Western Australia Road Trip from Kununurra to Yallingup

Morning

Start with a practical supply run around Kununurra town centre from 10:00–11:00. Fill the vehicle, top up drinking water and buy several days of food, ice and dog supplies before heading farther out, as options become limited once you leave town. Check your spare tyre and fuel range too—especially with Lake Argyle and Purnululu National Park ahead. The main supermarkets and service stations generally open from early morning, but Saturday trading hours can vary, so do the essentials first.

Then spend about an hour at Kununurra Museum, usually open on weekday and Saturday mornings but subject to seasonal hours. Allow a little flexibility for a short closure or changed timetable in the dry season. Its displays give useful context on Miriwoong culture, the Ord irrigation scheme, pastoral life and early expeditions. Keep the dog outside while you visit; the museum is a worthwhile human-only stop.

Midday and Afternoon

Walk off the morning at Celebrity Tree Park, along the Ord River waterfront. It is an easy, shaded wander of around 30 minutes and suits a dog on lead, though bring water and watch for hot ground during the middle of the day. Continue to Sandalford Wines at The PumpHouse on Lake Kununurra for lunch, allowing roughly 1½ hours. Expect around A$30–50 per person for a main meal, with the riverside setting doing much of the work. Confirm the day’s kitchen hours before going, and ask staff about the dog-friendly outdoor seating rather than assuming indoor access.

Keep Kelly’s Knob Lookout for late afternoon, when the heat eases and the light spreads across Kununurra, the Ord Valley and surrounding ranges. Drive up and allow about 45 minutes, including time at the viewpoint; parking is generally straightforward, but the access road can be uneven. There is little shade and no dependable water at the top, so let the dog drink before you go and keep it leashed near the edges. Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset, then return to town for a relaxed evening and an early night before tomorrow’s drive to Lake Argyle.

Morning

Leave Kununurra early on Lake Argyle Road for the straightforward, roughly one-hour drive to Lake Argyle. The road is sealed, but keep an eye out for cattle and wildlife, and use the pull-offs for short dog exercise breaks rather than letting your dog roam near the road. Stop first at Lake Argyle Lookout near the resort for the classic reservoir panorama; allow about 30 minutes, and bring water because the exposed viewpoint becomes hot quickly. Check ahead whether dogs are permitted on the particular lookout area and keep yours leashed.

Continue to the Lake Argyle Cruises departure point for a late-morning or afternoon cruise, usually around 2½ hours. These trips are the best way to appreciate the scale of the flooded Ord Valley, with useful commentary on the geology and dam, plus good chances of seeing birdlife and freshwater crocodiles. Cruise times and availability vary seasonally, so reserve ahead and arrive early; dogs generally cannot join the boat, so plan for someone to stay with yours in the vehicle only if conditions are cool and safe.

Lunch and Afternoon

Have lunch at the Lake Argyle Resort restaurant, the most convenient option in the area. Allow roughly A$25–45 per person, but confirm current service hours and the kitchen’s closing time before setting out, as this is an isolated property with limited alternatives. Take the afternoon slowly around the resort and shoreline rather than trying to add another long walk—August sun is strong, and there is little shade. Keep plenty of drinking water in the vehicle for both people and dog.

Evening

Finish at the Ord River Dam wall in the late afternoon. It is an easy, scenic stop where you can stretch your legs and watch the light change across the water; allow about 45 minutes and keep your dog leashed around the edge and access roads. Sunset can arrive quickly, so check the exact time and leave the resort with enough daylight for the return drive to Kununurra if you are not camping nearby. Before heading back, confirm your fuel level and use only approved camping areas—overnight options around Lake Argyle are regulated, and roadside camping is not appropriate.

Pre-dawn to late morning

Leave Lake Argyle before sunrise for Purnululu National Park, allowing closer to four hours rather than the nominal three: the final Spring Creek Track is rough, corrugated and slow. A high-clearance 4WD, two spare tyres if possible, plenty of water and a full tank are essential. Check the latest access conditions with DBCA before setting off, and keep your dog secured in the vehicle—dogs are not permitted on park walks. After checking in at your campground, drive to the eastern section and take the short walk to Piccaninny Creek Lookout late in the morning. It is the best quick introduction to the orange-and-black domes, with broad views that make the long approach worthwhile.

