Adventure 4×4 Club of WA – Mount Augustus via Kalbarri (Easter 2025)

Day 01

After nearly everyone arriving at the Murchison Station at 11am, except Steve & Rita how arrived Thursday and secured everyone on awesome spot by the river, with Paul & Leanne arriving later in the day with their brand new shiny Van.

The plan for today was set up , relax and take in the view.

Day 02

Trip order for the day was Rob & Cory Leader, Steve & Rita, James & Sandra, Martin & Meena and Tail end Charlie was Paul & Leanne. Scribe Leanne.

Our morning departure from camp led us past the homestead machinery shed and its collection of equipment before stopping to air up in the gravel near the main road. Turning left we headed to the queue for entry into the Kalbarri National Park.

Our first stop was Nature’s Window where we joined the queue of tourist to get the perfect Instagram shot sitting in the window.

Next was the Sky Walk, thankfully it wasn’t as busy, and we all took time to marvel at the engineering feat that resulted in two walkways jutting out over the edge of the ancient cliffs.

Rob pointed out that the aesthetically pleasing rusted metal would eventually threaten the integrity and safety of the structures. After coffees & ice creams it was time to hit the road.

A quick stop in Kalbarri allowed club members to nip into shops or toilets as required, heading towards the Balline Road turnoff south of town.

Paul & Leanne lost a hubcap on the bumpy road – big thanks to Sandra for carefully watching it bunch away and finding it the scrub.

Airing down at the ranger’s station we were soon on Lucky Bay beach and so was everyone else! There were campsites set up literally everywhere along the coast.

Would be an amazing place to camp if wasn’t blowing a gale, finding a sheltered spot behind the dunes it was time for lunch. It was hot lunches all round. Rob was very pleased to have hot pizza heated in his own oven, rather than watching on with a cold sandwich as he has in the past.

A little time was spent exploring the dunes behind the main campground where we found even more campers! Heading back, we found the tide had risen a little, making our trip through a narrow pass between a dune and the sea a bit of a squeaky bum moment for a few of us (scribe included).

Rob had a great plan to make our way south along the beach to Port Gregory, but this fell apart when we run out of sand, so U- turn saw us returning to find a somewhat scratchy path back to the main track. Still keen on getting Port Gregory, Rob followed Sandra’s directions to turn right, but sadly this turned out to be another U -Turn, we could hear the traffic on the road but just couldn’t get through the trees to it.

A dusty air-up stop a cold drink and we were ready to hit the bitumen again. Some members elected to head-to-head back to camp to freshen up for dinner, Rob, Cory, Paul and Leanne continued on to explore the main lookouts on the way back into town, Natures Bridge, Castle Cove, Island Rock and Pot Alley didn’t disappoint and we timed our trek perfectly to watch a gorgeous sunset from Red Bluff lookout.

Having a little time to kill we stopped at the pub for a pint and a yarn before meeting the rest of our group at Finlay’s for a very enjoyable group dinner and a few drinks.

Back at camp we shared chocolate and a shots bucket and pondering the mysteries of the stars.

Day 03 (Easter Sunday)

The convoy was led by Rob followed by Cory, James, Steve/ Martin and Paul & Leanne Tail end Charlie. Martin (scribe)

We left camp with high spirits, heading towards the beach on the coast track. The other women decided to head into town for some retail therapy.

A minor mishap occurred when James accidentally drove into the back of Cory’s Ute. Thankfully the damage was minimal, but it served as a reminder of the challenges of navigating and driving simultaneously (should have been a carton fine).

We arrived at our first viewpoint of the day. The cliffs overlooking the river offered breathtaking views. we spent some time here, capturing photos and soaking in the serene atmosphere.

We set off again, aiming to reach the beach. Unfortunately, our path was blocked, forcing us to turn around.

We headed back to camp for lunch. Paul jumped with Rob and Martin picked up his car and tail end Charlie role.

Our next adventure took onto the river track. This route proved to be more technical than the coast track, featuring some challenging rock crawling sections. We discovered the Stone Wall Soak, a stunning spot with cliffs overlooking the area, we also found a Unnel, a fascinating washout that formed a tunnel without a roof. It was a unique experience to walk through this natural formation.

We decided over a cold beer it was time to head back to camp, taking a different track that was quicker and smoother a lot less challenging.

After dinner it was time for the pajamas dice game that had everyone worried for weeks, I think every laughed for hours afterwards and some even scored new sleep wear.

Day 04

Rob leader, Steve & Rita, James & Sandra, Paul & Leanne tail end charlie , Rob (scribe)

Monday found us saying goodbye to Cory, Martin & Meena.

We all packed up and headed out of the station at 8.30am, after airing up we all headed into town
for fuel, water, dump point and supplies, this taking a bit longer than anticipated, once done we
hit the road about 10.15am.

