Best Perth to Broome Road Trip Itinerary: Ultimate Guide to Traveling from Perth to Broome on a Budget 2023
Are you looking for a budget-friendly Perth to Broome road trip itinerary? This guide will show you how to travel from Perth to Broome on a budget, including tours, accommodation, and more. Be prepared for weather conditions and wildlife sightings, and take safety precautions on your journey.
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Why Road Trip from Perth to Broome?
Taking a Perth to Broome road trip is a great way to experience the beauty of Western Australia. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore many unique and breathtaking places, such as Exmouth and Kalbarri, as well as a range of adventurous activities. From visiting national parks such as Karijini and Nambung to exploring the stunning beachside towns of Jurien Bay and Coral Bay, this road trip has something for everyone.
Travelling by car or campervan will allow you to explore at your own pace and make the most out of your trip.
What you need to consider when planning a Perth to Broome Road Trip
1. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Budget
When planning a road trip from Perth to Broome, it’s important to consider your budget and calculate the cost.
There are three routes to consider: driving from Perth to Broome, from Broome to Perth, or in a loop. Depending on your budget and schedule, one route may be more suitable.
If you plan on renting a car or campervan, it is usually cheaper to fly to Broome and drive to Perth, as the one-way fee is mostly cheaper from Broome. However, check it has unlimited km as some Broome hire cars limit the km and then charge extra. When researching prices, it is important to look at both directions and decide which suits your budget best.
There are car hire booths at Perth airport, but it’s best to pre-book your car rental.
To compare rental car company prices, Discover Cars is an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are have a high rate of customer satisfaction.
Drivenow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, Jucy as well as smaller ones.
Compare Rental Cars Here.
If you are travelling on a tight budget, you may consider picking up and dropping off your rental vehicle in the same place, as this will save the one-way car hire fee. However, this will add around 2300 km to your journey, so consider the extra fuel.
Use a fuel cost calculator to get an estimate of your costs. Use the fuel price data from a Google search for “petrol prices Australia” and input the figure into the calculator.
How many people are you travelling with? If there are four of you, renting a campervan instead of a car may be cheaper.
Calculate how much money you will need for food and drink and any other activities or tours you plan to do.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of travel insurance (we use Cover More). Choose from the various options to find the one that suits you.
By following these steps, you should have a good idea of what your Perth to Broome road trip will cost. Remember that the price could be more or less than estimated, and factor in any additional expenses that may arise.
If you don’t want to drive, you could opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour, such as the Why Not Bus, which caters to a younger demographic and includes camping. Integrity Coach Lines offers a choice of express or hop-on hop-off tickets.
2. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Distance & Travel Time
The drive from Perth to Broome will take approximately 23 hours if you take the inland route without detours. However, you can customize your trip by adding stops or opting for an alternate route.
If you take the coastal route, you can break up the journey and explore some of the most beautiful spots in Western Australia. This route (including detours from Perth to Broome) is over 4,000 km long, so it’s wise to allow at least two weeks to complete the journey.
3. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Accommodation
When planning a road trip from Perth to Broome, it’s important to consider what type of accommodation you need. There are many options available depending on your budget and travel style. For example, budget-friendly options include camping, caravan parks, and hostels. For those looking for a comfortable and luxurious stay, there are hotels, resorts, and private rentals to choose from.
Have you booked accommodation?
We use Booking.com for most accommodation bookings as they offer free cancellation on many properties and have a price match guarantee. We book through Stayz (part of VRBO) for private accommodation as we find it is often cheaper than Airbnb.
Tip: Accommodation gets booked quickly, especially during the WA school holidays. To avoid disappointment, book early.
4. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Travel Companions
When planning a road trip from Perth to Broome, there are a few things to consider about travel companions. Firstly, consider your group size. A group of two or three is ideal, as it is easier to coordinate, and there is usually enough space in the vehicle. However, if you have more people, make sure you have a bigger car or campervan to accommodate everyone.
Consider your pet-sitting options if you plan to bring a pet along. If you plan to do some sightseeing and activities, it’s important to ensure you have someone to take care of your pet while you’re away.
Finally, make sure you all have similar expectations and goals for the trip. It’s important to plan the trip as a group so that you’re all on the same page and ensure you have the best experience possible.
5. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Weather Conditions
When driving from Perth to Broome, the weather conditions can be quite harsh. The weather is generally hot during the summer months (December to March), while the winter months (April to November) are slightly cooler.
