Wander the Warlu Way

To experience the best of the Pilbara region, follow the way of the Dreamtime sea serpent on a road trip known as the Warlu Way.

The Warlu Way follows the path of the Warlu Dreamtime serpent as it traverses Western Australia’s epic Pilbara Region – ancient and sacred landscapes rich in natural beauty and enchanting stories. Your journey takes you back to the mystical Dreaming when the Warlu emerged from the sea and travelled through the pulsing red heart of the outback.

The Warlu Way leads you almost 3,000km from sapphire seas and offshore islands, to lush oases, plunging gorges, soaring ranges and the ancient Aboriginal culture of Australia’s North West. Choose to explore the Warlu Way in its entirety, or do it in sections by following the four interconnected routes:

Warlu Way Geoheritage Route - landscape near Newman Australia's North West/CJ Maddock

Geoheritage Route

Take a journey back in time to when the Earth began, from preserved remnants of ancient crust…

Warlu Way Inland Route image - Karijini National Park Australia's North West/CJ Maddock

Inland Route

Plunging gorges and soaring mountain peaks carved from the landscape over millennia…

Welcome to Country

The Warlu Way is a magical insight into Indigenous relationships, responsibilities and respect. It opens your eyes to the Indigenous people’s relationship and connection to the land. It acknowledges the ongoing responsibility Indigenous people have to their country. And it shares respect for Aboriginal beliefs and cultures. As a visitor, please travel thoughtfully and respect the wishes of your hosts.

Map of the Warlu Way

 

To download a copy of this map, please click here.

HP_Maps2022_Pilbara-WarluWay

Coastal Route

Quaint coastal towns and offshore islands with remarkable fishing and diving, ancient petroglyphs in the world's oldest art gallery, historic ghost towns and buzzing industrial ports - this is a coast of contrasts.

Onslow and the Mackerel Islands, Karratha and the Dampier Archipelago, Cossack and Port Hedland all feature on this route. 

Discover the Coastal Towns

aerial_view_of_onslow_and_coastline_image_australias_north_west_cj_maddock CJ Maddock

Onslow

Enjoying good weather all year round, Onslow in Western Australia is a pretty coastal town offering a relaxed holiday. It’s one of the few places where the sun rises and sets over water, and is…

Karratha

With a bustling city centre, Karratha's recent reinvention will surprise you with its hip restaurants and modern facilities, but best of all Karratha's location means it is surrounded by iconic…

Dampier

Located just 20 kilometres west of Karratha, the pretty port town of Dampier is named after the English buccaneer William Dampier, who visited in 1688. Dampier is the departure point for day cruises to…

Port Hedland

Two hundred kilometres north of Karratha, Port Hedland is famous for its massive resource industry, long trains, big ships and salt piles. But it’s just as rich in Indigenous culture, pioneering…

Accommodation along the Warlu Way Coastal Route

Mackerel Islands

Getaway on an island adventure to the Mackerel Islands, located a 2-hour flight or 1400km…

Inland Route

Plunging gorges and soaring mountain peaks carved from the landscape over millennia, punctuated by idyllic swimming holes and waterfalls, and accommodation from camping to luxury eco-resorts.

This route includes the jewel in the Pilbara's crown, Karijini National Park, as well as Tom Price, Paraburdoo and more.

MANUWARRA RED DOG HIGHWAY ROUTE

Named in honour of both the famed Kelpie cattle dog who frequented the region and the traditional Aboriginal name for the area, this drive route traverses the heart of the Pilbara, including the magnificent Millstream Chichester National Park.

Explore Red Dog's Pilbara

The original Pilbara wanderer, Red Dog explored far and wide through the landscapes of the Pilbara. Red Dog fans will want to snap a selfie with his statue, and follow the heritage trail in Dampier

Millstream-Chichester National Park

With some of the best nature-based camping opportunities in the Pilbara, you'll want to spend some time explore the magnificent landscapes and waterways in Millstream-Chichester National Park

Geoheritage Route

Take a journey back in time to when the Earth began, from preserved remnants of ancient crust more than 3.5 billion years old and fossilised stromatolites, through to early gold rush days and now Australia's resources heartland.

Journey from Newman, through Nullagine and onto Marble Bar.

Plan Your Trip

Information, Tours & Accommodation

Newman Visitor Centre

Newman Visitor Centre is located in the heart of Newman, adjacent from the shopping centre. Our…

Enjoy easy planning and navigating for your Warlu Way trip with the dedicated Warlu Way app. The free app includes offline maps, digital guides, and stop points…

Epic Pilbara Road Trip

From Karijini to Karratha in a 4WD vehicle, this 10-day, 3-legged journey, is best experienced from…