Western Australia Road Trip from Kununurra to Yallingup

Morning

Leave Kununurra early via the Victoria Highway for the straightforward drive to Lake Argyle, allowing about an hour plus time for fuel and supplies. The road is sealed, but watch for cattle and wildlife, particularly around dawn. On arrival, park at Lake Argyle Resort and continue to Lake Argyle Lookout for an easy 30-minute introduction to the vast reservoir and surrounding red ranges. There is little shade, so bring water, a hat and sunscreen; August mornings are usually comfortable, but the light becomes harsh quickly.

Late Morning and Afternoon

Drive on to Lake Argyle Dam, where you can walk across the dam wall and spend roughly 45 minutes taking in the scale of the Ord River scheme. Keep your dog close and check local signage, as not every visitor area is suitable for dogs. Return to Lake Argyle Resort for a slow afternoon at its infinity pool—allow around two hours, and confirm day-use or pool access at reception if you are not staying on-site. This is a good place not to over-plan: the views are best when you simply settle in, especially as the surrounding hills change colour toward late afternoon.

Evening

Have dinner at The Deck at Lake Argyle Resort, overlooking the water. Allow about an hour, with casual meals generally around A$25–45 per person; check the resort’s current kitchen hours before heading over, as service can be seasonal. If you are free-camping rather than staying at the resort, stock up in Kununurra first—there are very limited supplies around Lake Argyle—and confirm where overnight camping and dog access are permitted before settling in.

Dawn–Late Morning

Leave Lake Argyle at first light for Purnululu National Park, allowing roughly 3½–4½ hours overall: sealed road gives way to the corrugated Spring Creek Track, with creek crossings, dips and slow rocky sections. A genuine high-clearance 4WD, two spare tyres, plenty of water and a full tank are essential; check the latest track conditions before setting off, as access can close after rain. Once inside, allow time to register at the visitor area and continue to the southern massif car park. Keep your dog secured in the vehicle or campsite—dogs aren’t permitted on the walking trails.

Late Morning–Afternoon

Start with the Bungle Bungles Domes Walk, an easy 1½-hour introduction to the park’s extraordinary orange-and-black striped sandstone formations. Continue to Cathedral Gorge, where the short trail leads into a huge, cool natural amphitheatre; midday light is harsh outside but makes the glowing walls particularly impressive. After a rest and plenty of water, drive to Piccaninny Creek Lookout for a broad afternoon view across the domes and spinifex-covered ridges. The southern massif is spread out, so allow extra time for the slow internal roads rather than treating the distances like ordinary sealed-road driving.

Evening

Settle into your allocated Purnululu campground before sunset and cook the planned barbecue—there are no dependable cafés, shops or restaurants in the park, and phone reception is limited. Bring all food, drinking water, ice, fuel and rubbish bags with you, and use the campground’s designated fire or barbecue facilities only when permitted. Keep food secured from wildlife, check the next day’s track conditions with rangers if possible, and enjoy the stars after dark; the remote setting makes this one of the best evenings of the trip for a quiet sky.

Dawn–Early Afternoon

Leave Purnululu National Park before sunrise for the long run west along the Tanami Road to Wolfe Creek Crater. Allow roughly 6–8 hours, and expect corrugations, loose gravel, cattle, washouts and very long stretches without reception. Check the latest road report before leaving, keep both spare tyres accessible, and carry substantially more fuel, food and drinking water than you think you need. There are no useful shops or reliable services near the crater, so this is a fully self-sufficient day; a high-clearance 4WD is essential.

Afternoon

Aim to reach the Wolfe Creek Crater access area with enough daylight for the approximately 1½-hour rim walk. The track to the car park can be rough, and the crater is in a remote, exposed setting, so take water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Dogs should remain under control and are best kept on a lead around the walking area; check the current park signage, as access rules and track conditions can change. From the rim, the crater’s scale is easiest to appreciate by walking slowly between viewpoints rather than stopping only at the first lookout.

Late Afternoon–Evening

Stay on the rim for the final 45 minutes and watch the low sun bring out the crater’s broad, rust-coloured walls and the flat desert beyond. Be ready to leave the viewpoint before full darkness, as driving the access track at night is unpleasant and wildlife can be difficult to see. For dinner, set up a simple self-catered camp meal near your permitted campsite, using your own stove and supplies; there is no dependable food outlet nearby. Keep all rubbish secured, conserve water, and avoid relying on phone coverage for weather or emergency planning.

