The Warlu Way is fascinating, remote, and rugged road trip from Exmouth to Broome in Western Australia. From the coastal city of Exmouth, the Warlu Way takes you through the remote Pilbara region of northern Western Australia and into the rugged Kimberley region. Broome is your final destination on the road trip and a great city to explore the far northern reaches on the coast of Western Australia. Along the way on this 2,400+ km road trip, you’ll see the transformations in landscapes and experience the rich Aboriginal culture and history embedded in this area forever. Suggested itinerary for this road trip is 12 days to take your time and explore this fantastic and mystical place. In part one of our blog series on The Warlu Way, we covered the trail from Exmouth to Karijini National Park. Today, we are covering the rest of the trail north after leaving Karijini and heading to Millstream-Chichester National Park and then on to the end of the road trip in Broome.
Warlu Way Map Photo Credit: KarrathaVisitorCentre.com.au
The Kimberley Region Photo Credit: (Wikipedia) By User:Brisbane, User:Martyman – Derivative of File:Northern Territory locator-MJC.png based on File:Kimberley_region_of_western_australia.JPG and File:Regions_of_western_australia_nine_plus_perth.png., CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14102655
The Warlu
The Warlu Way Photo Credit: Ashburton.wa.gov.au
The Warlu Way is also called the Warlu Way Dreamtime Trail. The Warlu comes from Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. It is said that the Warlu, a giant sea serpent, came from the deep blue Coral Sea and travelled through the outback creating the winding blue waterways you will see throughout the outback landscape as he slithered his way through this land. Your journey here isn’t just about a road trip, it is a chance to take a step back to the mystical Dreaming era and learn about the rich cultural history of the people who have lived in these regions for tens of thousands of years. Remember that you are a visiting guest in the ancient lands of the Indigenous people who call this their home. Travel responsibly and with respect.
The Warlu Way Itinerary
Karratha Photo Credit: (Wikipedia) By Nachoman-au – CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=482440
The Warlu Way itinerary is a suggested 12 day trip. We will cover each day, but remember that when you have your own rental vehicle, you can choose to make your own itinerary and stay longer or make your own way. Always remember to let someone know where you are going and when you are expected back when you are entering the remote regions of the outback. Also take plenty of extra emergency supplies, drinking water, petrol, and a spare tyre. Here is the second half of our journey Millstream Chechester National Park, Dampier Archipelago and Burrup Peninsula, Point Samson, Port Hedland, Eighty Mile Beach, and finishing up in Broome.
Day Seven: Millstream Chichester National Park
Millstream Homestead in Millstream-Chichester National Park Photo Credit: (Wikipedia) By Yewenyi at the English language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18035685
Millstream-Chichester National Park Panorama Photo Credit: (Wikipedia) By User: (WT-shared) Tensaibuta at wts wikivoyage – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23582034
Millstream Chichester National Park Photo Credit: (Wikipedia) By Yewenyi at the English language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18035667
After you’ve had your fill of gorges, waterfalls, and swimming holes in Karijini National Park, it’s time to head to another one of the National Parks in the Pilbara Region, Millstream Chichester National Park. As you make your way back to the coast, this is the next stop where you go from gorges to the mountains of the Chichester Range. The national park is home to the mountain range, the Fortescue River, the Historic Millstream Homestead, swimming holes, and campgrounds. It is known as the oasis in the desert.
Day Eight: Dampier Archipelago and Burrup Peninsula
Burrup Rock Art Photo Credit (Wikipedia) By Tradimus – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20829086
Dampier Archipelago Photo Credit: Parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
Dampier Archipelago Rock Wallaby Photo Credit: Parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
The Dampier Archipelago is a chain of 42 islands off the coast of the Burrup Peninsula. You can relax on the beaches or explore the beautiful coral reefs below. There is a rich history here and this area has the rock art to prove it. It is also a wildlife haven with plenty of native animals to encounter both on land and in the waters. You should keep your eyes peeled for:
Green turtles
Loggerhead turtles
Flatback turtles
Hawksbill turtles
Dugongs
Dolphins
Humpback whales
Rothschild’s rock-wallabies
Northern quolls
Water rats
Migratory wading birds
The Burrup Peninsula is where most of the prehistoric rock engravings are located. In fact, it is considered one of the richest sites in the world when it comes to prehistoric rock engravings. The ancient outdoor art gallery here is adorned with over 20,000 Aboriginal engravings that are more than 40,000 years old. You will see drawings of creatures here that have been extinct for around 3,000 years. In addition, while here, you will be able to learn about the Aboriginal stories, culture, traditions, history, and ceremonial practices.
