Driving the North West Coastal Highway in Western Australia is a Lifetime Experience

Driving the North West Coastal Highway in Western Australia is a Lifetime Experience

Australia, oceania

Length

1,299 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising the North West Coastal Highway in Western Australia is like stepping into another world. This epic stretch of asphalt snakes for 1,299 km (807 miles) through the remote north-west, and it’s perfect for any vehicle.

Originally pieced together from existing tracks in 1944 and fully sealed by the early '70s, this road hugs the coast as it travels from Geraldton up to Port Hedland. Marked as National Route 1, it’s hard to miss.

Expect a landscape that'll blow your mind – think vast coastal plains melting into harsh deserts and rugged outback terrain. You'll be treated to some of the most impressive coastal views Australia has to offer.

Be warned though, you’ll encounter long, isolated stretches and may not see another car for hours. The trade-off is some seriously spectacular views. Keep an eye on the weather and be prepared for anything – this is the real Australian wilderness!

Where is it?

Driving the North West Coastal Highway in Western Australia is a Lifetime Experience is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -28.2838, 132.6562

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Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
1,299 km
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-28.2838, 132.6562

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