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Western Australia's Top 5 Road Trips

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by Tim Falk (subscribe)
A freelance writer with an interest in just about everything.
Published November 14th 2013
Hit the road and explore the best WA has to offer
There's a lot to see in Western Australia: pristine beaches, colourful wildflowers, sleepy historic towns and the majestic Kimberley region. The best way to take in all the wonderful travel experiences WA has to offer is to take a road trip, so here are five of the state's most enjoyable drives for you to explore. Enjoy.

Gibb River Road, Western Australia's Best Road Trips
Dimond Gorge and the Fitzroy River, off the Gibb River Road. Image courtesy Tourism WA.


Gibb River Road
The world-famous Kimberley region is one of Australia's last wilderness frontiers, and this legendary road trip takes you right through the heart of it. From spectacular Broome on the west coast to Kununurra on the Northern Territory border, the Gibb River Road offers a true Aussie outback adventure.

After enjoying a camel ride on Cable Beach and exploring Broome's fascinating history, head north to Derby and turn inland towards some of Australia's most spectacular natural scenery. There's the must-see Lennard Gorge, Bell Gorge and Dimond Gorge, along with the Pentecost and Ord Rivers and Manning Falls.

You'll encounter rich Aboriginal history along the way, as well as some of the genuine characters of the Aussie bush. A timeless journey.

South-west
There's so much to see and do in the south-west corner of WA, and this ultimate road trip takes in the best of it. Head south from Perth to Busselton and take a stroll along the enormous jetty, then sample some of the boutique drops in the Margaret River wine region.

Margaret River, Western Australia's 5 Best Road Trips
Vasse Felix vineyards, Cowaramup. Image courtesy Vasse Felix.


If you'd rather be a little more active, hit one of the many beautiful beaches in the area, before stopping in at the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. Climb tall trees in Pemberton and Manjimup, then take in the pristine coastal scenery of William Bay National Park.

Then, of course, there's Albany, with it's rugged coastal rock formations and clear white sands. The itinerary suggests taking eight days to see and do it all, but that might not be enough time.

Esperance and Wave Rock
Wave Rock is one of Australia's most famous rock formations which, as the name would suggest, is shaped exactly like a huge wave. Fifteen metres high and 110 metres long, it's an impressive sight. And if you want to make the trek out to see Wave Rock, why not turn the journey into a road trip?

Esperance, Western Australia's 5 Best Road Trips
Coastal scenery looking west across Quoin Head, in Fitzgerald River National Park. Image courtesy Tourism WA.


After seeing Hyden and Wave Rock, join up with the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail to take you to historical Norseman and through an ever-changing landscape. From there it's on to Esperance, where there are six beautiful national parks to explore, all within a day's drive.

But the biggest highlight would have to be the beaches - ridiculously white sand and picture-perfect clear waters await you in this WA gem, so get exploring.

The Warlu Way
This 2480-kilometre route follows the path of the warlu, or Dreamtime sea serpent, as it weaves its way through north-western Australia and the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. The route starts on the shores of Ningaloo Reef - pack your snorkel - and then leads you past beautiful seas, magnificent gorges, towering ranges and a whole lot of history.

Karijini National Park, Western Australia's 5 Best Road Trips
Fern Pool in Dales Gorge, Karijini National Park. Image courtesy Dirk Rohrbach - Tourism WA.


Marvel at the plunging gorges of Karijini National Park, immerse yourself in the desert oasis of Millstream Chichester National Park, or gaze at the world's largest collection of Indigenous rock art on the Burrup Peninsula. There's the historic towns of Cossack and Roebourne to explore, the diverse and spectacular marine environment of the Dampier Archipelago, and the sheer scale of the mining operations near Port Hedland.

Then the Warlu Way leads you into Broome, where you can end your trip admiring the sunset over Cable Beach.

Golden Quest Discovery Trail
Running from Coolgardie to Laverton, this outback trail explores one of the world's best known gold producing regions. The 965-kilometre trail includes 525 kilometres of unsealed road, and several memorable experiences along the way.

Kalgoorlie, Western Australia's 5 Best Road Trips
Exchange Hotel, Kalgoorlie. Image courtesy Tourism WA.


There's the vibrant nightlife of Kalgoorlie, the Poseidon Nickel Mine at Mt Windarra, and the historic precinct of Gwalia. At the right time of year you'll see spectacular wildflowers, from flowering wattles and acacias to salt bush and hovea.

But the real hero of the region is the fascinating goldfields history, with the wealth from the region transforming Western Australia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's a fascinating part of Australia, and this road trip lets you see the best of it.
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Why? Hit the road and go exploring
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Cost: Petrol ain't cheap
Your Comment
Fern Pool is beautiful.
by Bastion Harrison (score: 4|12640) 3496 days ago
Broome is beyond magical - go there!
by Here and There (score: 2|398) 3495 days ago
I would like to see more info on accessibility
for these articles.
by Dbstr (score: 0|2) 3491 days ago
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