Best 5 Road Trips to Explore Northern Western Australia

Northern Western Australia offers incredible road trips with stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and natural wonders. Here’s a quick overview of the top 5 routes and what makes them special:

• Perth to Exmouth (Coral Coast Drive): Explore beaches, Ningaloo Reef, and wildlife along this 1,250km coastal route. Best time to visit: April–November.
• Karijini & Millstream Chichester Parks Loop: Discover dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and Aboriginal history in the Pilbara region. Best time: May–September.
• Kimberley Region (Broome to Kununurra): Travel the Great Northern Highway to see Cable Beach, Bungle Bungles, and Lake Argyle. Best time: May–October.
• Ningaloo & Cape Range Circuit: Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef, swim with whale sharks, and explore Cape Range National Park. Best time: March–July.
• Perth to Mullewa Wildflower Route: Witness stunning wildflower displays, from wattles to everlastings. Best time: August–October.

Quick Planning Tips:

• Travel during the dry season (May–October) for the best weather.
• Carry essentials like water, maps, and spare tyres.
• Book tours and accommodation early during peak seasons.

Plan your trip, pack wisely, and enjoy the stunning beauty of Northern WA!

WESTERN AUSTRALIA – Ultimate TRAVEL Guide for ROAD …

1. Perth to Exmouth: Coral Coast Drive

This iconic road trip showcases WA’s stunning coastline and natural landmarks. Spanning 1,250km, the journey offers pristine beaches, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable scenery.

Best Time to Travel

Plan your trip between April and November when the weather is mild. Winter (June to August) brings average temperatures of 20°C, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. Avoid the scorching summer months (December to February), when temperatures can soar to 40–50°C.

10-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Perth to Cervantes
  Stop at Lancelin’s sand dunes and explore the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. Spend the night in Cervantes.
• Days 2–3: Kalbarri
  Drive to Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake) and stay two nights in Kalbarri. Visit Nature’s Window, Z Bend, and the Skywalk in Kalbarri National Park.
• Days 4–5: Shark Bay
  Discover Shell Beach and interact with wild dolphins at Monkey Mia. Don’t miss Ocean Park Aquarium and Eagle Bluff Lookout.
• Days 6–8: Coral Coast
  Base yourself in Coral Bay. Snorkel at the Shark Nursery and explore the world-famous Ningaloo Reef.
• Days 9–10: Exmouth
  Wrap up your trip with visits to Charles Knife Canyon Gorge and Turquoise Bay.

Travel Tips

• Book tours for whale sharks, humpback whales, and manta rays in advance.
• Reach your accommodation before 5 pm to avoid encountering wildlife on the roads.
• Snorkel in the morning when conditions are calm.
• Watch for wildlife near Shark Bay, especially at dawn and dusk.

"The weather in Mid-West WA is best described as being somewhere between the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Having lived there for two years, each season has perks and considerations depending on what activities you’re planning." – Travel Mermaid

2. Karijini and Millstream Chichester Parks Loop

Explore the breathtaking Pilbara region with its dramatic gorges, crystal-clear pools, and rich Aboriginal history.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip between May and September for pleasant temperatures and comfortable conditions.

Once you’ve picked the right season, dive into the highlights of each park.

Must-See Attractions

Karijini National Park

• Dales Recreation Area: Stunning waterfalls and serene natural pools
• Mount Bruce: Sweeping views of the Hamersley Range
• Hamersley Gorge: Vibrant rock formations and scenic swimming spots
• Kalamina Gorge: A fantastic introduction to the park’s rugged beauty

Millstream Chichester National Park

• Deep Reach Pool (Nhanggangunha): A spring-fed oasis perfect for swimming and canoeing
• Python Pool: A seasonal waterfall in a striking setting
• Historic Millstream Homestead: A glimpse into life since 1919
• Snappy Gum Drive: A scenic route with diverse landscapes and lookout points

Before heading out, make sure you’re prepared with these essential tips.

Essential Travel Tips

• Park entry costs $17 per vehicle (up to 12 occupants) per park
• Download offline maps via the Avenza Maps app before your trip
• Carry at least 1 litre of water per hour of travel
• Plan your fuel stops; the nearest station to Dales Campground is over 80 km away

Safety Considerations

• Avoid Yampire and Wittenoom Gorges due to blue asbestos risks
• Stay out of gorges during rain to avoid flash flooding
• Be cautious of dingoes: secure food and never feed wildlife
• Swimming pools can be extremely cold between April and September
• Book campgrounds early during peak season

This Pilbara loop not only showcases 2.5-billion-year-old landscapes but also honours the cultures of the Banyjima, Kurrama, Innawonga, Ngarluma, and Yindjibarndi peoples.