Midday and afternoon

Continue to the Domes Walk, allowing about an hour. The loop threads between the rounded beehive formations, and the narrow sections offer welcome shade, although the rocks radiate heat even in August. Carry water for everyone and leave your dog at camp with shade and ventilation, as pets cannot accompany you on the walking trails. After a break and an early picnic lunch from your own supplies, make your way to Cathedral Gorge for roughly 1½ hours. The sandy track leads into a huge natural amphitheatre where the acoustics are remarkable; walk slowly and listen for the change in sound as you enter the cavernous end of the gorge.

Evening

Return to either Walardi Campground or Kurrajong Campground for a simple meal using your provisions—there are no dependable shops, cafés or fuel services inside Purnululu National Park. Aim to be back before dark, when navigating the campground and rough access tracks is much easier. Keep food sealed and secured from wildlife, refill water containers while supplies are available, and save some daylight for checking tyres and cooling the vehicle after the return drive.

Dawn to late afternoon

Leave Purnululu National Park at first light for Wolfe Creek Crater, allowing a full 7–8 hours via the Tanami Road—and longer if corrugations, washouts or tyre issues slow you down. This is a remote 4WD crossing rather than a normal highway drive: confirm the road is open with Main Roads WA and local authorities, carry more fuel, food and water than you expect to need, and have recovery gear, at least one good spare tyre and satellite communications. Keep the dog secured during roadside stops, as there is no reliable mobile coverage and very little passing traffic. With the long transfer, plan only a short arrival break before the walk.

Late afternoon

After setting up at the Wolfe Creek Crater camping area, take the approximately 1.5-hour rim walk at the cooler end of the day. The track gives you the best sense of the crater’s enormous scale, with broad desert views and changing light across the rim; sturdy shoes, a hat and plenty of water are still important even in late afternoon. Keep your dog close and check current site rules before setting off, as wildlife and loose edges make an uncontrolled dog a poor fit here. There is no dependable shop, café or fuel stop at the crater, so everything needed for the evening must already be in the vehicle.

Sunset and evening

Return to camp for sunset, when the low light brings out the crater’s shape and the surrounding desert becomes wonderfully quiet. Once darkness settles, Wolfe Creek Crater is an exceptional stargazing stop: switch off vehicle lights, allow your eyes time to adjust and keep the dog secured beside camp. Cook a simple self-catered dinner—there are no reliable nearby restaurants—then pack food scraps away securely, observe any fire restrictions and leave no trace. Expect a basic, exposed camp rather than facilities, and check whether fees, bookings or seasonal access conditions apply before relying on the site.

Early Morning to Afternoon

Leave Wolfe Creek Crater at first light for the long drive to Broome, allowing around 7–8 hours via Halls Creek and the Great Northern Highway, plus fuel, food and dog breaks. This is a day to keep the driving steady rather than add detours: refuel whenever practical, carry water in the vehicle, and avoid letting your dog exercise close to the highway because of heat, traffic and wandering cattle. Aim to reach Broome by mid- to late afternoon, when the temperature is more manageable and you can settle into your free-camp or other overnight spot.

Late Afternoon

Once you are set up, head into Broome town centre and spend about 30 minutes at the Broome Visitor Centre. Ask specifically about current road conditions for the coast, tidal access, dog restrictions and any local closures; conditions and access rules can change quickly in the Kimberley. If the Broome Courthouse Markets are operating on this weekday, allow 1–2 hours to browse local produce, crafts and ready-to-eat snacks. Market days and hours vary seasonally, so check the visitor centre noticeboard or official listing rather than relying on a fixed schedule. Keep your dog leashed, bring water and avoid leaving the dog in the vehicle.