Dawn–Late Afternoon

Leave Wolfe Creek Crater at first light for the long drive to Broome, allowing around 7–8 hours in good conditions. Take the Tanami Road back toward Great Northern Highway, with corrugations, stray cattle, wildlife and limited phone reception all part of the day. Top up whenever fuel is available and keep water, food and a full spare-tyre kit accessible rather than buried under luggage. This is not a day to push on after dark, so aim to reach Broome with enough daylight to settle in and walk the dog.

Late Afternoon in Town

Once parked, make the Broome Visitor Centre your first stop in town—allow about 30 minutes to pick up current road, tide and access advice, particularly for dog-friendly beaches and the unsealed roads farther north. It is generally open during business hours, but check the current schedule before arrival; the staff are useful for confirming local closures and camping conditions. From there, wander through Chinatown, the compact historic centre around Johnny Chi Lane and Carnarvon Street, where restored pearling-era buildings, galleries and small shops make for an easy, low-effort introduction to Broome. Keep the dog leashed and remember that some shopfronts and shaded verandas are not pet-accessible.

Evening

Have dinner at Matso’s Broome Brewery, a short walk or quick drive within Chinatown. The brewery is known for its tropical beers, including mango beer, and serves generous meals usually costing about A$30–55 per person. Outdoor seating is the best option with a dog, although availability can be limited at dinner; arriving around 5:30–6:00 pm gives you a better chance of a relaxed table. After eating, avoid a late drive and rest—the following day is better enjoyed slowly, with local conditions and tides checked before heading out.

Morning

Start at Town Beach on the edge of Roebuck Bay for an easy one-hour walk while the air is still cool. The foreshore is a good place to watch the bay wake up, but check the signs carefully if your dog is with you—leash and seasonal restrictions can change, and some sections are not dog-friendly. From here, the Broome Courthouse Markets are only a short walk away in the same precinct. Allow about 1½ hours to browse local art, crafts, tropical produce and breakfast stalls; the Saturday market generally runs in the morning, but stall numbers and hours can vary, so arriving before late morning gives you the best choice. Bring cash as some smaller vendors may have unreliable reception.

Afternoon

After a relaxed lunch, take a taxi or pre-booked local transfer from Town Beach to Cable Beach—usually 10–15 minutes and around A$20–35, with rideshare availability limited. Give yourself roughly two hours for the beach: walk the broad sand, find a shady spot and swim only in a clearly patrolled, suitable area after checking current conditions. With a dog, follow the signs at the access track and beach entrance; restrictions are commonly stricter around the busy swimming and sunset sections. If you are staying in a free camp or travelling with gear, confirm where you can leave the vehicle securely before heading onto the sand.

Evening

Return to town in time for Sun Pictures in Chinatown, the world’s oldest operating outdoor cinema. Book ahead where possible—tickets are commonly about A$20–35 per person—and arrive 20–30 minutes before the session to settle in under the open sky. The cinema typically has evening screenings, but exact times change with the programme; allow about two hours and bring a light layer, insect repellent and something warm for the later part of the night. It is worth grabbing dinner around Chinatown before the film rather than relying on late food options after the screening.

Morning

From Cable Beach, take a taxi or your 4WD to Gantheaume Point, about 10–15 minutes south. Arrive around 8:00 am, when the light catches the red pindan cliffs and the rocks are still relatively cool. Allow about 1½ hours to follow the paths around the lighthouse and shoreline. The dinosaur footprints are only visible at a suitably low tide, so check the tide table before setting out rather than climbing onto slippery rocks in search of them. Keep your dog leashed and well back from cliff edges; access can be rough and exposed.

Midday

Drive roughly 20–25 minutes east to the Broome Bird Observatory on the northern shore of Roebuck Bay. Ring ahead before leaving town—opening hours, guided walks and visitor access can vary, and the observatory is not a casual drop-in attraction. Allow around two hours for the short trails and bird hides, with binoculars, water, sun protection and closed shoes. This is a particularly worthwhile stop during the dry season, but dogs should remain outside the birding areas and never be allowed to chase shorebirds. The unsealed approach can be corrugated, so allow extra time rather than rushing.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Return towards town and use a permitted access point around the Roebuck Bay tidal flats for the late-afternoon change in colour, when the exposed mudflats, mangroves and wading birds are at their best. Check local signage and tide conditions, as access is not suitable everywhere and some muddy areas are difficult to cross. After sunset, head into Chinatown for dinner. Choose a currently well-reviewed seafood restaurant locally—tables can fill quickly in August—and budget about A$35–65 per person for a main meal and a drink. If you have the dog with you, ask for an outdoor table when booking; otherwise, leave extra time for a taxi back to Cable Beach, as evening availability can be limited.

