Australia's Golden Outback 2024 Holiday Planner

S tretching across the vast expanses of Western Australia, the Gascoyne Murchison region is a land of contrasts, where sweeping outback landscapes meet ancient geological wonders and a rich pastoral history thrives. This enchanting region, off the beaten track, is a treasure trove for intrepid travellers and those yearning for a taste of true Australian outback adventure. At the heart of Gascoyne Murchison lies an ever-changing topography. Rugged ranges, dramatic riverbeds, and vast stretches of red desert sand under the endless blue sky captivate visitors. The Kennedy Range and Mount Augustus — or Mundatharra and Burringurrah , as they are known to the local Yamatji people — are must-visit sites. Mount Augustus is particularly awe-inspiring, standing as the world’s largest monocline and twice the size of Uluru. It changes colours throughout the day, showcasing shades of deep red, orange, and pink as the sun journeys across the sky. 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. Stepping into Gascoyne Murchison is like traveling back in time. The region’s pastoral and gold mining history is palpable, with the stories of yesteryears echoing in ghost towns and heritage buildings. The gold-rush town of Cue, home to the iconic Queen of Murchison Guest House, offers a peek into the 19th-century gold boom, with its well preserved colonial architecture. Similarly, towns like Meekatharra and Yalgoo also provide an insight into the region’s rich mining past. The Gascoyne Murchison region holds deep significance for the Indigenous people of the area. Rock engravings, sacred sites, and ancient art provide an insight into the millennia-old history and culture of the Aboriginal people. At Walga Rock , visitors can witness one of Western Australia’s largest galleries

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. Tel: 1300 729 924. By Coach: Transwa operates coaches to a number of the Gascoyne- Murchison towns - including Yalgoo, Mount Magnet, Cue under the vast southern sky by night for an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Australian outback living. Gascoyne Murchison is not just a destination; it’s an experience. It beckons travellers with its untouched beauty, rich history, and the promise of adventure. Top Trails Cue’s Heritage Trail (2.7km) Meeka Lookout , Meekatharra (2.5km) Mount Magnet Heritage Trail The Granites , Mount Magnet Telephone Line Trail , Wooleen Station (20km) Sandstone Heritage Trail The Summit Trail, Beedoboondu, and Meekatharra. Tel: 1300 662 205.

of Aboriginal rock paintings, narrating stories of the land and its ancestors. The main surviving language of the Gascoyne Murchison is Wadjari, originally spoken in the eastern Murchison area. While a number of languages were spoken in the region, the people all referred to themselves as Yamatji. Today, they refer to the language they speak as the Yamatji language. The region, despite its seemingly harsh climate, is teeming with unique wildlife and flora. During the wildflower season, usually between July and October, the landscapes are transformed into a colourful carpet of blooms that can be admired all around, — best experienced on an immersive wildflower road trip like Road to the Rock . For those with an adventurous spirit, Gascoyne Murchison is a playground. From challenging 4WD tracks, winding through the outback, to serene spots for camping under the starlit skies, there’s an experience waiting at every corner. The Wool Wagon Pathway is an iconic drive, taking visitors through an epic journey of the region’s highlights. Don’t forget to hop out of the car to stretch your legs on one of the region’s many walking trails and inspiring hikes. The Murchison GeoRegion Trail is another trophy in the region’s road trip treasure chest, showcasing the significant natural, cultural and geological heritage of the area and easily explored from the region’s towns and the Outback Pathways. Download the Murchison GeoRegion app which takes you on a journey of 21 significant sites, through a unique and ancient landscape full of stories that reach back almost to the earth’s beginning, some 4.54 billion years ago. A visit to Gascoyne Murchison would be incomplete without becomming immersed in the pastoral lifestyle. Stations like Wooleen Station and Melangata Station offer stays where visitors can get a firsthand experience of local station life. Enjoy campfire dinners

Mount Augustus (12.5km) Petroglyph Trail , Mundee, Mt Augustus NP (0.2km) australiasgoldenoutback.com | The Gascoyne Murchison | 31