Evening

Drive a few minutes toward Roebuck Bay for dinner at Matso’s Broome Brewery, allowing roughly 1½ hours and around A$30–55 per person. It is a relaxed first-night stop with Kimberley-inspired beers and a substantial menu; book or arrive early if you want an outdoor table with the dog, as seating policies can vary. After dinner, take a gentle 45-minute walk along the Roebuck Bay foreshore while the light softens. Check the tide before walking near the water, keep your dog close, and finish with a quiet evening—tomorrow’s coastal sightseeing will be much better started early.

Morning

Start at Cable Beach early, around 7:00–8:30, while the sand is cool and the light is soft. Walk from the main access area, keeping your dog within the current permitted zone and checking the day’s tide and signage—dog access can vary by section and season. Swimming conditions can change quickly, so stay clear of isolated tidal pools and marine wildlife. Afterward, drive north along Crab Creek Road for roughly 20 minutes to Broome Bird Observatory on Roebuck Bay. Allow about two hours for the walking trails and viewing areas; entry fees and opening arrangements vary, so check ahead, and keep your dog secured outside restricted habitat areas.

Lunch and afternoon

Return to town for lunch at the café area of Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre, a practical air-conditioned stop after the heat of the morning. Allow A$15–30 per person and roughly an hour, with water for the dog and a shaded place to wait. In the afternoon, drive about 10 minutes to the Japanese Cemetery on Port Drive. This peaceful, well-maintained site takes around 45 minutes and offers an important glimpse into Broome’s pearling history; dress respectfully, keep your dog quiet and leashed, and check the gate hours before setting out.

Evening

Head back to Cable Beach well before sunset—around 4:45–5:00, depending on the season—to find parking and settle at a public viewing area. The camel trains usually move along the beach around sunset, but watch from a distance rather than joining a tour with your dog. Bring water, a lead and a towel for sandy paws; the beach breeze can make the evening feel cooler than expected. After dark, drive back toward Broome in about 10–15 minutes, watching carefully for wildlife on the road.

Morning

Head into central Broome for the Broome Historical Museum on Robinson Street, allowing about 1½ hours. It is the best place to put the town’s pearling, aviation and wartime stories into context, and the shaded verandas make it a sensible stop before the heat builds. Check the current opening hours before leaving—hours can vary seasonally—and allow roughly A$10–20 for entry. From Cable Beach, it is about 10–15 minutes by car or taxi; parking in the town centre is generally straightforward, though avoid leaving your dog in the vehicle.

Continue to Town Beach on Roebuck Bay for an easy 45-minute foreshore walk. The mangrove outlook and tidal flats are a quieter counterpoint to the ocean beach, but keep your dog close and well away from mudflats and wildlife. Tides make a noticeable difference here, so wear shoes you do not mind getting dusty and carry water.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk or drive back into the town centre for lunch at The Zookeepers Store, a dependable casual café option with meals generally around A$20–35 per person. It is worth checking its trading hours before setting off, particularly outside peak season. After lunch, make your way to the Staircase to the Moon viewing area on Roebuck Bay for about an hour. The phenomenon only occurs on specific full-moon evenings between March and October, so check the 2026 lunar calendar; if tonight is not a viewing date, treat this as a relaxed bay lookout rather than expecting the staircase itself. Bring water, sun protection and a light layer for the breeze.

Sunset

Allow around 15 minutes by car or taxi to reach Gantheaume Point, at the southern end of Cable Beach, and arrive well before sunset so you can explore the red cliffs without rushing. Dinosaur footprints may be visible around suitable low tides, but never climb onto wet rock or approach the cliff edges—the limestone can be slippery and unstable. Settle in for the Indian Ocean sunset, then return to Broome before dark; taxis can be busy around sunset, so arrange a pickup in advance rather than relying on finding one at the point.

Early Morning: James Price Point

Leave Broome around 6:30–7:00 for James Price Point, allowing 1½–2 hours each way on the Broome–Cape Leveque Road and the turnoff toward the coast. This is a remote outing: carry more water than you think you need, a full tank, recovery gear and a reliable spare, and check local access conditions before leaving. At James Price Point, allow about 1½ hours to wander along the shoreline and take in the intensely coloured pindan cliffs. Keep your dog close near cliff edges and tidal areas, and avoid driving onto soft beach sand unless you are properly equipped.

