Adventure with Alma
Dog friendly adventures around Australia
Darwin to Perth Road Trip
In October 2023, we embarked on our most ambitious road trip yet, driving from Sydney to Darwin, then making our way down to Perth and beyond to Esperance. To make it easier for fellow travelers, we've divided our journey into sections on our adventure pages. This way, people can choose to explore specific parts of the trip. On these pages, we'll share our day-to-day experiences, highlight dog-friendly places we discovered, and showcase how simple and enjoyable it is to travel with dogs throughout Australia.
If you have any questions or if I have missed anything here, please send me a message using the box on the page, and I'll do my best to answer anything :)
Van Hire
There are now far more companies offering pet-friendly campervans here in Australia, and it's great because now you don't need to leave them behind. I started our van search a good 9 months before our planned trip. I inquired with various companies, even ones that didn't say they were pet-friendly, to see if they'd make an exception for Alma.
Always inquire; what's the worst that can happen? They can only say no.
A few companies did allow her to travel, though they initially said they weren't pet-friendly, but they required the van to be immaculate on its return. We steered away from this as it's quite difficult to take time out on the last day for cleaning. I did look into sending our van up on a train or road train, but this was in excess of $5000, so I quickly squashed that idea.
Finding a comparison site was very helpful. Eventually, I went with https://camperchamp.com.au; they helped us with our Tasmania road trip. As they had the best deal on an Apollo van.
Choosing an Apollo Campervan, although they did have a heavy $250 pet fee and another $250 for a one-way fee, they were the cheapest company offering a large off-the-grid van with all modern conveniences. Plus, we thought this would be the perfect time to try a larger van out as we are thinking of upgrading ours.
Now that I have done the trip, I would probably hire a 4x4 over a van as many places we risked driving to or couldn't get to because it was a 2x2 and very large."
In total, the van hire was around $4500, plus the bond of $3500, which they return upon the van's return.
For insurance, we didn't opt for their hefty insurance as it added too much to the bill. Instead, we chose a company called RentalCover, which I have used while traveling in the UK, America, and now Australia.
I had an incident with a low wall in the UK, and for this trip, a road train kicked up a stone and cracked the windscreen. Both times I have claimed, it has been a simple process, and the money is back in my account on the day it is approved.
I would rate this company 10/10!
A side note, though, you have to pay for the repair first to the company – in this case, it was Apollo – and then they reimburse you. For us, it came out of our bond. RentalCover
Pet Transport
This wasn't Alma's first flight, so this time around, we had an idea of what to expect and plan for. We highly recommend the company Bay City Pet Travel for transporting pets, and I couldn't speak highly enough of them! From the booking stage to supplying every bit of information just before your flight, they are on hand to help you.
They have a very user-friendly website where you can send an inquiry to request your desired flights, dates, and times. Pets fly in the cargo hold, so these flights aren't available until three months before your desired travel date.
Dogs have to fly in a travel crate, but don't worry if you don't have one or don't want to carry it around. For an extra fee, you can hire one from them.
Dogs need to be vaccinated and have up-to-date tick treatment. When traveling to Tasmania, I had to have the box with me to show I had given it to her and it was up to date, but for Darwin, they didn't require it.
Dogs can travel with a towel or blanket but nothing else. They cannot have toys or food with them in the crate. Two dogs can travel together in a larger crate if needed, but ask the company for more details on this.
Bay View usually uses Virgin airline for travel, and I couldn't fault them either. Usually, you can see the crates being loaded onto the flights (if you take the same flight as your dog).
If, like me, you worry about them flying, I also fly with Virgin and line my flights up to be the same as Alma's so we can travel together, and I can watch her being loaded and unloaded.
You need to present your pet to Virgin Freight 100 minutes before the flight departs, and it takes around 30-45 minutes after the plane arrives for them to be ready for collection.
When dropping and collecting them, you need to have your confirmation email to show to them. If it's a different person collecting, you need to ensure the collector also has a copy to show along with the AWB Number.
And that's all you need for a stress-free pet cargo flight around Australia.
To give you an idea of what Alma's flights were for this trip, we booked them three months on the dot before departure
SYD-DRW $532 in a PP size hire crate
PER-SYD $442 in a PP size crate
Extra note: Alma likes traveling in the smallest crate size for her; the larger crate she doesn't seem to like as much.
