Road signs point the way of the Warlu
The Warlu, or sea serpent, started its journey at the dawn of Aboriginal Dreamtime, gouging waterways as it snaked its way from Western Australia’s Word Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef, through Cape Range, Karijini and Millstream-Chichester National Parks, to Broome.
Thousands of years on, inquisitive creatures are following in its tracks with the aid of maps, brochures and brand new road signs.
Tourists and locals alike are discovering the enchanting narrative of the Warlu Way, a 2480 kilometre self-drive journey through Western Australia’s Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
The journey has been recently enhanced with interpretive signs highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of key attractions.
Though travellers are unlikely to encounter the mystical Warlu, there is the chance to swim with giants of the sea, the whale shark (in season), at Ningaloo before heading off into the rich red landscapes Australia’s North West is famous for.
Taking in Cape Range’s rugged beauty, Karijini’s iconic gorges and Millstream-Chichester’s cooling natural pools, the Warlu Way also passes through the fascinating outback towns of Paraburdoo and Tom Price.
Continuing on to the idyllic islands of Dampier Archipelago, there’s also the opportunity to explore the ancient open air art gallery at the Burrup Peninsula. Believed to contain up to a million carvings, it’s one of the best places to view traditional Aboriginal art.
In its final chapter, through the dusty mining town of Port Hedland and along Eighty Mile Beach, the epic journey ends at the exotic pearling town of Broome.
Those keen to tackle this extraordinary outback challenge can choose to take a two-hour flight or a two-day drive from Perth to the trail’s starting point in Coral Bay.
An 11-day break is enough to do the journey justice, although many captivated followers have found themselves taking it at a more leisurely pace.
Visit www.warluway.com.au for the full story.