AGO Holiday Planner 2026

Kalgoorlie & the Goldfields

BEST TIME TO VISIT ALL YEAR

DESTINATIONS COLLIE, DUMBLEYUNG, WAGIN, ESPERANCE

HIGHLIGHTS WAGIN DUCK AND GAME, CAMBINATA YABBIES, YUMMYLICIOUS CANDY SHACK

THE GUNBARREL HIGHWAY SIX DAYS ON UNSEALED ROADS

Warburton

Carnegie Station

Wiluna

Tackle one of Australia’s toughest drives The legendary track named the Gunbarrel Highway is one of the most unrelenting 4WD tracks in Australia. And, yes, it is officially a gazetted highway. But certainly not a ‘highway’ in the true sense of the word. As stated in Hema Maps’ Great Desert Tracks Atlas & Guide, “Don’t make this your first desert adventure. This is an isolated desert track for experienced desert travellers only, and your vehicle needs to be tough. Only experienced four-wheel drivers with confidence in themselves and their vehicles should attempt this trip.” This is a true challenge of endurance in a very isolated part of Australia. Sure, you may encounter other four-wheel drivers during your travels. But you may not. The Gunbarrel Highway was the first road constructed by Len Beadell and

his team of road crew who together comprised The Gunbarrel Road Construction Party. Before heading off into the remote desert areas of Australia, you will need to obtain permits, enabling you to travel through private and Aboriginal Lands. Get more information about permits for Aboriginal Lands or visit the Australian National Four-Wheel Drive Council. There are little to no water of fuel stops for over 500km at points so be sure to plan

before you depart on this road trip. If you attempt the Gunbarrel Highway anytime from October to April, you’ll experience relentless heat which will make this journey more challenging.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ALL YEAR

DESTINATIONS KALGOORLIE, LAVERTON, ULURU, ALICE SPRINGS, WINTON, CAIRNS

HIGHLIGHTS GREAT VICTORIA DESERT, ULURU

THE OUTBACK WAY SIX DAYS ON UNSEALED ROADS

Winton QLD

Laverton WA

life in the outback, and the natural environment of Australia’s central desert. Treasure hunt Keep things entertaining by searching for the hidden treasure boxes along the Outback Way Geocache Trail. The route is mostly gravel and it’s advisable to travel in a high clearance 4WD vehicle, as conditions can include sand drifts and corrugations. Permits are required.

This ultimate four-wheel drive odyssey is known as “Australia’s longest shortcut”. Challenge accepted Get ready to cross central Australia on a must-do drive route linking Laverton to Winton via Uluru and Alice Springs. This 2,800km awe-inspiring journey through the red centre takes you from the gold rush towns of Kalgoorlie and Laverton, through the Great Victoria Desert. The dramatic landscape features vast salt lakes, scenic nature reserves, waterholes, natural springs and caves. Learn about ancient Aboriginal culture,

70

AUSTRALIA'S GOLDEN OUTBACK