The Route
A quick look at the main destinations with times and distances:
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Darwin to Katherine: 3 hrs 15 mins, 317 km
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Katherine to Kununurra: 5 hrs 30 mins, 514 km
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Kununurra to Broome: 11 hrs 20 mins, 1,051 km
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Broome to Port Hedland: 6 hrs 25 mins, 616 km
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Port Hedland to Exmouth: 8 hrs 18 mins, 777 km
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Exmouth to Monkey Mia: 7 hrs 14 mins, 708 km
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Monkey Mia to Perth: 8 hrs 57 mins, 847 km
Let's calculate the total time traveled and total distance:
Total Time Traveled: (3 hrs 15 mins)+(5 hrs 30 mins)+(11 hrs 20 mins)+(6 hrs 25 mins)+(8 hrs 18 mins)+(7 hrs 14 mins)+(8 hrs 57 mins)(3hrs15mins)+(5hrs30mins)+(11hrs20mins)+(6hrs25mins)+(8hrs18mins)+(7hrs14mins)+(8hrs57mins)
Total Time Traveled = 50 hrs 19 mins
Total Distance Traveled: 317 km+514 km+1,051 km+616 km+777 km+708 km+847 km317km+514km+1,051km+616km+777km+708km+847km
Total Distance Traveled = 4,830 km
So, during your road trip from Darwin to Perth via various destinations, you'll be traveling approximately 4,830 km in a total time of about 50 hours and 19 minutes.
These details provide a good overview of the travel times and distances between the main destinations on your road trip. If you have any specific questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
Day One - Darwin
Darwin Car Hire
We opted for one night in Darwin, and now, having visited, I'd probably stay for another night because I loved it more than I thought. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and there was so much to see and do.
As I wasn't picking up the van until the next day, I had to find a way of transporting us around for a day in Darwin. It's hard to find a pet-friendly taxi; some Ubers will do it for a fee. If I hired a car from the airport, I'd have to return it the next day, and I'd have the issue of having two vehicles , plus a day hire was $200+, and I didn't want to spend that much. So, I arranged an Uber Carshare at the airport. It was well-priced and only a 5-minute walk from the terminal.
The cargo hold to pick up Alma was around a 7-10 minute drive, so a car or taxi to collect her was 100% needed. The link to the car we hired is here: Uber Carshare. It was pet-friendly and actually very well-priced for a few hours to sort ourselves out and explore. You can also get a huge discount off your first hire if you haven't used them before, which made it a lot cheaper for us. 🚗🐾
Darwin Pet Friendly Accomdation
For a pet-friendly stay, we found a well-priced motel on Airbnb called Darwin Resort on Stuart Highway. It was part of a complex with a nice swimming pool and a kids' play area. We had our very own cabin, which was a spacious studio with two large beds, an ensuite, a kitchenette, and a little porch. It even had a driveway, perfect for loading the campervan when we were ready to leave the next day. We experienced a power cut for around an hour, but it was a Darwin-wide outage and not the hotel's fault. The staff was right there to help out and take care of the residents. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Pet friendly places to go in Darwin
We only had half a day to explore Darwin, and I knew we wanted to catch the sunset on the beach, as Darwin boasts some of the most breathtaking sunsets. First, we had to visit a pet shop to pick up Alma's raw food for the trip, which we couldn't bring with us. From there, our exploration included:
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Lee Point for Sunset: A stunning beach with plenty of room for Alma to run and keep her from getting too close to the ocean.
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East Point: While not dog-friendly, you could see everything from the car. I opened Alma's window, and we both explored with a drive-by of the park.
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Mindil Beach: A beautiful beach without any signs indicating it was dog-friendly. I asked a local with a dog, and it was well worth the trip. There are shallow pools with full visibility for crocs.
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Larrakeyah: A great little beach with cafes and restaurants overlooking the ocean. It was also a chance to see a statue of a croc!
Mindil Beach, NT
Lee Point, NT
Larrakeyah
East Point
Day Two - Darwin to Katherine
After picking up the van from Apollo, we had to take it back to our accommodation and pack it, so we didn't hit the road until around 10:30. By then, it was scorching hot! The journey to Katherine took just over three hours, and what I loved was how, after leaving Darwin,
After picking up the van from Apollo, we had to take it back to our accommodation and pack it, so we didn't hit the road until around 10:30. By then, it was scorching hot! The journey to Katherine took just over three hours, and what I loved was how, after leaving Darwin, we were immediately immersed in the outback's breathtaking scenery. These stunning views were precisely why we embarked on this road trip!
we were immediately immersed in the outback's breathtaking scenery. These stunning views were precisely why we embarked on this road trip!
Katherine turned out to be a charming and picturesque place. While there were other attractions like the hot springs, they weren't dog-friendly, and the heat made it impractical to leave Alma in the van. So, we opted for a pet-friendly visit to the Low Level Nature Park.