3. Kimberley Region: Broome to Kununurra

Journey through the Kimberley region along the Great Northern Highway, a sealed route that combines breathtaking landscapes with easy access to Western Australia’s natural treasures. This route lets you experience the area’s beauty without navigating rugged or isolated tracks.

Best Time to Travel

The dry season (May to October) offers perfect travel conditions with sunny days, clear skies, and cooler evenings. Here’s what you can expect during these months:

With the weather in your favour, don’t miss these incredible sights along the way.

Must-Visit Destinations

• Broome
  Discover 120-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, explore the historic Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, and catch a stunning sunset at Cable Beach.
• Derby and Surrounds
  Visit the ancient Boab Prison Tree, believed to be over 1,500 years old. Take a walk along the Derby Jetty and explore museums showcasing the area’s history.
• Fitzroy Crossing
  Cruise through Geikie Gorge at sunset, where towering limestone cliffs frame the Fitzroy River.
• Halls Creek and Purnululu
  This is your gateway to the World Heritage–listed Bungle Bungles, covering nearly 240,000 hectares. While a 4WD is needed for ground access, scenic flights provide a spectacular aerial view.
• Lake Argyle
  Australia’s largest man-made lake holds an impressive 10.7 billion cubic metres of water. Activities include boat cruises, canoeing, swimming, and fishing.

Accommodation Tips

Accommodation fills up quickly during the peak season (June–August), so book ahead. Here are some popular options:

Essential Travel Tips

• Refuel at Warmun Roadhouse when travelling between Kununurra and Halls Creek.
• Stop by local information centres in major towns for the latest road updates.
• Book tours early, especially during the busy peak season.

"The Bungle Bungle range contains the most outstanding example of cone karst in sandstones anywhere in the world and owes its existence and uniqueness to several interacting geological, biological, erosional and climatic phenomena."
– Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

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4. Ningaloo and Cape Range Circuit

Take a scenic drive through Ningaloo and Cape Range National Park, where you’ll find incredible snorkelling spots, stunning beaches, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Best Time to Visit

The weather in this region varies, so plan your trip based on the activities you want to enjoy:

Must-Visit Destinations

• Turquoise Bay
  Recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the top beaches in the South Pacific in 2022, Turquoise Bay is perfect for swimming. Be cautious of strong currents near the sandy point.
• Cape Range National Park
  Spanning 50,581 hectares, this park is home to 630 plant species and over 100 bird species. Key spots include:
  • Charles Knife Canyon: Stunning gorge views
  • Yardie Creek: Boat tours and wildlife sightings
  • Mandu Mandu Gorge: Great for morning hikes
  • Shothole Canyon: Rugged, scenic landscapes
• Wildlife Encounters
  Ningaloo is famous for its marine life, offering:
  • Whale shark swims (March–July)
  • Humpback whale watching (May–October)
  • Manta ray sightings (May–September)
  • Turtle nesting at Jurabi Turtle Centre (starting in October)

Pair these experiences with some of the best snorkelling locations nearby.

Snorkelling Spots

Explore Australia’s largest fringing reef at these top snorkelling spots:

• Lakeside: Perfect for beginners
• Oyster Stacks: Best visited at high tide
• Coral Bay: Sheltered waters ideal for snorkelling
• Bundegi Beach: Great for kayaking along the coast

"At Ningaloo, these gentle giants are just the beginning of the story. With the world’s largest fringing reef, heritage-listed national parks, and an abundance of rare flora and fauna – there’s so much more to love in Ningaloo." – Australia’s Coral Coast

Travel Tips

• Pack warm layers for cool evenings (July–September)
• Schedule hikes between April and September to avoid extreme heat
• Book whale shark tours early during peak season
• Bring plenty of water and sun protection
• Check tide schedules to make the most of snorkelling
• Set aside 3–4 days to fully enjoy the circuit

Each year, around 40,000 humpback whales migrate through the area. During the main season (March–November), the water temperature stays at a comfortable 23–24°C.

5. Perth to Mullewa Wildflower Route

Explore the stunning wildflower displays of Western Australia’s Northern Wheatbelt. With over 12,000 species – 60% found nowhere else in the world – this route is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. Here’s everything you need to know about the best times to visit, key stops, and guided tours.