The best time to visit is during the winter months when temperatures are milder. However, the outback can be unforgiving at any time of the year, and travellers should check road conditions before travelling to ensure a safe journey.
6. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Vehicle Requirements
If you have your own vehicle, what requirements are needed for a road trip from Perth to Broome?
- Make sure it is in good working order and you have it serviced before your trip.
- Check tyres (including spare) for pressure, wear and tread. Bring a tyre pressure gauge.
- Make sure that you have a tool kit with you, such as a jack, jumper leads, warning triangle, window breaker, and tow rope.
- Consider taking spares like spark plugs, fuses, hoses etc.
- Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage for the duration of your trip.
7. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Travel Safety
When planning a road trip from Perth to Broome, there are several travel safety issues to consider. Check road conditions before setting off. The drive is over 2200 km and can have rough roads, so plan accordingly.
- Research your route and the best places to stop. Our Western Australia travel guides suggest which hotels, restaurants and attractions to visit.
- Check for road closures which can be closed due to several factors, including flooding and bushfires.
- If you are towing a caravan, trailer, or boat, ensure you know the legal load limit for your vehicle and that it is well secured. Unless otherwise signposted, the maximum speed limit for a vehicle towing a trailer or caravan is 100 kmph.
- Buy a Telstra SIM card, as their regional coverage is the best.
- Road trains (large trucks with up to four carriages) can be as long as 60m, so extreme care must be taken if overtaking. Most of the Coral Coast is single-lane only, with a few overtaking lanes.
- The Coral coast can be affected by cyclones, particularly between December to March. Keep up to date with emergency advice on the WA Emergency site. You can keep informed of bushfire advice there too.
- The open road speed limit is 110 km per hour and 50 km per hour in built up areas. However, please pay attention to the signs as they often change.
- It is illegal to touch your mobile phone while driving, and all passengers must wear a seatbelt.
- Have at least 6 litres of water per person.
- Pack non-perishable food.
- Carry a first aid kit.
- It is highly recommended to have a GPS to avoid getting lost or download a mapping app like Avenza that provides a map even when you are out of range.
- Take regular breaks and never drive tired (share the driving if you can).
- Plan to travel no longer than eight to ten hours a day.
- Watch out for wildlife when driving, especially around dawn and dusk (serious accidents occur due to collisions with kangaroos, cows, and other animals).
- Stop at every roadhouse for a break and stretch.
- Ensure you have enough fuel, as petrol stations are 100 – 300 km apart, and some may be out of fuel. Also, keep in mind that most of them do not open 24 hours.
- If you break down, stay with your vehicle and conserve water and food.
- Note a list of emergency contacts before you leave.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Be aware of crocodile dangers.
- Box Jellyfish and Irrikanji can be present throughout the year but are more prevalent during the wet season when the water is warmer. They inflict a severe sting that can be potentially fatal. Wear a full-length stinger suit from November to April, and pay attention to beach closure signs.
With these considerations in mind, you should be able to enjoy a safe, fun, and memorable road trip from Perth to Broome.
8. Perth to Broome Road trip: Emergency Contact Numbers
| Fire/Police/Ambulance | 000 |
| Fire/Police/Ambulance from GSM mobile phone | 112 |
| Halls Creek Police | 08 9168 6000 |
| Wiluna Police | 08 9981 7024 |
| Newman Police | 08 9175 1201 |
| Royal Flying Doctors Service (State-wide) | 1800 625 800 |
| Royal Flying Doctor Service (Meekatharra Base) | 08 9981 1107 |
| Automobile Association of Australia | 13 11 11 |
9. Perth to Broome Road Trip: What to Pack
- If you take prescription medication make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip and bring a script renewal from your doctor
- Swiss army knife, torch, & spare batteries
- First aid kit & emergency blanket
- Fire extinguisher
- Duct tape
- Umbrella/rain protection
- Insect repellent – mosquitoes can carry diseases such as encephalitis and Ross River fever
- Sun protection – sunscreen, large brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeve top
- National Park holiday or annual pass, which can be purchased online or at various outlets like visitor centres. RAC WA offer a 50% discount for members
- A CB Radio is useful if you are planning to travel into remote areas
- Cash and credit/debit cards
- Toiletries
- Toilet Paper
- Travel mugs, reusable water bottles, utensils, rubbish bags, and reusable bags
- Eskie or portable fridge
- Clothes, footwear, swimwear, towels
- Camera, drone, phone, tablet, and chargers
- Entertainment (cards, boardgames, books etc.)
