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Golden Quest Discovery Trail, Goldfields Golden Quest Discovery Trail, Goldfields

  • Multiple day
  • 965 km

The 965 km Golden Quest Discovery Trail is suitable for 2WD vehicles and runs through Western Australia’s Goldfields from Coolgardie through to Laverton. This true adventure drive explores the 1890’s goldrush region to witness classic pubs, remnants of vibrant communities, deserted and reinvigorated mining spots, hotels that were once the centre of thriving populations and interesting natural landscapes.

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The trail takes you to to 25 interpreted sites highlighting the 1890’s goldrush region, classic pubs, outback ghost towns and changing natural Landscapes including nature reserves and campsites.

Be surprised by Niagara Dam, a man made lake built for water supply and now a pleasant spot for a picnic or overnight camp.  Tour the old prosperous town of Kookynie, which has a pub well worth the stop as well as the old camps in the town of Gwalia, near Leonora, where the 31st US President, Herbert Hoover, lived and worked. Gwalia, now a ghost town, has a fascinating museum and historical house.

Visit Lake Ballard, a vast salt lake where 51 sculptured metal ’people’ stand scattered over the landscape. Be amazed by the Explorers Hall of Fame in Laverton which retraces the journey's of the early pioneers such as Lord John Forrest, Tommy Windich and Leichhardt.

A definite advantage if considering the self drive adventure is the comprehensive Golden Quest Discovery Trail Guidebook and two audio CD's, which has detailed maps, dramatised stories, and informative and entertaining accounts on life in the Goldfields. The Guide is  available for purchase at Visitor Centres and online through the Golden Quest Trail website.

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Be trail ready for Golden Quest Discovery Trail, Goldfields

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

3 - 5 days

Length

965km

What To Pack

Group D - Drive Trails (Drive trails: 2WD & 4WD) required.

Trail Start

Coolgardie, 560km (7 hours) east of Perth

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Trail End

Hazards & Warnings

Roads may be closed after heavy rain. Check conditions before travelling

Facilities

Facilities vary along the trail
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Camping
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet

Trail Access

Air, rail or bus to Kalgoorlie. Road – 4WD recommended

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1 trail goers have rated Golden Quest Discovery Trail, Goldfields as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Rosemarie Mileham

Reviewed 16 Sep 2021, 12:59pm

We loved this trail, although some sections were closed due to night rain that made dirt roads boggy. Loved the history, loved the people we met, loved the history we saw and loved the glorious camp spots along the way.

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