Morning

Leave Broome around 6:30–7:00 am in your 4WD, with the tank full and a packed breakfast, plenty of water and lunch. Allow roughly two hours to James Price Point via Cape Leveque Road and the access road; conditions can be corrugated, and the final tracks may be slow after rain. Park only on firm, formed ground—soft beach sand is an easy way to get bogged, and there is little phone reception or passing traffic to help.

Spend the morning exploring the red pindan headlands and broad, empty shoreline around James Price Point. Allow about 1½ hours, keeping well back from cliff edges and checking tide movement before walking along rock shelves. This is a remote, exposed coast rather than a serviced attraction, so bring sun protection and do not expect toilets, shade or a café. If your dog is travelling with you, keep it close around nesting birds, mudflats and any signed restricted areas.

Midday–Afternoon

Continue a short distance to Quandong Beach for a quiet picnic, allowing around 1½ hours. Use an established access track and check the tide before settling near the water; beach access can become difficult as the tide rises. After lunch, begin the scenic return through the Dampier Peninsula, allowing about an hour for one or two roadside viewpoints and photo stops. Keep the afternoon unhurried, but avoid driving onto the beach or unfamiliar side tracks, particularly in soft sand.

Evening

Aim to be back in Broome well before sunset—ideally by 5:00 pm—because wildlife is more active on the return drive and the northern road has very limited services. Restock fuel and ice in town, then prepare a simple self-catered dinner at your camp or roadside site. There is no reliable food stop around James Price Point, so treat the day as self-sufficient from departure; pack all rubbish out and store food securely overnight.

Pre-dawn–Late Afternoon

Leave James Price Point before sunrise for the long drive to Karijini National Park via Broome, Port Hedland and Tom Price. In practice, allow 9–10 hours of driving, plus fuel and meal stops; this is a punishing transfer day, so share the driving if possible and treat the timetable as weather- and road-condition dependent. Fill up whenever you can, carry at least several litres of drinking water per person and keep food accessible in the cabin. The final approach to the park can be slow on corrugated roads, and phone reception is patchy. If you arrive too late for the visitor centre, go straight to your camp and leave the information stop for tomorrow.

Late Afternoon

If you reach Karijini Visitor Centre before closing—typically around 4:00–4:30 pm, though seasonal hours vary—allow about 45 minutes to check the latest gorge closures, swimming conditions, road reports and heat warnings. This is also the best place to confirm which tracks are suitable after recent rain and to pick up maps; entry fees and camping arrangements should be sorted before heading deeper into the park. Keep your dog with you on a lead and remember that dogs are not permitted on most national-park walking trails, so one person may need to stay with them.

From the visitor centre, continue to Joffre Falls Lookout for an easy first taste of Karijini’s gorge country. Allow roughly an hour, including the drive and time at the lookout; the late light is excellent on the iron-rich cliffs, but do not rush if you are arriving tired after the highway run. Stay behind barriers, keep well away from unfenced edges and carry water even for this short stop.

Evening

Finish at the Karijini Eco Retreat restaurant, where dinner is one of the few dependable options in the park—budget approximately A$30–60 per person and confirm the evening service when you check in, as hours and menus can change. It is worth booking or arriving early during busy periods. After dinner, return to camp before dark, keep food sealed from wildlife and make tomorrow’s gorge plan only after checking the conditions you collected at the visitor centre.

Morning

Leave your Karijini camp early for Hammersley Gorge, ideally around 7:00 am while temperatures are comfortable and the gorge is quieter. The western access roads are unsealed and corrugated, so allow extra time and drive steadily rather than chasing an exact arrival time. Park only in the signed area, carry at least 2–3 litres of water per person, and check the latest park notice before setting out: access to the Spa Pool can change with track damage, rockfall or water conditions. The walk is short but uneven, involving scrambling over smooth, slippery rock; sturdy shoes are essential, and swimming should be treated cautiously because there may be no mobile reception or quick assistance. Dogs are not permitted on national-park tracks, so they will need to remain safely at camp or with a responsible adult.

