Through and around Australia's Golden Outback
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21 Epic
ROAD TRIPS
Through and around Australia’s Golden Outback
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TIPS AND
EXMOUTH
LEARMONTH
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Driving around Australia’s Golden Outback
may take you into remote areas where forward
planning is important to ensure your experience
MT. AUGUSTUS
TOURIST PARK is safe and enjoyable.
• Always tell someone where you are going,
CARNARVON
return dates & travel itinerary.
GASCOYNE
JUNCTION • Make sure your vehicle is in top condition.
In event of a breakdown in remote locations,
remain with your vehicle. Carry extra food,
WILUNA water, fuel & spare tyres & pack a first-aid kit.
MEEKATHARRA
• Check road conditions before leaving as rain
MURCHISON can make tracks/roads impassable. If driving
SETTLEMENT NALLAN
WOOLEEN STATION
STATION on corrugated/unsealed roads, exercise
CUE
LEINSTER caution & slow down.
SANDSTONE AGNEW
21. GREAT OCEAN
MT. MAGNET
• Food/fuel are generally available every
100-300kms, but plan ahead as some petrol
YALGOO ESPERANCE
stations/supermarkets/food outlets have
DRIVE
KIRKALOCKA LAVERTON
NALBARRA STATION LEONORA
MULLEWA
PINDAR STATION
GWALIA restricted hours & limited bank/credit facilities.
GERALDTON
KOOKYNIE
LPG Autogas is not available in all areas.
MINGENEW MORAWA PAYNES FIND • 1-2 hours • Take care at all railway crossings as not all
PERENJORI MENZIES TWILIGHT
• Sealed roads crossings have flashing lights.
COVE
• Road trains are common & often have up to
WUBIN
ORA BANDA BROAD ARROW Is this the best stretch of
4 trailers. Always leave approx. 200m between
21 Epic
DALWALLINU BEACON
KALGOORLIE-
BOULDER
coastline in Australia? Renowned vehicles in a convoy. Only overtake if the road
CERVANTES BENCUBBIN
KOORDA MUKINBUDIN COOLGARDIE for having some of the finest is clear for a long distance ahead.
bays, steep cliffs and hidden
ROAD TRIPS
NEW
NORCIA WYALKATCHEM
TRAYNING SOUTHERN CROSS
beaches in Australia and the • Slow-moving agricultural machinery may be
DOWERIN
NUNGARIN WESTONIA
ocean pools. If you’re feeling
MERREDIN clearest, crystalline waters; encountered, so take care when overtaking.
Y
NL
MECKERING TAMMIN
adventurous, you can also cycle
DO
NORTHAM KELLERBERRIN
Esperance packs a coastal Dust can obscure vision when travelling on
4W
CUNDERDIN BRUCE ROCK
YORK
NORSEMAN or walk to trail, following the coast dirt roads. Beware of wandering livestock/
PERTH
QUAIRADING NAREMBEEN punch that’s hard to beat. This
CORRIGIN WAVE ROCK
from the Esplanade all the way to wildlife, especially at dusk & dawn.
drive takes just an hour or two to
Through and around Australia’s Golden Outback Twilight Cove. The drive may only
KONDININ
PINGELLY
KULIN
complete and showcases some • Plan to travel for no longer than 8-10 hrs a
LAKE KING take a couple of hours to complete, day & take a break every 2 hrs.
NARROGIN
NEWDEGATE of the best beaches in Australia.
WAGIN
LAKE
GRACE but we’d recommend stopping at • Please dispose of your rubbish properly.
PINGRUP
BROOMEHILL RAVENSTHORPE
MUNGLINUP ESPERANCE The Great Ocean Drive is circular whichever spot takes your fancy to
Drive times in this guide are suggestions only & are based on travelling • During the summer months obtain fire danger
KATANNING HOPETOUN loop that showcases a vast range of enjoy a spot of snorkelling, surfing,
at 100kmph in 110kmph designated zones, but always ensure you drive to ONGERUP information. Only light fires when permitted in
your capabilities and according to road, surface & weather conditions. Map coastal elements such as stunning swimming, walking or just taking in the designated areas. Check advice from the
intended as a guide only, please purchase a detailed map if travelling by road. beaches, rocky headlands, small the amazing view! local visitor centre or Ranger/DPaW office.