Midday: Willie Creek Pearl Farm

Return toward Broome and continue north to Willie Creek Pearl Farm, allowing roughly two hours for the guided tour and time around the property. Book ahead, as tours have fixed departure times and often sell out in the dry season; expect approximately A$70–100 per adult depending on the tour selected. Confirm the dog policy when booking—dogs may need to remain in the vehicle or designated outdoor area during the tour, and the heat makes a shaded setup and plenty of water essential. The pearl-farming explanation is genuinely worthwhile here, particularly the hands-on look at how cultured pearls are seeded, cared for and harvested.

Late Lunch and Late Afternoon: The Green Mango Café and Town Beach

Head back into Broome for a relaxed late lunch at The Green Mango Café, budgeting around A$20–35 per person. It is a good place to keep the meal easy after the long, warm drive; check its current opening hours before setting out because Broome businesses can change schedules seasonally. After lunch, give yourselves a little downtime before driving to the Town Beach mangrove boardwalk area on Roebuck Bay for a 45-minute stroll. The walk is low-effort and particularly pleasant in the late afternoon, with broad bay views and the chance to watch the light change over the mangroves. Keep your dog leashed and well away from mudflats and wildlife, and bring insect repellent; finish before dark, when the uneven edges and tidal areas are harder to read.

Pre-dawn to late afternoon

Leave James Price Point before dawn for the long run south and east to Karijini National Park. Allow 10–11 hours of driving, plus proper fuel, meal and dog breaks; this is not a day for sightseeing en route. Refuel in Broome before leaving, then again at Port Hedland or Tom Price according to your vehicle’s range. Carry extra drinking water, keep the dog leashed at roadside stops, and arrive with enough daylight to set up camp. The roads are generally sealed, but fatigue, roos and road trains are the real concerns.

Late afternoon in Karijini

If you arrive before closing, stop at the Karijini Visitor Centre for about 30 minutes. Ask specifically about current gorge access, water levels, heat conditions and road closures, as conditions can change quickly. Dogs must remain outside the gorge walking areas, so leave yours safely at camp or with one person while the other checks the advice. Continue to Joffre Falls Lookout for an easy first view of the red-and-black country; allow around 45 minutes and take a jacket, as the lookout can feel surprisingly cool late in the day.

Sunset and evening

If daylight remains, drive across to Dales Gorge Lookout for sunset and allow about 30 minutes. The layered ironstone cliffs catch the last light beautifully, but avoid rushing the return drive—wildlife is active around dusk and park roads are unlit. Back at your campground, prepare a simple self-catered dinner and pack tomorrow’s water, snacks and dog supplies. There are very limited food options inside Karijini National Park, so rely on what you carried in rather than expecting a late meal or shop; keep all food secured from wildlife and observe campground quiet hours.

Morning

Leave your camp early for Hammersley Gorge, aiming to arrive around 7:00–7:30 while temperatures are comfortable and the gorge is quieter. Allow roughly three hours for the return walk and time around the pools: the colourful banded rock is the highlight, but the route is uneven, steep in places and can involve scrambling. Dogs are not permitted on the gorge trail, so leave yours safely secured at camp with shade and plenty of water rather than in the vehicle. Carry at least 2–3 litres of water per person, sturdy shoes and a dry bag; swimming conditions and access can change after weather. Check the current road and gorge status with DBCA before setting out, as the access track can be rough and mobile coverage is unreliable.

Midday to Afternoon

After returning to the vehicle, drive west through Karijini National Park toward Mount Bruce Lookout. Set aside about 45 minutes for the short stop and panorama over the Hamersley Range, with the mine workings and iron-rich landscape giving the view a very different character from the narrow gorges. Keep your dog close at the lookout and never leave it in a parked vehicle in the midday heat. Continue to Tom Price, where the Tom Price Visitor Centre is a useful practical stop for fuel, cold drinks, groceries and updated road information; allow around 45 minutes, and check its seasonal opening hours before relying on it. This is the sensible place to restock before heading back into remote country.