- Guide book (I still like having a paper version)
10. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Camping
If you’re planning to camp on a road trip from Perth to Broome, you’ll find plenty of camping options along the way. You can easily find well-priced caravan parks and free camps, so you can enjoy the journey without breaking the bank.
Drivenow i is a great resource for finding the perfect campervan hire rate.
11. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Attractions & Sightseeing
What attractions are available for the Perth to Broome road trip?
Attractions on this Perth to Broome drive range from beautiful beaches and national parks to unique wildlife and iconic sunsets.
As you head north, attractions such as the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park, Kalbarri’s gorges, Ningaloo Reef, and Karijini National Park are some of the must-dos along the way. For those who love wildlife, some of the animal encounters you can have include whales, whale sharks, and turtles.
Other possible detours for the Perth to Broome road trip include Lancelin’s sand dunes, Jurien Bay’s seal lions, Geraldton, Monkey Mia’s dolphin and other marine life, and Carnarvon.
One of the best places to go whale watching on the Perth to Broome road trip is Ningaloo Reef (accessed from Exmouth or Coral Bay). Here you can swim with whale sharks, manta rays, and other marine life. Other great spots for whale watching are Monkey Mia and Broome.
For incredible snorkelling, head to Turquoise Bay or Oyster Stacks in Exmouth, Coral Bay, and Jurien Bay.
You can find a full list of attractions and things to do on these destination pages (links in the itinerary below too).
- Lancelin Sand Dunes
- Pinnacles
- Jurien Bay
- Port Denison/Dongara
- Geraldton
- Kalbarri
- Shark Bay (Monkey Mia)
- Carnarvon
- Coral Bay
- Exmouth
- Karijini
- Karratha/Port Hedland
- Eighty-Mile Beach
- Broome
- Cape Leveque
12. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Hiking
Hikers should consider spending a day or two hiking in Karijini National Park. Visitors will find breathtaking gorges and waterfalls, and the gorgeous Knox and Joffre Falls Lookouts. Those looking for a longer hike can climb Mount Bruce’s summit. Other great hiking opportunities are available in Cape Range National Park (Exmouth) and Kalbarri.
However, these activities are best enjoyed during the cooler months of April to September.
13. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Fishing
When driving from Perth to Broome, the opportunities for fishing along the way are vast. Anglers can expect to find some of the best spots for reeling in their catch in Jurien Bay, Shark Bay, Coral Bay, and Exmouth.
14. Perth to Broome Road Trip: National Parks
Several stunning national parks should be considered when planning a road trip from Perth to Broome. This itinerary will take you through the gorgeous Karijini National Park, home to stunning gorges, waterfalls and rock formations. Visit the Pinnacles Desert, in Nambung National Park, to see limestone formations making for incredible photos.
Other national parks that should be included in your itinerary are Kalbarri National Park, Francois Peron National Park, and Cape Range National Park. Each park offers a unique experience and is a great place to explore and take in the beauty of Western Australia.
15. Perth to Broome Road Trip: Tours
There are a variety of tours available during your trip from Perth to Broome. Tourists can plan their route and make their own stops along the way or opt for a guided tour. We use a mixture of Viator and Get Your Guide to book our tours.
If you don’t want to drive, AAT Kings have an epic 21 day adventure from Perth to Darwin, taking in all the must-see sights.
Perth to Broome Road Trip Itinerary Coastal
The least time I suggest driving from Perth to Broome is a week, which is ok for people that have already been to some of the places along the Coral Coast. However, if it is your first time, I would take your time and allow at least two weeks, preferably longer, so you can enjoy each place.
Perth to Broome Road Trip Itinerary – 7 Days
This is a rushed itinerary, and you won’t have time to see or do much at each stop. This itinerary is designed for drivers who want to break up their journey with stops along the way.
Day one – Perth to Jurien Bay
220 km – 2 hours 45 mins
Leave Perth via the Mitchell Freeway (State Route 2) to Hester Avenue and turn right. After 1 km, turn left onto Wanneroo Road, which becomes Indian Ocean Drive at Yanchep, and follow until you reach Jurien Bay.
Read these Indian Ocean Drive Tips to stay safe on these roads (there have been numerous accidents on Indian Ocean Drive).
More info:
Where to stay and things to do in Jurien Bay
Day two – Jurien Bay to Kalbarri
352 km – 3 hours 45 mins
Indian Ocean Drive connects with Brand Highway, which takes you to Northampton, where you’ll turn off towards Kalbarri.
Break up the journey with a stop in Dongara/Geraldton/Northampton/Pink Lake.