ALBANY
WELCOME TO ROAD TRIP COUNTRY
–––––––––––– 1. ROAD TO THE ROCK 5
GASCOYNE –––––––––––– 2. CANNING STOCK ROUTE 6
MURCHISON –––––––––––– 3. KINGSFORD SMITH MAIL RUN
–––––––––––– 4. WOOL WAGON PATHWAY
7
8
–––––––––––– 5. MINERS PATHWAY 9
–––––––––––– 6. GOLDEN QUEST DISCOVERY TRAIL 11
The GOLDFIELDS –––––––––––– 7. THE OUTBACK WAY
–––––––––––– 8. NORSEMAN HERITAGE TRAIL
12
13
–––––––––––– 9. GUNBARREL HIGHWAY 13
–––––––––––– 10. ANNE BEADELL 14
–––––––––––– 11. LEONORA LOOP TRAILS 15
–––––––––––– 12. PUBLIC SILO TRAIL
WHEATBELT
17
–––––––––––– 13. GOLDEN PIPELINE HERITAGE TRAIL 18
–––––––––––– 14. GRANITE AND WOODLANDS DISCOVERY TRAIL 19
–––––––––––– 15. WHEATBELT WAY 20
–––––––––––– 16. WILDFLOWER WAY 21
–––––––––––– 17. PATHWAYS TO WAVE ROCK 22
–––––––––––– 18. THE HOLLAND WAY AND THE JOHN HOLLAND TRACK 23
–––––––––––– 19. ROAD TO ESPERANCE 25
ESPERANCE –––––––––––– 20. RAVENSTHORPE RANGES 26
and FITZGERALD –––––––––––– 21. GREAT OCEAN DRIVE 27
COAST
GASCOYNE MURCHISON Kennedy Range National Park, near Gascoyne Junction 4
1. ROAD TO THE ROCK MOUNT AUGUSTUS
KENNEDY RANGE
• 9 days NATIONAL PARK
• Sealed and unsealed roads GASCOYNE
JUNCTION
This epic, 9-day road trip takes you MEEKATHARRA
from Perth, north to the Gascoyne
MURCHISON
Murchison region of Western SETTLEMENT
WOOLEEN STATION
CUE
Australia. You’ll weave your way
through gorgeous country towns, MT. MAGNET
historical sites, station stays, MULLEWA
carpets of wildflowers (in spring)
and the world’s biggest rock, MORAWA PAYNES FIND
MINGENEW
Mount Augustus.
PERENJORI
WUBIN
The Road to the Rock takes you DALWALLINU
more than 1,000km north of Perth
to see Mount Augustus, the world’s NEW NORCIA
biggest rock – which amazingly,
many Australians have never PERTH
heard of. It is located within Mount
Augustus National Park, a lush
In Spring this area is awash with a
outback paradise with swimming
kaleidoscope of wildflowers and
holes, ancient rock art and a buzzing
carpets of everlastings. Mount
outback village. You will venture
Augustus is the star of this road trip,
through historic towns like Paynes
and it’s easy to see why. At 1700
Find, Mount Magnet, Cue and
million years old, it is three times
Meekatharra whilst seeing amazing
older than Uluru and twice the size,
natural attractions like the Aboriginal
making it the largest rock in the world.
rock art at Walga Rock.
There are a number of walk trails
Once you get to Mount Augustus around the base of Mount Augustus,
National Park, you’ll be wowed by and a Summit Trail if you’re keen for a
the colours of the landscape which climb and some epic views. This is an
change from chalky white soils adventurous and rugged road trip for
and fields of olive-coloured scrub those wanting to truly experience the
to a dark, ruby red moonscape. beauty of the WA outback.
5
2. CANNING STOCK ROUTE
• 15 days The Canning Stock Route is an pioneer perspective – and you’ll feel this
• 4WD Track internationally recognised ‘Iconic history with every kilometre you travel.
Journey of Australia’. The remote This is a popular but very challenging
HALLS CREEK trail runs from Halls Creek in four-wheel drive adventure trip which
the Kimberley region of Western will take you through some of the most
Australia to Wiluna in the Northern exciting and amazing scenery in WA.
Goldfields. Stretching 1,850 km, it is You’ll cross four deserts en route - the
the longest historic stock route in the Little Sandy, Gibson, Great Sandy and
world and is perfect for experienced Tanami. As you cruise along, you’ll be
Outback 4WDers and recommend treated to amazing outback scenery
travel with another vehicle or in a including sand ridges that stretch to the
convoy. Permits required. horizon, spinifex grasslands, narrow
gorges, sheer cliffs, ancient Aboriginal
The Canning Stock Route is rich in
WILUNA art sites, and engravings of explorers
history, from both an Aboriginal and
and drovers.
