• National park entry fees.

• Tours and activities.

• Additional supplies.

Fuel stations can be spread far apart in remote areas, so it's important to plan ahead and never assume you'll find fuel at the next stop.

One way to reduce your vehicle costs is by looking into campervan and vehicle relocations.

Through Imoova, travellers can find vehicles that rental companies need moved between locations, from just $1 per day.

This can be particularly useful for one-way journeys, although availability, mileage allowances, vehicle types and permitted travel periods vary.

You can browse current Western Australia relocation deals to see whether a suitable route is available.

Essential Tips for Driving from Perth to Broome

Don't underestimate the distances. Some sections of the journey involve several hours between major towns. Plan your driving days carefully.

Avoid driving at night. Wildlife can be particularly active around dawn and dusk, making night driving more hazardous.

Carry plenty of water. Temperatures can become extremely high, particularly during summer.

Check road conditions. Weather and roadworks can affect access to certain areas, particularly national parks and unsealed roads.

Download offline maps. Mobile reception can be limited in remote areas.

Plan your fuel stops. Keep your tank topped up and know where the next service station is located.

Check your vehicle restrictions. If travelling in a rental vehicle, check whether unsealed roads, national parks and specific detours are permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kilometres is Perth to Broome?

The journey is approximately 2,200–2,400 kilometres by road, depending on the route.

Can you drive from Perth to Broome in one day?

Although technically possible with multiple drivers and minimal stops, it's not recommended. The distance is substantial and the journey is much better spread over several days.

What is the best route from Perth to Broome?

The coastal route is a popular choice for first-time visitors, with stops including the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay and Exmouth.

Is there a lot of fuel between Perth and Broome?

Fuel is available in major towns and selected roadhouses, but there are long distances between some services. Plan your stops and carry sufficient water and supplies.

Can you do Perth to Broome in a campervan?

Yes, a campervan or motorhome is a popular way to explore Western Australia. Check vehicle restrictions, road access and camping regulations before travelling.

Can you get a $1 campervan relocation from Perth to Broome?

Yes! Relocation availability changes regularly and Imoova upload new routes everyday.

Start Planning Your Western Australia Road Trip

From the limestone formations of the Pinnacles to the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef and the incredible sunsets of Broome, this is a road trip that showcases some of Australia's most spectacular scenery.

With plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, spot wildlife and explore remote landscapes, it's an adventure worth taking your time over.

Looking to make the journey more affordable? Explore Imoova's Western Australia relocation routes and see where your next road trip could take you.