Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways

31/01/2023

Share Your Favourite Places To Eat, Stay And Visit in the Gascoyne Murchison and you could Win A Getaway For Two Worth $3,000

Western Australia's passionate locals live the dream every day, so Urbanlist want to hear all the top tips from those in the know - you!

From the best locally-driven dining and stunning accommodation to otherworldly, outdoor adventures, we want to share your knowledge so we can help others discover the wonder of the Gascoyne Murchison.

To celebrate the passion of WA locals, Urbanlist has teamed up with Tourism Western Australia to give one lucky contributor the chance to win a dream WA getaway for two worth $3,000.

To enter, simply share your fave Gascoyne Murchison places to eat, stay and visit below. If you're brimming with reccos, enter as many times as you like.

Good luck!

https://www.theurbanlist.com/competitions/tourism-WA-travel-competition?fbclid=IwAR288787r6E3RoNcEHGDz98mFLCNDWAgcwQhChjEKpVIAcoyUO_7-4uihpA

20/09/2022

13/03/2022

The Mount Magnet Mining and Pastoral Museum exhibits a vast collection of artefacts and photographs from the town’s rich past. Countless voluntary hours and more than twenty five years has been dedicated, by members of the Mount Magnet Historical Society, to collect, restore and preserve this unique collection.

Now on permanent display, the museum provides an insight into early pastoral (since 1878) and goldmining activities (since 1891) which make up the Murchison region's history. Insight is also given into a rapidly vanishing way of outback life.

The original Boogardie State Battery has been rebuilt on the museum site and, with other relics, is a must-see for tourists and residents of the region alike.

Mount Magnet Visitor Centre

07/03/2022

It's time to plan your 2022 road trips - the weather is cooling down, the Station Stays are re-opening and the wildlife is waiting! Click the link below for 3 epic adventures to travel the Gascoyne Murchison Outback!

www.outbackpathways.com

03/03/2022

Turn the chore of deciding what to cook on your next camping trip into an exciting adventure with your camp oven! Jo Clews, owner at Melangata Station Stay, has turned the art of camp oven cooking into something as simple as cooking a barbecue! Jo can teach you how to use your campoven, so gather a group of friends and book your stay and cooking demonstration at Melangata, only 70kms from Yalgoo, WA

26/02/2022

Heading to Exmouth this year? SAVE THIS ROAD TRIP

Offering the best of the Aussie Outback and amazing marine adventures - this trail travels through WA’s legendary sheep and wool country before heading to the coast. Expect star-filled night skies, vivid sunsets and lively country characters. Finish by swimming with the famous WA Whale Sharks.

Turn the journey into an unforgettable experience and combine the outback and ocean. For trip options or advice, look up the link:

https://www.outbackpathways.com/road-trip-to-exmouth-along-the-wool-wagon-pathway/

19/02/2022

Western Australia's vast outback stations offer a unique travel experience and the chance to spend time on a working property in some of the State's most stunning and remote locations.

It can be difficult to appreciate the scale of WA's sprawling station and farming properties. The total size of some are equivalent to small countries.

Hidden within those boundaries are some incredible natural wonders, authentic outback experiences, true-blue country folk, peace and tranquillity. If you're keen to get a look inside, many WA stations are now opening their doors to share those experiences.

Follow this simple itinerary and see just a handful of Station Stays available in WA!

For more info visit: www.wastationstays.com.au

Station stay at mellenbye, Gabyon Station Stay, Melangata Station Stay, Wooleen Station, Nallan Station : Station Stay, Nalbarra Station

18/02/2022

Have you stepped outside to admire the full moon this week?

You'll find minimal light pollution along the Outback Pathways, so when the full moon rises, it lights up the landscape as if someone turned the lights on!

📸: instagram.com/p/CURPyjZpCq3/

11/02/2022

SAVE this Road Trip for a pioneering adventure in 2022. Follow the Miners Pathway and explore the legacy of this remarkable period through the grand old buildings and the graveyards, the rusting machinery and the rich stories of those who lived in these whirlwind times. From Paynes Find to Meekatharra, or Yalgoo to Sandstone you will share the adventrue, the drama and the richness of the great Murchison goldfields. Interpretive panels guide you along the way. In spring you’ll see wildlife and wildflowers galore - pack your camera, spare tyre and sense of of adventure!

To purchase the 176 page Outback Pathways guide visit here https://www.outbackpathways.com/outback-pathways/miners/ 📖

To listen to roadtrip stories, download the Miners Pathway audio on SoundCloud. 🎧

08/02/2022

The Mt Gould Police Station and Lock Up was established around 1888 due to frustrated pastoralists waiting for officers to arrive from Carnarvon or Geraldton. The biggest concern was stock theft from the local indigenous community, who had their own complaints regarding disruption of water supplies and native wildlife. The Station was often manned with 4 police officers and aboriginal trackers. Occupants either did 'their time' at Mt Gould or where marched (in chains) 450kms to Carnarvon. By the 1900's the station was falling into disrepair, but in 1987 was restored by the Meekatharra Shire Council. You can visit The Mt Gould Police Station and Lock Up whilst travelling the Kingsford Smith Mail Run. Stop and read the interpretive panels and imagine the stories and heartache which could be told by these walls. The Station is located on the traditional lands of Wajarri people.