6
MOUNT AUGUSTUS
TOURIST PARK
KENNEDY RANGE
GASCOYNE
MOUNT AUGUSTUS
NATIONAL PARK
3. KINGSFORD
SMITH MAIL RUN
NATIONAL PARK
JUNCTION
CARNARVON
• 3 Days
• Unsealed roads
MEEKATHARRA
Hit the Kingsford Smith Mail Run
in your 4WD and head north on
an outback camping adventure,
following the original overland
mail run to the magnificent Mt
Augustus. This trail takes you
from Carnarvon on the Coral
Coast, inland to the historic gold
mining town of Meekatharra.
This 3-day trail winds inland
through beautiful pastoral land,
to the iconic Mount Augustus, a
massive monocline twice the size
of Uluru. You’ll find amazing walk
trails and an incredible array of
wildflower in spring. There are also
incredible rock formations, caves
and Indigenous art scattered
throughout the Mt Augustus area.
There’s no shortage of swimming
spots, places to fish and secluded
picnic place. Adventure through
the vast, timeless outback to finish
your trip in historic Meekatharra.
You can purchase the Gascoyne
Murchison Outback Pathways
Guidebook online or in local visitor
centres to help plan your trip.
7
4. W
OOL WAGON
EXMOUTH
Prepare yourself for wide open
PATHWAY spaces, historic homesteads and BULLARA STATION STAY
plenty of wildlife. You can camp EMU CREEK STATION
• 3 days along the way or get a taste for
• Unsealed roads life on the land by enjoying a
KENNEDY RANGE
station stay. There are lots of NATIONAL PARK
natural attractions to enjoy on this GASCOYNE JUNCTION
The Wool Wagon Pathway adventure, including natural springs,
epitomises the true Australian seashell fossils and gorgeous picnic
outback. This self-drive trail spots. Take in the beauty of the
takes you from Geraldton Kennedy Ranges, boasting springs,
through the Gascoyne cliffs, canyons and wildlife. Finish MURCHISON SETTLEMENT
WOOLEEN STATION
Murchison up to Exmouth in the your trip in Exmouth where you can
Coral Coast. The drive takes you enjoy the spectacular Ningaloo Reef.
through historic and timeless You can purchase the Gascoyne
towns like Pindar and Murchison Murchison Outback Pathways YALGOO
Settlement whilst showcasing Guidebook online or in local visitor PINDAR
the real Aussie landscape. centres to help plan your trip. GERALDTON
Simple map, showing
locations, distances and
suggested travel times
8
5. MINERS PATHWAY Follow the Miners Pathway
and explore the legacy of this
Mount Magnet and Cue. Soak up
the open skies, amazing outback
• 4 days remarkable period through scenery and the richness of the
• Sealed and unsealed roads the grand old buildings and great Murchison and Goldfields
the graveyards, the rusting regions. In spring you’ll be
MEEKATHARRA
machinery and the rich stories treated to an amazing array
of those who lived in these of wildflowers – but whenever
NALLAN
whirlwind times. you travel, be sure to keep your
STATION
CUE eyes peeled for wildlife including
This 4-day trail takes you from
emus, wedge-tailed eagles and
Paynes Find to Meekatharra,
WONDINONG SANDSTONE kangaroos. You can purchase
STATION
or from Yalgoo to Sandstone.
GABYON MOUNT MAGNET the Gascoyne Murchison
STATION STAY WOGARNO Venture along the Miners Pathway
YALGOO STATION Outback Pathways Guidebook
KIRKALOCKA STATION and explore the wild prospecting
NALBARRA online or in local visitor centres to
STATION
towns that rocketed to the
help plan your trip.
forefront of Western Australia’s
PAYNES
FIND
gold rush in the 1800s, including
9
The GOLDFIELDS Antony Gormley ‘Inside Australia’ exhibit at Lake Ballard, near Menzies 10
6. GOLDEN QUEST
LAVERTON
LEONORA
DISCOVERY TRAIL
GWALIA
KOOKYNIE
• 6 days GORMLEY
SCULPTURES
• Sealed and unsealed roads MENZIES
The Golden Quest Discovery
Trail unearths the riches of the
Goldfield’s 120-year gold rush
KALGOORLIE-BOULDER
history – from the mind-blowing
buzz of one of the largest open- COOLGARDIE
cut gold mines on earth, to perfect for enjoying a bite and a
amazing ghost towns and the cold drink. There are a number
striking Antony Gormley Statues of beautiful nature reserves and
on Lake Ballard. campsites, including the man-
made lake, Niagara Dam. Tour the
The Golden Quest Discovery Trail
old prosperous town of Kookynie,
takes you from Kalgoorlie Boulder
which has a pub well worth the stop
on an amazing loop trail from
as well as old camps in the town
Coolgardie to Laverton, through
of Gwalia, near Leonora, where
incredible Goldfields towns, rich in
the 31st United States President,
heritage, history and charm. This
Herbert Hoover, lived and worked.
