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Gascoyne & Desert Country

Patchwork fields of dazzling wildflowers are a star attraction of this region in Western Australia's Golden Outback. The towering Mount Augustus and self-drive trails will enlighten you with its wondrous landscape and the striking history of the Kingsford Smith Mail Run will open your mind to the realities of days gone by.


Incredible journeys can be experienced in this region. much of them steeped in history - the Kingsford Smith Mail Run will enlighten you whilst the magnitude of Mount Augustus and the incredible stories of original Aboriginal people will see you connect with the country in a new way. 


Wildflowers and sunsets at Mt Augustus National Park   |  Photo Credit: Tourism WA

 

Self-drive trails across this region interlaced with hiking trails not only have you experience the breadth of this land but also its detail. The land continues to be used by drovers for outback farming but the journeys will tell the tale of gold prospectors who triggered a population explosion in the area. 

Original rock formations and the wonderful tales of the original Indigenous inhabitants make it a truly unique experience. 

The road between Carnarvon and Meekathara is known as the Kingsford Smith Mail Run - this 4WD, multi-day gravel road trail is 834 km long and gives travellers a real sense for Western Australia’s outback with a smattering of history to make things even more interesting. 

Whilst you're in Meekathara, enjoy an easy 3 kilometre walk around Meekatharra Creek and discover fascinating facts about Meekatharra’s history on the Meeka Rangelands Discovery Trail

Mount Augustus offers an impressive vantage point - rising 715m above the surrounding alluvial plain, Mount Augustus is an inselberg or monolith, meaning ‘island mountain’ though it is often compared to Uluru. There are rocky creeks, gorges and open plains supporting a variety of vegetation and wildlife. Some of the trails in the national park include the Petroglyph Trail - a short hike has some steps and unstable loose rocks which leads to you petroglyphs on a rock wall where you can quietly observe without touching these Wajarri symbols. 

For a more challenging experience - the extremely difficult 12.5km Summit Trail is located in the Mount Augustus National Park and takes walkers to the top. Only very fit and experienced bushwalkers should attempt this full day extremely difficult hike which requires scrambling and with minimal directional signage. It's hard to get up and harder to get down. 

**Note that some trails such as the Gully Trail in Mt Augustus may currently be closed.  For up to date information about access to Mt Augustus - visit the Parks & Wildlife Service website: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/

 

The Highlights:

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Mt Augustus National Park Visit

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