Australia's Golden Outback 2024 Holiday Planner

How to Get There

By Road: The Wheatbelt has a good network of sealed roads and gazetted drive trails. There are a number of tour companies offering one day and extended holidays from Perth throughout the Wheatbelt, if you’d like to leave the driving to someone else. By Coach/Train: Transwa operates coaches to many of the Wheatbelt towns and The Prospector train stops in Cunderdin, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Southern Cross and Kalgoorlie. Tel: 1300 662 205.

Hippo’s Yawn

I n the Wheatbelt, expect to be It’s not just a place on the map; it’s a journey that echoes with tales of pioneering spirits, the serenity of vast landscapes, and the rustic charm of country life. It beckons explorers to traverse its great open roads, admire its bounty of wildflowers, walk its sprawling trails, and book in for a farm stay for a slice of local life. At the heart of this region is its network of road trip tracks, across which ever-changing vistas unfurl the scenic beauty of the Wheatbelt. Named after a famed explorer, the 2WD Holland Way and 4WD John Holland Track wind through historical settlements, narrating tales of early adventurers. The Wheatbelt Way also presents a vivid tapestry of character-filled towns along a scenic drive that spotlights some of the area’s best attractions. Then there’s the Pathways to Wave Rock which exposes one of the most striking of all — Wave Rock , just a five-minute drive from the town of Hyden. This granite wonder, known as “Katter Kich” by the traditional Njaki Naki — Ballardong — Gubrun people, appears as a colossal tidal wave captured in stone. It’s a marvel that stands as a testament to nature’s artistic prowess, making it a magnet for both photographers and nature lovers. Hidden granite treasures like greeted by a harmonious blend of history, culture, and natural wonders.

Elachbutting Rock and Kokerbin Rock , make for other fascinating sights of similar origin. These sites, with their panoramic views and intricate formations, beckon explorers and casual visitors alike. Further southwest, Dryandra Woodland National Park offers a sanctuary for the region’s unique flora and fauna. The very air here seems fresher, filled with the calls of native animals. Within this sanctuary, Barna Mia stands out as a nocturnal haven. Here, visitors get a rare opportunity to encounter elusive creatures like numbats and tammar wallabies under the moonlit sky. Yet, the Wheatbelt’s appeal isn’t confined to its natural wonders. The region is a canvas where art meets history. The Tin Horse Highway is a testament to this, with its quirky tin horse sculptures narrating whimsical tales. Similarly, the Public Silo Art Trail turns the mundane into the extraordinary. What once were grain silos now serve as canvases for breathtaking art, painting a vibrant picture of the region’s artistic spirit. With nature and creative endeavours all around, the soul of Wheatbelt truly shines through in its farm stays. These aren’t mere accommodations; they’re experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic country life, from interacting with farm animals to savouring the region’s fresh produce.

Numbat, Dryandra

Top Trails Tin Dog Walk Trail (1.8 – 3.3km) Wave Rock Walk Circuit, Hyden (3.6km) Kwongan Heathland Walk, Lake Grace (5km) Merredin Peak (1.8km) Carnaby Cockatoo Interpretative Walk Trail (7km) Mukinbudin Botanical Walk Trail (4.8km) Foxes Lair, Narrogin (400m to 2.1km) Boyagin Rock Summit (1.4km) Westonia’s Woodlands & Wildflowers Heritage Trail, Westonia (3.1km) Mt Matilda Walk Trail, Wongan Hills (7.9km) Olive oil, preserves, emu oil, and more, all carry the distinct flavour and essence of the Wheatbelt. In its entirety, Wheatbelt is a symphony of experiences. It resonates with the songs of its Indigenous people, the tales of its settlers, and the timeless beauty of its landscapes. It’s a place where the past melds seamlessly with the present, promising memories that last a lifetime.

australiasgoldenoutback.com | The Wheatbelt | 47