28 Day Darwin to Perth Road Trip Itinerary

Darwin is nearer to Singapore than it is to Sydney, which gives you an idea of the sheer size of Australia. This multicultural, fast-developing city has a chilled-out feel and a beautiful climate.

Between cyclones and bombing by the Japanese in World War Two, Darwin has been rebuilt several times in its history. While the architecture is modern and stylish, it's still very much a "frontier town" with a small-town feel.

If time allows you might like meet the Top End's most unique inhabitants at Crocosaurus Cove. You can hold a baby crocodile and even take part in feeding with the VIP. Later you can relax and see a movie at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema, catch the sunset over the Timor Sea, or try street food at the Mindil Beach Markets. You'll feel like a laid-back local in no time.

Accommodation: Darwin - 2 Nights

Embark on a full-day adventure in Kakadu National Park with an expert guide, immersing yourself in the park's rich cultural heritage, awe-inspiring landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife. Discover firsthand why Kakadu is celebrated as one of the world's most remarkable natural wonders.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Kakadu National Park is renowned for the richness of its Aboriginal cultural sites. It covers an area of 19,804 square kilometres which is the size of Israel or nearly half the size of Switzerland! Aboriginal people have occupied the Kakadu area continuously for at least 40 000 years.

There are more than 5000 cave paintings and rock carvings illustrating Aboriginal culture over thousands of years. Kakadu is a magnificent area with many different landforms and habitats. There are over 60 species of mammals and a great many reptiles including goannas, frill-necked lizards and the frightening saltwater crocodile. The Park also supports more than 280 species of birds what is about one-third of Australia's bird species.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 255 km | 158 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Kakadu - 2 Nights 

Yellow Water Billabong is Kakadu's most famous wetland and is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The river system is the largest in Kakadu and contains extensive wetlands that include river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps. About one third of Australia's bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in the wetlands. Whistling Ducks and Magpie Geese are the most abundant. There are plenty of crocodiles in their natural habitat, and buffalo on the floodplains, as well as a huge Jabiru's nest nearby.

Outstanding Rock Art at Ubirr
In the afternoon, make your way to Ubirr Rock, the site of some of the world’s oldest rock art. Your guide will walk you through the ancient rock galleries, where you will hear about the history and culture of the traditional custodians.

Katherine is the third-largest town in the Northern Territory, located three hours' drive south of Darwin on the banks of the Katherine River. A Katherine holiday combines some of the Territory's best nature and culture experiences with pioneering history and heritage. Explorer John McDouall Stuart visited the region in 1862 and named Katherine after the daughter of one of his expedition sponsors.

Once established, the town became a popular base for pioneers whose legacy continues to live on at the many historic sites. Katherine is the perfect base for exploring the Gulf region, the southern part of Kakadu National Park and the Victoria River region - places where you can immerse yourself in nature.

Approximate Distance: 305 km | 190 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Katherine - 2 Nights 

Relax as you cruise the waters of the Nitmiluk Gorge and travel back to Australia's dreamtime. Your expert tour guides go into depth about the history and function of the eight to ten-thousand-year-old Indigenous rock art you will see on this journey.

Once you get to the third gorge, you will have an opportunity to swim at the Lillypond seasonal waterfalls or at the shallow rock pools. Depending on what time of the year you visit you may be able to swim in the many rock pools in gorges 1 and 2.

Continue South from Katherine until you get to drive through the vast Kimberley landscape to the east Kimberley hub of Kununurra, right on Lake Argyle.

The wildlife-rich waters of Lake Argyle, near Kununurra, is the biggest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere. Created by the Ord River Dam, it's classified as an inland sea and at its peak in the green season Lake Argyle holds a staggering 32 million cubic metres of water. That's more than 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour

Approximate Distance: 515 km | 320 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Lake Argyle - 3 Nights 

The best (and only) way to experience the full length of Lake Argyle is on a cruise. From the rugged northern end to the vast expanses of the southern reaches and 120km in between, this is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience the heart and soul of this beautiful lake!