Day Nine: Point Samson
Point Samson Photo Credit: (Wikipedia) By Nachoman-au – A digital photograph taken by myself., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=482441
Day nine brings you to the coastal towns of Roebourne, Cossack, and Point Samson. There is a beautiful luxury resort in Point Samson you can plan to stay in if you choose. More Indigenous art can be found in Roebourne. Cossack is a historic settlement, and Point Samson is a small coast town. While visiting these places, enjoy fresh local seafood, fishing, boating, and beach relaxation.
Day Ten: Port Hedland
Port Hedland Photo Credit: VisitPortHedland.com
Port Hedland Sunset Photo Credit: VisitPortHedland.com
Port Hedland is quite an industrious little port town 200 km north of Karratha. Even though this region is remote, this is one of the busiest working harbours in the world. Port Hedland is known for long trains, big ships and salt piles; but it is equally known for its rich Indigenous culture and pioneering history too. Fishing and crabbing are popular here, but there’s also plenty of marine life to see and not eat like whale watching and turtle nesting. This is another great spot to catch the Staircase to the Moon, you will have several chances to see it so you should try to plan to be in one of the cities where you can see it when the moon is full; you might be able to catch it for two or even three days around the full moon too. Accommodations are available in Port Hedland, but it is suggested that you book well in advance since they have a tendency to fill up fast.
Day Eleven: Eighty Mile Beach
Eighty Mile Beach Photo Credit: (Wikipedia) By Linear77 – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25803973
Eighty Mile Beach at Sunset Photo Credit: (Wikipedia) By Nachoman-au – A digital photograph taken by myself., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=482457
Halfway between Port Hedland and Broome is Eighty Mile Beach. Here the stretches of beach are long and so is the distance between you and anyone else. White sand beaches and turquoise waters are all you’ll see for miles. In addition to lounging on the beach, fishing and bird watching are popular activities here. Accommodations are available in the cabins or there is also camping and caravans available at the caravan park.
Day Twelve: Broome
Broome Jetty Photo Credit: (Wikipedia) By Kat Clay from Sydney, Australia – BroomeUploaded by berichard, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8639385
Broome Cable Beach Sunset Camel Ride Photo Credit: (Wikipedia) By Binarysequence – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29295930
Staircase to the Moon in Broome Photo Credit: VisitBroome.com.au
When you reach your final destination on The Warlu Way, you will recognise how different Broome is than the other cities along the road trip. Broome is a cosmopolitan coastal resort city that is a well-known holiday destination. Cable Beach’s white sand and unique sunset camel rides are a common site attracting visitors from all over the world. Roebuck Bay is where you can also catch the Staircase to the Moon. Look for a schedule, they post one each year so that you can try to time your trip right. Other things to do in Broome besides reflect on the amazing Warlu Way Trail journey include Chinatown, diamond and pearl showrooms, and a large choice of restaurants to choose from.
Hiring a Vehicle for The Warlu Way Road Trip
The Warlu Way Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
Western Australia Car Hire Locations Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
If you are beginning your journey on The Warlu Way in Exmouth, you have two locations where you can hire a truck or 4WD vehicle. You can hire a car near Ningaloo at Budget Exmouth or you can hire a vehicle at the Exmouth Airport. You can also hire a car at the Broome Airport, or rent a car and the Broome Downtown location if you are starting your trip from Broome and making your way down to Exmouth. Most of this region can only be accessed with a four wheel drive vehicle, so be sure to have the proper vehicle and emergency supplies when driving through this area. Keep in mind that since this is remote and rugged terrain, safety guidelines must be taken very seriously. Check with your car rental agent to get important guidelines, safety information, and driving maps. Click on any of the links to quickly and easily get a car hire rate quote. Here are some other adventurous ideas in Western Australia from our blog:
The Savannah Way Part One: Daintree Rainforest to Karumba, Queensland
The Savannah Way Part Two: Normanton to Katherine
The Savannah Way Part Three: Katherine to Broome
The Gibb River Road Part One
The Gibb River Road Part Two
Most Picturesque Spots in the Kimberley
8 National Parks in the Kimberley
Mitchell River National Park
Rivers of the Kimberley in Western Australia
Shark Bay
Kalbarri National Park
Broome Western Australia
Swimming Experience of a Lifetime at Ningaloo Reef
Coral Coast Road Trip
Glamping in Western Australia
Karijini National Park
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