Great Northern Highway

Introducing Great Northern Highway

Stretching from Perth to Port Hedland via a succession of small mining and agricultural towns, this highway is the quickest way to get up north. It’s also the designated route for long-haul road trains, so be prepared for gruesome roadkill. On the city’s outskirts, Perth’s suburban spaces are quickly replaced by gently undulating pastureland dotted with eucalypts; but you’ve really left the urban grime behind when you hit the red dirt scrubland that characterises the Pilbara. New Norcia, with it’s monastic heritage and fabulous pub, is an excellent place to stay overnight. Unless you’re in a hurry or have a love of mining towns, the coastal road has more sights. The highlight is the awesome gorge country of Karijini National Park, which is worth a couple of days’ exploration.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009