The bird is the word in the lake’s Southern wetlands, being home to a myriad of birdlife that sometimes numbers into the tens of thousands! Take a gander through the binoculars for an up-close look at the many different species of birds and other wildlife including wallabies and crocodiles.

Stop on a remote island to fossick for the intriguing Zebra Rock. Unique to Lake Argyle, this rock is alluring with its perfect stripes and spots that can appear to be painted on. We’ll cruise past the submerged site of ‘Argyle Downs’, the Durack Family’s Homestead, while listening to stories about the pioneering families and how they began the pastoral industry in the Eastern Kimberley.

Included Meals: Lunch & Afternoon Tea

This highly popular scenic flight departing from Kununurra takes you on an adventure over some of the most stunning and renowned sites in the Kimberley. Aviair aircraft are air-conditioned and comfortable, with large windows ideal for viewing the spectacular landscape below. During this two-hour flight, you will soar over the beautiful Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and the Ord River Irrigation Area. You will also witness the stunning Carr Boyd and Osmand Ranges, the Ord and Bow Rivers, before returning to Kununurra.

Halls Creek is a busy service town for surrounding pastoralists, Aboriginal communities and travellers exploring northern Western Australia. Situated in the heart of the Kimberley, Halls Creek is the gateway to a range of world-renowned natural attractions, including the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle ranges of Purnululu National Park. Halls Creek offers a genuine insight into the spectacular Australian outback. Covering some 142,908 square kilometres of predominantly desert and pastoral country, Halls Creek has something for everyone, from wide-open spaces and magnificent natural attractions.

Approximate Distance: 430 km | 267 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Halls Creek - 1 Night 

Fitzroy Crossing is one of only two "towns" along the over 1000 km stretch of highway between Broome and Kununurra. Today Fitzroy Crossing is a welcoming, pleasant little township with a mostly Aboriginal population.

For a taste of Aboriginal culture and stunning outback scenery, visit Geikie Gorge near the town of Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The floodwaters of the Fitzroy River have carved out the ancient 30 metre deep gorge through Geikie Range. Here you can see layers of fossils and an ancient reef, which show glimpses of life before reptiles or mammals evolved. The traditional owners, the Bunaba, call the gorge Darngku. You can hear Aboriginal Dreamtime stories of how the gorge was created on a special boat tour. You'll also see the steep 30-metre high rock walls, dazzling reflections in the water, freshwater crocodiles, fish and freshwater stingrays.

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Fitzroy Crossing  - 1 Night

Once a sleepy outback pearling town, Broome has long been renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and unique character. This pearl in the heart of the North West is a gateway to the West Kimberley with all of its adventures, but offers plenty of reasons to stay for a relaxing getaway or romantic break, a family holiday or a fishing adventure.

The town is surrounded by the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, with the white sandy stretch of Cable Beach contrasting with the red rocks of Gantheaume Point and the dusky sands of Roebuck Bay.

Approximate Distance: 400 km | 249 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Broome  - 2 Nights

The Broome to Horizontal Falls half-day tour lets you experience the incredible Horizontal Falls and the pristine beauty of the Kimberley.

Enjoy a flight over spectacular coastlines, striking rugged landscapes and colourful characters. You will see horizontal waterfalls, giant tides, cliffs that glow red. You will land at remote Cape Leveque and enjoy a relaxed breakfast or lunch at Raugi's open air restaurant at Kooljaman. Swim in the cool, sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean before you return by plane with more coastal views

Get set to head to Western Australia’s famous Pilbara region, known for its rich cultural landscape, red earth, and vast mineral deposits. Port Hedland is a hub for major resource activity and is a powerhouse of the Australian economy.

If the dates are right you may witness the Staircase to the Moon.

This natural phenomenon is caused by the rising of a full moon reflecting on the exposed mudflats at extremely low tide - creating a beautiful optical illusion of a staircase reaching up to the moon (check for dates).