is a true outback adventure where
you can explore the gold rush Linking in with the Golden Quest
legends, landmarks, outback pubs Discovery Trail, the Green Trail
and eerie ghost towns of what is highlights sites in the Kambalda
still one of the world’s biggest gold and Coolgardie areas with
producing regions. outstanding environmental,
historical or cultural values such
The 965km trail leads you from the
as beautiful woodlands and
mind-blowing buzz of one of the
natural salt lakes.
largest open-cut gold mines on
earth, the Super Pit, to the striking You can purchase the Golden
beauty of the 51 steel sculptures Quest Discovery Trail Guidebook
on Lake Ballard. You’ll find outback online or in local visitor centres en
pubs oozing with character, route to help plan your trip.
11WINTON
7. THE OUTBACK WAY
ALICE SPRINGS
ULURU
• 4 days
• Unsealed roads LAVERTON
The Outback Way is one of The 2,800km Outback Way offers about ancient Aboriginal culture,
Australia’s great odysseys. an awe-inspiring journey through life in the outback, and the natural
Known as ‘Australia’s Longest the red centre – taking you from the environment of Australia’s central
Shortcut’, the route runs from goldrush towns of Kalgoorlie and desert. Visitors can enjoy searching
Laverton, Western Australia Laverton, through the Great Victoria for treasure boxes hidden along the
to Winton in Queensland. The Desert where you’ll encounter vast ‘Outback Way Geocache Trail’.
Outback Way crosses central salt lakes, scenic nature reserves,
You can purchase the Outback
Australia and is fast becoming waterholes, natural springs and
Way Atlas from the Great Beyond
one of the must-see and must caves. The route takes you through
Visitor Centre in Laverton as you
do drive routes coast to coast. Uluru, Alice Springs and Winton
embark on your adventure.
Permits required. before arriving into Cairns. Learn
128. NORSEMAN
HERITAGE TRAIL This trail, which runs between N
NORSEMAN
Norseman and the site of the original
township of Dundas, is easily done
• 1-2 hours
over a couple of hours and is a great
• Sealed roads
way to explore a part of the beautiful
The Dundas Coach Road Great Western Woodlands. In spring,
Heritage Trail is an historic and this area is lush and alive with
fascinating loop trail, spread over wildflowers. There are many picnic
50km around Norseman. The trail spots, walk trails and each point
features 10 key places of interest of interest has interpretive signage
and each site features fascinating so you can learn more about the
interpretive stories that help build life and times of the hardy folk who
a picture of life in the early years flocked to the Dundas Goldfields
along the Coach Road. during the gold rush.
9. GUNBARREL HIGHWAY
• 6 days CARNEGIE
STATION WARBURTON
• Unsealed roads WILUNA
Set off on the Gunbarrel
the Northern Territory. Highlights of
Highway and experience one
the highway include Giles Weather
of Australia’s most famous and
Station, Banjo Creek, Mt Beadell,
challenging 4WD tracks. Built
Lasseter’s Cave and Docker River.
by surveyor Len Beadell, this
Follow the trail and keep an eye
1,400km outback adventure is
out for the interpretative plaques.
perfect for the confident 4WD
You’ll also find original bores and
enthusiast. Remote, experienced
blaze trees along the trail, and
and well prepared 4WD only.
keep your eyes peeled for outback
Recommend travel with another
animals like wild camels, dingoes
vehicle. Permits required.
and birdlife. Those who tackle this
The Gunbarrel Highway runs from track will enjoy retelling the story
Wiluna in Western Australia’s of how they conquered the rugged
Northern Goldfields to Yulara in and unforgiving “Gunbarrel”.
