Discover an Epic Road Trip from Perth to Darwin

Any road trip through the rugged Australian outback will be packed with sweeping red desert and wild native flora to soak in from the car window. The journey from Perth to Darwin via Brand Highway is no different and offers the opportunity for a selection of unrivaled side trips that will open any traveler’s eyes.

Leaving Perth

Highway 1 is a network of roads that encircles Australia’s coastline. For the specific route between Perth, the capital of Western Australia, and Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, travelers will need to begin their journey on the road known as Brand Highway.

Starting off from the Perth city, you will make your way to the coastal city of Geraldton. Simply head north along Brand Highway. The scenic views as you travel along the coast-straddling highways will undoubtedly cause most people to stop for photographs.

Upon arriving in Geraldton, the next destination to head towards is Carnarvon, another coastal town that resides at the mouth of the Gascoyne River. After Geraldton, the Brand Highway transitions into the North-West Coastal Highway.

To prevent driver fatigue, it’s always wise to stop in as many towns as you feel necessary. Carnarvon is equipped with dining options and recreational facilities such as parks and reserves, which are perfect for leg-stretching and relaxation.

The Kimberly Region

Upon leaving Carnarvon, head south to re-enter the North-West Coastal Highway. Once you’ve safely joined the highway, follow the route towards the large town of Port Hedland in the northeastern direction.

From here, take the Great Northern Highway to the major coastal city of Broome. After passing through Broome, you can continue on the Great Northern Highway through the Kimberly region, one of the nine regions in Western Australia. This area will provide majestic vistas as you pass the Purnululu National Park to the town of Kununurra, which is near the border between the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

On Towards Darwin

From this point, the highway becomes the Victoria Highway. Head in an easterly and then northeasterly direction until you cross the border. From here, continue towards the town of Katherine, which is approximately 320 kilometers southeast of Darwin.

In the town of Katherine, Highway 1 extends vertically, north and south across Australia. This is known as the Stuart Highway, which you must take north until you reach your destination, the city of Darwin.

Side Trips

There are several side trips travelers may embark upon during their journey from Perth to Darwin. During the initial leg of the trip, between the Western Australian towns of Geraldton and Carnarvon, many drivers take the chance to see the tourist destination known as Monkey Mia. Here, bottlenose dolphins and small sharks are fed and often interact playfully in the bay.

After passing Carnarvon, you can head to Coral Bay and Exmouth from the small locality of Minilya. This area provides access to the famed and stunning Ningaloo Reef, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks and manta rays.

Upon arriving in the Northern Territory, consider taking time to visit the Katherine Gorge, comprising 13 gorges within Nitmiluk National Park. Kakadu National Park is also located in the region if you wish to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing natural surroundings.

Edited and updated by Sarah Megginson