Blog Stops To Make From Perth to Broome on the Indian Ocean Drive

Keen to really see the sights and uncover the wonders of Western Australia? There’s no better way to explore than with a trip from Perth to Broome on the Indian Ocean Drive.

This coastal trip is a must-do for avid campers and caravanners, offering plenty of things to see and do along the way. So make the most of sunny WA’s great weather and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Take Off From Perth

Set off and enjoy an idyllic trip along the WA coastline. Only 100 kilometres out of Perth, you’ll leave the suburbs behind in favour of iconic pitstops, like Lancelin Island and Nilgen Lookout, and the Moore River Estuary in Guilderton.

Take time to see the stars at Gingin Observatory, or head up to Nambung National Park to see the Pinnacles, the column-style rock formations that WA is famous for.

The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park WA. Image by Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is all about beaches! Enjoy a dip in the ocean or take a tour to Essex Rocks to swim with sea lions. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

If you’re more of a land-based adventurer, Jurien Bay also offers a range of walking and cycling trails where you can enjoy sweeping views of an unbeatable landscape.

Sea lions of Jurien Bay, WA. Image by Tourism Western Australia

See Geraldton

Next stop: Geraldton! Situated along WA’s magnificent Coral Coast, a visit to Geraldton is a must, especially if you’re travelling between July and October, when wildflower season is in full force. Head to the Beresford Foreshore to check out the incredible art installation, the Horizon Ball. If you can, stick around to witness sunset over the Indian Ocean.

If the schedule allows, visit nearby Ellendale Pool. The scenic natural waterhole is the perfect setting for a picnic.

Beresford Foreshore, WA. Image by Tourism Western Australia

Stop at Horrocks

Horrocks is not to be missed if you’re looking for a truly epic photo opportunity. Here, you can visit Port Gregory and see Hutt Lagoon, a few metres below sea level. The pink lake gets its vibrant colour from the presence of Dunaliella salina algae. The best time to see it in all its glory is in the middle of a bright day, when the sun is high in the sky.

Hutts Lagoon pink lake, WA. Image by Jebayventures, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Check out Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri is a classic destination for WA travellers, and for good reason. The area is known for its towering cliffs and ancient gorges, not to mention migrating whales just off the coast. Highlights include dolphin spotting at Island Rock and Natural Bridge, and the awe-inspiring Kalbarri Skywalk, where viewing platforms hovering 100metres above the Murchison River Gorge provide a truly unforgettable vista.

Natures Window, Kalbarri National Park WA. Image by User Tirin on en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Discover Coral Bay

If you consider yourself an off-road adventurer, Coral Bay is not to be missed. Head to Five Finger Reef for epic beach 4WDing and snorkelling, or take a quad bike trek.

Five Fingers Reef, WA. Image by Ben McHattie on Google Maps.

Explore Ningaloo

And of course, you must explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef! Rich in biodiversity, Ningaloo is home to some of the world’s most fascinating marine life. Swim with whale sharks, manta rays, or even humpback whales.

From here, you’re only a hop, skip, and jump away from other must-see destinations like Monkey Mia and Shark Bay.

Ningaloo Reef, WA. Image by W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Travel from Karratha to Port Hedland

As you make your way closer to Broome, don’t miss the hidden gems of Karratha, from the Yaburara Heritage Trail to the iconic Karijini National Park.

Continue to Port Hedland, where you can explore the Tidal Flats. Keep a lookout for whales and nesting turtles whenever you find yourself close to the coast.

Karijini National Park, WA. Image by Phil Whitehouse, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wrap Up in Broome

Located at the very top of WA at the end of the NW Coastal Highway 1, Broome offers a mix of stunning natural attractions, sacred Aboriginal culture, and WWII heritage.

Here in the Kimberley, there’s so much to do. Explore a rich landscape, including waterfalls, canyons, and beaches. Take a sunset camel ride along the pristine white sand of Cable Beach, or head to Gantheaume Point where the vivid red cliffs overlook the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean.

Gantheaume Point WA at Sunset. Image by Remi Brasi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Prepare for Your Adventure

Before you embark on a Perth-to-Broome coastal road adventure, you’ll need a camper you can rely on. Discover the best caravans Perth has to offer by exploring our range or visiting your nearest JAWA showroom.