1310. ANNE BEADELL LAVERTON TO COOBER PEDY • 5-7 Days • Unsealed roads The Anne Beadell Highway is an awe-inspiring route that passes through extremely remote desert areas. Stretching 1,350km from Laverton in the Northern Goldfields region, through to Coober Pedy in South Australia this is a remote trail for experienced and well prepared 4WDers. Recommend travel with another vehicle. Permits are essential. 4WD enthusiasts will appreciate the vastness of the landscape on this route, as well as the dense scrub and challenges of the sandy track. Watch in awe as the terrain slowly changes from clay pans and salt lakes to red sand dunes. Be sure to stop by and experience the old Yeo Homestead, Yamarna Station and Djinkagara along the way. There are lots of unexpected sights on the trail, including the wreck of an old aircraft on the WA side of the track, and Emu Field, the former British atomic test site. 14
11. LEONORA LOOP LEINSTER
TRAILS AGNEW
DARLOT LOOP
• 1-3 hours
• Unsealed and sealed roads
Leonora is rich in history and
amazing stories of the gold AGNEW LOOP
rush era. Throw in some
incredible natural attractions
and you’ve got a pretty amazing
outback location! Two trails
THE TERRACES
make up the Leonora Loop
Trails – both with different
themes. Do one or do both!
The Agnew and Darlot Trails are
a great way to see the sights and
soak up the stories of the Leonora LEONORA
Shire. Each trail has 15 interpretive
sites across spaced roughly
15-30 kms apart. At each of these
locations you will find an interpretive
panel and, somewhere nearby, a
figure, a ‘ghost’ from the past or a
creature from the present, waiting
to share a story with you. At each
stopping place along both Loops
someone (or something!) is waiting
to tell you their story.
You can purchase a Leonora Loop
Trail Guidebook at the Leonora
Visitor Centre to find out more.
15WHEATBELT PUBLIC Silo Art Trail, Merredin 16
12. PUBLIC SILO TRAIL
• 5 days
• Sealed roads
MERREDIN
Explore this colourful route NORTHAM
through the Wheatbelt and NAREMBEEN
Great Southern following the HYDEN
PERTH
PUBLIC Silo Trail, which has NEWDEGATE
transformed by a string of RAVENSTHORPE
PINGRUP
massive grain silos into works KATANNING ESPERANCE
of art. What better way to get HOPETOUN
off the beaten track and explore
the Wheatbelt than following ALBANY
these larger than life murals?
The open-air gallery stretches As you leave the countryside
from Northam to Albany. You’ll behind, you’ll head towards the
wind your way through gorgeous beautiful and expansive coastline
Wheatbelt country towns like of South West WA. Enjoy some
Merredin, rich with bright-yellow time in quaint Hopetoun and be
canola fields and wildflowers in sure to explore the Fitzgerald
spring. There are heaps of picnic River National Park, a stunningly
spots and nature walks around rugged and beautiful park with
this area, as well as Aboriginal many walk trails, camping spots
tours. Go via Hyden and see and picnic places. You’ll then
the famous Wave Rock, before head along the coast to Albany,
heading south to Newdegate home to the ANZAC Centre and
where Perth muralist Brenton amazing whale watching trips in
See has depicted, on an epic season. For the home stretch,
scale, the area’s local wildlife; the head back in-land towards the
Western Bearded Lizard, Mallee charming farming towns of
Fowl, Thigh Spotted Tree Frog Katanning and Pingrup and take
and a Red-tailed Phascogale in those wide landscapes and
across four silos. open skies.
1713. GOLDEN PIPELINE KALGOORLIE-BOULDER
COOLGARDIE
HERITAGE TRAIL
MERREDIN
SOUTHERN CROSS
NORTHAM
PERTH
(MUNDARING WEIR)
• 3 Days
• Sealed roads
The Golden Pipeline Heritage The heritage trail, like the pipeline Cunderdin No.3 Pump Station
Trail celebrates one of the itself, runs from Mundaring Weir Museum, true blue Aussie country
world’s greatest engineering in the Perth Hills to Mt Charlotte in pubs, one of the giant silo artworks
marvels – a pipeline built 100 Kalgoorlie. The trail is punctuated that’s part of the PUBLIC art trail
years ago to carry water from with stops, most centred around west of Merredin. There are a
Mundaring Weir just outside pump stations and historic points number of beautiful camping and
Perth to the remote and semi- of interest. You can see the picnic places along this trail. You’ll
arid Goldfields of Kalgoorlie- many engineering points from arrive into Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Boulder. The trail is full of historic the pipeline’s construction, the where you can learn more about
gems and interesting stops. Meckering earthquake fault line, those heady gold rush days.