06/02/2022

Bilung Pool on the Wool Wagon Pathway.

2021 delivered abundant rainfall across the Outback Pathways, pools were full and wildflowers boomed.

Bilung Pool is a tributary of the Wooramel River and a tranquil and peaceful and picnic or camp stop. The pool is surrounded by giant gum trees and rocky ridges which frame the glistening water and birdsong. Two interpretive panels are onsite and you can learn about Bilungardie; the place from which ancient dream-time laws and customs originate... For a detailed itinerary to journey from Perth to Exmouth via Bilung with a map follow the link in our bio!

📸: .com/bonitotravel

04/02/2022

SAVE this Road Trip for an epic adventure in 2022.

For a slice of Aussie outback history, trace the original 1920s overland mail run from Carnarvon to Meekatharra and the pioneering spirit of Australia’s famous pilot, Charles Kingsford Smith. Visit stunning national parks and the worlds largest rock, Mount Augustus (Burringurrah). In spring you’ll see wildlife and wildflowers galore - pack your camera, spare tyre and sense of of adventure!

For more details visit: www.outbackpathways.com/outback-pathways/kingsford-smith-mail-run

02/02/2022

A repost of trip along the Outback Pathways this year
・・・
Sunrise over Walga Rock 🌄 the second largest monolith rock, besides its bigger cousin Uluru/ Ayers Rock. 🏜🪨 Interesting extensive gallery of Aboriginal artwork and early European paintings and amazing wildflowers. ⛰👨🏿🎨🌼

01/02/2022

If you're looking for a place to explore in the Gascoyne Murchison region of Western Australia, look no further than Mount Magnet. Granite boulders and breakaway caves are scattered along The Mount Magnet Tourist Trail; a 37 kilometre self-drive trip. Spread over several hectares, you'll find caves, old carvings and paintings at this amazing cultural location.

We highly recommended hanging around for the twilight hours before sunset, the rock colours change and cast incredible shadows over the land. Remember to respect and appreciate this very important place while visiting.

📸: instagram.com/richagood/

30/01/2022

Gold was discovered in Sandstone in 1894 and remains popular today for the casual prospector. The beautiful historic buildings in town are testament to times gone by, but still functionally servicing locals and visitors in 2022. From 1906 Sandstones population hit over 7000 people but in 1920 shortly declined to just 200. Today this quaint and popular little town offers spectacular rock formations, prospecting opportunities, cattle stations, carpets of wildflowers and a fantastic community to boot!

📸: instagram.com/jennifer_newby/

29/01/2022

This spectacular formation is Errabiddy Bluff, located 1km north of the Murchison Settlement WA on the way to Carnarvon and Exmouth. The geological spectacle soars high above the surrounding plains and provides an excellent picnic spot - with a BBQ provided! If your ability allows, climb to the top and be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding Murchison region. Only 300kms from Geraldton following the Wool Wagon Pathway self-drive adventure. Fuel up and explore the Murchison Settlement before continuing your journey!

📸: instagram.com/plug.shoots/

25/01/2022

If you're driving up from Perth, one of the first inland stops is Payne's Find. The town is a former gold rush settlement with a rich seam of pioneering and prospecting history approximately five hours north of Perth in the Mid West region of WA. Amazing inland lakes and camping spots abound... Start a journey along the self-drive Miners Pathway

📸: instagram.com/west_aussie_mick/

16/12/2021

"Each year, winter rains turn the dusty landscape of WA’s Midwest into a rich tapestry of colours, smells and sounds. When the flowers come out, so do the people, who connect with the flowers in their own way." - Chris Lewis

We're reflecting on one of the best wildflower seasons in a decade! Join us by watching this extraordinary documentary on iView which brings the seasonal wildflowers, stories, and characters of the Midwest to the world in a unique visual style.

WA's outback has come to life with a kaleidoscope of colours! ABC filmmaker Chris Lewis brings the seasonal wildflowers, stories and characters of the Midwest to the world in a unique visual style.

17/11/2021

The star of the 2021 wildflower season was Mulla Mulla! Blanketing the wide open plains of the Gascoyne and Murchison region, a multitude of species and colours could be found exploring drives and hikes. These purple ones at Kennedy Range National Park were an absolute delight.


📸: http://ow.ly/EJHJ50GHyHt

17/11/2021

Burringurrah/Mt Augustus is best know for it's epic summit trail, which takes hikers to the top of the words largest rock. But there are many other hikes and walks you can partake in whilst visiting this spectacular National Park. Ooramboo Trail, pictured, is a gentle 500m return trip to visit a rock ledge. You'll discover some amazing Wajarri cultural insights at the end. Continue on for a further 100m to get to Edney's Trail. Grab a detailed map before heading out, and always pack your hat and water.