Evening

Have dinner at the Tom Price Hotel restaurant, allowing about 1½ hours and roughly A$30–50 per person. It is a straightforward, air-conditioned option after a dusty day, but phone ahead to confirm kitchen hours and whether dogs can sit in an outdoor area. After dark, return to your campground area for an hour of Karijini night-sky viewing. Move a short distance away from camp lights if permitted, switch off torches between walks and give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust; the Milky Way is usually striking here. Keep the dog secured beside you, and avoid driving far on unlit tracks once tired.

Morning

Set out early for Dales Gorge Lookout, ideally around 7:00, before the red walls become harsh in the sun. From the eastern side of Karijini National Park, allow roughly 30 minutes for the viewpoint, plus time to park and walk to the edge. The lookout is an easy first stop, but keep well back from the drop-offs and keep your dog secured—there is no shade at the rim, and temperatures rise quickly even in September.

Continue to Fortescue Falls, allowing about two hours for the descent, waterfall area and return climb. The trail is uneven and can be slippery near the water, so sturdy shoes are worthwhile. Swimming may be possible when conditions are suitable, but check the latest park signage and never enter after heavy rain or when water is discoloured or moving strongly. Leave your dog at camp with shade and plenty of water: dogs are not permitted on gorge trails or at the swimming areas. Afterward, walk on to Fern Pool for about an hour. This is a culturally significant place, so follow every sign, stay out of restricted areas, keep noise low and do not bring food, alcohol or swimming equipment if local guidance prohibits them.

Midday to Evening

Use Circular Pool Lookout as your final Dales Gorge stop around midday. It takes only about 30 minutes and gives you a worthwhile view without committing to another long gorge walk. Have lunch back at camp or in the vehicle’s shade, and carry extra drinking water; there are no dependable food outlets inside the park. For a proper shower, supplies or a break from camp cooking, drive to the Auski Tourist Village restaurant near the eastern entrance in the evening. Dinner is generally around A$25–45 per person, but opening days and hours can change with the season, so phone ahead and confirm they can accommodate a dog outdoors. Refuel and restock before returning to camp, as services around Karijini National Park are widely spaced.

Early morning to afternoon

Leave Karijini National Park at first light for Exmouth, allowing six to seven hours of driving plus fuel, food and dog breaks. Take the route via Tom Price, Paraburdoo and the North West Coastal Highway; refuel whenever practical, as distances between services are considerable. Aim to arrive with enough daylight for the Cape Range roads, and keep your dog secured in the vehicle during roadside stops—heat builds quickly on exposed bitumen.

Afternoon exploring

After checking in or setting up camp, drive into Cape Range National Park for Charles Knife Canyon. Allow about two hours for the sealed scenic road, viewpoints and short walks above the deeply cut red limestone landscape. Continue to Shothole Canyon in the late afternoon, allowing another 1½ hours; it is generally quieter and the low sun brings out the rust-red formations beautifully. Both areas are remote and exposed, so carry water, fuel, sun protection and a lead for your dog. Dogs are not permitted on national-park walking trails, so check the current DBCA signage and leave your dog safely at camp or in a properly ventilated vehicle only for very brief periods—never in a parked vehicle in warm conditions.

Evening

Return to Exmouth and spend around 30 minutes at the Ningaloo Visitor Centre before dinner. Check current marine-park closures, road conditions, tides and dog-access rules, particularly if you plan to visit the coast tomorrow; opening hours can vary seasonally, so verify them on the day. Finish at Whalers Restaurant on Murat Road, a reliable local choice for seafood and Australian-style dishes, with mains generally around A$35–60. Book ahead in the busy season, and ask for outdoor seating if you are travelling with your dog.

