Golden Outback
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Overview
Visit the old towns of the gold mining days; numerous relics, equipment, old shanties and mine frames, all long since abandoned. In the 1890’s thousands of locals’ and migrants alike tried their luck with gold prospecting. Mining relics and their possessions are scattered throughout the old settlements and history abounds in the region.
We will also visit the Kalgoorlie open cut mine, and explore Lake Ballard. 51 unique sculptures based on residents of the Shire of Menzies can be found on the lake.
We will visit the Helena and Aurora Ranges (Aboriginal name ‘Bungalbin’), magnificent banded ironstone formations. This is one of the last ranges in the whole Yilgarn region that dates back 2.6 billion years. It’s ancient, it’s unique, and there are species here not found anywhere else on the planet. The area should still have a good display of wildflowers as well.
Wonderful scenery together with breathtaking wildflower displays will provide perfect photographic opportunities daily.
Itinerary
| 1 | Perth to Coolgardie area | We depart Perth from the Wellington Street tourist pick up point by 0800hrs. We then head up the Great Eastern highway towards Coolgardie. The drive today takes us up the Darling escarpment, through its forests and then through some of our most productive wheat and sheep farming areas. The drive also follows the Golden Pipeline, the C.Y.O`Connor inspired Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. This pipe line was built in 1903 and took five years to construct. It is still the longest freshwater pipeline in the world. Accommodation: Bush Camp Coolgardie area LD |
| 2 | Coolgardie area - Kalgoorlie - Lake Ballard | Leaving Coolgardie, it is only a short drive to Kalgoorlie. The drive will take us through eucalypt woodland forests made up of tall, vigorous and varied species of eucalypts. There are about 14 different eucalypt species between Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie and over 50 around Kalgoorlie. In Kalgoorlie we will visit the massive open cut mine before continuing onto our campsite at Lake Ballard. Accommodation: Bush Camp Site Lake Ballard BLD |
| 3 | Lake Ballard | This morning we will walk out onto the lake and spend time looking at the Gormley outback sculptures. After lunch we will visit the Niagara Nature Reserve and Niagara Dam, travelling via Menzies. The water in the dam is a great draw card for wildlife in the area. Accommodation: Bush Camp Site Lake Ballard BLD |
| 4 | Lake Ballard - Rowles lagoon - Credo Station | Today we travel via Rowles Lagoon (a good spot for birding) to Credo Station. We will spend this afternoon exploring the former pastoral station. Accommodation: Credo Station Camp Site BLD |
| 5 | Credo Station | Today we will return to the nearby Rowles Lagoon Conservation Park and spend the day discovering the local wildlife. We will return to our Credo Station camp mid to late afternoon. Accommodation: Credo Station Camp Site BLD |
| 6 | Credo Station to to Helena Aurora Ranges | Today we will travel via Southern Cross to the Helena and Aurora Ranges. We will set up our camp and then spend the afternoon exploring the area around our campsite. Accommodation: Bush Camp Helena Aurora Ranges BLD |
| 7 & 8 | Helena Aurora Ranges | We will spend the next two days exploring the natural history of these often overlooked and threatened ranges. Enjoy spectacular scenery, discover ancient rock outcrops and keep an eye out for remarkable fauna and flora. Accommodation: Bush Camp Helena Aurora Ranges BLD |
| 9 | Helena Aurora Ranges - Baladjie Rock - Perth | This morning we pack up and start our return journey to Perth. We will travel via Koolyanobbing, Southern Cross and Baladjie Rock and expect our arrival back in Perth to be late afternoon. BL |
availability
Spots available on 5 September 2020 departure
Inclusions
- Two well-maintained 4WD vehicles;
- 2 crew members – a Naturalist/Driver Guide and Driver/Cook;
- Easy-to-erect tents and camp chairs with armrests;
- A self-inflating air mattress and stretcher bed;
- All eating utensils;
- