 Western Australia 's Nomenclature Advisory Committee proposed in October 1940 that a highway name be used to describe the main route from Midland to Geraldton , and extending to areas further north . The suggested name was Great Northern Highway , following on from the naming of the Great Eastern and Great Southern highways . By July 1941 , the committee 's proposal had expanded to three highway names for the roads in the state 's northern areas : Great Northern Highway for the Midland Junction to Wyndham road , Geraldton Highway for Walebing – Mingenew – Geraldton route , and North West Coastal Highway for " the road from Geraldton to De Grey , via Northampton , Galena , Carnarvon , Boolaganoo , Winning Pool , Giralia , Yanrey , Onslow , Peedamullah , Mardie , Karratha , Roebourne , Whim Creek , Mundabullangana and Port Hedland " . The proposal was well received by the local municipal councils and road boards . 
