Road trip - Perth to Broome - 10 day tour (itinerary)

Wednesday, 4 March 2009 - Day 1-Perth - Kalbarri (H)
We left Perth and headed North through market gardens and vineyards to join up with Highway 1 on our way to Nambung National Park and Pinnacles Desert. After exploring these, we continued our journey northwards along coastal roads to Geraldton.

After a short break we headed out to some local sand dunes sand boarding down these huge slopes. From there we continued on to Kalbarri and our overnight accommodation.

Thursday, 5 March 2009 - Day 2 - Kalbarri - Shark Bay (H)
After an early rise we had a short drive to Murchison Gorge in Kalbarri National Park. Here we stopped to view Natures Window, the Loop and discovered the wonders of the Z-Bend Gorge. At Z-Bend Gorge it is an exhilarating 150 metre descent into the heart of the gorge - where we explored and swam in the fresh water pools.

In the afternoon we made our way toward Monkey Mia, stopping at the beautiful Shell Beach and then onto Shark Bay for our overnight stop.

Friday, 6 March 2009 - Day 3 Shark Bay - Coral Bay (H)
After a short drive across the Peron Peninsula we made our way down to the beach and the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins - its a unique experience and there are some fantastic photo opportunities. Almost as famous as the dolphins are Monkey Mia's pelicans.

We then headed towards Carnarvon, but before leaving the Shark Bay area we stopped at the fascinating stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. We finished the day by driving off the highway and out to Coral Bay. (B,L,D)

Saturday, 7 March 2009 - Day 4 - Coral Bay - Exmouth (H)
Today we explored Coral Bay and the Ningaloo Reef and its fantastic marine life. We went snorkelling and cruised on the glass bottom boat.

Later in the afternoon we drove into Exmouth.

Sunday, 8 March 2009 - Day 5 Exmouth (H)
We visited Yardie Creek in the Cape Range National Park. Then we started our slow return to Exmouth. We swam and sunbathed at beautiful Turquoise Bay. We returned to our hostel late afternoon. (B,L)

Monday, 9 March 2009 - Day 6 - Exmouth to Karijini National Park (BC)
We headed inland today towards the oasis that is Karijini. We stopped for extra provisions in the iron ore mining town of Tom Price this afternoon before setting up our camp overlooking the magnificent Hamersley Range in time for a spectacular sunset.

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10, 11 & 12 March - Day 7,8 and 9 - Karijini National Park (C)
Two and a half days to explore this National Park area and its Gorges. The Hamersly Ranges were formed over 2,500 million years ago and are some of the most unusual landforms on earth - from cascading waterfalls found deep in the gorges to fresh still pools ideal for swimming. Some of the gorges are so narrow that you can touch both sides at once. We left the Park on 12 March for Pardoo Station.

Friday 13 March - Day 10 Pardoo Station to Broome
Today we began the final drive into Broome stopping along the way to enjoy 80 Mile Beach. Late afternoon we arrived in Broome - known as 'the Pearl of the North'.


BC - Bush Camp C - Campground H - Hostel