Early morning: Turquoise Bay

Leave Exmouth around 6:00–6:30 for Turquoise Bay in Cape Range National Park, allowing about 45–60 minutes on the sealed Murat Road and park roads. Arrive early for the calmest water, easier parking and cooler sand; the beach is best for roughly two hours before the sun becomes intense. The drift snorkel can have a strong current, so only use it if conditions and your swimming ability are suitable—otherwise stay in the sheltered lagoon area and enter through the sandy shallows. Dogs are not permitted anywhere in the national park, so leave yours securely at your accommodation or arrange care in Exmouth. Carry all food, water, shade and reef-safe sun protection, as there are no cafés or reliable facilities here.

Late morning to midday: Mandu Mandu Gorge and Oyster Stacks

Drive south along the park road to Mandu Mandu Gorge, allowing about 1½ hours for the dry gorge circuit. It is a rugged, mostly exposed walk rather than a shaded canyon stroll, so take at least two litres of water per person, wear proper shoes and watch for wallabies and other wildlife in the quieter sections. Continue toward Oyster Stacks around the day’s suitable low tide, allowing about an hour. Check the tide, wind and local access signs before entering: the reef is shallow and can be sharp, so reef shoes are essential, and this is not a good spot in rough water. Keep well clear of coral and never stand on it. Return to Exmouth in the afternoon, with a quick fuel and ice stop before heading into town.

Late afternoon and sunset: The Social Society and Town Beach

Back in Exmouth, settle in at The Social Society for coffee, a cold drink or a casual meal—budget around A$15–30 per person and check current kitchen hours, as late-afternoon service can vary outside peak periods. Afterward, take the dog to Town Beach for an easy sunset walk along the foreshore, where the open shoreline and evening breeze make a welcome contrast to the exposed national-park tracks. Keep your dog leashed near other visitors and check local signs around shared beach areas. Stock up in Exmouth before turning in: tomorrow’s drive toward Quobba Station is long and services become sparse quickly.

Early Morning to Afternoon

Leave Ningaloo around 5:30–6:00 for Quobba Station, allowing five to six hours via Coral Bay, Minilya and the North West Coastal Highway. This is a supply-and-fuel day: top up wherever practical, carry drinking water for everyone including your dog, and do not rely on finding a shop or café at Quobba Station. Keep the dog leashed at roadside stops, and expect the final station roads to be rougher and slower than the highway.

Afternoon: Quobba Blowholes

After checking in and settling the vehicle, spend about an hour at the Quobba Blowholes. Stay well back from the cliff edge and behind any barriers—the ocean can surge unpredictably, even when the weather looks calm. Wear enclosed shoes and keep your dog secured; the limestone can be sharp, and loose dogs are unsafe around the blowholes and coastal wildlife. There is no dependable admission service or café here, so treat it as a self-contained stop with your own water and snacks.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Use the cooler part of the afternoon to explore the Quobba Station coastline, allowing roughly two hours for quiet beaches, limestone shore and wildlife watching. Keep to established tracks, check tide conditions before approaching rocky platforms, and avoid disturbing nesting seabirds or marine life. Back at camp, prepare a simple dinner in the Quobba Station camp kitchen or from your own supplies—dining options are extremely limited, so confirm kitchen access when booking and conserve water. Finish with a 45-minute walk at Quobba beach around sunset, keeping the dog close and leaving before darkness makes the rough tracks difficult to navigate.

Early Morning

Start at Red Bluff Beach while the light is low and the sand is cooler, allowing about two hours for a cliff-top wander, beach walking and watching the surf break below the red limestone. Keep well back from unstable edges, and treat the water as a viewing spot rather than a casual swimming beach—conditions can be powerful and unpredictable. If your dog is with you, check the station’s current rules before letting it out, keep it leashed near the cliffs and carry all water; there are no dependable public facilities here.