Best Viewing Season

The wildflowers are at their best from late August to October, though early blooms can start appearing in late July. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Must-Visit Locations

Make sure to include these highlights on your journey:

• Dalwallinu
  Begin at the Dalwallinu Discovery Centre for up-to-date wildflower viewing tips. Look for wattles along Wubin East Road, orchids at Mia Moon Reserve, and wreath flowers near Goodlands Road.
• Perenjori Region
  This area comes alive with vibrant displays of everlastings, native foxgloves, purple darwinia, and thriptomene.
• Coalseam Conservation Park
  Famous for its springtime fields of yellow, pink, and white everlastings, this park is perfect for photography and offers scenic walking trails.

Expert-Led Experiences

For a deeper experience, join a full-day guided tour with New Leaf Connect in Mingenew. These tours cover areas like Canna, Mullewa, and Pindar, ensuring you see the most breathtaking blooms.

"Wildflowers are stunning, especially on the corner of Cadda Road and the Brand Highway. Also, brilliant wildflowers on the Vern Westbrook walk trail – go to the Badgingarra Roadhouse and the guy there is an ace on wildflowers, and they will give you a map this walk trail and others. Just this one alone is worth a visit – honestly one of the best sets of wildflowers in the area." – Malcolm William Travel, Trip Advisor

Essential Travel Tips

• Visit local visitor centres for the latest wildflower updates.
• Bring a good camera, especially if you’re into macro photography.
• Pack plenty of water and supplies, as some areas lack services.
• Mobile reception is unreliable in national parks.
• Carry a personal location beacon (PLB) when exploring remote walking trails.

With 21 interpretive sites to explore, plan at least three days to fully enjoy the wildflowers and conservation areas. This route offers a beautiful way to experience the natural beauty of Northern WA.

Road Trip Planning Guide for Northern WA

Getting Your Vehicle Ready

If you’re sticking to sealed roads, a 2WD vehicle will do the job. But for remote areas, you’ll need a 4WD. Before setting off, make sure your vehicle is in great shape. Pay special attention to:

• Tyres: Check their condition and ensure they’re properly inflated
• Battery and electrical systems
• Cooling system
• Brakes and suspension

Once your vehicle is sorted, check local weather patterns to pick the best time for your trip.

At Offgrid Campers WA, we take care of this for you and provide well-maintained and close to new modern vehicles!

Timing Your Trip and Weather Considerations

Northern WA is best visited during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, temperatures can range from around 15°C on chilly winter mornings to up to 45°C in summer. Try to avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day.

Packing Safety Gear and Supplies

After prepping your vehicle, stock up on essential safety gear:

• Plenty of water for each day of travel
• Non-perishable food for a few days
• Spare fuel
• A complete first aid kit
• At least one personal location beacon per vehicle

These items will help you handle any unexpected delays.

Planning Your Journey

Good preparation goes beyond just the vehicle and supplies. Careful route planning is a must.

Route Planning

• Map out your route and mark fuel stops along the way
• Limit driving to 8–10 hours a day
• Check current road conditions and whether national parks are open

Safety Measures

• Share your travel plans with someone and carry updated maps and weather forecasts
• Avoid driving during hours when you’d typically be asleep

Watching for Wildlife and Road Conditions

As you travel, keep an eye out for wildlife and changing road conditions. In regional areas, you might come across kangaroos, cattle, camels, and emus. If you’re driving on unsealed roads:

• Slow down and leave extra space between vehicles
• Keep your headlights on
• Be ready for reduced visibility caused by bushfire smoke, fog, or heavy rain

Staying Rested and Alert

Long drives can be tiring, so plan for regular breaks. If you feel drowsy, take a 20-minute power nap right away. Stop at roadhouses for coffee and a quick stretch, and share the driving if you can. Make sure to arrange overnight stops ahead of time.

Keep in mind that mobile coverage can be unreliable in remote areas. Download offline maps and carry emergency communication tools to stay prepared.

Final Travel Tips

Here are some key tips to keep in mind before heading off on your Northern WA adventure.

Safety and Communication Essentials

Have emergency contacts on hand and share your travel plans, including estimated arrival times, with someone you trust. Since mobile coverage can be unreliable in remote areas, it’s smart to carry a signal device and remote communication tools.

Checking Road Conditions

Before setting out each day, check the Main Roads WA Travel Map for up-to-date information on road closures and conditions. If travelling during summer (December–March), keep an eye on cyclone alerts and potential flooding risks.

Staying Alert for Wildlife

Northern WA roads are often shared with wildlife. Pay extra attention during dawn and dusk when animals are most active and visibility is reduced.

In addition to wildlife awareness, be mindful of seasonal weather changes that could affect your plans.

Weather and Seasonal Advice

The dry season (May–October) is the best time to travel for stable weather. If you’re travelling in summer, prepare for cyclones, flash floods, and crocodile risks. Carry extra water and prioritise safety while soaking in the beauty of Northern WA’s landscapes.

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