The Low Level Nature Park provided Alma with a cool and safe spot to paddle, a welcome relief from the hot and humid weather. Despite signs warning about potential crocodile presence, the numerous swimmers in the pools and the clear water reassured us. I only allowed Alma to paddle in shallow areas where I could be with her. Other dogs were enjoying the water, and a local even advised, "just make sure someone is out further than you, and you'll be alright!" While Alma isn't much of a swimmer, more of a "pop your feet in" kind of dog, it was a delightful experience for both of us. Always exercise caution, use common sense, never leave your dog unattended, and avoid letting them fully swim just incase.
Day Two (still) - Katherine to Lake Argile
Perhaps it's a bit crazy, but three hours of driving didn't feel like enough for me. With the goal of reaching Broome to pick up Alex in just two days, I covered a significant distance on this day and reached Lake Argyle as the sun was setting. This was another 5 hours and 35 minute drive. Crossing the border into WA, they conducted checks for fresh food and confiscated our fresh oranges, an onion, and potatoes.
The drive was stunning, and with more time, it would have been fantastic to explore more of the park in this area. Many places require a 4x4, so we're definitely planning to return!
Our first night we stayed at Lake Argyle, which has been on my bucket list for a while.
A bit about Lake Arglye;
Lake Argyle, located in Western Australia, is a stunning man-made reservoir formed by the damming of the Ord River. Here are some quick facts about Lake Argyle:
- Size: It is the largest man-made reservoir in Australia in terms of surface area.
-Water Capacity: The lake can hold over 20 times the volume of Sydney Harbour.
-Purpose: Lake Argyle serves as a reservoir for the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, supporting agriculture in the region.
-Biodiversity: The lake is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including fish, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
-Tourism: It has become a popular tourist destination, offering boat cruises, fishing, and stunning sunset views.
-Islands: The lake features many islands, some of which are inhabited and offer unique accommodation options.
-Accessibility: While some areas may require a 4x4 for exploration, there are accessible spots for various activities, making it a versatile destination.
-Sunset Cruises: One of the highlights is the sunset cruise, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Lake Argyle is not only a significant water resource but also a picturesque destination for those seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures in Western Australia.
https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/lake-argyle
We opted for a powered site tonight so we could charge the van and camp for free. We also decided to turn in early because we have planned a lot of hiking for the next day!
Day Three - Lake Argile to Ngumban Cliff Lookout
I have heard some amazing things about Lake Argyle, and wow, it didn't disappoint. We got up just before sunrise and hiked 5.75 km around the bay to Bluff Lookout Walk. Check out all the details of our hike, including a map: Hike Details.
After our 5 km hike, it was already super hot, and the campsite offered a swimming pool with one of the best views in the whole of Australia. Annoyingly, it wasn't dog-friendly, but I was able to tie Alma up under a tree on the other side of the fencing. We could still see each other while I took a dip, and she had a scattered feed in the grass.
After finishing up at Lake Argyle, we headed back to the border for some photos. Since we arrived late the day before and missed the optimal lighting, so we took advantage of the opportunity of being so closeby. The border force personnel were really nice and although had a laugh watching us take photos, they allowed us back through without checks, as they saw we came from the WA direction.
Next on the list for this area was Elephant Rock. It was still early, so I thought we could squeeze in this hike before the heat of the day kicked in. It was around an hour's drive from the border, and we arrived around 9:30 am. The road to the start of this walk was dirt, but we risked it in the van and parked on the road at the beginning of the 4x4 sand track. Check out our hike details here.
For Day Three, we embarked on a 6-hour and 37-minute drive, eventually discovering a free campsite known as Ngumban Cliff Lookout. This proved to be a fantastic rest stop situated just off the road, providing breathtaking views of the expansive landscape. While the facilities were limited to drop toilets, having a van equipped with a shower added an extra layer of convenience to our journey. check out our review of the rest stop here Ngumban Cliff Lookout Review
Day Four - Ngumban Cliff Lookout to Broome
We spent the rest of the evening enjoying the sunset at Cable Beach. Unfortunately, we couldn't catch a glimpse of the camels at sunset, which was disappointing. However, the sunset itself more than made up for it, treating us to another stunning display. For more information on Cable Beach, click here.
We were eager to camp at James Price Point for the night, but considering the limitations of our Apollo van rental, we decided not to risk getting fined for driving down a gravel/sandy road. Instead, we found another campsite in town. However, we highly recommend staying at James Price Point if you have a 4x4 or your own vehicle to get there.
Our campground for the night was conveniently close to Cable Beach and other beaches scheduled for the next day. We secured a powered site at Cable Beach RAC Holiday Park, and you can find more information about the park here. It's a fantastic park and very proximate to the beaches we planned to explore the following day. Additionally, if you're an RAC or NRMA member, you can enjoy a discount! Check out our detailed campsite review here.
