Itinerary Planning

Warlu Way

This trip follows part of the iconic ‘Warlu Way’ journey which follows the path of the warlu, or Dreamtime sea serpent, taking in ancient and sacred landscapes rich in natural beauty and enchanting Aboriginal stories. Interpretive signage exists along the drive listing historical, cultural and natural wonders. Parts of Australia’s North West are very remote, it is advisable to contact the local visitor centre for maps and information, including road conditions and permits, and check out road safety and important travel tips.

1. Exmouth
The gateway to the world-class Ningaloo Marine Park, where you can swim, snorkel, SCUBA dive or join a tour and swim with the magnificent whale shark. Take a day trip to Coral Bay, explore Cape Range National Park, take a boat cruise along Yardie Creek and feast on fresh prawns at MG Kailis processing facilities.

2. Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park in Australia’s North West is all about adventure. It’s about exploring ancient rocky tunnels and plunging gorges, paddling through crystal-clear waterways and swimming under stunning waterfalls. For further information on the gorges, walk trails and maps of Karijini National Park go to the Department of Parks and Wildlife website.

3. Millstream Chichester National Park
Millstream-Chichester National Park is a comfortable two-hour drive from Karratha and offers some of the best nature based camping opportunities in the region. One of the most scenic attractions in WA’s Millstream National Park is Python Pool, which is easily accessible by road. Deeper within the park are camping areas at the beautiful Crossing Pool and Deep Reach, accessible only by unsealed roads. The run-off from the Hamersley Ranges flows via the Fortescue River into an underground aquifer. This natural reserve is believed to contain in excess of 1,700 million cubic metres of water and covers an area of almost 2,000 square kilometres. Attracted by the bounty of water, early European settlers established an active pastoral station here, which remained in operation for over 100 years. Today, the original Millstream Homestead houses the Millstream Visitor Centre and museum. There are well maintained public camping facilities in WA’s Millstream-Chichester National Park, including bush toilets and gas barbeques. Please note that campfires are not permitted. Permits and maps can be purchased from Karratha and Roebourne Visitor Centres, or from the Visitor Information Centre within the park.

4. Dampier
Make your way west to Dampier, a coastal hamlet that is the doorway to the Dampier Archipelago. The Dampier Archipelago is a string of 42 pristine islands that are home to a large and diverse number of marine species, making them one of Western Australia’s best diving and snorkelling spots. The islands’ white sandy beaches and blue waters also make them an ideal location for swimming or just lazing the day away.

5. Burrup Peninsula
Situated five kilometres north-east of the town of Dampier is the Burrup Peninsula. The Burrup Peninsula is one of the most prolific indigenous art sites in the world. It is believed that Aboriginal occupation of the Pilbara dates back more than 40,000 years. The Burrup Peninsula will allow you to explore and view the many different petroglyphs, some thought to be estimated around 20,000 years old. Also on the Burrup is the access road to Hearson’s Cove, a beautiful sheltered bay with picnic tables, BBQ’s and toilet facilities.

6. Point Samson
Moving away from the Burrup and heading east is the Point Samson Peninsula. Some of Western Australia’s best beaches, coral gardens, fishing spots and restored heritage buildings can be found on the Point Samson Peninsula and its surrounding islands. In contrast to its early years as a busy pastoral port, Point Samson today is a relaxed and picturesque coastal village famous for its fish and chips and delicious fresh seafood. Take a stroll at sunset or sunrise along the beautiful beaches at John’s Creek and Honeymoon Cove, or have a picnic or barbeque on the grassed areas next to the beach. Point Samson is a great spot to cast a line, with both beach casting and deep water fishing options. Point Samson is also a great base from which to explore the surrounding areas, including Cossack and Roebourne.

7. Cossack
Cossack is an immaculately restored ghost town offering a rare insight into the area’s past. Cossack was the original port of pearls before the luggers moved north to Broome in 1886, an early hub for gold prospectors in the region, and a port for pastoralists in the Pilbara. The town was dissolved in 1910 and abandoned by 1950. The beautifully restored bluestone buildings in the ghost town of Cossack are testament to this small town’s huge importance in 1880’s and 1890’s and offer a fantastic insight to the hardships and successes of the first settlers. Seasonal onsite budget accommodation is offered at the Old Police Barracks.

8. Roebourne
Established in 1866, Roebourne is the oldest town between Geraldton and Darwin. Once the administrative centre of the North West, its restored heritage stone buildings speak to its earlier prosperity and include some designed by renowned Public Works Department Architect George Temple Poole. Of note is the octagonal shape gaol, which can be visited on self-guided walks or through tours organised via the Roebourne Visitor Centre.

9. Port Hedland
Make the journey to Port Hedland, stopping at Whim Creek for lunch along the way. Enjoy a refreshing swim on arrival at Pretty Pool, join a Port Hedland Town Tour and view the huge facilities at BHP Billiton Point Nelson Port.

10. Broome
Often referred to as the pearl of North West Australia, Broome is Western Australia’s coastal gateway to the magnificent wilderness region of the Kimberley. It’s also home to the world-famous white sands of Cable Beach, making it one of the State’s most popular holiday destinations.