Approximate Distance: 610 km | 379 miles   Total Driving Time: 6 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Port Hedland - 1 Night

Taking its name from the local Indigenous word meaning 'good country', Karratha is the youngest and fastest-growing town in the Pilbara. It is situated right in the heart of the Central Pilbara Coast. Karratha was established in 1960s due to the tremendous growth of the iron ore industry.

Today, it is a busy, modern and well-serviced town and a great base for exploring Millstream Chichester National Park, Karijini National Park and the 42 islands of the Dampier Archipelago. Walk the Jaburara Heritage Trail and discover Indigenous rock engravings and artefacts. Head for Hearson's Cove for a swim and catch the 'Stairway to the Moon' from May to October. Or take a picnic or swim at Miaree Pool.

Approximate Distance: 240 km | 149 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Karratha - 1 Night

Exmouth is the perfect base to explore the grandiose landscapes of the Cape Range National Park and the northern reaches of the Ningaloo Marine Park. Visitors flock here from around the world to swim with whale sharks and humpback whales.

Exmouth is also the gateway to the rugged Cape Range National Park, which features breathtaking canyons, limestone ranges, and 50 kilometres of unspoiled coastline.

Approximate Distance: 550 km | 342 miles   Total Driving Time: 6 hours 

Accommodation: Exmouth - 2 Nights

Sit back for a joyride as we travel to our snorkel site around the Ningaloo area. We get to snorkel with gorgeous colourful fish, corals, with opportune sightings of Dugongs, Turtles & much more! Then we venture out to look for mantas from the deck of one of our big stable boats. Get ready for an added bonus of humpback whale watching in whale season. Equipment, and full lunch drinks and snacks are provided along with our professional in-water guides for extra safety.

Included Meals: Lunch

Coral Bay is a marine paradise and one of Western Australia's premier family holiday destinations. Named Coral Bay due to the beautiful coral gardens which lie just metres from the pristine white sandy beach. Enjoy the Coral Bay Walk Way which is a stunning beach walk fringing the coastline along Ningaloo Reef. As a result of the reef's proximity to the shore, you have a unique opportunity to witness dolphins, manta rays and a large variety of fish swimming through the crystal clear waters from a number of vantage points along the shore.

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Coral Bay - 2 Nights

Embark on a full-day eco-interaction tour to explore the Ningaloo Reef and snorkel with majestic Manta Rays, using a spotter aircraft to locate the best opportunities for interaction. These graceful creatures, with wingspans up to 4 meters, offer an unforgettable underwater experience. Snorkel through vibrant coral gardens and encounter wildlife like turtles, dolphins, sharks, and dugongs. Learn about the fragile ecosystem of the reef from a passionate crew, with opportunities to participate in research and even name newly discovered Manta Rays. Enjoy multiple snorkel sites, stunning scenery, and the chance to witness Humpback Whales during their migration (July to October). This tour offers a memorable and educational marine adventure.

Included Meals: Lunch

Welcome to the food bowl of Western Australia. Famous for its banana plantations, Carnarvon on Australia's Coral Coast is the southern gateway to the world-famous Ningaloo Reef and provides the ideal base for exploring Mount Augustus and the Kennedy Ranges to the east and coastal stations to the north. A friendly community nestled at the mouth of the Gascoyne River, Carnarvon lies just over 900 kilometres north of Perth on the North West Coastal Highway. Skippers Aviation offers daily flights from Perth to Carnarvon. 

Approximate Distance: 240 km | 150 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Carnavon - 1 Night

In the heart of Western Australia's Shark Bay is a place where you can experience the mystical world of wild dolphins. Monkey Mia is one of the world's premier natural dolphin sighting areas; a destination of magical encounters. Located at Dolphin Beach, famous for its kilometers of secluded crystal blue waters and pristine white-shell beaches, Monkey Mia has attracted schools of dolphins to its tranquil shores daily for more than forty years. This dolphin interaction is known to be one of the most reliable meeting places for dolphins in the world. Dolphins have visited everyday in the last five years excluding only four times. It is the only place in Australia where dolphins visit daily, not seasonally, and costs nothing. 