Out on the NW Hwy we headed North to our turn off Coolcalalya Road, airing down for the start off
our gravel road leg.

First stop the abandoned Coolcalalya station, strolling around what is left of the station’s buildings, packing the ovens for our lunch stop a little later in the day.

After driving down what would have to have been the smoothest gravel roads I have even driven on, we found a clearing for all of us to park up for lunch next to the Murchison River crossing. Sandra & James informed everyone of a couple issues they had:

1. They forgot to plug in the oven and lunch was cold.
2. The most devastating one, the lemonchello had fallen out of the fridge and exploded!

The mess wasn’t the main issue it was the fact that it was a really good brew!
After a quick clean-up we head to the Carnarvon – Mullewa turn off, airing up once we hit the bitumen our next stop Murchison Oasis roadhouse for fuel, toilet break & ice cream.

Airing down again for some gravel heading to Byro for the night, due to the number of times we aired up down we decided camp up approximately 40km’s before Byro, finding some flat ground about 30mtrs off the road settled down with the fly’s & stars for the night.

Day 05

Rob S Leader, Steve & Rita Scribe, James & Sandra, Paul & Leanne Tail end Charlie.

We got moving around 9am from our overnight stop, North of Murchison Oasis settlement. The flies were friendly as they had been in the past, the was looking to be a warm one, was already 27 degrees, the sky was Blue, and we were looking forward to reaching Mount Augustus – about 300km’s away.

The Carnarvon – Mullewa road which continued to be a mixture of Red & White gravel though in good condition so was not too bumpy.

We drove past Byro Homestead just past the Tathire Creek crossing which was dry.
Only a windmill could be seen from the road and as we thought it was a residential property, we didn’t sneak in for a look.

Thinking the drinks from the before were still present we come across a Helicopter hovering in the middle of the road, turned out to be mustering a massive herd of cattle down the road just before the 26th parallel.

We had a quick stop to look at Well 19 which was an alternative stock route from the Canning Stock route for those wishing to avoid fees ” Back in the day”.
Telegraph poles lined the side of the road which was an unusual site in the middle of nowhere.

Moving on searching for Bilung Pool and Waterfall, Mount Augustus could be seen in the distance, taking a track on our right led us to a lookout and camping area with the ranges as a backdrop and the river gorge below was a nice break from driving. Back in the cars we crossed the Woolramel River which still had some water in it but low, the crossing was dry.

Finding Bilung Pool turnoff we drove a short distance down the access road, through a gate in search of the pool & waterfall. No waterfall today but the green pool still had some water in it, a lone old rickety picnic table stood as a testament it was once used as a place to cool off and would be a magical place to be in the wet season.

Turning right onto the Dalgety Downs Glenburgh road, turned out to be a very well-maintained
gravel road No corrugations! stopping for lunch on the side of the road no view today.

Turning left onto the Lander – Mt Augustus road, debating whether air up or not as the road
looked like bitumen , but not for long the right decision was made, crossing on the Gascoyne
river and trying spot a race horse at Landor station, none in sight today, was a pleasant sight
with green grass everywhere which stood out amongst all the dust and gravel.

Steve decided to help reduce the dust by put a hole in his water about 30mins out of Mt
Augustus which was quickly sorted with some bush mechanics. Finally reaching Mt Augustus
at 3.40pm booked in and set up camp.

Mount Augustus tourist park had grass areas to camp around with water & power. A bar was
open on selected nights and a small grocery section with a takeaway meal option.

Day 06

Paul & Leanne Leaders – for the day, Rob S, Steve & Rita, James & Sandra Tale end Charlie & Scribe.

We left Mt Augustus Tourist Park at 8.30am.

A short drive to our 1st stop Oramboo. We just did a short walk Oramboo as the weather was already heating up. 35 degrees forecast with high humidity. We saw some rock paintings and Galahs very interested in what we were doing.

There was a lovely shady gum tree growing in what appears to be a dry riverbed which flows in the wet season, they say the cattle from Mt Augustus station come to drink from the river when flowing.

Second stop, Mundee.
We found more Rock art and what looks to be a mosaic drawing. 9.5kms to our next stop.

At Beedoboonue there are two walks 1 to the Summit, which takes a fit person at least 6hrs, this must be started before 7am due to the extreme heat. Needless to say, we all took the short 250mtr walk to Flintstone Rock (minus the rack of ribs).
This was a cat 3 walk with a manageable climb. Here we saw more Rock art and a cave which looks to habited by a Dingo or something, judging by the bones laying around.

We were then off to the Pound. An 800 mt return walk on a fairly easy but steep trail.
Climbed to the end of the trail for a nice view, could see for miles.

Our next stop for lunch was Cattle Pool, a 500 mt return walk, this was a nice respite as we were pretty much shaded all the way by big river Gum trees from the heat.

