If you’re looking to explore vast landscapes, drive epic road stretches and see some of Australia’s most unforgettable scenery, a road trip through WA’s North West should be at the top of your list.
Starting in Kununurra and winding your way down the coast, this journey takes you through the Kimberley, across the Pilbara and along the Coral Coast, where you can swim in stunning turquoise waters, explore red rock gorges and have remote beaches all to yourself along the way.
Here’s Summerstar’s North West road trip itinerary, with tips on how to plan this epic trip properly, must-see attractions and where to slow down and explore.
Visit the Bungle Bungle Range, one of the most other-worldly experiences you will find in WA. Image: Tourism Australia
Most travellers begin their North West journey in Kununurra, the gateway to the Kimberley region of WA. You would have heard of the Gibb River Road, Ord River and Lake Argyle, epic and famous waterways that Kununurra is known for. The experiences to be had in Kununurra are otherworldly, from the world heritage- listed Bungle Bungle Range, to cascading waterfalls against red rock.
Flights: You can get to Kununurra via flights from Perth, Broome and Darwin. Fly into Kununurra Airport and hire a 4WD, or drive in via the Great Northern Highway from WA or the Northern Territory.
Here’s a list of 29 things you must do in Kununurra when staying at Hidden Valley Kununurra Caravan Park.
Taking a camel ride along Cable Beach at sunset is one of the most iconic WA experiences. Image: Tourism Australia
Broome is where the red earth meets turquoise ocean.
Drive time from Kununurra to Broome: 10 – 12 hours.
Distance: ~1,000km via Great Northern Highway
This stretch is a true outback driving experience with the endless road encased by red dirt. Many travellers break up this journey by stopping along the way and seeing the sights along the way:
Fitzroy Crossing: Try for the elusive Barramundi on one of the largest rivers in the world
Geikie Gorge: Discover the Geikie Gorge National Park where you can explore fossils, sand banks and mangroves while meeting (from afar), the local wildlife like crocodiles and stingrays.
Ancient Rock Art: See ancient rock art up close at the Mimbi Caves while on tour with Girloorloo Tours. Ancient Rock Art dates back to 60,000 years ago, making is one of the oldest art forms in the world.
Stay a few days exploring Broome and all the iconic experiences of the North West.
Float your worries away in the stunning rock pools at Gantheaume Point. Image: Tourism Western Australia
Drive time from Broome to Eighty Mile Beach: 3.5 – 4.5 hours south along Great Northern Highway
People often ask what there is to do at Eighty Mile Beach. We can confidently say this stretch of the Summerstar Road trip introduces the peace and tranquillity you’ve been searching for. Endless coastline as far as the eye can see, this is where you can true coastal remoteness.
Can you think of a more perfect beach than Eighty Mile Beach? Image: CJ Maddock
Tom Price Tourist Park is nestled right at the foot of Mount Nameless. Image: CJ Maddock
Tom Price Tourist Park sits high in the Pilbara and acts as the perfect base for exploring one of WA’s most spectacular national parks. Explore the stunning gorges and cascading waterfalls of Karijini National Park.
Drive time: 6 – 8 hours inland via Port Hedland
Explore spectacular gorges in Karijini National Park. Image: CJ Maddock
Explore the dramatic cliff faces in Carnarvon. Image: Tourism Western Australia
As you leave the Pilbara behind, we start to enter the region of Australia’s Coral Coast. This is where you can experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ningaloo Reef, taste the sweet and juicy fruit of Carnarvon, also known as the Fruit Bowl of WA. Stay at Capricorn Holiday Park and explore Carnarvon and all it has to offer.
Drive time from Tom Price to Carnarvon: 5 – 7 hours
Carnarvon is your last stop, and the perfect place to reflect on your North West adventure before heading further south.
Have you heard of Horizontal Falls? David Attenborough described this as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Image: Tourism Australia
Plan your trip wisely: May to September offers cooler temperatures and better road access, and October to April is quieter due to the slow season.
Allow Extra Time: Don’t rush, make sure you build in rest days and plan for spontaneous stops.
Check Road Conditions: Flooding and closures can happen during the wet season.
Fuel Up Early: Some stretches between towns are long, never assume the next fuel stop is close. Always fuel up when you have the choice.
The North West of WA isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list, it’s about slow travel, remote beauty and untouched raw landscapes.
This out of this world adventure showcases the very best of Western Australia’s scale and diversity, the vastness of this region and how much is yet to be discovered.
Pack the car, hit the road and let the North West of WA surprise you.
Did you know Summerstar Tourist Parks has 17 parks dotted across the coast in Western Australia? Stay with Summerstar on your epic road trip in WA!
