A selection of trails to consider when planning your wheatbelt get away.
Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail
The Golden Pipeline is an Australian story of gold, water and the development of a remote and harsh, but beautiful land - a slice of real Australia.
Take a trip from the Perth Hills (Mundaring) through Wheatbelt towns of Meckering, Cunderdin, Tammin, Kellerberrin, Doodlakine, Merredin, Westonia and Southern Cross to Kalgoorlie along the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail. Experience a journey through a fascinating time capsule of natural and cultural heritage.
The Golden Pipeline was built at the dawn of the 20th Century. It was the most ambitious water supply scheme ever built - bigger than anything the Romans did. It is still the longest freshwater pipeline in the world – and it is still working!
Before engineer CY O’Connor created this scheme, water was scarce. Men died of thirst. Others died as typhoid raged through the towns and camps of the goldfields.
You can take as long as seven days or as short as two to travel The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail. Three or four days will give you a good feel for the country and its heritage.
The No1 Pump Station at Mundaring Weir is a good place to start, or the Trail works just well starting at the Mt Charlotte reservoir in Kalgoorlie. The Trail is well signposted so you won’t get lost, even though it takes you off the ‘beaten track’ on many occasions and is suitable for driving in a conventional family car.
There are 26 special interest sites with interpretation signs along the way. Together they tell the story of the land, the people and the Pipeline. A guide book has been produced by The National Trust and is available at many places along the Pipeline.
Pioneers' Pathway
The Pioneers’ Pathway is a self-drive route that traverses the Wheatbelt following the well worn trail many prospectors once took on their way to the Yilgarn and Kalgoorlie Goldfields
Starting in either Toodyay or Merredin, this scenic journey wanders past expansive Wheatbelt farmland and through the small towns of Goomalling, Dowerin, Wyalkatchem, Trayning, Kununoppin and Nungarin, providing a classic experience of Western Australia’s Wheatbelt heartland.
Whether you’re travelling from Perth to the goldfields, or from the west to the east coast, this trip is a rewarding alternative to the Great Eastern Highway, adding only 44 kilometres to the journey. It offers the remarkable view of wildflowers in colourful profusion during the season, invigorating leg stretching nature walks, as well as numerous buildings and museums reflecting the unique rural historical significance of the region.
The sealed two-lane road along the Pioneers’ Pathway makes the drive a pleasurable experience. Why not create an interesting circuit route by combining the Golden Pipeline trail between Merredin and Mundaring.
The Pioneers’ Pathway guide is available from the Merredin and Districts Visitor Centre or visit www.pioneerspathway.org.au.
The Granite Loop Trail
Travel into the north and eastern Wheatbelt.
Experience the striking beauty of masive granite outcrops rising impressively from the landscape. An abundance of natural vegetation is waiting to be discovered around these unique rock formations.
The journey is a memorable contrast of picturesque farmlands, colossal rocky outcrops, vibrant floral displays stretching into the distance, tranquil picnic spots and a profusion of bird and animal life.
Be touched by nature while taking the time to travel through this truly fascinating region.
The Trail begins along the Perth/Toodyay road, following the Pioneers' Pathway then branching north. It includes the towns of Dowerin with the Namelcatchem Nature Reserve on through Wyalkatchem and Trayning - (Korrelocking Nature Reserve), Yelbini and Kununoppin - (Billyacatting Rock) to Nungarin - (Talgomine Reserve)
Branch north to Mukinbudin - Weira, Chiddarcooping Nature Reserve, Elachbutting Rock and Beringbooding Rock) and on to Bonnie Rock and Beacon - (Billaburning Reserve, Mollerin Rocks).
Return westwards via Koorda and Wongan Hills or further to the north west through Dalwallinu.
More information on the Granite Loop Trail can be found in the Western Australian Wildflower Holliday Guide.
The Open Wheatbelt, Pathways to Wave Rock
Maps of Merredin and the Wheatbelt
Natural rolling vistas, heritage sites, delightful country towns make your journey to the wonderful attraction of Wave Rock an experience to savour.
The route includes the heritage town of York, well worth taking the time to explore, before continuing on to Quairading. Take a nature walk in the reserve adjacent the town or view the Vintage Club museum.
From the "smallest bank" at Shackleton through to Bruce Rock you will enjoy scenic vistas of farming country. Or take a side excursion to Kokerbin Rock for a picnic or overnight camping. The spectacular expanse of the Open Wheatbelt spreads before you from the easily accessible lookout.
Narembeen Shire offers a choice of reserves to visit, trails and scenic drives to enjoy before you arrive at Hyden and Wave Rock.
Allow time to explore the Rock, see Hippos Yawn and The Humps, enjoy the Star Gate Observatory, wildlife park and other attractions. You can easlily spend a few days just getting to Wave Rock and a few days in the area.
A choice of return routes beckon. South through Kalgarin, Kondinin and Kulin to Corrigin and Brookton. Or north through Merredin joining the Pioneers Pathway or the Golden Pipeline Hertage Trail back towards Perth.
