ROAD TRIP | PERTH TO MOUNT AUGUSTUS
ROAD TO THE ROCK Perth to Mount Augustus is a 9-day road adventure like no other
Found roughly 1,000 kilometres north of Perth in the Gascoyne Murchison region of Western Australia, Mount Augustus is the world’s biggest rock – but amazingly, many Australians have never heard of it. It is located within Mount Augustus National Park, a lush outback paradise with swimming holes, ancient rock art, a small but buzzing tourist park and the cutest outback bar you’ve ever seen. This itinerary is nine days but take it at your own pace – there’s plenty to see and do.
Day 1 — Perth to Mount Magnet Set your GPS and prepare to ride into the sunset: today is the beginning of your Road to the Rock adventure! From Perth, slip straight through the lush expanse of the Swan Valley, past honesty boxes, quaint towns and endless fields of canola. Refuel at Dalwallinu and admire the adorable heritage exterior of the general store. Hold onto your hunger until Paynes Find, where you’ll find a classic outback roadhouse dripping with character. This former mining settlement – so named after the first person to strike gold here, Thomas Payne – is today a tiny town centered around Paynes Find Roadhouse and it’s stuffed with posters, knick-knacks and quirky memorabilia. Order a massive President burger and sit outside by the giant gum trees to admire the glittering ruby colour of the soil (and an emu or two if you’re lucky). Before you leave, check out the old petrol pump by the bowsers – it’s a genuine relic from the days when hand pumping fuel by the litre was the ‘done thing’. Stay further up the road tonight at Mount Magnet, a classic outback town with a laidback lure. Beyond the art deco facades of the main drag, you’ll find fabulous old pubs like the Commercial Club Hotel. Strewn with rope lights and edged by well-tended plants, it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy a thick steak or giant chicken parma. Stroll back to your accommodation at Mount Magnet Caravan Park or Miners Rest Units – be sure to look up and admire the stars.
MAIN: Wooleen Station.
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