Perth to Broome road trip: Coastal route distance & best stops

Perth to Broome road trip: Coastal route distance & best stops

Attractions between Perth and Broome: Karratha to Point Samson.

It’s another 230km from Karratha to Port Hedland, with Roebourne being the first realistic stop. Here you can take in the views from the Mt Welcome Lookout and visit the Old Gaol Museum. You can also go on a Pilbara bird-watching tour, although most visitors simply just refuel at the BP service station.

There’s a decent argument for making a detour north to Point Samson, however. There are several good beaches here, particularly if you’re into beach fishing. You can also take a self-guided heritage walk through the town and stay at the Port Samson caravan park.

Other attractions include the huge Point Samson Jetty and the blue stone buildings of neighbouring gold rush ghost town Cossack.

Perth to Broome road trip: Cossack to Port Hedland

Shortly after Roebourne, you’ll encounter the junction with the Roebourne-Wittenoom Road. This heads towards Millstream-Chichester National Park, an oasis best known for its pretty waterholes and winter wildflowers.

Otherwise, slug your way through the monotonous Pilbara desert scenery towards Port Hedland.

Things to do in Port Hedland include seeing the Staircase to the Moon at the Cooke Point Lookout and taking a harbour tour.

Port Hedland accommodation costs from $107 per night, but is notorious for selling out in advance.

Port Hedland accommodation recommendations

The best places to stay in Port Hedland are:

Sunset in the Pilbara near Port Hedland
Sunset in the Pilbara near Port Hedland. Photo by Greg Snell.

Click through to the next section: Port Hedland to Port Smith.