The pool more like river was full of water which was so inviting. Did we jump in No! (Mark would have lol) not after Steve sighting a large fish jump in the water, that’s his story we all have a fishing story to tell!

After lunch we moved onto our last stop, Warraria , Gum Grove Trail.
A 500 mt return walk, through the Gum trees, the weather was really starting to heat up, so we called it a day and headed back to camp for some refreshments.
Thanks to Paul & Leanne for the day’s activities.

Day 07

Rob S leader & Scribe, James & Sandra, tail end Charlie Paul & Leanne for the day.

Having another 8.30am start we said goodbye to Steve & Rita who were heading to the Coast, possibly the smartest couple in the group.

We set off heading to Meekatharra, communication amongst the group was very poor until I turn my two way on oops!

Our 1st stop was the old, restored MT Gould Police station was an interesting place, don’t think they were counting on having to many guests very small cells.

Everyone loaded the ovens for lunch (love hot pies). We had plans to stop at Oilba Pool for lunch, finding it was a small pool in the Murchison River on a station. Gathering around a small dam on the side of the road the Pies come out, well mine did. It was lunch time.

Not finding anything interesting to explore we headed to Meekatharra to fuel up, then down the bitumen Hwy to Nallan Lake for the night, lots of room to camp even had 3 Black swans having a swim in what water that was there.

Day 08

Order of convey was as yesterday Rob S Leader & Scribe , James & Sandra, Tail end Charlie Paul & Leanne.

Leaving Nallan Lake heading South to Cue for water & supplies. I got to meet a nice Police officer that breath tested me twice in 5mins. I think she liked me! or just had to get her numbers up.

Looked for the Museum but couldnt find it, even the Police didn’t know. I have now been told it is the back of the tourist bureau.

Leaving Cue we headed to Afgan Rock, not quite sure why it’s called Afgan Rock but Leanne had been there on a school excursion in her younger years, being allowed we climbed it.

Our next stop was Big Bell town site down a very well-maintained gravel road which is water around the clock.

Finding the remains of what would have been one awesome Pub in its day.

The men & women who lived here in the day would have been tuff as nails. Couldn’t count how many churches they had for just one town.

Walga Rock was our next stop for lunch, short stroll to see more Rock Art even a picture of a sailing ship, finding an easy path to the top off Paul, Leanne & I went, great view.

After sharing my lunch with half of Australia’s fly population, we moved onto find the Meteor Crater Site. Easier said than done we all missed the turn off and to perform a U – Turn, yes, we can do them on gravel roads doesn’t have to be secluded to Tracks or the Beach.

Once locating the road and finding the Crater I must admit I was expecting more than what we found, hey we can know say we have been there.

Our stop for the night was the old, abandoned homestead Delgarranga , little bit windy not bad enough to stop James’s cooking Pizza for everyone, Delicious!

Day 09

Convey order Leader Rob S, James & Sandra Scrib , Paul & Leanne Tail end Charlie

Up early off exploring the homestead and surrounding buildings, Paul informed us that there was a dam built on top of a rocky outcrop, off I go looking for it as it turns out it wasn’t very far from our camp, absolutely awesome job of building it where they did.

We headed off at 9am slowly getting later as it gets colder. Into Yalgoo for fuel, you would to be carefully having a big day at the races as the track is straight across the road from the Police station.

Our 1st stop would be Jocker’s Tunnel. What great little stop Sandra, Rob & Paul headed into the tunnel for a look which was dug by pick & shovel when Gold was discovered there in 1894 Fifty kilograms to be exact. We saw a Muuma Bat and her babies. The tunnel narrowed at the end, and we had to stoop to get through. James was going through with us until he heard the crickets and was told there was Bat’s, he decided it wasn’t for him!

We moved on to Thundelarra station for lunch and a look, meet with the camp host (even though there is no camping) The shearing shed is still in really good condition, the shire is doing a lot of work to restore all the remaining buildings.

On our way to the next stop of the day, we visited a small cemetery called “Rothsay” housing what is left of a couple of fellas that shouldn’t have played with dynamite all in one grave and a bloke just know as a Good Fella.

Stopping at Warrierdar Homestead another station the shire has semi restored the remaining building, looks like would be a good camp spot some time.

The last stop of the day was our attended camp spot Camel Soak, very good campground clean toilets stone tables with shelters over them. Interesting place where the Camel herders have blown a hole in the rocky outcrop to catch water for the Camels

Last day (home day)

After we rose for the last time , there some discussion on what was the best way we should head home, James & I decided we would stick to the bitumen while Paul wanted some more dust in his new van by taking a short on the gravel.

Arriving in Wubin , Paul & Leanne had beaten James & I by about 10mins. We all got separated by the traffic and wide load trucks but all making it home safely.