The ultimate 10 day Pilbara road trip

There’s no better way to feel the pulse of the Western Australian outback than behind the wheel of your own 4WD, carving a trail through red dust, past ancient ranges, and into timeless gorges.

This 10-day road trip from Onslow to Port Hedland is no ordinary drive—it’s a full-blown Pilbara road trip adventure that throws coastal breezes, desert plains, and rocky waterholes into one unforgettable journey.

Click to enlarge route map

For two seasoned travellers with a well-prepped rig, this loop is about freedom, solitude, and moments that remind you what real travel is all about—getting off-grid and into the guts of the country.

Day 1: Onslow – Where the coast kisses the red dirt

Distance: 0 km (local exploring)
Driving time: 0:30

Start your journey in the laid-back coastal town of Onslow, a small dot on the map that punches well above its weight when it comes to sunsets and seafood. Check out the Onslow Salt Jetty for a cracking photo, or walk the Staircase to the Moon if your timing’s right.

Stay overnight at Onslow Beach Resort for a comfortable start, or opt for a bush camp just outside of town if you’re ready to rough it. Hit the pub for a seafood dinner—prawns straight off the boat, cold beer in hand, and a salty breeze on your face.

Watch the sun go down over the outback at Cheela Plains

Day 2: Taking the back road to Cheela Plains

Distance: 320 km
Driving time: 4:30

Leaving the coast, you’ll head inland through wide cattle country. The road soon begins to stretch and crackle under your tyres—classic Western Australia outback.

Stop in at Old Onslow ruins, a ghost town slowly being reclaimed by the desert. It’s dry, windy, and brilliant.

By late arvo, you’ll roll into Cheela Plains Station Stay—an actual working cattle station with warm hospitality and sweeping stargazing skies. They’ve got campgrounds and ensuite dongas. Spend the evening watching wedge-tailed eagles circle the spinifex.

The Hamersley Ranges come alive after rain

Day 3: Into the heart of the Hamersley Range

Distance: 250 km
Driving time: 3:30

From Cheela, the drive into the Hamersley Range is a revelation. This country is all red dirt landscapes and iron ore dust—hard but stunning.

Take a break at Paraburdoo, grab supplies and a decent coffee from the bakery. You’re heading into remote territory from here.

Set up base in Tom Price, the highest town in WA and a mining outpost turned handy jumping-off point for Karijini. Stay at the Tom Price Tourist Park or head straight to Dales Campground if you’ve already got your national park pass. Time it right and catch the golden light washing over Mount Nameless.

Stay at the eco lodge as a special treat

Day 4: Gorges and swims at Karijini National Park

Distance: 90 km (within the park)
Driving time: 2:00 (slow gorges and tracks)

Karijini National Park is the crown jewel of any Pilbara road trip. You could spend a week here, but today’s about hitting the highlights: Dales Gorge, Fortescue Falls, and Fern Pool.

Bring reef shoes and a dry bag—the paths are steep, the water freezing, and the views jaw-dropping. This place is sacred to the Banyjima people and walking its tracks feels like stepping into something ancient.

Camp again at Dales or treat yourself to a night at Karijini Eco Retreat—swag out under the stars or opt for a glamp-style tent with a hot shower and proper loo.

Dales Gorge in Karijini National Park

Day 5: More Karijini and a night under desert stars

Distance: 100 km (Karijini west gorges and return)
Driving time: 2:30 (mostly dirt roads)

Today’s about taking your time. Hit Weano Gorge and scramble your way through Handrail Pool—not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely worth the bruises. Oxers Lookout gives you a four-gorge view that’ll knock the dust off your boots.

This is also the perfect night for wild camping if conditions allow. Find a secluded spot outside the park boundaries, set up your awning, and listen to the desert wind. If you’re after comfort, the Eco Retreat is still the go-to.

Python Pool, a spring-fed swimming hole

Day 6: Tom Price to Millstream Chichester via Python Pool

Distance: 300 km
Driving time: 5:00 (4WD required in parts)

After a lazy breakfast, it’s a scenic drive north to Millstream Chichester National Park. The track via Hamersley Gorge and Mt Sheila Lookout will test your 4WD skills—and deliver proper outback views.

Stop at Python Pool, a spring-fed swimming hole tucked beneath towering basalt cliffs. It’s cool, shady, and completely unexpected after the dusty drive.

Camp at Miliyanha Campground, tucked among paperbarks with hot showers and gas barbecues. For something more remote, try Stargazers Campground. Bring a tripod—the Milky Way here is next level.

The must see views from Mt Herbert are worth the effort

Day 7: A wild camp near Mount Herbert

Distance: 80 km (park loop & remote access)
Driving time: 2:00

Push deeper into the Chichester Range, a rugged moonscape of spinifex plains and flat-topped hills. Take the Mount Herbert track—a less-travelled route with 360-degree views and barely another soul in sight.

This is a great day to find a wild camp off the beaten track. There are plenty of unofficial clearings with fire pits and log seats left by other travellers. You’ll need to be self-sufficient—no water, no loos, no phone reception. Just the bush, the stars, and the sense that you’ve dropped off the map entirely.

Take some time to explore Roebourne’s history

Day 8: Roebourne, Cossack and the ghost of gold

Distance: 180 km
Driving time: 3:00

Today, civilisation creeps back in. Head into Roebourne, WA’s oldest town north of Geraldton. The Roebourne Old Gaol Museum is worth a stop, and the town has strong ties to Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi culture.

From there, take the short detour to Cossack, a beautifully preserved ghost town that once boomed with gold and pearling. Wander its stone buildings, empty streets, and silent jetties—there’s a strange stillness here that lingers.

Stay overnight at Discovery Parks – Karratha for a hot shower and powered site, or set up camp at Cossack Campground, just metres from the beach.

Point Samson, just the place to take a break and wash off the dust

Day 9: Coastal detour to Point Samson

Distance: 20 km
Driving time: 0:30

After days in the dust, Point Samson feels like a coastal reset. It’s a sleepy fishing village where red cliffs meet white sand and coral reefs.

Drop into The Cove restaurant for seafood chowder or fresh coral trout. Then spend the afternoon snorkelling at John’s Creek or walking the dunes of Honeymoon Cove.

Stay at Samson Beach Caravan Park, or if you want a splurge before the end, book a villa at Samson Beach Chalets.

Port Hedland, back in to relative civilisation

Day 10: Rolling into Port Hedland, red dust and all

Distance: 310 km
Driving time: 3:30

The final stretch to Port Hedland is a slow return to reality. This isn’t the prettiest town, but it’s raw and real—trains, trucks, tides, and tonnes of iron ore.

Watch ships the size of cities loading up from the Marapikurrinya Park Lookout, or take a guided port tour if time allows.

Finish your journey with a cold drink and a sunset at The Esplanade Hotel. You’ve earned it.

Practical Information

• Best time to go: May to September. Dry season = cooler days, clear skies, better road conditions.
• Vehicle needed: A high-clearance 4WD is essential. Many roads are unsealed or rough.
• Fuel: Fill up wherever possible—distances between servos can be over 300 km.
• Safety: Carry at least 20L water per person, a sat phone or PLB, a first-aid kit, and spare tyres.
• Park passes: Required for Karijini and Millstream Chichester. Buy online at parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au.
• Permits: None required for this route if sticking to main roads and public campgrounds.
• Accommodation: Mix of campgrounds, station stays, eco-lodges, and wild camping.
• Dress code: Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, hiking shoes, and swimmers.
• Connectivity: Most of this route is off-grid. Download offline maps before you leave.
• Local advice: Always check road conditions at Main Roads WA before departure.

HTML version of the itinerary table