1814. GRANITE AND WOODLANDS NORSEMAN
DISCOVERY TRAIL
WAVE ROCK
THE BREAKAWAYS
HYDEN
• 2 Days
• Unsealed roads
Explore one of the world's
greatest untouched temperate
woodlands, right here in Western
Australia. Stretching 300km
from Hyden and Wave Rock
to Norseman, the Granite and
Woodlands Discovery Trail is an
adventurous road trip through a
remarkable landscape.
The Granite and Woodlands
Discovery Trail passes through
part of one of the world’s greatest
untouched temperate woodlands, a
vast wilderness mosaic that is both
beautiful and fascinating. The trail
has 16 designated stopping places,
each with interpretative signage
that explains an aspect of natural
or cultural history. You’ll also find a
scattering of beautiful walk trails,
picnic spots and camping areas.
There is a Guide to the Granite
and Woodlands Discovery Trail
which provides all the information
you need to plan your trip. Find it
at australiasgoldenoutback.com/
granitediscovery or pick up a copy
from the local visitor centre in
Hyden or Norseman.
1915. WHEATBELT WAY
BEACON BONNIE ROCK
KOORDA BENCUBBIN
MUKINBUDIN
DOWERIN TRAYNING
• 4 Days GOOMALLING
WYALKATCHEM NUNGARIN WESTONIA
• Sealed roads TOODYAY CARABBIN
MERREDIN
NORTHAM
Take a trip through the
PERTH
fascinating Northern Wheatbelt
with the Wheatbelt Way! This is
spots. The trail takes you from cute
an area that boasts a rich and
country towns like Dowerin, Koorda
extensive history, charming and
and Beacon through to the Hood-
friendly people, and all located
Penn museum at historic Westonia
in a diverse and truly Australian
and onto charming places like
landscape.
Bencubbin, Mukinbudin and
Throughout this self-drive route Westonia where you’ll find amazing,
you’ll be treated to stunning large granite outcrops perfect
natural surrounds, sites of for exploring. Highlights include
historical significance, and the Wyalkatchem CBH Museum,
laid-back country atmosphere of Nungarin Markets and Mangowine
the Wheatbelt. There are lots of Homestead. You can download a
campsites along the trail as well free Wheatbelt Way trail map or app
as walk trails and pretty picnic from the Wheatbelt Way website.
2016. WILDFLOWER WAY
MULLEWA
ERADU
NATURE TENINDEWA WILROY
RESERVE NATURE RESERVE
• 3 Days BUTTERABBY
TARDUN
GERALDTON KOJARENA GRAVES
• Sealed roads CHAPEL
COALSEAM CANNA
CONSERVATION
GUTHA HALL
WA is home to thousands of species PARK BILYA ROCK
WAR ROCK
of wildflowers, some found nowhere MINGENEW MORAWA
else on earth. Spring is the perfect BOWGADA
YANDANOOKA NATURE RESERVE
time to explore the blooms, so PERENJORI
mark your calendar and set off on a ARRINO
CARON DAM
beautiful, colourful drive through the THREE SPRINGS
stunning Northern Wheatbelt, finishing CARNAMAH
LATHAM
in the coastal town of Geraldton. For
COOROW MAYA
your return to Perth, follow the new BUNTINE ROCK
Midlands Route. Both trails are sign- MARCHAGEE
WUBIN
posted and feature interpretive panels.
DALWALLINU
Each spring, this country bursts into WATHEROO
bloom (normally between late August and
COOMBERDALE
October) with ‘carpets’ of everlastings
through to the unique wreath flower. Make MOORA
your way north from Perth through the
picturesque Swan Valley, historic New
Norcia and into gorgeous Dalwallinu.
There are many wildflower trails around
here, so you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Continue through wildflower hotspots
including Wubin, Perenjori, Morawa and
Mullewa searching for those elusive
blooms and engaging and informative
interpretive panels and sculptures along
the way. Wildflower can sometimes
bloom for as little as two weeks, so we
recommend checking our Wildflower
Hotspots page or ringing the local visitor
centres before setting off on your trip.
21with massive granite outcrops
17. PATHWAYS TO
BRUCE ROCK
QUAIRADING
NAREMBEEN which are perfect for hiking and
WAVE ROCK
YORK
PERTH
CORRIGIN WAVE ROCK getting some spectacular views.
HYDEN
BROOKTON KONDININ You’ll see natural bushland,
KULIN bright-yellow canola fields and in
• 3 Days LAKE GRACE
spring, amazing displays of vibrant
• Sealed roads
This road trip is best done over wildflowers and rare orchids.
