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Tackling the Warlu Way in Northwest WA

5 Aug 2021

A world of adventure awaits on one of Western Australia’s favourite road trips. Travelling family @4boysandacaravan show us how its done...  

Never heard of the Warlu Way? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The Warlu Way is a near 3,000km network of sealed and unsealed roads that traverses Western Australia’s incredible Pilbara region.

Where to Stay | Map of the Warlu Way | Eighty Mile Beach | Watch the Hype Reel Now

"Known as the 'engine room' of Australia because of its proximity to our mining industry, the Pilbara is much more than that. It also has stunning beaches and deep rocky canyons, tranquil plunge pools, and Indigenous paintings that date back 30,000 years." - @4boysandacaravan 

READ ALSO: The Best of the West Road Trip

4boysandacaravan tackling the warlu way 080521Travelling family @4boysandacaravan took on the Warlu Way in their 4WD and caravan set up.

Taking travellers on a serpentine journey from Exmouth to Broome via Onslow, Tom Price, Port Hedland and Karratha, the Warlu Way is said to follow the path of a giant Dreamtime snake called Warlu.

WHERE TO STAY

DISCOVERY PARKS - ONSLOW

DISCOVERY PARKS - PORT HEDLAND

DISCOVERY PARKS - PILBARA KARRATHA

DISCOVERY PARKS - BALMORAL KARRATHA

DISCOVERY PARKS - BROOME

Warlu Way Map

The Warlu Way is an incredible opportunity to see some of WA's most popular attractions. Map Credit: www.warluway.com.au

The Warlu Way includes several of Western Australia's most breathtaking national parks and Karijini is considered the jewel in the Pilbara crown. Featuring soaring desert ranges, dramatic ancient gorges and lush tropical-like oases, Karijini National Park would be worth the trip alone. Add Millstream Chichester to your itinerary and there are days of outback wonderment guaranteed. 

STAY AT DISCOVERY PARKS - PILBARA KARRATHA

"All we can say is WOW! Karijini is one of those National Parks that has it all. Beauty, adventure, history and tranquility. Don't miss Hammersly, Hancock and Dales Gorges. Each offers something different but all are a must-see. What an amazing place." - @4boysandacaravan 

READ ALSO: How to visit Karijini National Park with kids

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@4boysandacaravan exploring one of the many stunning gorges inside Karijini National Park

The Warlu Way also includes a coastal route, which is definitely not to be skipped. Before you even hop in the car, Ningaloo Reef at Exmouth will have you swimming with sea turtles, while just up the road at Onslow, a private boat can get you in waters surrounding the abundant Mackerel Islands or Barrow Island, a protected marine park with hundreds of coral reefs you can snorkel.

STAY AT DISCOVERY PARKS - ONSLOW

"Onslow is a pretty little town built on the back of sheep and cattle farming, pearl farming and gold-mining. Don't forget to try your luck fishing at Four Mile Creek or give mud-crabbing a go at Five Mile or Three Mile Pools." - @4boysandacaravan

READ ALSO: 5 Reasons to take it slow in Onslow

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The road to Broome is a great place to get the drone out! Credit: @4boysandacaravan

From Onslow to Karratha, a spectacular array of marine features await. These include the Dampier Archipelago, a stunning group of islands you can visit in the fluorescent blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Following this, it’s worth catching your breath on the stunning red cliffs of Port Hedland, then travel inland to discover ancient rock formations at a town called Marble Bar. 

STAY AT DISCOVERY PARKS - PORT HEDLAND

"Port Hedland is a fascinating town where you really get a sense of how big the mining industry is in Australia. The Discovery Parks - Port Hedland is in a great location and has a really nice pool, so we took some time to relax here." - @4boysandacaravan   

READ ALSO: Our SEE & DO Guide to the Warlu Way
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The cliffs at Port Hedland are fun for the whole family. Credit: @4boysandacaravan

After that, it’s all about the beach. From the coastal reserve of Cape Keraudren - itself a popular fishing spot - Eighty Mile Beach is the run home to Broome and is the longest stretch of uninterrupted surf in Western Australia.

STAY AT DISCOVERY PARKS - BROOME

"The Discovery Park - Broome is located right on the beach and next to a water park and beachside cafe which serves the best coffee and food. We couldn't have asked for a better spot." - @4boysandacaravan

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Discovery Parks - Broome offers campsites and cabins right on the beach. Credit: @4boysandacravan

Offering 220km of mostly deserted sandscape, Eighty Mile Beach plays home to an incredible variety of marine life and is recognised as a wetland of international importance. If you need more, the marine park here is a major nesting ground for flatback turtles which are native to northern Australia. 

READ ALSO: Fishing in Western Australia's Pilbara

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Eighty Mile Beach is 220km of uninterrupted ocean. Credit: @4boysandacaravan

If you have the time, the Warlu Way in Western Australia's Pilbara is an 8-10 day trip, and a 4WD is highly recommended. Thanks to travelling family @4boysandacaravan for sharing their adventure with us. We hope to see you on the Warlu Way soon!

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