Outback Pathways - Self-Drive Tours
self-drive trails traversing the red heart of western Australia
The Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways feature three self-drive trails which traverse the red heart of Western Australia. Each trail is complemented by a series of roadside, interpretative signage, which opens your eyes to the wonders of this ancient landscape.
You may be driving by an area that was once home to a prehistoric seabed - fossils in the rocks bear tribute to this other age. Or perhaps you're driving alongside the wheel ruts of wool wagons that trundled these then remote areas at the turn of the 20th century. You may be at the site of a long-abandoned gold rush township - crumbling buildings the only clue to the town's once bustling days. Or maybe you're at an area of special Aboriginal significance. Whatever the case, the Outback Pathways signage will reveal the region's natural, indigenous and historical secrets.
Three Self-Drive Trails Through the Gascoyne Murchinson
- The Wool Wagon Pathway
- Miners
- Kingsford Smith Mail Run
More information about these trails can be found at Outback Pathways Association.
experiences in the Gascoyne Murchinson region
Wildflowers
The Gascoyne Murchison area is part of West Australia's internationally renowned region for spectacular wildflowers. Each year if the region experiences substantial winter rains the red outback landscape is transformed into a colourful blanket of bloom; a sight so beautiful and atypical of the dry outback you have to see to believe.
Birdlife
Bird life is abundant in the Gascoyne Murchison region. Over 270 species of birds exist in the Carnarvon basin and of these, 162 species are known to breed in the area. Waterways are ideal locations to experience the harmonious sounds and colourful sights of hundreds of birds. Finches, Native Pigeons, Pink and Grey Galahs, Parrots and Swans are sighted in the plenty.
Don't be surprised to spot numerous emus which are common in the Gascoyne Murchison region. Travelling the Outback Pathways also allows you the perfect opportunity to witness the spectacular sight of a Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring above the mulga shrub land countryside as you drive along.
Guide to Birdlife in the Region
More information about Birdlife in Western Australia can be found at Birdlife.org.au
FEATURED STATION STAYS
There's nothing more authentic than staying at a station stay whilst in the Gascoyne Murchinson region. You can find more places to stay here.
Here are Some to Check Out
This information has been sourced from Outback Pathways Association. Click Here for more information on the region, including drive trails, places to stay and things to do and see along the way.
GEOLOGY
The rocks in the Gascoyne Murchison region are amongst the oldest rocks in the world at over 2.7 billion years old. A wonderful feeling of timelessness is often felt by visitors as they travel through this vast landscape.
As you drive the Outback Pathways you will be struck by the amazing rock formations the area entails; rich red breakaway ranges and impressive granite boulders dot the vast fields of shrub land.
One of the most prominent of the Murchison's ancient rocks is Greenstone which forms winding ranges and hills throughout the Gascoyne Murchison Region.
Granite is the most abundant rock type and most of the granites in the area range in age from 2.6 billion to almost 3 billion years old.
The Outback Pathways traverse an ancient and geologically fascinating landscape that must be experienced in your lifetime.
This is a remote destination, and you may be required to travel on unsealed roads. Weather events may impact road conditions.
Please check the road safety reports and ensure your vehicle is adequately equipped prior to commencing your journey.
We have provided the following links for your convenience.