Afternoon

After returning to camp for lunch and a proper rest, drive toward Mount Bruce Lookout near the western park boundary. This is a good low-commitment way to see the scale of the Hamersley Range without taking on the demanding full summit walk. Allow about an hour for the short stop, photographs and a slow look across the red ridges and mining country; late-afternoon light is particularly rewarding. From there, take a relaxed Karijini scenic drive, allowing roughly another hour but longer if corrugations are pronounced. Keep speeds conservative, watch for cattle and wildlife, and avoid driving after dark—distances feel deceptive here, and roadside hazards are difficult to see once the light drops.

Evening

Back at camp, make dinner rather than relying on finding food nearby. A simple one-pot meal, pasta or wraps works well after the gorge walk; carry all ingredients, drinking water and ice, as services are sparse and opening hours can be limited. Store food securely, keep the dog close because wildlife may come through camp after sunset, and check fire rules before lighting anything—fires may be prohibited depending on conditions. Finish outside beneath the exceptionally clear Karijini sky, but pack away early and keep tomorrow’s supplies accessible for another full day in the park.

Morning

Set out early for Dales Gorge, ideally around 7:00 am from your camp, before the gorge heats up and the car park fills. The eastern side of Karijini National Park is reached on unsealed roads, so allow roughly 45–60 minutes depending on your campsite and take water, sturdy shoes and a day pack. The gorge walk is one of the park’s more approachable descents, but the steps and rocks can still be slippery; dogs are not permitted on the walking tracks, so leave yours safely at camp or arrange supervision. Allow about two hours to explore the gorge at an unhurried pace, keeping an eye on the weather and park alerts before descending.

Continue on foot to Fortescue Falls, allowing around an hour to enjoy the permanent pool and surrounding cliffs. Swimming is permitted here, but the water is cold even in warm weather, and conditions can change after rain. Afterward, visit Fern Pool, another hour or so along the gorge. This is a culturally significant place for the Banyjima people, so keep voices low, follow any signs, avoid soaps and food near the water, and do not jump or climb around the pool. Pack lunch and eat well away from the water rather than relying on facilities in the gorge.

Afternoon and Evening

After returning to the rim, drive to Circular Pool Lookout for an easy 45-minute stop and a different perspective over the layered gorge walls. The lookout is much less demanding than the gorge descent, making it a good final stop after the morning’s walking; late-afternoon light is particularly attractive on the red rock. Keep plenty of water in the vehicle, refuel whenever practical, and do not count on mobile reception. For dinner, head to the Karijini Eco Retreat restaurant and confirm service times or reserve ahead—meal availability can vary seasonally and dinner is commonly around A$30–60 per person. Dogs generally cannot enter restaurant areas, so check arrangements before leaving camp; sunset temperatures drop quickly, and a torch is useful for the drive back.

Before Sunrise–Late Afternoon

Leave Karijini National Park before sunrise for the long drive to Red Bluff, allowing roughly 8–10 hours including fuel and food stops. Take the sealed route via Tom Price, then North West Coastal Highway, Carnarvon and the Quobba access roads; the final approach is slower and can be corrugated, so a high-clearance 4WD is essential. Fill the tank and stock up before leaving Tom Price or Carnarvon—there are very limited supplies around Red Bluff, and phone coverage becomes unreliable. Aim to arrive with at least an hour of daylight for camp setup and a short walk.

Late Afternoon

Once settled, spend about 1½ hours at Red Bluff Beach, where rust-red cliffs meet a broad, surf-focused stretch of Indian Ocean coastline. Walk carefully near the cliff edges, keep your dog close around blowholes and unstable ground, and avoid swimming: this is exposed coast with powerful surf and changing conditions. The beach is best enjoyed as a slow wander rather than a packed activity—bring water, sun protection and shoes suitable for loose rock and sand. Check local signs for dog and vehicle restrictions, particularly around nesting wildlife.

Sunset–Evening

Around 45 minutes before sunset, head to the Red Bluff lookout for the classic view along the Quobba Coast. Park well clear of the edge, as wind can be strong and the cliff-top surface is uneven; sunset times in early September are approximately 6:15–6:30 pm, but confirm locally. Return to camp for dinner in the Red Bluff camp kitchen, if available, or cook at your site. There are no dependable restaurants or shops nearby, so rely on the food and drinking water you carried from Carnarvon; keep all supplies secured overnight and leave no food scraps around camp.

Morning

Leave Red Bluff after breakfast, aiming for around 8:00 am, and follow the rough coastal track north toward Quobba Station. It is only about an hour of driving in good conditions, but corrugations, soft patches and occasional rocky sections make this a slow, deliberate run rather than a timed transfer. Keep the 4WD in suitable range, carry drinking water, and check with station staff before using any side tracks; access can change with weather, tides and station operations. Your dog should remain leashed near livestock, cliffs and nesting areas.

