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Goldfields road trips
If you're exploring the vast Goldfields region and would like a ready-made itinerary for your road trip, we've got you covered.
Published Aug 2024
4 min read
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Published Aug 2024
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Travel & Touring| WA Road Trips
Stretching from Gascoyne-Murchison through the Wheatbelt and down into Esperance, this sweeping region showcases beautiful national parks, fascinating salt lakes and some of the most historical pioneer areas in the State.
Golden Quest Discovery Trail
Distance and days | Approx 655km one way, allow 3-5 days. |
Why do it? | Lake Ballard - Gwalia ghost town - Malcolm Dam - townsite of Laverton - pubs in Kalgoorlie-Boulder |
When to go | May to September for pleasant temperatures. |
The rugged Golden Quest Discovery Trail is a true outback adventure. Running through Western Australia’s goldfields from Coolgardie to the mining hub of Kalgoorlie, this award-winning self-drive explores the gold rush region as it was in the 1890's. Visit classic pubs, invigorated and abandoned mining spots, the remnants of communities, and historical hotels that were once the heart of prosperous towns in the desert landscapes.
Read the full Golden Quest Discovery Trail road trip itinerary here.
RELATED:WA's spookiest ghost towns »
The Green Trail
Distance and days | Approx 450km round trip, allow 4-5 days. |
Why do it? | Karlkurla Park - Broad Arrow ghost town - Rowles Lagoon Conservation Park - Victoria Rock Nature Reserve - Cave Hill - Burra Rock - Widgiemooltha |
When to go | May to September for pleasant temperatures. |
Linking in with the Golden Quest Discovery Trail, the Green Trail highlights sites of outstanding environmental, historical and cultural values in the Coolgardie bioregion. Discover different landscapes and unique flora and fauna, view Australia's largest outback city, explore historical pubs, taverns and hotels, and learn about ancient aboriginal culture and European practices in the area.
Throughout this region, a four-wheel drive is recommended. Four-wheel drive skills and knowledge are necessary if you plan to go off road. For advice, check our beginner's guide to four-wheel driving in WA.
Golden Pipeline Trail
Distance and days | Approx 650km one way, allow 3-4 days. |
Why do it? | Mundaring Weir - Wooroloo Reserve - Kep Track - Cunderdin Museum - Totadgin Conservation Park - Edna May Gold Mine - No. 1 Rabbit Proof Fence |
When to go | Anytime, just bring plenty of water if travelling in hot summer months. |
In the 1890's, CY O'Connor engineered a pipeline to carry freshwater from the Mundaring Weir in Mundaring to the arid goldfields, 560 kilometres to the east. To commemorate this incredible feat, the National Trust of Australia (WA) initiated the Golden Pipeline Project. This trail takes motorists from Perth to Kalgoorlie, following the path of the water from Mundaring Weir to Mount Charlotte Reservoir.
On this drive, you'll travel on sections of the old Goldfields Road to explore and learn about the State's history at 25 designated stops. These stops include dams and wells that were built before the pipeline, nature reserves, abandoned town sites, walk trails, swimming beaches and gold mining towns.
Trans Australia Rail Access Road Trail
Distance and days | Approx 3,600km round trip, allow 11 days. |
Why do it? | Mundaring Weir - Carnegie Station homestead - Loongana Lime Mine - Tjulyuru Cultural and Civic Centre - Wiluna Walk Trail - Gwalia and Hoover House |
When to go | Late spring to early autumn, when temperatures are mild. |
The Gunbarrel Highway (approx. 830km) was explored and surveyed by Len Beadell, with the last section completed in 1958. It was the first east-west road to go across the centre of Australia - and the Trans Australia Rail Access Road Trail is one of the best ways to experience this incredible piece of history. On the journey, you'll follow the historic Golden Pipeline Trail, travel through old gold rush towns, and visit incredible lookouts, walk trails and salt lakes.
Supplies and services are limited and road conditions can vary, so plan ahead, stock up on food, water and fuel, and contact local visitor centres along the way for up-to-date information.
Before you complete this road trip, you'll need to obtain permits that enable you to travel through private and Aboriginal Lands. Visit Aboriginal Lands and the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council for more information.
Ready to head off-road to explore the Goldfields?
Make sure you're prepared in remote locations. RAC members save on first aid kits.
Last updated December 2020
