Australia's Golden Outback Holiday Planner 2022/23

that reach back almost to the Earth’s beginning some 4.54 billion years ago. The Gascoyne-Murchison is breathtaking year round, however in spring it is famous for stunning carpets of everlastings as the countryside becomes a blanket of pink, white and yellow wildflowers. Birdwatching here draws birders from far and wide. There are almost 300 species counted and half are thought to breed in the region. Look for fairy wrens, finches, parrots and bellbirds while keeping an eagle eye out for raptors! Spending time at a station gives a wonderful insight into this pastoral region’s culture. Overnight stays range from heritage-listed homesteads to shearers’ quarters or a simple swag under the stars. Time your touring with some of the unique events here; The Gassy Dash is an awesome vehicular challenge, many towns have annual festivals and bush race meets.

The red heart of Western Australia is extraordinary.

T he red heart of Western Australia is extraordinary. A place of sweeping timeless plains, craggy towering ranges and nights made for stargazing is waiting for you. Touring is easy; the Outback Pathways’ routes reveal all the highlights of the Gascoyne-Murchinson’s history and nature, including the spectacular Mount Augustus. You’ll drive classic adventure trails, following in the tracks of some of our most courageous pioneers. The country of the Badimaya, Wajarri and Yamatji in the middle of our state attracts story-seekers like a magnet. This is a land of contrasts; the rugged, dusty landscape has been shaped by scorching heat and should always be explored with respect – and a trip plan. The wondrous ancient geology, local culture and landscapes have inspired the formation of the ‘ Murchison GeoRegion - Aspiring UNESCO Geopark’ to further tantalize visitors with new awareness and astonishing sites. One of the best ways to explore the Gascoyne-Murchison is by following the Murchison GeoRegion Trail or one of the Outback Pathways. These self-drive pathways criss-cross the region and showcase the many natural wonders of this magical landscape. The culture of the original custodians is celebrated at Carnarvon’s exceptional Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre . As you

walk through its interpretive centre, you’ll encounter many themes ranging from stories of the land through to station tales. Retracing history is made easy by the Outback Pathway’s three self-drive trails - The Wool Wagon Pathway, Kingsford Smith Mail Run and The Miners Pathway . The stories and secrets unfold via interpretive roadside signage along the lattice of sealed and unsealed roads. Mount Augustus , known as Burringurrah, is twice the size of Uluru. Experienced hikers can climb its summit, or walk the base and admire accessible galleries of ancient art. Every year the massive rock is the fitting venue for Australia’s Biggest BBQ when the Gascoyne Food Festival celebrates the best of the bush. Kennedy Range National Park is a film directors’ outback vision of stunning gorges, red sand dunes, natural springs and honeycomb rocks. Camp under a zillion stars here and 4WD to your heart’s content – the range stretches 75 kilometres. The Murchison GeoRegion Trail showcases the significant natural, cultural and geological heritage of the area and is easily explored from the region’s towns and the Outback Pathways. Download an app which takes you on a journey through a unique and ancient landscape full of stories

HOW TO GET THERE: By Road: The Gascoyne-Murchison has a good network of sealed and all-weather roads. There are also the gazetted Outback Pathway trails that make for an enjoyable self- drive adventure. By Air: Skippers flies regular air services from Perth to Wiluna, Meekatharra and Mount Magnet. Reservations 1300 729 924. By Coach Transwa operates coaches to a number of the Gascoyne- Murchison towns - including Yalgoo, Mount Magnet, Cue

and Meekatharra. Tel: 1300 662 205.

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