Perth to Broome Road Trip: Days 10–13 — Karijini National Park

Leaving the coast for a few days to explore a different kind of beautiful, Nathan and Josiah head inland to Karijini National Park.

This is true 4WD camper territory, and the state-of-the-art Britz Warrior dual rooftop-tent vehicle the boys are travelling in is right at home. So let’s see what they cover over the next four days.

📍 ~580 km ⏱️ ~6 hrs 30 mins

• An early start is recommended given the long driving distance.
• Take Murat Road out of Exmouth, join Minilya–Exmouth Road, then veer east onto Burkett Road and northwest on Nanutarra–Munjina Road.
• Enjoy the changing landscapes as you shift from coastal scenery to inland red-dirt country.

• Stop for fuel and a break at Nanutarra Roadhouse.
• Wildflower spotting 🌸 in season (July–October) is excellent through this inland route.
• Watch for emus, wedge-tailed eagles and red kangaroos along the roadside.

• Gateway to Karijini National Park, Tom Price is WA’s highest town (747 m above sea level).
• Visit the Tom Price Visitor Centre for Karijini info and maps.
• Optional: drive to Mount Nameless (Jarndunmunha) Lookout — 4WD access, with panoramic views over the town and Hamersley Ranges.

• Tom Price Tourist Park — powered campervan sites, BBQ area, laundry and a shaded camp kitchen. A convenient base for the next day in Karijini.

• Ashburton Club and Restaurant — popular with locals; hearty meals and a cold beer.
• Or cook up something simple at the park’s BBQ area.

📍 ~100 km ⏱️ ~1 hr 20 mins

• Get moving early to see as much of the park as possible.
• Stock up on fuel, water and supplies — amenities are limited inside the park.
• Drive southeast toward the park’s main entrance and visitor centre.

• Karijini Visitor Centre — a striking building with exhibits on the Pilbara’s geology, Aboriginal heritage and natural history. Visit before heading in to check road and trail closures.
• Dales Gorge — home to Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool and Circular Pool.
• Hike the 2 km return trail to Fortescue Falls and cool off at Fern Pool 🏞️.
• Optional: take the loop trail to Circular Pool if conditions allow.

• If you arrive early, continue toward Weano Gorge or Oxer Lookout for sunset views 🌅 — only if you have ample daylight.

• Dales Campground — operated by WA Parks; unpowered bush sites, drop toilets, no showers. Book ahead in peak season and bring your own drinking water.
• Savannah Campground — off Weano Road, part of the Karijini Eco Retreat.

• Self-catered dinner at the campground — bring pre-prepared or easy-to-cook meals.
• There are no facilities or restaurants inside the national park, so plan accordingly.

🚗 No driving 📍 Gorges & pools

Explore the natural wonders of Karijini, one of WA’s most iconic and rugged national parks. A full day of hikes, gorges, lookouts and refreshing swims awaits.

🗺️ Suggested activities & attractions

• Dales Gorge — a great starting point with easy-to-moderate walks to Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool.
• Fortescue Falls — a stunning year-round waterfall, perfect for a cool swim.
• Fern Pool — a serene, sacred pool framed by ferns and red rock; great for a peaceful dip.
• Circular Pool Lookout — incredible views into the gorge (note: trail down to the pool may be closed — check conditions).
• Joffre Gorge Lookout — a short walk to a dramatic lookout; the access trail into the gorge is for experienced hikers.
• Knox Gorge — a remote, challenging hike for adventurous walkers; not recommended in high heat.
• Weano Gorge and Handrail Pool — iconic and moderately difficult; requires scrambling and caution in wet areas.

• Dales Campground — managed by WA Parks and Wildlife; basic bush camping with toilets and barbecue facilities.
• Karijini Eco Retreat (Savannah Campground) — shaded unpowered sites, access to Weano Gorge, eco toilets and showers.

• Self-catered — both campgrounds have facilities for a BBQ or a cook-up with your campervan kitchen.
• Karijini Eco Retreat Restaurant — open for dinner (reservations recommended in peak season); great for bush-tucker-inspired meals with a view.

📍 ~580 km ⏱️ ~6 hrs 30 mins

• An early start is recommended given the long drive.
• Exit Karijini National Park and rejoin the Great Northern Highway.
• Fuel up and stock up in Tom Price or at Auski Roadhouse before departure.

• Scenic Pilbara landscapes — red dirt, spinifex and mountain backdrops.
• Keep an eye out for emus and wedge-tailed eagles along the roadside.
• Optional break at Port Hedland if you want to split the drive.

• Check into Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park.
• Relax and unwind by the beach — known for its incredible shell-strewn shore.
• Take a sunset walk along the sand; this beach stretches for hundreds of kilometres.

• Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park — powered campervan sites, absolute beachfront access, basic but clean facilities and a friendly vibe. A quiet, scenic overnight stop.

• Prepare your own meal using the camp kitchen / barbecue facilities.
• There are no restaurants nearby, so self-catering is essential.