Most visitors to Western Australia go for the wineries in Margaret River, or to explore the beautiful beaches that the west coast is famous for. But don’t be tempted to follow the crowds – to the beaches or the wineries. Instead, why not plan your own epic adventure, and travel at your own pace through some of Australia’s most incredible landscape? This trip is for the adventurous, and for those who want to experience something different and truly Australian. We recommend hiring a 4WD from Hertz and getting to grips with the real Australia. Broome to Exmouth is a road trip that can be split up over the course of a few days – depending on what you want to do. With wide open roads and scorched red landscapes set alongside the bright blue of the Indian Ocean, this trip is picture perfect Australia at its most rugged, wild and impressive.
Stage 1: Broome to Eighty Mile Beach
The first leg of your journey will take you on a four-hour drive from Broome to Eighty Mile Beach, where you’ll encounter Western Australia’s longest uninterrupted stretch of sand. Running for 220 kilometres, Eighty Mile Beach boasts endless stretches of white sand scattered with tropical seashells, set against rocky shores, seagrass meadows, tidal creeks and mangrove-lined muddy bays. It’s a peaceful place with not much going on, perfect for those looking for time off the grid and some peace and quiet. We recommend stocking up on supplies and staying the night at Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park. It’s an ideal spot to kick back with a cold drink at sundown, or do some fishing out amongst the waves. The caravan park has great facilities and friendly staff who will make you feel right at home, in a beautiful, peaceful part of the world.
Stage 2: Eighty Mile Beach to Port Hedland
From Eighty Mile Beach, drive 255 kilometres south to Port Hedland, the second largest town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Port Hedland is a small town with a deep natural anchorage harbour, and is well worth a visit. It’s a perfect stop off point before venturing inland on the next leg of the journey. In Port Hedland, we recommend staying at Black Rock Tourist Park. It’s conveniently located next to the shopping centre, making it easy to replenish your supplies for the journey to Karijini.
Stage 3: Port Hedland to Karijini National Park
The road to Karijini National Park is an impressive one, paved with red dirt, gorges, and everything you’d expect from Western Australia. Leaving the coastline, this drive will take you on an adventure that will stick with you for years to come. Karijini is the second largest national park in WA with gorges, pools, and wildlife not to be missed. Highlights from Karijini include: Dales Gorge, famous for its breathtaking views and amazing scenery, Karijini Eco Retreat, an ideal place to experience bush camping with a touch of luxury and Fern Pool, an idyllic place for a dip, with cooling waters that look like something straight out of a movie.
Stage 4: Karijini National Park to Exmouth
To add more fuel to the adventurous fire in your soul, the final leg of this journey will continue on a rarely beaten path through quintessential Western Australian outback. Exmouth is located 1,250 km north of Perth, and the town itself is quite tourist - and understandably so. With the world heritage Ningaloo Reef close by, and the chance to see whale sharks in surrounding waters from April to July, it’s no wonder tourists flock here in their droves. When you arrive in Exmouth, we recommend staying in Exmouth Cape Holiday Park. It’s a fantastic place to stay with great facilities, and plenty of grass and shade to escape the heat. If you’re lucky, you might encounter some emus that occasionally wander around the park. This is a journey rich in colour and experience, and one that will stay with you for years to come.