Download Warlu Way Map

Perth to Albany and Denmark (return)

Great Southern Weekender

3 Day Itinerary

Day 1 / Friday: Head south along Albany Highway, and head straight to your accommodation. If you have time, drive via the Porongurup Range to sample some of the region’s cool-climate wines, or take on the 3-kilometre round trip walk to the Granite Skywalk; a skywalk set into the side of a giant granite boulder, atop the Porongurup Range. Continue to Albany for the night and drop by the Albany Visitor Centre.

Day 2 / Saturday: Start the morning at the Albany Farmers’ Market, where you can purchase supplies direct from the farmer who grew/made them. Visit the new National Anzac Centre, Australia’s foremost museum for honouring the fallen troops of WWI. Be sure to take a walk to nearby the Desert Corps Memorial and Avenue of Honour. Enjoy lunch at the hilltop restaurant, with views over King George Sound. Drive out to Torndirrup National Park, taking in the newly upgraded scenic lookouts at The Gap and Natural Bridge. Discover the whaling history of WA at Discovery Bay, keeping an eye out for migrating humpback and Southern Right whales playing close to shore (June to September annually).

Day 3 / Sunday: Explore the wineries and gourmet food suppliers along the Scotsdale and Mt Shadforth Tourist Drives near Denmark. Outdoor enthusiasts can take a drive to watch the para-gliders floating over the most southerly point of WA in West Cape Howe National Park, or take a dip or snorkel in the protected waters of Greens Pool. Take the Denmark- Mt Barker Road, joining Albany Hwy again and heading back to Perth.

Places to stay in Albany:

• BIG4 Middleton Beach Caravan Park
• Albany Gardens Holiday Resort
• BIG4 Emu Beach Holiday Park
• King River Palms Caravan Park
• Albany Holiday Park
• Acclaim Rose Gardens Holiday Park
• Albany Happy Days Caravan Park

Places to stay in Denmark:

• Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park
• Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park

Places to stay in Mt Barker:

• Mt Barker Caravan Park

Itinerary courtesy of Australia’s South West.

Perth to Peel

If you are looking for a great holiday nearby then why not head to Mandurah and the Peel region, close to home but still a world away!

With a beautiful estuary, teeming with wildlife including blue swimmer crabs in season, plenty of beaches, canals and a winding river there are plenty of places for any sort of water activities you may want to do.

Pinjarra Caravan Park is the ideal place to stay in Pinjarra to enjoy the quiet colonial setting and the peaceful Murray River.

Head over to Mandurah and spend some time in this bustling seaside town, with plenty of shops and cafes, boating and fishing – there is something for all visitors to do.

plus a wide variety of places to stay, Miami Holiday Park, Timbertop Caravan Park, Mandurah Caravan & Tourist Park and Lake Clifton Caravan Park are located in such completely diverse areas you wouldn’t guess they are in the same region!

With such a beautiful place on your doorstep, why not take a break and enjoy it!

Perth to Monkey Mia

If you don’t have much time but want to experience the outback and see the red dirt Australia is so famous for, especially in stark contrast with the most turquoise sea you will ever find, then head to the Shark Bay World Heritage Region for a quick trip, and while your there visit the world famous dolphins of Monkey Mia!

The trip is just under 900km’s heading north from Perth along the Brand Highway. Break it up with a stopover in Geraldton on the way up, with Sunset Beach Holiday Park, Drummond Cove Holiday Park, Belair Gardens Caravan Park and Batavia Coast Caravan Park there are a variety of places to stay.

Geraldton itself is a great destination with plenty to see and do, including the HMAS Sydney Memorial lookout, Maritime Museum and Rock Lobster tours in season.

As you head further north through the rolling farmland of Northampton and up the Brand Highway you will start to see the fields and fences turn into bushland and scrub, and once you cross the rabbit proof fence you know you are getting into the outback!

Turn left at the Overlander Roadhouse for a beautiful drive into the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, stop at Hamelin Pool to see the Stromatolites – living examples of ancient life forms billions of years old – explore the amazing Shell Beach, see dugongs and Turtles from the Eagle Bluff lookout or drop into the World Heritage Discovery Centre in downtown Denham where you can stay at the Denham Seaside Tourist Village.

The next day it is time to head over to Monkey Mia, home of the world famous wild dolphins who visit the beach every morning for a feed of fish, or maybe they are visiting the humans who visit the beach – you can work that out when you see them!

Enjoy some of the many activities at Monkey Mia like a cruise on one of the sailing tours, paddle boats of just relax and enjoy the scenery. Stay overnight at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort and reflect on your trip to one of the most amazing places in Western Australia before making your way south back to Perth.

Perth to Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef return

Take the ultimate trip and see some of the most extraordinary sights you can imagine. With plenty to see and experience along the way it is your choice on how long it takes to get to your destination, with 14 days to get away you can stay one night here and there or head on through to Karijini National Park and spend longer there and on the way back.

