Broome to Perth Road Trip in a Motorhome Rental
Broome Jetty Photo by Kat Clay (Flickr Creative Commons)If you’ve got some time this epic, 18-day road trip route is a perfect way to experience and discover Australia’s Coral Coast in your motorhome rental. Whether starting in Broome or Perth you will enjoy gorgeous scenery along the way and at your stops, including a variety of national parks and wildlife—like the dolphins at Monkey Mia. Sun, sand and greenery will be your constant companions as you make your way to Perth, stopping where you choose and enjoying this gorgeous part of the country.
Broome: Day 1
Before departing for your campervan rental road trip take some time to explore the interesting town of Broome, which sits on a 15 kilometre peninsula. Enjoy the charm of this seaside town, as well as some relaxation, before hitting the road in the morning.
Broome to Port Hedland: Day 2
It’s about 600 kilometres of beautiful open roads that take you from Broome to Port Hedland, a town of about 15,000 located on the ocean. Port Hedland is a boon for anyone who enjoys the water or water sports, as well as those who enjoy discovering laidback and relaxed towns. Don’t forget to bring your fishing poles, there’s great fishing here, as well as a variety of wildlife like whales and turtles.
Port Hedland to Karratha: Day 3 & 4
The natural and man-made meet in the region of Karratha, which mixes coastal beauty with outback ruggedness. Check out Millstream and Karijini National Parks, some amazing Aboriginal rock art, or the Dampier Aarchipelago where you can snorkel and fish. Stop at Cossack Heritage Town to learn more about the riveting Western Australian Gold Rush. If you’re visiting at the time of a full moon, from April to October, then you’re in luck and can head to Hearson’s Cove or Cossack Lookout to see the “Staircase to the Moon.” This phenomenon occurs when exposed mudflats reflect the full moon during low tide so that it looks like there is a path leading directly to the moon!
Take an extra day to enjoy the beauty, towns and many attractions of this region.
Karratha to Coral Bay: Day 5, 6 & 7
After a day off from heavy driving you’ll be facing another 600 kilometres from Karratha to Coral Bay, although the drive will certainly be worth it. Protected from the Indian Ocean by the Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay is a gorgeous natural site. Fish and coral are readily accessible to all and the snorkeling and deep sea fishing here is second to none. The area is small, and along with two parks for your campervan rental you'll also find about twenty houses and one resort. Best of all, although the look of Coral Bay is all tropical the weather is mild and generally free of sticky humidity. Spend Days 6 and 7 relaxing by the beach or exploring the Coral Bay area including the town of Exmouth, the Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo.
Coral Bay to Carnarvon: Day 8 & 9
At the mouth of Gascoyne River you will find Carnarvon, the land of fresh produce, amazing seafood and banana plantations. After the 250 kilometre drive you will reach Carnarvon, where you can choose what you’d like to do next. Do you want to surf? Fish? Swim? Windsurf? Check out Red Bluff, Quobba Station and Gnaraloo. Don't miss the Carnarvon Blow Holes or the Gascoyne Food Trail. For some history head to the Carnarvon Heritage Project, while for great views you should try a walk along the Carnarvon Fascine.
Carnarvon to Monkey Mia: Day 10
Secluded beaches, dolphin spottings and sunshine is what Monkey Mia is all about. The area reports an average of 320 days of sunshine a year and is also the only place in the country where dolphins visit daily. Monkey Mia is so beautiful and unique it was given the Major Tourist Attraction Award by Western Australian Tourism in 2006 and has also been named a World Heritage Landmark. And don't think the area is just dolphins in beaches. You can choose from a variety of other activities from camel rides to catamaran rides, visiting Eagle Bluff and Shell Block Quarry or exploring the Peron Peninsula, Shell Beach and Stromolites. In the evening enjoy the beautiful sunset before heading to a local place to enjoy fresh squid and seafood.
Monkey Mia to Francois Peron National Park: Day 11
This National Park in Shark Bay is located on the tip of the Peron Peninsula and is a rugged outdoorsman’s fantasy. Camp sites are located at the Big Lagoon, Gregories and South Gregories. During your stay you can enjoy everything from the natural beauty and beaches to fishing and hiking. Before heading out you will likely want to visit Skipjack Point and Cape Peron.
Francois Peron National Park to Monkey Mia and Shark Bay: Day 12
After taking some time to the park you’ll have another day to explore the beauty of Shark Bay, Monkey Mia and the surrounding area before driving the 400 kilometres to your next destination.
Monkey Mia and Shark Bay to Kalbarri National Park: Day 13 & 14
The drive to and from Kalbarri offers a feast for the eyes. Not to be missed during your stay here are the coastal and inland gorges.
Kalbarri National Park to Cervantes: Day 15 & 16
Upon arriving in Cervantes you’ll be met with more beautiful beaches where you can choose to relax or to engage in a variety of water-related activities. A slight detour of about twenty kilometres will take you to Namburg National Park and its Pinnacles Desert.
Cervantes to Perth: Day 17 & 18
Your final stop is the vibrant city of Perth, while you’ll reach after driving a little over 200 kilometres from Cervantes. Perth sits on Swan River and is located about 20 kilometres from the Indian Ocean. Take the day or two you have in Perth to discover the city and its surroundings including the Sunset Coast, Fremantle (where markets are held on weekends and locals like to dine al fresco), and Swan Valley, known for its wineries. The Perth district of Northbridge is also great for restaurants, people watching and nightlife, while Rottnest Island is one of those must-see destinations and is just a short ferry ride away.