Port Hedland to Perth inland road trip: Best stops, distance & time

Port Hedland to Perth road trip: New Norcia and Chittering

Dalwallinu was founed by Benedictine monks from New Norcia, further south. New Norcia is Australia’s only monastic town, and it is sprinkled with incongruously stylish Spanish architecture. The New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery tells the story of the settlement – including the dark period as an Aboriginal mission.

New Norcia monastic town in Western Australia — New Norcia in Western Australia is Australia’s only monastic town. Visit for the Spanish architecture and Benedictine monks. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

You leave the Great Northern Highway for the Tonkin Highway at Chittering. There’s more fabulous wildlife viewing to be had here at the Djidi-Djidi Ridge walking trail.

Attractions between Port Hedland and Perth: Bullsbrook and the Swan Valley

Not long after joining the Tonkin Highway, you’re in Perth’s outer suburbs. In Bullsbrook, you can get merrily wet at the Outback Splash water park – book tickets online – or visit the Berry Sweet Strawberry Farm.

The inland Port Hedland to Perth route then skims the edge of the Swan Valley wine region, cutting through Whiteman Park before heading into central Perth.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.

Great things to do in Perth include cooing at the gold pour at the Perth Mint, enjoying the majestic city views from Kings Park and hitting the surf at Scarborough Beach.

Activities worth pre-booking include the hop-on, hop-off bus, art and history-packed walking tours and the adventurous Vertigo experience above the Optus Stadium. The small bar and street art tours are also superb.

Perth accommodation options include the Doubletree By Hilton Perth Waterfront and the Ritz Carlton Perth.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.