Continue to the Quobba Blowholes late in the morning, allowing about an hour. Watch from well back on the marked rock platforms—the ocean surge can be unpredictable, and the blowholes are dangerous even when they appear calm. There is little shade and no dependable café or shop here, so bring water, hats and a packed morning tea. Keep your dog close and away from wet rock shelves, spray zones and cliff edges.

Afternoon

Return toward Quobba Station for a relaxed afternoon along the permitted coastline, allowing roughly two hours rather than trying to cover every track. Pick a sheltered beach or rocky viewpoint, read the station signs, and keep clear of private areas, fishing gear and any marked rehabilitation zones. This is a good time to swim only if local conditions are clearly safe—strong currents, reef shelves and sudden swell make the coast unsuitable for casual water access. With the dog, choose a quiet stretch above the high-water line and provide shade and a full bowl of water.

Evening

Settle in at Quobba Station for a simple camp meal as the light softens over the coast. Plan on self-catering, roughly A$15–40 per person, unless station facilities are operating; availability and opening hours are seasonal, so do not rely on purchasing supplies after arrival. Cook before dark, secure food from wildlife, and check the evening fire rules with the station. The night sky is excellent here, but keep torches handy for uneven ground and avoid walking near the cliffs after sunset.

Morning

Leave Quobba Station early, ideally around 6:30–7:00 am, for the southbound run via Carnarvon and Coral Bay toward the Ningaloo Coast. Allow 3½–5 hours depending on your exact camp and road conditions; fuel up in Carnarvon or Coral Bay, as services become sparse farther north. Keep water, food and a shaded spot for your dog in the vehicle, and check local access advice before committing to the final coastal tracks.

Midday at Ningaloo Marine Park

Spend the middle of the day exploring Ningaloo Marine Park, choosing a signed, permitted snorkelling site with calm conditions rather than chasing a particular beach. Allow about two hours in the water and on shore, with reef shoes, sun protection and your own drinking water. Never snorkel alone, and be especially cautious around currents, boat traffic and marine wildlife; dogs generally need to remain outside national-park and marine-park recreation areas, so check the specific access sign before leaving the vehicle.

Afternoon at Turquoise Bay

Continue into Cape Range National Park for roughly two hours at Turquoise Bay, one of the coast’s most beautiful swimming spots. The sheltered beach side is the sensible choice for a relaxed dip; the famous drift snorkel can pull you away from shore and should only be attempted by confident swimmers after checking the day’s current and swell with rangers. There is little shade and no dependable food service on the beach, so carry everything in and take all rubbish out. Park only in marked areas and keep valuables out of sight.

Late Afternoon

Finish at Milyering Café, allowing about 45 minutes for a cold drink, coffee or simple meal—typically around A$15–30 per person when open. Trading can be seasonal or limited, so carry a backup dinner and do not rely on it for supplies. Before sunset, return to your authorised campsite rather than driving unfamiliar Cape Range roads in the dark; kangaroos and other wildlife are active around dusk, and mobile reception can be patchy.

Morning

Leave your Ningaloo camp early enough to reach Charles Knife Canyon by about 8:00 am. From the coastal camps, allow roughly 1–2 hours to reach Exmouth and then follow Minilya–Exmouth Road and the signed Cape Range access road inland. The route is unsealed in places, so take it slowly and check tyre pressures before setting out. At Charles Knife Canyon, spend around two hours following the rim drive and stopping at the lookouts; the broad red-and-grey folds are especially good in the soft morning light. There are no reliable facilities at the viewpoints, so bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Keep your dog close—there is little shade and cliff edges are exposed.

Late Morning

Continue to Shothole Canyon, a short drive back toward the main road before turning into the canyon access track. Allow about 1½ hours for the drive and viewpoints, with extra time if corrugations are heavy. The limestone walls here feel more enclosed and rugged than Charles Knife Canyon, and the changing colours make it worth lingering rather than simply ticking off the lookout. Check road conditions locally before entering: recent weather can make the tracks rough, and a high-clearance vehicle is the sensible choice. Dogs should remain leashed and must not be taken into restricted park areas.