More info:
Day three – Kalbarri to Coral Bay
673 km – 6 hours 45 mins
From Kalbarri, head back onto National Route One until the Minilya Exmouth Road. Stay on this road until the Coral Bay turnoff on the left.
Stop in Carnarvon for a walk/rest.
More info:
Where to stay and things to do in Coral Bay
Day four – Coral Bay
Take a break from driving by spending the day on Ningaloo Reef.
Day five – Coral Bay to Karratha
530 km – 5 hours 40 mins
Take National Route 1 to Karratha, which adjoins the port of Dampier.
Climb the water tower at the visitors centre to view the surrounding landscape. The 3.5km Yaburara Aboriginal Heritage Walk Trail takes you to scenic lookouts through the Karratha Hills.
More info: Things to do in Karratha
Day six – Karratha to Eighty Mile Beach
477 km – 5 hours
Travel via Port Hedland to Eighty Mile Beach. The road to Eighty Mile Beach is gravel, so you may need to stop in Port Hedland if your hire vehicle does not allow travel on unsealed roads.
More info:
Day seven – Eighty Mile Beach to Broome
375 km – 4 hours
The last section of your Perth to Broome road trip continues on National Highway 1 to Broome.
More info: Where to stay and things to do in Broome
Perth to Broome Road Trip Itinerary – 10 Days
The 10-day Perth to Broome road trip itinerary gives you a little longer in each place. However, you miss out on some amazing places in between.
Day one – Perth to Geraldton
415 km – 4 hours 30 mins
Follow this route from Perth to Kalbarri via Geraldton.
Depending on the time you leave Perth, you may have time to stop at one of these attractions along the way:
More info: Where to stay and things to do in Geraldton
Day two – Geraldton to Kalbarri
156 km – 1 hour 45 mins
A short drive today allows you time to explore Kalbarri and maybe a hike, depending on the time of year.
More info: Where to stay and things to do in Kalbarri
Day three – Kalbarri to Carnarvon
442 km – 4 hours 30 mins
You may choose to see more of Kalbarri before departing for Carnarvon. The loop walk in Kalbarri National Park is best done first thing in the morning.
Follow directions from National Route 1 to Carnarvon.
More info: Things to do in Carnarvon
Day four – Carnarvon to Exmouth/Coral Bay
365 km – 3 hours 45 mins to Exmouth
Continue on National Route One until the Minilya Exmouth Road. Keep on this to either Coral Bay or Exmouth. Read the guides below to decide what destination is suited to your interests.
More info:
Day five – Exmouth/Coral Bay
Spend today on a snorkelling tour, whale watching, or maybe hiking.
Day six – Exmouth/Coral Bay to Karijini
640 km – 7 hours 45 mins
A long drive today, so it’s best to make an early start. If you feel this distance is too long, consider stopping in Tom Price overnight and heading into Karijini National Park early the next day.
Day seven – Karijini
You’re in for a real treat today – Karijini National Park is one of the most spectacular places in Western Australia. The gorges, waterfalls, water holes, and views are incredible.
Day eight – Karijini to Port Hedland
342 km – 3 hours 45 mins
Port Hedland isn’t picturesque like Karijini, but it’s a good place to replace essentials for the road trip. If you’d rather stop en route to Eighty Mile Beach, you can spend an extra night in Coral Bay/ Exmouth or Karijini.
However, the road to Eighty Mile Beach is gravel, so you may need to stop in Port Hedland if your hire vehicle does not allow travel on unsealed roads.
Day nine – Port Hedland to Eighty Mile Beach
252 km – 2 hours 40 mins
Arrive with plenty of time to enjoy this pristine beach and glorious sunset views.
Day ten – Eighty Mile Beach to Broome
375 km – 4 hours
The last section of your Perth to Broome road trip continues on National Highway 1 to Broome.
More info: Where to stay and things to do in Broome
Perth to Broome Road Trip Itinerary – 14 Days
The two-week Perth to Broome itinerary is the one I suggest for new visitors to Western Australia. If you can spare the time, I would adapt this itinerary to spend longer in Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, Exmouth, and Karijini, depending on your interests.
Day one – Perth to Jurien Bay
220 km – 2 hours 30 mins
Take Mitchell Freeway (State Route 2) to Hester Avenue and turn right. After 1 km, turn left onto Wanneroo Road, which becomes Indian Ocean Drive at Yanchep, and follow until you reach Jurien Bay.