Ready to surf an inland wave? 3 days and will take you on a There are lots of places to camp
Then it's time to hit the road and journey of discovery through and you’ll see some of the most
head to Wave Rock in beautiful the changing landscapes and spectacular night skies in the
Hyden. If you're looking for a charming farming communities of world. Highlights include Kokerbin
fun and action-packed itinerary the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Rock, the Grain Discovery Centre,
to get you there from Perth, Stop at gorgeous country towns Tin Horse Highway, Lake Grace
Pathways to Wave Rock is the to enjoy some proper country with its outback winery and of
one for you. hospitality. The trail is punctuated course, Wave Rock.
22COOLGARDIE
18. THE HOLLAND WAY ON
L Y
AND THE
D
4
W
JOHN HOLLAND TRACK
• 3 Days
• Sealed and unsealed roads BROOMEHILL
Embark on a real Australian
outback adventure following
a pioneering route created by
John Holland through rugged
bushland and woodlands.
Connecting Broomehill in the
southern Wheatbelt to Coolgardie
in the Goldfields, this is an
adventurous and fun 4WD route.
The trail can actually be undertaken
in two sections, each with different
driving conditions. The Holland Way
route consists of mainly bituminised
roads and usually good surface
gravel roads. The John Holland
Track also starts in Broomehill, but
from the Hyden/Norseman Road
north it follows a different route that
is a proper, 4WD adventurers track!
Both offer an amazing drive through
gorgeous countryside, beautiful salt
lakes, granite outcrops and rock
formations and nature reserves.
There are lots of gorgeous camping
spots but come prepared as much
of this track is remote.
23ESPERANCE
and FITZGERALD
COAST
Esperance and the Fitzgerald Coast
are renowned for their amazing beaches
2419. ROAD TO PERTH
HYDEN
ESPERANCE
YORK
RAVENSTHORPE
HOPETOUN ESPERANCE
• 5 days
• Sealed roads
Esperance is an absolute Once in Esperance, make sure
haven of natural wonders. to take a day trip to Cape Le
You’ll find an abundance Grand National Park and meet
of white-sand beaches, the kangaroos of Lucky Bay,
rugged national parks and swim, snorkel or just sunbathe
the clearest ocean water. at some of the most incredible
Esperance is just over 700km beaches in the world, or climb
from Perth and the drive to get Frenchman’s Peak for some
there is one EPIC road trip! epic views of the ocean and
the islands of the Archipelago.
There’s so much to see on the
Back in Esperance town,
Road to Esperance - you can
you can enjoy more coastal
take two routes so mix it up
adventures along the Great
on the way home and see two
Ocean Drive, grab a beer at a
different perspectives of this
craft brewery or walk along the
part of the Golden Outback.
gorgeous Esplanade.
On the way there go via Hyden
so you can catch a wave at If you want to get out onto
the famous Wave Rock and the water, we’d recommend
see some super-sized art at taking a cruise and exploring
Ravensthorpe along the FORM the nearby islands. If you’re
Public Silo Trail. On the way feeling adventurous, you can
back, more supersized art take a scenic flight over Lake
at Newdegate, Pingrup and Hillier in Middle island to see the
Katanning heading through the incredible bubble-gum pink lake.
Southern Wheatbelt countryside
with wineries and vast salt lakes.
2520. RAVENSTHORPE The Ravensthorpe Range is 45kms
long and has a number of walk
RANGES
RAVENSTHORPE
and drive trails that offer panoramic
views of the district, mining
• 2-3 hours history, home to one of the largest
• Sealed and unsealed roads collection of Eucalyptus species
in the world and simply exploding
The Fitzgerald River National
with wildflowers during spring. It is
Park and the Ravensthorpe
accessible by all vehicles via Ethel
Range which forms part of the
Daw Drive or Archer Drive although
UNESCO recognised Fitzgerald
a 4WD is required to access the
Biosphere, one of the most
Range Top Drive. HOPETOUN
botanically significant parks in
Australia, containing 20% of WA’s Whilst you are in the area, head to hike trail or pristine beach location
12,000 unique plant species. This the National Park with its rugged that’s totally yours. Hopetoun
accessible wilderness is an area and unspoilt beauty, where you can provides sealed road access to
of outstanding natural beauty leave the hustle behind and trade the park that will take you on a
and biodiversity showcasing the the sound of traffic to bird calls and spectacular drive with breathtaking
very best of the pristine bushland melodic tunes of the ocean. Here vistas and ocean views. A park
and coastal landscape. you will certainly find a picnic spot, entry pass is required.
