Western Australia from Perth to Broome

While there are plenty of reasons for spending a few days in Cervantes, one of the main reasons people visit, and why you should too, is The Pinnacles. Formed by thousands of unusual limestone pillars spiking out of the earth, The Pinnacles, and the desert named after it, are a part of Nambung National Park. The park can be reached by a turn-off around 14 km south of Cervantes or around 200 km north of Perth. A submerged coral reef about 30,000 years ago, erosion has crafted marine fossils and sea shells into striking and eerie limestone formations, some as tall as 3.5 metres in height.

Continue to Lake Thetis, where sedimentary rock structures called stromatolites form crater-like dots in the saline lake. These micro-organisms resemble the earliest life forms on Earth, helping scientists understand Earth’s long history. Despite these micro-organisms' invisibility to human eyes, they thrive within the structures that they help build over time.

Be sure to follow signposted rules, remain on the footpaths, and respect both the spikes at the Pinnacles and the craters at Lake Thetis.

An hour and 15 minutes after leaving Geraldton, pull over to view one of Australia’s most famous pink lakes at Hutt Lagoon. Thriving microalgae populations rich in beta-carotene cause the lake to appear pink and although hues depend on the weather, clear sunny days deliver the most vivid colours.

After a vibrant morning by the lake, Kalbarri is about an hour away. Start your tour around town with a swim at Chinaman’s Beach or a snorkel at the nearby Kalbarri Blue Holes. A protected marine sanctuary, the Blue Holes is an inshore limestone reef system with irregular shaped depressions and sandy bottoms home to abundant sealife.

From town, drive fifteen minutes to Kalbarri National Park and hike to the popular Nature’s Window, a frame-like arch formed by wind-eroded sandstone. From the lookout, you can see how the Murchison river has carved a gorge through sandstone cliffs. If you’re up for more activities, a short hike to the Z Bend lookout delivers views of a sharp bend in the river, and with a good level of fitness, a hike down leads you to the river’s edge.

Drive back to the national highway and push on for two hours to reach Carnarvon, known for its fresh produce and seafood. On Saturdays, the growers’ market offers fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals, ideal for travellers on the go. While in town, pay a quick visit at the Quobba Eco Reserve, where blowholes are in action when the tide is surging. A quick stroll south of the blowholes brings you to Quobba’s natural aquarium — the coral-filled lagoon is home to thriving protected marine life and makes for some beautiful snorkelling.

On your way inland towards the outback, visit the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum where interactive displays tell the story of the town’s role in the history of space programs.

Leave Carnarvon behind and continue inland to Kennedy Range National Park, where you can set up camp at Temple Gorge, though do make sure to have a confirmed slot beforehand as only pre-booked reservations are accepted. Spend a day or two exploring the park on foot and don’t miss the park’s highlight: the Honeycomb Gorge Trail. Just 600 metres long, the trail leads you to views of honeycomb-like impressions on the rock walls, and even a seasonal waterfall above the cliff.

Two and a half hours north of Karratha is the industrial port town of Port Hedland, also within the Pilbara region. Best known for exporting tonnes of iron ore, lithium and salt annually, if you’re into learning about the mining history, this town is a wonder all of its own. You’ll be welcomed by white mountains of salt piles against the rugged landscape and busy equipment at an even busier port. Look further into the town’s vast land and you’ll also observe massive iron ore trains transporting goods using the network of railways hundreds of kilometres long.

Grab a copy of the Cultural and Heritage Trail guide for a self-guided walk to the west end of the town where key historic sites including Banger’s Bungalow, a historical relic of the town’s early pearling days, await. Continue the heritage theme with Don Rhodes Mining and Transport Museum where mining and transport machinery from olden days are on display.

After the sun sets, head to the lookout at Goode Street to witness the Staircase to the Moon, a natural phenomenon where the full moon’s reflection on the exposed mudflats creates an illusion of a staircase. This event occurs only during extremely low tides, between March and October, so adjust your plans accordingly.

The last four hours of driving north takes you to the resort town of Broome. Praised for its dramatic red cliffs, powdery white sand, and vibrant sunsets, Cable Beach is a highlight of Broome. Keep yourself occupied with a range of activities including sailing, fishing, or simply relaxing by the beach. Due to its warm weather and calm waters, swimming and snorkelling are some of the most sought after activities here, especially for travelling families.

The Minyirr Trail takes you among the bushes and dunes marked by ancient footprints of the Marala (emu man). Continuing down the trail, you’ll reach the Gantheaume Point, a stretch of white sandy beach and red rock cliffs facing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. During low tides, you can see the footprints of extinct dinosaurs from millions of years ago carved and preserved in the reef rocks at the bottom of the cliff. Always take caution while at the Gantheaume Point as there are no lifeguards patrolling the area.

Return to Cable Beach before the sun sets and take pictures of the striking purple to red hues of the sky all while riding on the back of a camel. Conclude the day by staying in one of the caravan parks near the beach or lounge in a hotel in town.