Wander the Warlu Way
To experience the best of the Pilbara region, follow the way of the Dreamtime sea serpent on a road trip known as the Warlu Way.
The Warlu Way follows the path of the Warlu Dreamtime serpent as it traverses Western Australia’s epic Pilbara Region – ancient and sacred landscapes rich in natural beauty and enchanting stories. Your journey takes you back to the mystical Dreaming when the Warlu emerged from the sea and travelled through the pulsing red heart of the outback.
The Warlu Way leads you almost 3,000km from sapphire seas and offshore islands, to lush oases, plunging gorges, soaring ranges and the ancient Aboriginal culture of Australia’s North West. Choose to explore the Warlu Way in its entirety, or do it in sections by following the four interconnected routes:
Warlu Way - Coastal Route
Quaint coastal towns and offshore islands with remarkable fishing and diving, ancient…
Geoheritage Route
Take a journey back in time to when the Earth began, from preserved remnants of ancient crust…
Inland Route
Plunging gorges and soaring mountain peaks carved from the landscape over millennia…
Manuwarra Red Dog Highway
Named in honour of both the famed Kelpie cattle dog who frequented the region and the…
Welcome to Country
The Warlu Way is a magical insight into Indigenous relationships, responsibilities and respect. It opens your eyes to the Indigenous people’s relationship and connection to the land. It acknowledges the ongoing responsibility Indigenous people have to their country. And it shares respect for Aboriginal beliefs and cultures. As a visitor, please travel thoughtfully and respect the wishes of your hosts.
Map of the Warlu Way
To download a copy of this map, please click here.
Coastal Route
Quaint coastal towns and offshore islands with remarkable fishing and diving, ancient petroglyphs in the world's oldest art gallery, historic ghost towns and buzzing industrial ports - this is a coast of contrasts.
Onslow and the Mackerel Islands, Karratha and the Dampier Archipelago, Cossack and Port Hedland all feature on this route.
Discover the Coastal Towns
Onslow
Enjoying good weather all year round, Onslow in Western Australia is a pretty coastal town offering a relaxed holiday. It’s one of the few places where the sun rises and sets over water, and is…
Karratha
With a bustling city centre, Karratha's recent reinvention will surprise you with its hip restaurants and modern facilities, but best of all Karratha's location means it is surrounded by iconic…
Dampier
Located just 20 kilometres west of Karratha, the pretty port town of Dampier is named after the English buccaneer William Dampier, who visited in 1688. Dampier is the departure point for day cruises to…
Port Hedland
Two hundred kilometres north of Karratha, Port Hedland is famous for its massive resource industry, long trains, big ships and salt piles. But it’s just as rich in Indigenous culture, pioneering…
Accommodation along the Warlu Way Coastal Route
Hospitality Port Hedland
Overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Hospitality Port Hedland is…
Onslow Beach Resort
Getaway on an Aussie Outback Adventure. Stay in WA's coastal outback at the Onslow Beach…
Best Western Plus The Ranges Karratha
Best Western Plus The Ranges Karratha offers 73 one bedroom apartments consisting of a…
Mackerel Islands
Getaway on an island adventure to the Mackerel Islands, located a 2-hour flight or 1400km…
Pardoo Homestead
Pardoo Homestead is approximately an hour's drive east of Port Hedland, we offer accommodation…
The Cove Holiday Village
The Cove Holiday Village is a modern caravan park in the beautiful coastal town of Point…
Peedamulla Campground
Peedamulla Campground is a newly built campground located just off the North West Coastal…
Econo Lodge Karratha
The 3 star Econo Lodge Karratha is conveniently situated minutes to the Karratha town centre…
Inland Route
Plunging gorges and soaring mountain peaks carved from the landscape over millennia, punctuated by idyllic swimming holes and waterfalls, and accommodation from camping to luxury eco-resorts.
This route includes the jewel in the Pilbara's crown, Karijini National Park, as well as Tom Price, Paraburdoo and more.
MANUWARRA RED DOG HIGHWAY ROUTE
Named in honour of both the famed Kelpie cattle dog who frequented the region and the traditional Aboriginal name for the area, this drive route traverses the heart of the Pilbara, including the magnificent Millstream Chichester National Park.
Explore Red Dog's Pilbara
The original Pilbara wanderer, Red Dog explored far and wide through the landscapes of the Pilbara. Red Dog fans will want to snap a selfie with his statue, and follow the heritage trail in Dampier
Millstream-Chichester National Park
With some of the best nature-based camping opportunities in the Pilbara, you'll want to spend some time explore the magnificent landscapes and waterways in Millstream-Chichester National Park
Geoheritage Route
Take a journey back in time to when the Earth began, from preserved remnants of ancient crust more than 3.5 billion years old and fossilised stromatolites, through to early gold rush days and now Australia's resources heartland.
Journey from Newman, through Nullagine and onto Marble Bar.
Plan Your Trip
Information, Tours & Accommodation
BHP Mt. Whaleback Mine Tours
Take a tour of the world’s largest single open cut iron ore mine. This tour departs from the Newman…
Newman Visitor Centre
Newman Visitor Centre is located in the heart of Newman, adjacent from the shopping centre. Our…
Newman Visitor Centre Chalets
Six chalets situated around some of the first pieces of mining equipment to operate on Mt Whaleback…
Enjoy easy planning and navigating for your Warlu Way trip with the dedicated Warlu Way app. The free app includes offline maps, digital guides, and stop points…
Beyond The Boabs - Derby 3 Day Itinerary
Derby is located on an ancient sand dune, dotted with magnificent boab trees and surrounded by…
Broome And The West Kimberley - 5 Day Itinerary
Board a hovercraft cruise to see spectacular wildlife along Dampier Creek and view ancient dinosaur…
Epic Pilbara Road Trip
From Karijini to Karratha in a 4WD vehicle, this 10-day, 3-legged journey, is best experienced from…
Fitzroy Crossing - Two Day Itinerary
Set on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River, explore the surrounding areas of Fitzroy…
Gibb River Road - Road Trip
Tackle one of Australia's most iconic outback drives, the Gibb River Road, soaking in all that…