Approximate Distance: 355 km | 221 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Monkey Mia - 2 Nights

Make a return day trip to Denham and join an unforgettable 4WD Adventure with a local Aboriginal guide and explore the amazing Francois Peron National Park.

Immerse yourself in nature and culture of this world-class park, where the red desert sands meet the Indian Ocean's beautiful turquoise waters. Visit fantastic lookouts like Skipjack Point, Point Peron, and many other scenic locations that provide breathtaking views across the beautiful bays.

Look for turtles, rays, sharks, dugongs, manta rays, birds, and much more. We also look for the amazing Thorny Devil Lizard, the elusive Echidna, Kangaroos, Snakes, and other rare and endangered wildlife.

Guests can even enjoy a refreshing snorkel and swim in one the many sheltered bays, if weather permits. Your tour finishes with a relaxing dip in the natural Hot Tub at the Peron Homestead.

Approximate Distance: 26 km | 16 miles   Total Driving Time: 20 mins (each way)

Kalbarri National Park is located 485 kilometres (301 mi) north of Perth. The major geographical features of the park include the Murchison River gorge which runs for nearly 80 kilometres on the lower reaches of the Murchison River. Spectacular coastal cliffs are located on the coast near the mouth of the Murchison River and the town of Kalbarri. Hike the rugged ranges and canoe past the rust-red rock gorges on the Murchison River which carved them. Between July and October, the landscape comes alive with the colours of 800 wildflower species. See banksias, grevilleas, kangaroo paws and red-blossomed eucalypts scattered across the landscape.

Approximate Distance: 400 km | 249 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Kalbarri - 1 Night

Heading south to Geraldton, stop off to see Hutt Lagoon and the Pink Lake.

Sometimes bright bubblegum pink, sometimes lilac, and occasionally even red, the waters of Hutt Lagoon can be an extraordinary sight on the drive between Port Gregory and Kalbarri.

Continue on to Geraldton is the capital of Western Australia's Mid West and gateway to the magnificent Abrolhos Islands. The Chapman and Greenough Rivers frame the city to the north and south. This superb positioning, combined with the friendly feel of a country town, makes for a truly memorable holiday experience. 

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Geraldton - 1 Night

Head South this morning and prepare for a weird and wonderful sight. The sandy yellow Pinnacles Desert is filled with rocky spires as far as the eye can see. There are thousands of these strange limestone formations, like giant stony desert mushrooms.

This afternoon heading further South along the West Australian coastline, stopping in Yanchep National Park to enjoy a fascinating Aboriginal cultural experience. 

Approximate Distance: 420 km | 261 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Perth - 3 Nights

Enjoy a seamless transfer from Perth to Hillarys Boat Harbour, where you'll check in, pick up your bike, and get ready for a thrilling adventure. Step aboard a modern vessel that glides over crystal-clear waters, taking you to breathtaking beaches, vibrant bays, and friendly quokkas. Relax in comfort with spacious seating, top-notch amenities, and stunning views. 

On Rottnest Island, a car-free A-Class Reserve, cycle at your own pace to discover scenic bays, the historic Wadjemup Lighthouse, or the picturesque West End. Equipped with a custom bike and a map featuring three trails, you can explore the island's beauty and charm. After a day of adventure, return to Hillarys and then back to Perth, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

With soft sandy beaches, epic skyscrapers, huge green parks, and a thriving street art scene, Perth is a fascinating town to explore. It's home to one of the biggest city parks in the world – Kings Park & Botanic Garden – right in the heart of town. It's even bigger than Central Park in New York! This is a great place to get your bearings with sweeping views of the Swan and Canning rivers.

Perth's urban villages and small bistros offer plenty of dining options.

Depart Perth

Say farewell to Perth today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 28 Day Darwin to Perth Self Drive vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.