Road Trip Guide
Great Northern Highway: Coastal Desert Run
Port Hedland to Broome
Start Your Engine
Port Hedland
The Finish Line
Broome
610km
Miles
7-9 hours (driving time only)
Days
Trip Essentials for Port Hedland
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Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Port Hedland Fuel Station
Fuel/Supplies
Fill every tank. Do not leave Port Hedland without checking your tires and water levels.
Sandfire Roadhouse
Fuel/Food/Accommodation
The most important stop on the route. Essential for fuel top-ups.
Roebuck Roadhouse
Fuel/Coffee
The final major stop before reaching the Broome town center.
Always carry a paper map & physical emergency kit for remote stretches.
Insider Driving Tips
Always carry at least 20 liters of extra water; the heat can be unforgiving and vehicle breakdowns in this heat are dangerous.
Avoid driving during dawn, dusk, or night. The risk of collision with kangaroos, wallabies, and wandering cattle is extremely high.
Download offline maps. Cellular reception is virtually non-existent for 80% of the drive between towns.
Check fuel levels at every single service station. Never pass up an opportunity to fill the tank, even if it is half full.
Use a satellite messenger or a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) if you plan on straying off the main highway.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
De Grey River
De Grey Rest Area Picnic
“There are no cafes here. Pack a gourmet hamper in Port Hedland and enjoy a picnic under the shade of the trees near the water's edge.”
De Grey Bridge
Capture the long, straight lines of the highway leading into the horizon.
River Gums
Close-up shots of the twisted, ancient bark of the eucalyptus trees against the blue sky.
The Riverbed Banks
Park safely and walk down to the riverbank; the contrast between the white sand and the deep green of the river gums is a photographer's dream.
Sandfire Roadhouse
Sandfire Burger Shack
“Their classic 'Roadie Burger' is famous among long-haul truckers and travelers alike—a massive, no-nonsense feast.”
The Entrance Sign
The classic 'Middle of Nowhere' signpost photo that every road-tripper needs.
The Desert Horizon
Walk 100 meters behind the roadhouse for a panoramic shot of the flat, endless scrubland.
The Peacocks
Surprisingly, the roadhouse is home to a flock of free-roaming peacocks that wander the gardens, adding a surreal touch of color to the desert.
Eighty Mile Beach
Beachside Caravan Park Kiosk
“Simple, honest fare. Grab a cold drink and a sandwich to eat while watching the tide roll in.”
The Tide Line
Capture the reflective wet sand at low tide, creating a mirror effect of the sky.
The Dunes
High-angle shots looking down from the coastal dunes toward the turquoise sea.
Shell Collecting at Low Tide
The beach is famous for its incredible variety of shells. At low tide, you can walk for kilometers and find treasures washed up from the deep ocean.
Anna Plains Station
Station Homestead Kitchen
“If you are staying overnight, the home-cooked station meals are legendary, featuring local beef and fresh produce.”
The Cattle Fences
Leading lines of wire fencing stretching into the red dust.
The Dust Clouds
If you are lucky, capture the dust kicked up by cattle or a station vehicle in the late afternoon light.
The Station Gate
The historic entrance gate offers a great opportunity to learn about the station's history through the signage provided near the boundary.
Roebuck Plains
Roebuck Roadhouse
“A final pit stop before Broome. The coffee here is surprisingly good, and it’s the perfect place to freshen up before hitting the resort town.”
The Plain Horizon
A wide-angle shot capturing the sheer vastness of the flat plains.
Road Signage
The 'Broome 50km' sign—a sign of relief and excitement for every driver.
The Bird Observatory Turnoff
A quiet track that leads to prime bird-watching territory, where you can spot rare migratory species that travel thousands of kilometers to be here.
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Marble Bar
A detour inland to the hottest town in Australia.
Why It's Worth It
“Experience the rugged Pilbara ranges and the unique jasper rock formations that give the town its name.”
Cape Keraudren
A coastal detour near the De Grey River mouth.
Why It's Worth It
“Incredible craggy cliffs and fishing spots that are far less crowded than the main beach areas.”
Wallal Downs
A historical look at the site of the 1922 solar eclipse observation.
Why It's Worth It
“A fascinating slice of scientific history hidden in the remote desert landscape.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
The main highway is fully paved and suitable for 2WD vehicles. However, if you plan to take any unpaved detours to coastal spots, a 4WD is highly recommended.
The 'Dry Season' between May and September is ideal. The temperatures are manageable and the skies are consistently clear.
They are sparse. Always plan your fuel stops carefully and never skip a station if your tank is less than half full.