13/11/2021

Have you ever come across something quirky on your travels? How about an old pay phone on the side of an outback road - miles from any town or roadhouse? ☎️ Might as well stop for a chat as you're heading past!

09/11/2021

There's nothing better than hitting the open road... and we've got plenty of open road along the Outback Pathways. This special spot is Walga Rock, a sacred and important place for the Wajarri people. At 1.5kms long it's the second biggest monolith rock around and houses an amazing gallery of aboriginal artwork. Drop into the Cue visitor centre to learn more about how to visit this special place.

📸: Keeping Up With Little Joneses

👣 Remember - Leave No Trace.

30/07/2021

The colours are POPPING! Mount Augustus, the words largest rock, is known locally as Burringurrah. This amazing place offers any keen adventurer endless opportunities. Drive 47kms around the base (yup, 47kms!) climb to the top, climb to the side, admire from afar, or swim in cattle pool. The birdlife and wildlife are plentiful and this spring you can enjoy the wildflowers! Mt Augustus is BURSTING into a wild array of colour, right now! Record rainfall across the district has set the region up for one of it's biggest and best displays of flowers you've ever seen.

📸: The Margaret River Discovery Co - Wine & Adventure Tours
📌 Shire of Upper Gascoyne, Western Australia

29/07/2021

"Western Australia’s station stays are something special: rustic, raw and nothing short of outback realness. A vast number of working sheep and cattle stations — some over 100 years old — are situated in far-flung coastal and inland locations across the state, opening their farm gates to those who yearn for a change of pace and scenery. And what a change awaits."

Julia D'Orazio from Hema Maps offers a glimpse into rural living and shares the virtues of a Station Stay along the Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways.

Stopping All Stations

28/07/2021

Each day the flowers are bursting bigger and brighter! Winter rains have transformed our usually red and golden landscape into a dazzling sea of colour - the annual wildflower show is commencing. Everlastings are blanketing the vast plains, and the acacias are covered in yellow pom-poms. Mulla mulla of every description are blooming in every corner and the birdlife is taking full advantage.

Grab some information from the link in our bio and post any travel questions for us in the comments section.

📸 Locations:
1. Yalgoo, instagram.com/audrad_photography/
2. Mount Magnet, instagram.com/emma.geary.photography/
3. Walga Rock, instagram.com/kerstins.photos/
4. Paynes Find, instagram.com/matt21w/
5. Mt Augustus, instagram.com/rachthekiwi/
6. Paynes Find, instagram.com/two_wandering_aussies/

17/07/2021

ARE YOU READY!?🌸🌸🌸 The Gascoyne Murchison region is on the brink of BURSTING into a wild array of colour. Record rainfall across the district has set up the region for one of it's biggest and best displays of flowers you've ever seen.

Dazzling spring wildflowers and a rich seam of pioneering and prospecting history can be found along the tracks. Follow the Outback Pathways and discover the legacy of the area's first gold mine leaseholders, pastoral pioneers and rich aboriginal culture.

Grab some information from https://www.outbackpathways.com/ and post any travel questions for us in the comments section!

Photos:
1. Perenjori, Jarrad Seng Photography
2. Mount Magnet, instagram.com/kerstins.photos/
3. Yalgoo, instagram.com/kerstins.photos/
4. Yalgoo, instagram.com/en_route_with_ruby
5. Murchison, instagram.com/wooleenstation
6. Coalseam National Park, Rob Mulally Creates
7. Mount Augustus National Park, instagram.com/seenwesternaustralia
8. Kennedy Range national Park, instagram.com/_claudiamartin

04/07/2021

The name Meekatharra is thought to have arisen from the Aboriginal word meaning place of little water. And this is no wonder considering its position perched on the edge of Australia's interior deserts. It is this location that lends Meekatharra to something of a frontier feeling. The vast outback is scattered with spectacular natural beauty and it has a heady feeling of adventure. Combine this with a colorful gold rush past, striking landscapes of wide plains, gorges and rocky outbreaks and you have a destination just begging to be explored!

📸: Meekatharra Dust via David Cowled

03/07/2021

"After more than two decades without substantial rain, parched salt lakes and claypans in parts of Western Australia's Murchison region are once again teeming with life, and wildflowers are beginning to bloom. "

After more than two decades without substantial rain, parched salt lakes and claypans in parts of Western Australia's Murchison region are once again teeming with life, and wildflowers are beginning to bloom

02/07/2021

The last rays are poking through for sunset at London Bridge in Sandstone, Western Australia The formation is believed to be 350 million years old. Take the heritage trail out of town and spend a moment soaking in the outback vista. Opportunities are everywhere - at every turn, at every gravel road, at every unmarked path. ♥️

📸: https://www.instagram.com/p/B_LzQKDpNQe/
📍 Sandstone Heritage Museum & Visitor Centre