Leaving Perth up the inland highway, start your journey through the rolling hills of the Wheatbelt before heading into the inland towns of Mt Magnet, Cue and Meekathara for a choice of your first night.

Move on further up and get your first taste of a working mine town at Newman, the mine tour is a must do and lets you see what all the fuss is about iron ore production, and what it takes to get it! Newman is a

Turn of the inland highway and head into Karijini National Park, with spectacular gorges cutting their way through some of the oldest rock formations on the planet Karijini is amazing. Karijini Eco Retreat is located on the western side of the park and has a full range of accommodation available, or for more basic camping the Department of Environment and Conservation has basic facilities at Dales Campground on the eastern side of the park or Tom Price Tourist Park is an easy drive to the all parts of the park.

Karijini National Park is a tough environment, check with local authorities before heading out and make sure you know your limitations before taking one of the Gorge walks. With swimming holes like Circular Pool, Fortesque Falls and Fern Pool, the eastern gorges have a range of options. the western side has something for the more adventure seeking, plus Hancock Gorge.

After taking at least three days to sample what Karijini National Park has to offer, pack up and start the trek west to Exmouth and Cape Range National Park where you will find the Ningaloo Reef. Located so close to the beach you can swim over Coral and see Turtles less than 20 feet form the shore, Ningaloo Reef is the largest fringing reef on the western side of land in the world.

Stay in one of Exmouth’s Caravan Parks with BIG4 Exmouth Cape Holiday Park offering a relaxing stay or head out to Cape Range National Park for more rustic camp options. All in season, you can see Turtles on the laying beaches, Whales and calves in Exmouth Gulf or one of the few places in the world to swim with the biggest fish in the ocean, Whale Sharks of the Ningaloo Reef. Take in the view from the lighthouse look out, swim at Turquoise Bay (watch out for the current) or take a tour of Yardie Creek, there really is something for all visitors.

As you head south, spread your time along the reef and visit the settlement of Coral Bay, Peoples Park Caravan Village and Bayview Coral Bay both offer a variety of accommodation. Situated right on the edge of Bills Bay this is the place to swim with Manta Rays, head out on a Coral viewing boat, walk the beach or take a quad bike tour along the coast and catch the sunset.

When it is time to head south again make sure you take time to stop in Carnarvon and Geraldton on the way, then start planning your trip back up north to see some more amazing places!!

Perth and the Avon Valley

Take a weekend trip from Perth to the historic Avon Valley, with arts and craft, farm land, wildflowers and a relaxed country feel, right on your doorstep, what better way to spend a weekend.

Perth to Esperance

Perth to Esperance is a great trip with plenty to see on the way, loads to do at the end and all kinds of activities to be had!

The choice is yours but a relaxing drive with stops on the way can be the most enjoyable. Leaving from Perth you can head out to the Avon Valley and the historic town of York for morning tea. Then keep winding through the small country towns and rolling farmland of the Wheatbelt as you head to one of Western Australia’s most iconic destinations, Wave Rock.

Camp overnight at Hyden Caravan Park before continuing on through the open farm plains of Lake King, the chance for a walk through Ravensthorpe and then onto the scenic coastline at Hopetoun.

Stay a night at the Hopetoun Caravan Park then continue your journey on to Esperance, one of Australia’s most favourite country towns and home to Australia’s whitest beach, Lucky Bay.

Esperance is located in a beautiful coastal setting with plenty of activities for all travellers, fishing from the jetty is a popular pastime and their are plenty of beaches to the east of town for 4WD enthusiasts to enjoy.

Stay three nights at any one of Esperance Seafront Caravan Park, Esperance Bay Holiday Park, Pink Lake Tourist Park or Pine Grove Holiday Park to enjoy all that Esperance has to offer.

As you head towards Albany, take the opportunity to visit Fitzgerald National Park, one of the worlds most bio diverse areas.

Stay a night and enjoy all that Albany has to offer, with plenty of options there is something on offer for all discerning travellers. Albany’s Emu Beach Holiday Park, Albany Holiday Park, Albany Happy Days Caravan Park, Rose Gardens Beachside Holiday Park, Albany Gardens Holiday Resort and BIG4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park.

And finally as you head back to Perth take some time to stop at Mount Barker, Kojunup and Williams.

Perth to Walpole

Take in the Great Southern Region with a leisurely drive down Albany Highway, taking in the Stirling Ranges, Karri Forests and rugged Coastline of the south of WA this area has something for everyones interests

With some great wineries around Mt Barker and plenty of getting back to nature options what better place to stop over and explore the region than Denmark.

With plenty of options such as Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park, Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park, Ayr Sailean, Peaceful Bay Caravan Park or Coalmine Beach Holiday Park near Walpole, there are a number of scenic locations to set up camp and tour the area.

Take in the beaches, walk through ancient forests and visit the Tree Top walk or try your hand at some beach fishing, go whale watching or just take in some of the arts and craft stores in the area.

Please select an itinerary

Not sure where to go? Want to get away but not sure where? Then let us help you, simply use this interactive tool to plan out your next trip. Looking for 2, 3 or more days, simply pick which one and let us give you a few ideas on where to go and stay. .