We made the decision to rise at sunrise and embark on a 5 and a half-hour drive straight to Broome, eager to kickstart our beach adventures. At the top of my must-visit list was Simpson Beach! Despite the lack of available information regarding its dog-friendliness, we took a chance and were relieved to discover that it was indeed pet-friendly. The beach proved to be insanely beautiful. For a detailed review, check out our experience here WA Beaches.
Next on our itinerary was Gantheaume Point. However, the intense heat and high tide made it challenging to cool down Alma without her being able to paddle. Recognizing the conditions, we quickly retreated to the van and headed straight to Cable Beach for the sunset.
Day Five - Broome to Cape Keraudren
Day Five marked another early start for us. We were up at sunrise and headed straight to our first beach, Coconut Wells, which was a short drive from Broome and an exciting beginning to our beach adventure. Although we didn't get to see all the beautiful rock pools due to arriving at high tide, the beach itself was stunning to explore. Its vast expanse of pure white sand and turquoise waters created a picturesque scene. Alma had a blast running, playing, and paddling in the water. For more details on our experience at Coconut Wells beach, check out our website here.
From Coconut Wells, we further explored Roebuck Bay, discovering a hidden gem, the wonderfully dog-friendly Riddle Beach. We've reviewed each of these beaches, and you can find more details in our WA Beaches section here.
After a 6-hour drive from Broome, we camped for the night at Cape Keraudren, a stunning campground in the absolute middle of nowhere. Though we realized we needed a camp permit a bit late, the ranger came around in a golf buggy, and we were able to pay either in cash or card for our stay. The total cost was $32 for one night for two people and our pup Alma. While it might seem a bit expensive, the experience of having a beachfront camp and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean made it entirely worth it.
For a detailed review of our experience at Cape Keraudren campsite, you can check out our website here.
Day Six - Cape Keraudren to Quartz Hill Campground
Day six was, again, another early start for us. Up at sunrise, we headed out to Port Hedland. Port Hedland was not the prettiest place we have been to, but it had a supermarket and fuel stop, so we could stock up with what we needed. We didn't stay long but did explore Cemetery Beach. This beach was an on-leash dog friendly beach, as interestingly, it's a turtle beach, and you can spot little turtles hatching or laying eggs! How cool! We didnt stay long and headed on to Hearsons Cove
Hearsons Cove was only a short drive on from Port Hedland, and it really is worth a visit! You can find both beaches we visited this day in our WA Beaches section here. After Hearson Cove, we had a long drive ahead of us. We were headed toward Exmouth but decided to camp for free at a campground called Quartz Hill Campground. It had the perfect sunset, but there weren't any facilities or anything else close by.
Day Seven - Quartz Hill Campground to Exmouth
Day Seven - only a short drive today, about 3 hours and 40 minutes to Exmouth. We headed, of course, straight to the beach. Bundegi Beach was first on the list, as I had heard great things, and it didn't disappoint! The shack on the beach provides the best place for breakfast or lunch. Find our full review on this beach on our website here.
After so much driving, we had a pretty chill day, spending most of our time at the beach before heading to check into our campsite. We chose RAC Holiday Park Exmouth, benefiting from a bigger discount as NRMA members. It's also only a short walk to Whalebone Brewhouse for better pizza for dinner.
First, though, we headed to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse to watch dolphins and whales as the sun set. The beaches on this coast are not dog-friendly, but the lighthouse is. We pulled up with the camper, unfolded our camping chairs, and enjoyed a beer as the sun went down. The perfect end to our first night in Exmouth.
Day Eight - Exmouth to Quobba Blow Hole
Day Eight, another short drive again today with only having an hour and a half's drive to Coral Bay. First on the list before Coral Bay was Charles Knife Canyon. I really wanted to visit the beautiful national park, and although we had Alma with us, we could travel there as long as she stayed in the van. We got up super early so we could do this, and it wouldn't be too hot for her while we saw some lookouts. It was actually much easier than I thought it would be, with most of the viewpoint having parking bays right next to the lookouts! It's definitely worth the visit even if you do have your pup with you!
Then we headed to Coral Bay. Well, what can I say about Coral Bay? It has some of the best coastline I have ever seen in Australia. Its untouched beauty is vast and serene. Some places aren't dog-friendly, but we found Paradise Beach and Five Finger Reef, which were just as good as the normal beaches.
Check out our beach reviews for Coral bay here.
After Coral bay, we didnt head to far for our next camp site heading back up above Coral Bay Staying the the famouse Quobba Blow hole for the night, check out our review here.
Day Nine - Quobba Blow Hole to Whalebone Campsite
