Road to Rock Mt Augustus

Day 1: Perth to Paynes Find

Departing Perth, journey north along the Great Northern Highway through Swan Valley’s wine region, scenic Bindoon Hills, and historic New Norcia—Australia’s only monastic town—where you can attend Midday Prayer with the Monks. The route continues into the Northern Wheatbelt, stopping at Dalwallinu to admire its heritage General Store and seasonal wildflowers. Finally, arrive at Payne’s Find, a charming former mining settlement centred around a charismatic outback roadhouse. Enjoy a hearty President’s burger outdoors beneath giant gums while soaking in the red soil and, if lucky, spotting an emu or two.

Overnight: Paynes Find Rosdhouse

Day 2: Paynes Find to Meekatharra

Today’s journey takes us into the arid station country around Paynes Find, rich in seasonal wildflowers. We pass through the historic Murchison Goldfields to Mount Magnet and Cue—laid-back outback towns with grand gold rush architecture and welcoming pubs.

In wildflower season (mid-August to mid-September), Mount Magnet bursts with everlastings, kangaroo paws, smokebushes, orchids, and Sturt’s Desert Peas. Nearby, the Granites offer striking rock formations and ancient Badimia rock art, some of which date back 9,000 years.

Cue’s heritage charm leads to Big Bell, a haunting ghost town with remnants of its once-thriving community and a decaying Art Deco hotel.

Next, explore Walga Rock—Australia’s second-largest monolith—home to WA’s most extensive Aboriginal rock art gallery and panoramic views from the summit. Between July and September, wildflowers like bush tomato, paper lilies, and everlastings blanket the area.

We end the day in Meekatharra, a town of quiet charm and classic architecture.

Overnight: Auski Inland Motel, Meekatha

Day 3: Meekatharra to Mount Augustus

Today’s the big one—off to Mount Augustus, the world’s most enormous rock. After breakfast in Meekatharra (your last fuel stop), settle in for a five-hour drive through striking terrain: chalky soils, olive scrub, and ruby-red earth. Stop at Mount Gould Lock-Up, an old police station surrounded by quartz-strewn ground and, in spring blooming wildflowers.

Approaching Mount Augustus, its vast form emerges slowly.

Take the 40-minute Loop Drive to appreciate its scale and Uluru-like silhouette. Check into your cabin at the lush Tourist Park, complete with green lawns and a charming open-air bar.

Later, head to Emu Hill Lookout for sweeping views and a sunset lightshow that reveals the rock’s spiritual grandeur.

Overnight: Mount Augustus Tourist Park, Mount Augustus

It is important to note that the Mount Augustus Tourist Park offers accommodation with shared bathroom facilities. However, this is outback Western Australia; you should expect a unique holiday experience.

Day 4: Exploring Mount Augustus

Mount Augustus offers trails from moderate to challenging— only for experienced hikers. Start with the 500m Flintstone Rock Walk to see hidden Aboriginal petroglyphs. The Summit Trail, a challenging 6-hour return hike, takes you to the peak of this 1.7-billion-year-old monolith, offering stunning 360° views and a surprise at the top. Bring plenty of water (4L+), sun protection, and a packed lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure after the climb.

Overnight: Mount Augustus Tourist Park, Mount Augustus

Day 5: Mount Augustus to Casgoyne Junction

Today, we leave Mount Augustus after refuelling at the tourist park. If it’s spring, get your camera ready—the road to Kennedy Gascoyne Junction is lined with vibrant wildflowers in yellows, whites, purples, and reds. Expect a few photo stops, but keep moving; more blooms await in the days ahead.

We’ll spend the night at Gascoyne Junction’s clean, modern Junction Tourist Park, where the nearby bistro offers tasty pub fare in a bright, welcoming space.

Overnight: Junction Tourist Park, Gasgoyne Junction.

Day 6: Kennedy Range

The stunning Kennedy Range, with its serrated cliffs stretching for kilometres, is a hidden gem worth exploring.

We’ll take the popular, easy 500m Honeycomb Gorge walk, where you can see the unique honeycomb-patterned gorgewalls and, between July and September, Dawson’s burrowing bees near the pool. If time allows, we may explore another trail before returning to Gascoyne Junction for a second night at Junction Tourist Park.

Day 7: Gasgoyne Junction to Woolin Station

After refuelling at the roadhouse, we head south to Bilung Pool, a peaceful spot perfect for a picnic amid towering gums and rocky ridges. Our leading destination is Wooleen Station, a vast 500,000-acre outback property renowned for its transition to sustainable land management under the leadership of David Pollock and Frances Jones.

Join an afternoon Guided Sunset tour led by David, ending at the sacred Indigenous site Tanjimooka, where granite outcrops offer sweeping 360-degree views of the recovering landscape—a perfect spot to reflect, perhaps with a glass of Australian sparkling wine. Stay overnight in the charming, National Trust-listed seven-bedroom homestead.

Overnight: Wooleen Station

Day 8: Wooleen Station

Wooleen Station offers plenty to do despite its remote feel.

Borrow a mountain bike to explore the trails, or birdwatch at Yewlands Pool and Wooleen Lake, where native species are returning. On hot days, cool off with a swim in the tranquil Murchison River or take the canoe out (paddle available at the homestead). Be sure to return in time for dinner, where organic, multi-course meals are served by candlelight around a long table, fostering warm conversation with fellow guests.

Overnight: Wooleen Station

Day 9: Wooleen Station to Mingenew

Today’s highlights include the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Peter and St. Paul, and the Priesthouse in Mallewa, which was primarily designed by architect-priest Mgr John Hawes between 1921 and 1927, with the assistance of parishioners.

Next, explore Coalseam Conservation Park, a sheltered valley with mineral-rich soils supporting dense carpets of native everlastings. Their vibrant blooms—ranging from soft rose to bright yellow—sway hypnotically across the hills, creating a breathtaking, fragrant spectacle.

Overnight: Minegew Caran Park Cabins, Minegew

Day 10: Mingenew to Perth

The adventures are almost over, but today you’re in for one last treat. Hungry for more colourful? We follow the Wildflower Way to nearby Morawa and down through Perenjori, Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills for more spectacular displays on the way back to Perth.