Warlu Way 12 day itinerary

The Warlu Way reveals the mysteries of the Warlu ‘sea serpent’ and other Indigenous legends by taking you on a 2,500km self-drive journey through Western Australia's Pilbara region. Interpretive signage along the drive opens your eyes to the secrets of this country and its historical, cultural and natural wonders.

Parts of Australia’s North West are very remote and require high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles and plenty of planning. Contact the local visitor centre for maps and information, including road conditions and permits, and check out road safety and important travel tips.

Days One and Two - Exmouth

Exmouth is 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.

Day Three - Onslow and the Mackerel Islands

The beachside town of Onslow is the ideal holiday sojourn and one of the few places where the sun rises and sets over water. Onslow is also the gateway to the idyllic Mackerel Islands, 22km off the coast. Fish, swim, dive, explore. Or just plain relax!

Day Four - Tom Price

Head for Tom Price on your way to Karijini National Park. For panaromaic views of Tom Price township and the Hamersley Ranges, take a four-wheel drive or walk to the top of Mt Nameless(Jurndamurneh).

Days Five and Six - Karijini National Park

Your next stop on the Warlu Way is Karijini National Park. Stop at the National Park Visitor Centre before exploring the park’s beautiful natural features, including Dales Gorge, Fern Pool, Circular Pool, Fortescue Falls, Kalamina Gorge, Joffre Falls, Hancock Gorge, Oxer Lookout and Hamersley Gorge.

Day Seven - Millstream Chichester National Park

Take the unsealed road to the remote Millstream Chichester National Park. Pay fees and pick up information at the National Park Visitor Centre, walk to Jirndawurrunha Pool and watch the sunset from the Cliff Lookout.

Day Eight - Dampier Archipelago and Burrup Peninsula

Follow the sealed Millstream Link road to Karratha. Join a boat cruise around the Dampier Archipelago, visit Deep Gorge to view Indigenous rock art (petroglyphs) on the Burrup Peninsula or take Iron Ore Port tour of Cape Lambert or Dampier facilities. Visit North West Shelf Venture Visitor Centre, or for the more adventurous, why not parachute from Wickham over the Dampier Archipelago.

Day Nine - Point Samson

Drive to the historic coastal towns of Roebourne, Cossack and Point Samson. See the Indigenous art groups at work in Roebourne. Explore the historic settlement of Cossack, take a boat cruise to Jarman Island lighthouse and enjoy fresh seafood at Point Samson.

Day Ten - 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.

Day Eleven - Eighty Mile Beach

Head for Eighty Mile Beach, stopping to take a look at the beautiful Cape Keraudren along the way. Relax and enjoy sunset drinks on the amazing Eighty Mile beach and perhaps catch the turtles nesting in season.

Day Twelve – Broome

Your final stop is the cosmopolitan coastal resort of Broome. Relax on the world-famous white sands of Cable Beach. Join a sunset camel ride, explore the glittering diamond and pearl showrooms of Chinatown and soak up Broome’s great atmosphere in one of its many restaurants and bars to celebrate the end of your Warlu Way adventure.

To find out more about this amazing self drive itinerary, download the Warlu Way map. 

Start Planning

Find out more about getting to North West Australia and travelling around the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia. Contact the local visitor centres to start planning your ultimate Warlu Way adventure, and download the Warlu Way map here.