26TIPS AND
EXMOUTH
LEARMONTH
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Driving around Australia’s Golden Outback
may take you into remote areas where forward
planning is important to ensure your experience
MT. AUGUSTUS
TOURIST PARK is safe and enjoyable.
• Always tell someone where you are going,
CARNARVON
return dates & travel itinerary.
GASCOYNE
JUNCTION • Make sure your vehicle is in top condition.
In event of a breakdown in remote locations,
remain with your vehicle. Carry extra food,
WILUNA water, fuel & spare tyres & pack a first-aid kit.
MEEKATHARRA
• Check road conditions before leaving as rain
MURCHISON can make tracks/roads impassable. If driving
SETTLEMENT NALLAN
WOOLEEN STATION
STATION on corrugated/unsealed roads, exercise
CUE
LEINSTER caution & slow down.
SANDSTONE AGNEW
21. GREAT OCEAN
MT. MAGNET
• Food/fuel are generally available every
100-300kms, but plan ahead as some petrol
YALGOO ESPERANCE
stations/supermarkets/food outlets have
DRIVE
KIRKALOCKA LAVERTON
NALBARRA STATION LEONORA
MULLEWA
PINDAR STATION
GWALIA restricted hours & limited bank/credit facilities.
GERALDTON
KOOKYNIE
LPG Autogas is not available in all areas.
MINGENEW MORAWA PAYNES FIND • 1-2 hours • Take care at all railway crossings as not all
PERENJORI MENZIES TWILIGHT
• Sealed roads crossings have flashing lights.
COVE
• Road trains are common & often have up to
WUBIN
ORA BANDA BROAD ARROW Is this the best stretch of
4 trailers. Always leave approx. 200m between
21 Epic
DALWALLINU BEACON
KALGOORLIE-
BOULDER
coastline in Australia? Renowned vehicles in a convoy. Only overtake if the road
CERVANTES BENCUBBIN
KOORDA MUKINBUDIN COOLGARDIE for having some of the finest is clear for a long distance ahead.
bays, steep cliffs and hidden
ROAD TRIPS
NEW
NORCIA WYALKATCHEM
TRAYNING SOUTHERN CROSS
beaches in Australia and the • Slow-moving agricultural machinery may be
DOWERIN
NUNGARIN WESTONIA
ocean pools. If you’re feeling
MERREDIN clearest, crystalline waters; encountered, so take care when overtaking.
Y
NL
MECKERING TAMMIN
adventurous, you can also cycle
DO
NORTHAM KELLERBERRIN
Esperance packs a coastal Dust can obscure vision when travelling on
4W
CUNDERDIN BRUCE ROCK
YORK
NORSEMAN or walk to trail, following the coast dirt roads. Beware of wandering livestock/
PERTH
QUAIRADING NAREMBEEN punch that’s hard to beat. This
CORRIGIN WAVE ROCK
from the Esplanade all the way to wildlife, especially at dusk & dawn.
drive takes just an hour or two to
Through and around Australia’s Golden Outback Twilight Cove. The drive may only
KONDININ
PINGELLY
KULIN
complete and showcases some • Plan to travel for no longer than 8-10 hrs a
LAKE KING take a couple of hours to complete, day & take a break every 2 hrs.
NARROGIN
NEWDEGATE of the best beaches in Australia.
WAGIN
LAKE
GRACE but we’d recommend stopping at • Please dispose of your rubbish properly.
PINGRUP
BROOMEHILL RAVENSTHORPE
MUNGLINUP ESPERANCE The Great Ocean Drive is circular whichever spot takes your fancy to
Drive times in this guide are suggestions only & are based on travelling • During the summer months obtain fire danger
KATANNING HOPETOUN loop that showcases a vast range of enjoy a spot of snorkelling, surfing,
at 100kmph in 110kmph designated zones, but always ensure you drive to ONGERUP information. Only light fires when permitted in
your capabilities and according to road, surface & weather conditions. Map coastal elements such as stunning swimming, walking or just taking in the designated areas. Check advice from the
intended as a guide only, please purchase a detailed map if travelling by road. beaches, rocky headlands, small the amazing view! local visitor centre or Ranger/DPaW office.
ALBANY21 Epic
ROAD TRIPS
Through and around Australia’s Golden Outback
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