Nora travels to WA

Leaving Perth on the Ocean Highway up north, we stopped in Lancelin, which is a perfect spot for a refreshment break (IGA supermarket). The next highlight is Cervantes in the Pinnacles Desert. You have to pay entrance to the National Park and because we didn’t have much time we just had a sneak peek of the Pinnacles. Through Jurien Bay (another worthwhile stop if time permits) we reached Dongara and camped in Port Denison – of course with a nice chilled wine.

First stop was Port Denison – a real city! Perfect to fill up fuel, shop and get the 'big city' feeling. Definitely worth a visit is the HMAS Sydney II Memorial in town – plus you do get a great look over the town and the ocean. Heading north we reached Port Gregory – the Pink Lagoon was beautiful and a nice picnic spot. Using the 4WD we had, we then made a detour off the sealed highway to leave Australia and enter the Principality of Hutt River (oldest town in Australia) – pretty cool to have a visa for this mini country in your passport and the folks are awesome! We then reached Kalbarri where we put our tent up for the night.

Stunning time in the Kalbarri National Park – 4WD required. We went to different look outs (Z Bend, Loop Walk), but the highlight was the short walk to Nature’s Window. Saw a few emus, cows and a wallaby. Back to the coast we were at Shark Bay with the first stop at the Old Telegraph Station at Hamelin Pools and a walk to the stromatolites. Overnight in Denham.

We left early in the morning to go to Monkey Mia and watch the feeding of the dolphins. This is such an amazing experience, the dolphins are so close to you in clear water! Afterwards we stopped at Shell Beach – an amazing white shell beach. Crystal clear water and white sand/ shells – looks like paradise. Ending the day in Carnarvon.

Early start heading inland to Gascoyne Junction – fuel stop and breakfast time. Then heading off road into Kennedy Ranges – stunning! All day on the dirt roads to Minilya Roadhouse and back on the highway to Coral Bay – finishing the day with a stunning sunset.

We drove up to Exmouth and further to Cape Range National Park – each bay more beautiful than the previous. Take the steep (sealed) road up to the lighthouse – very windy, but what a breathtaking view! Highlight was swimming/snorkeling at Turquoise Bay and the Mangrove Bay Birdwatch. Then we took a shortcut with Burkett Road to get to State Highway 1 to get a bit of road up north done. A day full of ocean, beach, swimming and sun bathing – what a good life.

First stop is Karratha – after a long time, a big city again! Fridge gets refilled and a dress is bought; there's always time for shopping! Great stop to fill the tank as well. Boiling hot at 32 degrees we drive to Roebourne, which most tourists neglect. The former gold rush town is definitely worth a visit with the visitor centre in the old jail. The drive up the lookout rewards with a nice 360-degree view and a refreshing breeze. Our campsite was amazing – not crowded, very reasonably priced and even a pool – we were very thankful to cool down. A quick visit to Point Samson was rather disappointing as it was low tide, but at least our laundry was already dry on return to the caravan park.

Back to Karratha to refill fuel and via Millstream National Park towards the mining town Tom Price. Small detour to Python Pool was definitely worth it and rewarded with breath-taking nature. Via dirt road owned by Rio Tinto (permit necessary, which you can get e.g. at Karratha Visitor Centre for a gold coin donation) to Tom Price.

Beautiful day at Karijini National Park – dirt roads – a 4WD is a must! Mount Bruce, Oxer Lookout, Junction Falls, Joffre Waterfalls, Knox Gorge, Circular Pool – one better than the other. Camping at Dale’s campground right in the heart of the National Park and swimming in the natural Fortescue Pool was definitely a highlight. Fern Pool hidden behind Fortescue pool is a little oasis and a hidden gem!

Heading to Newman with the Radio Hill Lookout and then on dirt roads to Marble Bar – Karijini NP was stunning, but there were also a lot of tourists – here we are on our own and love it! Marble Bar is Australia's hottest town (Guinness Record Book) and is small and lovely and the campsite cheap.

Small detour to Port Hedland watching the big ships leaving the harbour while having breakfast – this is holidays! Arriving early afternoon at 80 Mile Beach with the campground directly at the beach we witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises of the trip. Swimming needs to be timed due to tides.

No better start to the day than a refreshing swim in the ocean. Not a bad idea as we already hit 30 degrees at 10.30am. Arriving in Broome in the early afternoon, we had time to set the tent up and head to the old jetty – only something for fearless people! Anastasia’s pool walk (reachable by 4WD only) is the most we can manage in the heat. In the evening we visit Cable Beach with the camels and then gather at Town’s Beach for the Staircase to Moon – what a natural spectacle!

Taking on the long dirt road track to Cape Leveque was a day’s mission. Kooljaman at the Cape is privately owned and entrance needs to be paid. Back to Broome in the evening for a farewell dinner. On our last day we enjoyed the sights of Broome (Port, Town Beach, Cable Beach), before packing and cleaning up.

Time to hand over the car and fly out in the evening to Perth.

Please note, we travelled in the Britz Safari is no longer part of the Britz 4WD range. Check out our other 4WD options for travel.

Where was the best view?
Monkey Mia watching the dolphins

Where you stopped for a picnic?
You can pull up anywhere – stunning places all along

Where was your favourite place/town visited and why?
Roebourne/Marble Bar – not en route of the touristy drive, small, remote and authentic

What was your favourite experience/activity & why?
Dolphin watching at Monkey Mia – lifetime dream come true 

Top highlights? 
Too many to name them all!

Favourite pub/restaurant?
Didn’t use them, had our own kitchen (stove) and wine chiller (fridge)

Did you have a favourite Holiday Park you stayed in and why?
80 Mile Beach – just because of the location

What would be your top tip for other campervan travellers?
Warm clothes – it gets really cold at night! Plus hire an extra chilly bin

What is your greatest memory of the whole campervan holiday?
Spending quality time with my mum, working hand in hand