Welcome to Broome! Or Rubibi, in the language of the Yawuru people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Broome is now located. Broome is a pearling town with a rich history, so it’s recommended you spend an extra day here if you’d like to explore. Your adventure will begin straight away this morning with a short tour of the town, visiting China Town, the Japanese cemetery and Town Beach. After lunch, you’ll head towards the Pilbara region, where you’ll spend the night at a campsite at Eighty Mile Beach. Tonight, have dinner together and maybe do a spot of stargazing under the blanket of night sky, which boasts very little light pollution.
This morning, travel along the coast to the iron ore town of Port Hedland. When you arrive, you’ll take a quick driving tour of the town to see the incredible size of the iron ore industry. Keep your eyes peeled for the road trains carting iron ore, some of which can be up to 60 m long. After lunch, you’ll make your way to the remote but spectacular Karijini National Park, where you’ll spend the next three nights at a campsite that overlooks the Hamersley Ranges.
Today is dedicated to exploring Karijini National Park, full of scenic gorges and swimming holes. Formed over 2500 million years ago, the Hamersley Ranges are some of the most unusual landforms on Earth and you’ll be able to take some great photos while you’re here. Deep in the gorges, you’ll come across waterfalls and fresh, still waterholes that are ideal for swimming. Explore Dales Gorge, where you can cool off in Fortescue Falls and Circular Pool. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the park’s Visitors Centre where you can learn about the culture of the First Nations people of the area before a group dinner.
Venture to Weano Gorge and Hancock Gorge this morning. For those interested in a challenge, you can walk to Handrail Pool at the end of Weano Gorge or take on the Spider Walk in Hancock Gorge. Both gorges boast breathtaking views and you'll see lots of examples of banded iron formations that seem to sink into the earth.
Today is mainly a long travel day, as you head towards the coast. Get stuck into your book, hit your favourite podcast or share playlists with your fellow travellers as you watch the land pass you by. Along the way, you’ll pass through Tom Price – a small town known for its iron ore mining – and many Aussie cattle stations before reaching Exmouth, where you’ll set up camp for the night.
Today is a free day to take on some optional activities in and around Exmouth. Maybe go snorkelling (equipment provided) or diving, search for whale sharks if the season is right or head out to see Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. If you’d rather relax, maybe just kick back on the beach at Turquoise Bay and soak up the sunshine. In the afternoon, make the short trip to Coral Bay to your backpacker style accommodation, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Take a day to explore Coral Bay today. Maybe kick back on the warm sand or go for a swim before visiting Ningaloo Reef and the amazing marine life that lives below the waterline. Here, maybe go snorkelling or take a cruise on a glass-bottom boat to see the wildlife up close (while you stay dry).
Head south this morning after breakfast and cross the Tropic of Capricorn. Pass through the town of Carnarvon on the way, famous for its bananas, and maybe pick up some of nature’s snacks. Then, stop at the unique Shell Beach, which is one of the only two beaches in the world made up entirely of tiny shells!
This morning after breakfast, explore the Shark Bay World Heritage area. Stop to view the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool – these are the oldest living organisms in the world – before heading south for Kalbarri. Time permitting, you’ll be able to visit Murchison Gorge and Nature's Window this afternoon along the way. Tonight, have dinner with your group in Kalbarri.
This morning after breakfast, explore the coastal gorges of the Kalbarri National Park, then head to the beautiful seaside town of Dongara. After exploring, head to the fascinating landscape of the Nambung National Park to check out the famous Pinnacle Desert. Then, make your way to Perth, arriving in the early evening. This is where your trip comes to an end.