Plenty of time today to stop at Yanchep National Park, Wedge Island, Lancelin sand dunes, and/or the Pinnacles.
More info:
Where to stay and things to do in Jurien Bay
Day two – Jurien Bay to Geraldton
196 km – 2 hours
Today is another short drive, so you can stay in Jurien Bay for a seal lion tour or drive to Geraldton to see the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Point Moore lighthouse, cathedral and more.
More info: Where to stay and things to do in Geraldton
Day three – Geraldton to Kalbarri
156 km – 1 hour 45 mins
Get up early and spend time exploring Kalbarri. If you can afford the extra time, spend longer here. The hikes are amazing!
More info: Where to stay and things to do in Kalbarri
Day four – Kalbarri to Monkey Mia
400 km – 4 hours
Leave Kalbarri behind and head to the UNESCO Shark Bay region, which includes Monkey Mia, Denham, Francois Peron National Park, Hamelin Pool stromatolites, and Dirk Hartog Island.
Follow the Perth to Exmouth road trip route.
Choose to stay in Monkey Mia or Denham – read the post below to decide.
More info: Where to stay and things to do in Shark Bay
Day five – Monkey Mia
Get up early to see the Monkey Mia dolphins, take a marine life cruise, or do some off-roading in Francois Peron NP. Don’t miss shell beach, though!
Day six – Monkey Mia to Coral Bay
581 km – 6 hours
Leave Monkey Mia early to arrive in Coral Bay in time for a snorkel.
More info: Things to do in Coral Bay
Day seven – Coral Bay
Enjoy all that Coral Bay has to offer.
Day eight – Coral Bay to Exmouth
152 km – 1 hour 30 mins
Get up as early as possible to arrive in Exmouth for hiking or snorkelling.
More info:
Day nine – Exmouth
Swim with whale sharks, take a whale cruise, hike Yardie Gorge trail or Cape Range National Park – the list is endless, but make sure to book tours well in advance as they sell out quickly in peak times.
Day ten – Exmouth to Karijini
640 km – 7 hours 45 mins
Follow the Perth to Broome road trip 10-day itinerary for the rest of the route.
Day eleven – Karijini
Day twelve – Karijini to Port Hedland
342 km – 3 hours 45 mins
Day thirteen – Port Hedland to Eighty Mile Beach
252 km – 2 hours 40 mins
Day fourteen – Eighty Mile Beach to Broome
375 km – 4 hours
Perth to Broome Road Trip Map Inland
Is the Road from Perth to Broome Sealed?
The main roads between Perth and Broome are sealed. However, some roads in Francois Peron
National Park (Shark Bay), Karijini, Cape Range National Park (Exmouth) and Kalbarri National Park are unsealed, so it’s best to have a 4wd.
Where to Stay between Perth and Broome
Depending on your itinerary, places to stay between Perth and Broome could be:
- Jurien Bay
- Geraldton
- Kalbarri
- Monkey Mia/ Denham
- Carnarvon
- Coral Bay
- Exmouth
- Karijini
- Port Hedland
- Eighty Mile Beach
How Many Days do you Need in Broome?
You need at least three days in Broome, but a week will allow you to see more of the surrounding area, like Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Cape Leveque, and Horizontal Falls.
Tips for arriving into Western Australia
For other ideas on where to visit in Western Australia along with the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and other essential information, click on the link below.
Save Money Planning your Trip
Click on the links which will take you direct to the website.
Flights ✈️
We usually fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.
Travel Guides 📖
As well as using online resources, like other travel blogs, I like to flick through a paper travel guide too. I either rent them from our local library or buy them from Bookdepository if I want to take it with me.
Accommodation 🏩
We mainly use Booking.com for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties. We also book through Stayz for private accommodation as they are usually cheaper than Airbnb.
Car Rental 🚘
To compare rental car company prices, we use Discover Cars, an award winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly-rated.
Campervan/RV Rental 🚐
Drivenow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, Jucy as well as smaller ones.
Tours & Attractions 🎢
We use third-party sites Viator, Get Your Guide & Klook due to their free cancellation policies, instant confirmation, price guarantees, and mobile ticketing. We occasionally book through Red Balloon too.
Accessing Money 💵
We recently started using Wise to access funds internationally, including trips to Bali and Malaysia. They offer a debit card in 50 currencies and transfers are fast and free from hidden fees and exchange rate markups. Funds can be accessed through ATMs too. Wise has saved us a lot of money compared to our usual credit card and debit card.
Travel Insurance 🌏
Cover-More and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel.
See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.
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