Afternoon

Return to Exmouth for a practical reset before the long southbound leg. Spend about an hour refuelling, buying drinking water, ice and provisions, and checking that you have enough food for the remote sections ahead. Ningaloo Centre is a useful stop if you need local road or marine-condition information; check its seasonal opening hours before relying on it. For groceries, compare the town’s main supermarket and independent shops, as stock can be limited and prices are higher than in larger regional centres. This is also the right time to check the vehicle, secure loose gear and download maps while you still have dependable reception.

Evening

Have dinner at Whalers Restaurant in Exmouth, allowing around 1½ hours. Expect established pub-style meals and seafood, generally about A$30–55 per person; booking is sensible in peak season, particularly if you are travelling with a dog, as outdoor seating may be limited. After dinner, return to camp rather than attempting more sightseeing—the canyon roads and wildlife make night driving unpleasant. If you are continuing south tomorrow, leave with a full tank and aim for an early start, since fuel and services become progressively less frequent beyond Carnarvon.

Before Dawn–Late Afternoon

This is the biggest driving day of the trip: leave Exmouth well before sunrise, ideally around 4:30–5:00 am, with a full tank, breakfast, water and snacks. Allow 10–11 hours via Minilya, the North West Coastal Highway, Geraldton, Great Eastern Highway and Hyden, with fuel stops planned rather than improvised. The road is mostly sealed, but fatigue, roos and road trains are the real concerns; change drivers regularly and consider breaking the journey near Perth if you are not making good time. With a dog, keep water and ventilation readily available, and never leave them in the vehicle during stops.

Late Afternoon

Arrive at the Wave Rock precinct with enough daylight for the main walk. Allow about an hour to follow the path over and around Wave Rock, whose changing late-afternoon light brings out the warm bands in the granite. Parking is generally straightforward near the visitor facilities, but check the precinct’s seasonal closing time before setting out; entry is usually around A$15–20 per adult, with separate or reduced arrangements for children. Afterward, take the short signed trail to Hippo’s Yawn, a roughly 30-minute return walk to the distinctive overhang. It is an easy stop, though exposed, so carry water and keep your dog close around uneven rock.

Evening

If you still have energy, spend about 45 minutes at The Lace Place, a quirky Hyden collection displaying intricate handmade lace; opening hours can be limited outside peak periods, so check locally before relying on it. Finish with a relaxed meal at the Wave Rock Caravan Park café if its kitchen is operating—allow roughly A$20–40 per person—or self-cater at camp after the long drive. Pick up supplies in Hyden before settling in, as evening options are limited and the next morning’s road conditions and vehicle fuel should be checked before continuing.

Morning–Early Afternoon

Leave Hyden at first light for the drive to Yallingup, allowing roughly 5½–6½ hours including fuel and rest stops. Take Brookton Highway west, then continue toward Bunbury and Busselton; the roads are mostly sealed, but fatigue is the main risk after yesterday’s long run. Top up around Bunbury or Busselton, and keep food and water accessible for the dog rather than relying on roadside services. Aim to arrive in Yallingup around 1:00–2:00 pm, with enough daylight left to settle in before heading out again.

Afternoon Exploring

Spend the afternoon at Yallingup Beach, where the granite-edged bay is usually more sheltered than the exposed surf beaches farther south. Allow about 1½ hours for a relaxed shoreline walk and a swim if conditions are calm, but check local signs carefully: dog access and leash rules vary by section, and the rocks can be slippery. In warmer weather, keep the dog off hot sand and carry fresh water. From the beach, drive a few minutes inland to Ngilgi Cave for a late-afternoon visit. Tours and self-guided experiences generally run during daytime opening hours, but book or check the final entry time ahead—especially in winter, when sessions can finish earlier. Dogs cannot enter the cave, so arrange for one person to stay outside or confirm suitable care before arrival.

Evening

Finish at Caves House Hotel, a short drive from Ngilgi Cave, for dinner in one of the South West’s classic historic settings. Allow around 1½ hours and budget approximately A$30–60 per person for a main meal; reservations are sensible on weekends. If you are travelling with the dog, request an outdoor or dog-friendly area when booking rather than assuming every dining section permits pets. After dinner, keep the evening quiet—the next leg is not a normal travel day.

Tomorrow’s Return Journey

Do not attempt the Yallingup–Kununurra return in one push: it is roughly 3,000 km and should be divided across several days. Leave early the following morning, first retracing the route toward Busselton and Bunbury, then choosing overnight stops according to driver fatigue, weather and fuel availability. Before departure, confirm the vehicle’s return arrangements and stock up in Busselton or Bunbury; those larger towns are the practical places for fuel, groceries and a proper rest before the long run north.