Road trip to Exmouth along the Wool Wagon Pathway

Don’t just drive to Exmouth, make it an unforgettable adventure with a road trip along The Wool Wagon Pathway.

#WanderOutYonder to discover the unexpected; landscapes to rival any national park, aboriginal art and tales of early pioneers. Even a waterfall in the desert – yes, you read that right – all along the Wool Wagon Pathway.

These roads were carved by stockmen and thousands of cattle and sheep. Early settlers in the Gascoyne and Murchison exported the finest wool in the world fetching the highest prices in London. The Wool Wagon Pathway traces the footsteps of these trailblazers, discovering natural wonders and a rich history in the Golden Outback. On your next drive to Exmouth, why not escape the crowds and see the real outback Western Australia on a road trip along the Wool Wagon Pathway.

The trail is well signposted with informative boards at each stop. You can learn even more of the history and stories from people who lived and worked along this trail in the 176-page guidebook.

Pindar Common (Site #1) marks the start of the Wool Wagon Pathway. What remains of this settlement today belies its wealthy history and past booming population. The Old Pindar Hotel is still a popular spot serving time-honoured Devonshire teas and delicious cakes.

Take a wander through the old shearers kitchen and quarters at Wooleen Wool Shed (Site #6) take yourself back to a time when this area would have been bustling.

Further along the trail, the Shire of Murchison is one of the largest in Australia, but with a population of only around 120 and no gazetted townsite it’s the only shire in Australia without a town. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t much going on. Aside from the 26 stations, the Murchison Settlement is a busy hub with fuel, groceries, a caravan park, and a bowling green. The small museum contains items from the region’s industrious past – including a camel saddle of all things.

The escarpment of Errabiddy Bluff (site #8) can be seen from 30km away and is one of the best lookouts along the trail. Drive or walk up the hilltop and enjoy sunset. Wander back out past Errabiddy Outcamp (site #7) and read the story of Mary and James Watson who lived on this remote outstation in the 1920’s.

At Bilung Pool giant gums and rocky ridges surround this tranquil permanent waterhole. After a good rain, a waterfall forms – something you don’t see every day in the outback. Just up the road is the Wooramel River Crossing with deep red river gorges to rival Kalbarri or Karijini National Parks.

The Gascoyne has not always been the sunburnt desert we see today. Around 300 million years ago a vast sea covered the area around Gascoyne Junction. This shallow sea was abounding with life and evidence can be seen in the thousands of tiny fossilised shells preserved in the sandstone at Sea Shells (Site #14).

Be sure to top up your fuel at Gascoyne Junction as the next service station isn’t for 527km! For extra peace of mind carry a spare jerry can of fuel with you. Gascoyne Juncation offer a fabulous pud and atmosphere to enjoy during your stay.

The cliffs and gorges of Kennedy Range National  Park create the perfect wonderland for hiking and exploring, and not just for modern people. Aboriginal art adorns the cliff walls and the range marks the boundary between two tribes; the Maia and Malgaru.

Follow the Wool Wagon Pathway north from here to cross the Tropic of Capricorn (Site #20). You will feel start to feel like you are on a tropical holiday as you take a dip in the warm waters of the Exmouth Gulf at Giralia Bay (Site #22).

Next stop, Exmouth! But not before marveling at the enormous Termite Nests (Site #23) along the roadside. Then after swimming with whale sharks and experiencing everything Exmouth has to offer, you can journey home along the coast making sure to stop in at the Space and Technology Museum in Carnarvon and the new gravity-defying Skywalk at Kalbarri National Park.

 

Turn the journey into an unforgettable experience and take the Wool Wagon Pathway route to Exmouth. Get into the Spirit of Adventure as you put on your road trip playlist and enjoy that feeling of freedom and adventure that you get when you #WanderOutYonder.

 

 

How long is the Wool Wagon Pathway?

The Wool Wagon Pathway route is 1440km from Perth to Exmouth – that’s only 100km or so more than the coastal route but with so much to see along the trail.

Where to get fuel?

Mullewa > 202km > Murchison Settlement  > 299km > Gascoyne Junction > 527km > Exmouth.

How many days to drive the Wool Wagon Pathway?

You can easily drive the Wool Wagon Pathway in 3 days but you could easily take a week or more to explore the stations and museums. 7 days gives you plenty of time to explore the Wool Wagon Pathway plus enjoy everything there is to see in Exmouth.

Where to stay along the Wool Wagon Pathway

If camping is your thing you can book a remote secluded spot at one of the many working stations along the route; Wooleen, Glenburgh, Giralia, Emu Creek and Bullara, or the Kennedy Range National Park.

Or if you’d like a few more amenities and onsite restaurant then both Murchison Oasis and Gascoyne Junction caravan parks are the perfect spot. For a little luxury you can also enjoy a room at Wooleen Station Homestead or complimentary damper at Bullara Station.

The trail is AWD accessible and easy to drive with a caravan or boat in tow. It is best to check with individual stations at the time of your visit which of their trails are 2WD or 4WD. Some stretches of road are unsealed. You can check road conditions on the shire websites before travelling

• Shire of Murchison
• Shire of Gascoyne

You can pick up the guidebook at most visitor centres or buy it now to help plan your trip.

 

Author: Suzy Jones; Keeping up with Little Joneses