Late Morning to Midday

Walk or drive back toward the Red Bluff lookout for broad views along the Quobba Coast—about 45 minutes is enough, though the wind can make the exposed platform feel cooler than expected. Around midday, check whether the Red Bluff Station kiosk is operating for a simple coffee or meal; hours and supplies are seasonal, so do not rely on it. Budget roughly A$15–30 per person, and keep packed food, drinking water and rubbish bags in the vehicle as a backup. Roads and tracks around the station can be corrugated or sandy, so lower tyre pressures only if you know how to reinflate them and avoid driving onto soft beach sand.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend the afternoon at Gnaraloo Bay, reached by the local coastal tracks in roughly 30–45 minutes depending on conditions. Allow about 1½ hours for the calmer shoreline, seabird watching and possible marine-life sightings, but bring shade and footwear—the coastline is remote, and mobile reception and services can be patchy. Return to Red Bluff well before sunset rather than attempting unfamiliar tracks in the dark. Finish with an hour watching the cliffs turn gold and the swell flatten into silhouette; this is one of the best moments of the day, so bring a chair, warm layer and a thermos, and leave the lookout and beach completely free of food scraps.

Pre-dawn to late afternoon

Leave Red Bluff before sunrise for the long inland run to Hyden, allowing 10–11 hours including fuel, food and dog breaks. Take the coast road through Carnarvon, then continue south and inland via the North West Coastal Highway and regional roads; fill the tank whenever practical, as services thin out considerably away from the coast. Keep the dog leashed at roadhouse stops, and carry enough water for the whole day rather than relying on every fuel stop. With such a long transfer, aim to arrive at the Wave Rock precinct by roughly 4:00–4:30 pm, when the granite is warmer in colour and the worst heat has eased.

Late afternoon

Start with Wave Rock, allowing about an hour to walk along the base and climb the formed steps for the classic view across the curved granite face. Entry to the Wave Rock precinct is generally paid—budget around A$15–20 per adult, with opening times and fees worth checking locally because they can change seasonally. From there, a short walk or brief drive within the precinct brings you to Hippo’s Yawn, a roughly 45-minute loop through wonderfully sculpted granite. Keep your dog close: the rock can remain hot underfoot even late in the day, and there is little shade on the exposed sections.

Early dinner and sunset

Drive into Hyden for an early meal at Wildflower Shoppe Café, allowing about an hour and budgeting A$20–35 per person. Check closing times before setting out, particularly after the long off-season transfer; if the kitchen has finished, buy takeaway supplies in town rather than counting on late dining. Finish at Lake Magic, a short drive from Hyden, arriving before sunset for the changing reflections and soft salt-lake colours. Allow around 45 minutes, stay on signed access tracks, and keep the dog well away from fragile lake edges and any water that may be saline or unsuitable for drinking.

Early morning to early afternoon

Leave Hyden at first light for the five- to six-hour drive to Yallingup, following the Great Southern Highway west before joining the Bussell Highway toward Busselton and the Margaret River region. Top up fuel before leaving and plan dog breaks at town rest areas rather than roadside verges; Williams, Wagin or Busselton are sensible places for supplies and a proper coffee. Aim to arrive in Yallingup around 1:00–2:00 pm, allowing time to settle the dog and arrange care before visiting the cave.

Afternoon

Book an afternoon tour at Ngilgi Cave, allowing about 1½ hours including the walk from the visitor area. The cave is known for its large chambers, flowstone and delicate limestone formations, but dogs cannot enter, so confirm that your campsite or accommodation can safely look after your dog—there is no casual kennel service at the cave. Tours and entry commonly cost roughly A$25–40 per adult, with seasonal opening hours and tour times changing, so reserve ahead through the official operator rather than relying on walk-in availability. Afterwards, drive a few minutes to Yallingup Beach for an easy late-afternoon wander and, if conditions are suitable, a swim or surf. The bay is more sheltered than the exposed west coast, but check signage and keep your dog within the current beach-access rules.

Evening

Have dinner at Caves House Hotel, a historic pub beside the Yallingup settlement. Allow about 1½ hours and budget approximately A$30–55 per person; the courtyard or garden is the most comfortable choice with a dog, subject to staff approval and evening weather. Book a table if visiting on a weekend, as this small resort area fills quickly. Do not attempt to drive from Yallingup to Kununurra after dinner: the return is a multi-day road journey, not an overnight transfer. Keep the vehicle and arrange a separate inland return itinerary, or fly from a suitable regional airport after confirming one-way vehicle and pet logistics.