Broome to Exmouth: Karijini & Ningaloo Adventure (10-14 Days)
Drive your campervan from Broome to Exmouth on a 10-14 day unforgettable outback-to-coast journey, exploring the rugged gorges of Karijini National Park and the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef.
Explore Western Australia’s wild northwest on a 10–14 day campervan road trip from Broome to Exmouth — travelling through the rugged Kimberley edge, inland gorges of Karijini National Park, and finishing at the crystal-clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef. This guide includes a practical day-by-day itinerary, driving distances, camping tips, and essential planning advice for an unforgettable road trip adventure.
Estimated trip length: 10-14 days • Total distance: ~1,800-2,200 km return • Best time: April-October (dry season)
Planning the ultimate West Coast road trip? Whether you’re starting in Broome or linking this route with a Perth itinerary, this guide covers the key stops — Eighty Mile Beach, Karijini, and Exmouth — with practical travel tips and campsite advice.
Broom to Exmouth Road Trip Highlights
- Start in Broome – Cable Beach and historic Chinatown
- Eighty Mile Beach – remote coastal stop with magnificent sunsets
- Karijini National Park – gorges and swimming holes
- Pilbara region – wildlife and outback landscapes
- Ningaloo Reef – UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef, perfect for snorkeling
- Finish in Exmouth – enjoy the relaxed beach town vibes
Broome to Exmouth Road Trip Route Overview
Direction: Southbound from Broome to Exmouth via the Great Northern Highway, including inland detours to Karijini. Expect long driving days, remote outback conditions, and limited services between stops
Approximate segment distances & driving times:
- Broome → Eighty Mile Beach: ~250 km / 2.5–3 hrs
- Eighty Mile Beach → Port Hedland: ~370 km / 4–5 hrs
- Port Hedland → Karijini National Park: ~350–400 km / 4–6 hrs
- Karijini → Tom Price → Exmouth: ~600–700 km / 7–8 hrs
- Local driving in Karijini & Exmouth: ~50–150 km
12-Day Broome to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Broome → Eighty Mile Beach
Leave Broome and head south into Western Australia. By the afternoon, you’ll reach Eighty Mile Beach. Walk along the beach and enjoy the incredible sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Day 2: Eighty Mile Beach → Port Hedland
Start the day slowly by watching the sunrise at the beach. Drive further south into the Pilbara region and arrive in Port Hedland, a major mining hub and a stark contrast to yesterday’s overnight place. Stock up on fuel and supplies, and prepare for heading inland tomorrow.
Day 3: Port Hedland → Karijini National Park
Turn inland toward one of the most spectacular regions in Australia: Karijini National Park.
Enjoy the red Pilbara landscapes and the scale of the gorges. Set up camp and get ready for a few days of exploring this incredible area.
Day 4: Karijini — Dales Gorge
Today you’ll explore your first gorge: Dales Gorge. Walk down into the gorge and follow the trail to Fortescue Falls. Continue to Fern Pool, a peaceful swimming spot surrounded by rock walls and greenery. A perfect combination of activities and relaxing for a first day in the park.
Day 5: Karijini — Hancock & Weano Gorges
Explore Hancock and Weano Gorges, where the trails become narrower and more technical. Try to reach Handrail Pool, a hidden swimming spot tucked deep within the gorge. Definitely a highlight of this trip.
Day 6: Karijini — Joffre Gorge
After yesterday’s active day, take it easier today and visit Joffre Gorge for a short walk. Do it in the morning to avoid the heat. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at camp and enjoy the silence of the outback.
Day 7: Karijini → Tom Price
Leave the national park and head to Tom Price, one of the highest towns in Western Australia. This is a short drive, so enough time to rest and resupply in the town.
Day 8: Tom Price → Exmouth
Today is one of the longer driving days back to the coast. You’ll see the landscape change from red terrain to coastal blues. Arrive in Exmouth and enjoy the palm trees, ocean and the relaxing vibe of this place.
Day 9: Exmouth — Ningaloo Reef
Use this day to explore the Ningaloo Reef, one of the few places in the world where you can walk straight off the beach and snorkel vibrant coral reefs.
Day 10: Exmouth — Cape Range National Park
Explore nearby Cape Range National Park, where rugged ranges meet turquoise water. Visit beaches like Turquoise Bay and Oyster Stacks. Walk one of the short hikes to experience the contrast between desert and ocean.
Day 11: Exmouth — Optional day
Depending on the season and your energy level, you can choose to swim with whale sharks, join reef tours or simply relax by the beach. Use this day to fully enjoy this final destination of your journey.
Day 12: Exmouth — Final day
End your road trip in Exmouth. Time to fly out, continue south, or take an extra day to relax.
You can always add more resting days in case you have more time to explore this area. There are a lot of hikes along this route or you can spend more time at the beaches of Exmouth.
You can compress this trip into a shorter road trip by skipping the extra days in the Karijini National Park and Exmouth. However, those landscapes reward slow travel so consider your plans well. Allow extra days for bad weather, road closures or to enjoy unexpected highlights.
Camping, Parks & Facilities
- Camping Karijini: There are different options to camp in Karijini National Park. Karijini Eco Retreat is best for comfort and is located centrally. Dales Campground is best for budget but offers the best nature experience. Book ahead in peak season (April-October). Stay 3-4 nights at the same base, using it to explore different gorges each day.
- Camps Exmouth: You can choose for Exmouth town camps with full facilities or Cape Range National Park camps with less facilities. Make sure you book early if you want to stay in the national park, these sites sell out fast.
- Fuel & supplies: There is no fuel inside Karijini National Park. Stock up food and fuel when you have the opportunity. Carry enough water and food with you along the way.
When to Go & Safety Notes
- Best weather: Dry season, typically April/May through October/November. Wet season brings road closures and flood risks, so try to avoid it.
- Wildlife & environment: Expect wildlife, extreme heat, and remote conditions. Avoid driving at night, carry plenty of water, and respect the fragile outback and reef environments along the way.
- Health & comms: Mobile coverage is limited, make sure you’ve downloaded offline maps. It can be very hot inland, plan hikes early and pack sun protection.
What to Pack?
- Plenty of drinking water and long-life snacks
- Offline maps or GPS
- Sun protection: hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Basic first-aid kit, insect repellent, any personal medication
- Swimming wear and snorkelling gear for Ningaloo Reef
Quick FAQs
How many days do I need from Perth to Esperance?
10-12 days gives you enough time to see and explore the highlights of this road trip. Shorter trips are possible but will feel rushed.
Can I camp everywhere?
No, use designated campsites or permitted sites. Book ahead if you want to stay at a popular destination. Some camps will have facilities, but many are basic with only toilets.
When is whale shark season in Exmouth?
Whale shark season at Ningaloo Reef typically runs from March to July.
Can I do this trip in a campervan?
Yes. Most of the route is sealed, with some gravel roads in Karijini and access roads to campsites and accessible with a 2WD campervan. Drive carefully on the unsealed roads.
Plan & Book Your Campervan
Ready to roll? Use our Campervan Finder to compare campervans, motorhomes and 4WD campers from 100+ brands across Australia. Check availability for your Perth to Esperance dates and lock in the best price today.
