Visit the Outback Country of WA
The Outback area of the Gascoyne is an area encompassing a rugged outback of brown sandy plains and rocky highlands inlcuding Mt Augustus and the Kennedy Range. To the west the outback meets the stunning coastline edged with the white sandy beaches of the West Coast region. The Gascoyne outback region is rapidly growing in stature as one of Australia's premier soft adventure and eco-tourism destinations. The natural heritage of this region offers some unique experiences. Four wheel drive around the areas of Mt Augustus, the world's largest monocline or discover the ancient fossils of Cape Range on foot.
The warm mellow climate of this region makes this the perfect all year round playground. Hike, backpack or camp through the inland areas by day and by night, sleep under some of the brightest stars in the southern hemisphere. Immerse yourself in wildflowers, bird life and animals as you explore the Kennedy Ranges and attempt to climb Mount Augustus.
Visit Mount Augustus National Park
Visit the Kennedy Range National Park
The Gascoyne Junction
Gascoyne Junction, where the Lyons and Gascoyne Rivers meet, is two hours' drive east of Carnarvon on the West Coast.
First proposed as a town site in 1897, Gascoyne Junction now has a population of 46 people and is a centre for mining, pastoral and desert merino fine wool industries.
Nearby are the Kennedy Ranges running north which have 90 kilometre long springs, spectacular cliffs and canyons which are a wildlife haven.
Gascoyne Junction is also the gateway to Mount Augustus National Park where Mount Augustus rises 1106 metres above sea level. Mount Augustus is twice the size of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and has a stepped formation and tress on its flanks. The granite formation is estimated to be 1750 million years old.
Meekatharra
Located approximately 500 kilometres inland from Geraldton, Meekatharra is the centre of a mining, sheep and cattle district. The area has many old worked out gold mines and old machinery relics.
This old gold mining area abounds with remnants of its historical past. First settled by prospectors in 1896, mining still continues today on a small scale. A visit to the ghost towns of Peak Hill and Nannine is a must for the visitor, where the ruins and old mines can be explored.
Visit the 25 Mile Well located 40 kilometres north of town on the Great Northern Highway. During 1976, the Meekatharra Lions Club restored the well as a tribute to the old drovers and stockmen who passed that way through the years.
An interesting rock formation, Peace Gorge, is just five kilometres from town off the Gascoyne Junction Road.
Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, enjoy a video presentation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service operation and you can listen to 'School of the Air'.
Murchison
Murchison, three and a half hours' drive northeast of Geraldton, depicts the real Australian outback with open space, beautiful scenery, natural pools, historic homesteads and an abundance of wildlife.
Situated on the Murchison River, Murchison's surrounds are mainly pastoral lands which offer the chance to experience working with sheep and cattle on the unique station stays available.
In spring, after winter's rainfall, wildflowers including everlastings and acacias bloom.
Just a 20 minute drive to the settlement's west are the rock formations of Errabiddy Bluff.
Wiluna
Wiluna is an outback town with friendly people and a real bush atmosphere. The town is the starting or finishing point for the Canning Stock Route (an 1,800 kilometre track from Wiluna to Halls Creek) and is located on the Goldfields Highway, joining Meekatharra, Leonora and Kalgoorlie.
The town prospered with the discovery of gold in 1891, however today it is chiefly an administrative centre. Citrus orchards and emu farms are some of the successful local industries.
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