The Warlu Way follows the trail of the Warlu or sea serpent on a on a 2480 self-drive journey through Western Australia’s spectacular Pilbara and neighbouring regions.
This drive route highlights Aboriginal stories where the mighty warlu emerged from the sea. The interpretive signage along the drive opens your eyes to the secrets of this country and its historical, cultural and natural wonders.
The journey begins at Ningaloo and from here Warlu Way presses east to Karijini National Park – a glorious fusion of plummeting gorges, rushing waters, narrowly spaced red cliffs and waterfalls. It takes in mining towns around Karijini like Newman, Tom Price and Paraburdoo and tells you of the riches being mined from deep within the sun baked earth.
Next the drive returns west via the Millstream Chichester National park – an oasis offering crystal clear ponds, water lilies, palm fronds and dragonflies. The Fortescue River in the park is also home to the warlu after which the drive is named.
The drive returns to the coast at Karratha – gateway to the Dampier Archipelago and the Burrup Peninsula. These areas are home to up to a million rock engravings known as petroglyphs.
Warlu Way then journeys to the north and east passing through towns like Cossack, Roebourne, Port Hedland and Marble Bar, each boasting colourful histories rich in tales of pearling, gold and pastoralism. From here it travels along the coast to the nature rich Eighty Mile beach before reaching the Kimberley.
Driving the Warlu Way opens your eyes to the Indigenous people’s relationship and connection to the land.
Start Planning
Find out more about getting to North West Australia and travelling around the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia. Check out the road trip itinerary. Be aware of road safety and health and safety issues. Contact the local visitor centres to start planning your ultimate Warlu Way adventure, and download the Warlu Way map here.