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Kununurra to Port Hedland

Driving Time - 18 hours
Distance - 1590 kms

Kununurra

Kununurra, located in the far north, is the eastern gateway to Western Australia's top end and home of outback adventure. With year round warm weather the town offers access to an enormous variety of unique and colourful adventures. A feature of the town is the extensive waterway which forms the basis of the Ord Irrigation Scheme. The mighty Ord River, once a series of waterholes during dry season, is now a permanent waterway. From the Diversion Dam upstream to Lake Argyle, the Ord has developed into an intricate and interesting ecosystem of rivers, wetlands and lakes.

Surrounding the town itself is a variety of unique and unusual rock formations which are typical of the region. Good examples of the colours and shapes of these formations can been seen at Mirima National Park, known locally as "Hidden Valley". The town is the ideal base for an adventure holiday, utilising one of the many four wheel drive cruise or flight operators located in Kununurra. Popular destinations accessible from Kununurra include the Bungle Bungle, Lake Argyle, Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau, Ord River, Argyle Diamond Mine, and much more.

Bungle Bungles 

The Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, is one of the most fascinating geological landmarks in Western Australia. From an aircraft, the Bungle Bungle Range is an imposing sight. The orange and black stripes across the beehive-like mounds, encased in a skin of silica and algae, are clearly visible as you approach from the south. As you sweep further over the range, a hidden world of gorges and pools is revealed, with fan palms clinging precariously to walls and crevices in the rocks. The range rises up to 578 metres above sea level and stands 200 to 300 metres above a woodland and grass covered plain.

Kununurra to Halls Creek is 360 kilometres

Halls Creek

Halls Creek lies on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, at the junction of the Great Northern Highway and Duncan Road in the north west of the State. Halls Creek is the town closest to Purnululu National Park, the park of the famous Bungle Bungles. Also nearby is Wolfe Creek Crater, the second largest meteorite crater in the world. Tours of the crater and the Bungle Bungles are available from the town. Visit the site of the first goldrush in Western Australia following the discovery in 1885.

You can still find gold in the area, particularly around the old town site which is 16 kilometres east of Halls Creek and also features ruins of mud brick buildings and a small cemetery. Russian Jack, a goldmining character from the turn of the century who typified the hardy brand of early Halls Creek pioneers, has been immortalised in the town's main street. The bronze statue depicts him in the act of pushing his sick friend in a wheelbarrow over 300 kilometres to Halls Creek in search of medical attention.

Halls Creek to Derby is 290 kilometres

Fitzroy Crossing

Fitzroy Crossing is located on the banks of the Fitzroy River approximately three hours' drive southeast of Derby. Located on the riverbank just beyond the reach of major flood waters, the old town was built at a place suitable for crossing the river. Still standing in the old town is the original causeway crossing, the former post office (now backpacker accommodation), the police station, an avenue of boab trees, and a footbridge across the Brooking Creek linking the old inn and the original cemetery. The town is approximately 114 metres above sea level and is surrounded by vast flood plains of the Fitzroy River.

From May to October, days are warm and dry and nights are cool. From December to March of most years, tropical storms transform the surrounding countryside into a waving sea of green. The magnificent Geikie Gorge National Park is 18 kilometres from the town on a sealed road. The gorge was carved by the Fitzroy River through an ancient limestone reef, approximately 350 million years old. The river's tranquil water abounds with fish, and birds are attracted to its tree lined banks. During the season, boat cruises are operated by the Department of Conservation and Land Management daily.

Fitzroy Crossing to Derby is 259 kilometres

Derby

Two hours north of Broome lays the pioneer township of Derby. With its friendly, easygoing outback character, it has become a popular stopover for visitors heading in to the gorge country of the vast north. Derby was the first town to be settled in the Kimberley and is the main access point to Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge National Park, Tunnel Creek and the small islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago.

The warm winters and hot humid summers provide perfect conditions for watching the highest tides in Australia, peaking at over 11 metres. The streets have a distinctive character as Derby is the home to the boab tree. Derby offers a variety of air, land and sea experiences. Crabbing trips and sea safaris into the Buccaneer Archipelago depart from the unique Derby jetty. Saltwater crocodiles can often be seen from the vantage point of the jetty. Other town attractions include Wharfinger's House Museum, the Botanical Gardens and the Royal Flying Doctor Base and School of the Air. Aboriginal art and design is on show at a gallery in the town.

Derby to Broome is 221 kilometres

Broome

Overflowing with charm, character and colour, Broome is the gateway to Australia's last frontier of pristine wilderness - the Kimberley. Broome owes its existence to the 'Pinctada Maxima' - the world's largest pearl oyster shell. The giant pinctada shells caused a sensation overseas and soon a myriad of nationalities flocked to the shores of Broome in the hope of making their fortune. From its rough and romantic pearling history to the cosmopolitan character of Chinatown, to the turquoise waters, red sandstone cliffs and the endless expanse of white sand at Cable Beach.

Broome to Eighty Mile Beach is 339 kilometres

Eighty Mile Beach

Eighty Mile Beach is situated almost half way between Broome and Port Hedland and is an incredible paradise of pristine coastline with kilometres of open beach famous for its fishing and shell collecting.
Not to mention the magnificent sunsets, sunrises and comfortable solitude.

Eighty Mile Beach to Pardoo is 212 kilometres

Pardoo & Sandfire Roadhouses

Located north of Port Hedland on the Great Northern Highway, Pardoo and Sandfire Roadhouses are a welcome stopping point on the drive between Port Hedland and Broome.
The roadhouses are well equipped with a caravan park and motel.

Pardoo to Port Hedland is 155 kilometres

Port Hedland

Port Hedland is renowned for its Indigenous culture and history, long trains, big ships, salt piles and red dust. Port Hedland has idyllic warm weather and with its coastal location is a great spot for fishing, whale watching, crabbing and watching turtles nesting. Tour BHP Billitons’ and Dampier Salts’ Point Nelson Port Facilities and be amazed as trains kilometres long roll in and out of town carrying millions of tonnes of high grade iron ore. In contrast to the mining aspect of town, there are beautiful beaches and Pretty Pool is aptly named and perfect for a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.

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