Miners Pathway
Paynes Find to Meekatharra
Follow the Miners Pathway and explore the legacy of this remarkable period through the grand old buildings and the graveyards, the rusting machinery and the rich stories of those who lived in these whirlwind times. From Paynes Find to Meekatharra, or Yalgoo to Sandstone you will share the adventrue, the drama and the richness of the great Murchison goldfields.
You can drive the Miners Pathway in either direction, though it is recommended that you start in Paynes Find and travel north up the Great Northern Highway through Mt Magnet, Cue to Meekatharra. From there the Pathway goes south-east to Sandstone, then west back through Mt Magnet to Yalgoo and finally south-east again to complete the journey back at Paynes Find. For more information on the Miners Pathway purchase your copy of the Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways Guidebook.
4 Day Self Drive Miners Pathway Itinerary
Capture the prospecting spirit with towns from the forefront of WA's gold boom in the 1800s!
Day 1: Paynes Find - Meekatharra - 340km, 4 hours
Enjoy wildflowers in season before setting off from Paynes Find towards Mt Magnet. Remnants of gold mining history are evident in discarded mines, museum and heritage walks. Head north to Cue to see stunning colonial architecture, with many buildings classified by the National Trust.
Accommodation options: Motel, outback pub, B&B's, station stays, caravan park, camping
Day 2: Meekatharra - Sandstone191km, 2.5 hours
Hit the dirt road south east to Sandstone, watching for kangaroos and emus. Rock formations contrast with rust stained sandstone giving the town its name. Stop at London Bridge rock formation.
Accommodation options: Outback pub, B&B, caravan park, camping
Day 3: Sandstone - Yalgoo - 280km, 3 hours
Weave through the vast open landscape, crossing back through Mt Magnet to Yalgoo. Emus, wedge-tailed eagles and kangaroos are plentiful. Visit Joker's Tunnel, carved through solid rock by early prospectors.
Accommodation options: Station stays, outback pub, caravan park, camping
Day 4: Yalgoo - Paynes Find - 155km, 2 hours
Head south east to your starting point of Paynes Find. Visit the Gold Battery and Museum, showcasing the region's mining, pastoral and sandalwood industries.
Accommodation options: Roadhouse, camping