The trails that exist in the Gascoyne Murchison are an excellent way to explore along your journey, from the Mt Augustus Summit Trail which offers spectacular views to be admired, to the Walga Rock art walk which provides a unique and wonderous insight into the history of ancient Indigenous culture. Here are a few of our favourite trails in the Gascoyne-Murchison:
1. Summit Trail on Mt Augustus
Located roughly midway between Great Northern and North West Coastal highways, this 12km trail exists on one of the most spectacular solitary peaks in the world, rising 717 meters above the vast red dessert sandplain of the outback. The hike can take anywhere between 5 and 8 hours so be sure to take all the essentials! At the end of your trek, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views. A variety of easier walk trails, drive trails, lookouts, swimming holes and picnic spots are on offer for those less-hardy souls.
In Mount Augustus National Park, there is a trail worth visiting. Corella Trail is a short 2km trail following the banks of the tranquil Cattle Pool. As the name suggests, Cattle Pool is a large waterhole that exists as a permanent water source to quench the thirst of livestock along the usually dry Lyons River. It is a lovely place to enjoy an easy walk, with the opportunity to see some of the native wildlife along the way.
2. The Granites Trail in Mt Magnet
Located 9km north of Mt Magnet (along the Great Northern Highway), The Granites trail takes you on a journey of strong cultural significance, illustrating historic Indigenous rock art dating back 9,000 years. These old carving and paintings can be seen at several sites, which acts as a popular picnic spot for those wishing to take a rest and enjoy and the natural wonder of the 15 meter high granite formed caves.
3. Temple Gorge Trail in Kennedy Range
Starting at the Temple Gorge campground, this journey extends 2km, leading to inspiring and beautiful views of a rock face that starkly resembles that of a temple. There are other routes available which are longer, boulder and with steep hill sections for those looking for a more challenging journey. They will be rewarded with a stunning seasonal rock pool underneath the gorge walls, a fantastic place to pause and soak in all that nature has to offer.
4. Cue Heritage Walk Trail
This trail retraces the historic, early development of the Cue district and gives phenomenal insight into the early gold-mining era. It includes many charming buildings (mostly along the main street) that were constructed at the turn of the century, and the ruins of abandoned ghost towns of Big Bell and Day Dawn as well as the site of the old tent hospital at Milly Soak. It provides truly interesting insight into the life of those from a bygone era.
5. Walga Rock Art Walk
The Walga Rock and Cave is huge granite monolith, treasured by the local Indigenous people due to it’s cultural and spiritual significance. Located 48 kilometres west of Cue, this walk provides the perfect opportunity to gaze and wander at ancient Indigenous rock art collated over thousands of years. This 100-metre-long panel is understood to have 988 motifs containing paintings depicting snakes, goannas, spears, handprints and even a sailing ship.
6. The Breakaways Walk
In the Murchison region (located nearby Wooleen Station), this picturesque journey can be undertaken either by walking or mountain biking. It covers at least 10km, through some characteristic Mulga country as a variety of other plants grow in the understory. Along the trail you will notice some breakaway rocks looming on the horizon, by continuing to ride or walk up the breakaway and winding along it’s ridge, some bench is located as a stopping point to enjoy and observe the stunning and beautiful panoramic views.