Broome to Perth inland road trip: Best stops, distance & time
The best stops on a Broome to Perth inland road trip along sealed roads are Port Hedland, Karijini National Park, Meekatharra and New Norcia. By car, the Broome to Perth drive via the Great Northern Highway covers a 2,222km distance in a driving time of around 23h20m.
The inland drive from Broome to Perth isn’t nearly as interesting as the coastal trip. However, if you’ve already driven from Perth to Broome along the Western Australian coast, then you might be more interested in taking the quicker route back.
Broome, meanwhile, brings Horizontal Falls tours, camel rides on Cable Beach, dinosaur footprints adventures and close encounters at a crocodile park. To check out a great range of Broome activities and tours, browse here. For Broome accommodation, book here.
Perth offers gold pouring experiences at the Perth Mint, Rottnest Island day trips, and scenic Swan River cruises. To book Perth tours and experiences, head here. For Perth accommodation deals, book here.
The inland drive from Broome to Perth isn’t exactly crammed with highlights, but add the right stops to your itinerary and it still makes for a good road trip. This guide should help you plan the quickest trip along sealed road. If you have a 4WD, be aware that there is a possible short cut through Marble Bar.
Broome to Perth distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Broome to Perth along the inland route is 2,222km. That makes for a driving time of around 23 hours and 20 minutes.
The best stops to add to a Broome to Perth inland road trip itinerary include Port Hedland, Karijini National Park, Meekatharra and New Norcia.
9 great Broome experiences to book today
- 1. Sunset camel ride – take in the changing colours of Cable Beach on camelback.
- 2. Horizontal Falls flight – see one of nature’s most extraordinary natural phenomena
- 3. Crocodile park visit – watch big crocs being fed up close.
- 4. Half hour helicopter ride – see the extraordinary red rock coastline from above
- 5. Dinosaur footprints adventure – including a wildlife spotting boat ride down Dampier Creek.
- 6. Sunset cruise – enjoy an Indian Ocean sunset with wine in hand
- 7. Windjana Gorge day trip – venture deeper into the rugged Kimberley.
- 8. Town tour – learn Broome’s fascinating history along the way.
- 9. Mud-crabbing experience – catch crabs in the mangroves then eat them after they’re cooked by a pro.
Broome to Perth inland road trip: Broome to 80 Mile Beach
The first leg of the journey is the 604km stretch from Broome to Port Hedland.
On the way out of Broome, you’ll pass the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park before reaching the Roebuck Plains Roadhouse on the Great Northern Highway. Turn south here, and make peace with a road you’re going to spend a very long time on.
The Eco Beach resort is the best place to stay between Broome and Port Hedland, but unfortunately it comes pretty early on in the drive. Further south are the Barn Hill Station and the Port Smith Caravan Park on a natural lagoon by the coast.
The Sandfire Roadhouse is just before 80 Mile Beach and you will almost certainly need to fill up on fuel here as it is 287km south of the Roebuck Plains Roadhouse.
The next turn off is 250km from Port Hedland, and heads to 80 Mile Beach. Here, the beachside Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park offers powered sites, cabins, gas barbecues and a little shop. You can also expect white sand, multicoloured sunsets and migratory birds.
Broome to Perth drive: 80 Mile Beach to Port Hedland
The Pardoo Roadhouse, 144km from Port Hedland, was smashed by Cyclone Isla in April 2023. At the time of writing, there were strong doubts over whether it would reopen. You can check on the roadhouse’s Facebook page, however.
On a more positive note, the Pardoo Roadhouse is where you’ll find the turn-off for gorgeous Cape Keraudren, an in-the-know spot for Indian Ocean fishing and crabbing.
Things to do in Port Hedland once you arrive include watching the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon at the Cooke Point Lookout and taking a harbour tour.
Port Hedland accommodation recommendations
The best places to stay in Port Hedland are:
- For a cheapish but decent motel: South Hedland Motel.
- For beachfront location and overall quality: Hospitality Port Hedland.
- For more space, a kitchen and laundry: Mia Mia Executive Apartments.
- For a pool and family-friendly facilities: Discovery Parks Port Hedland.
Click through to the next section: Port Hedland to Karijini National Park.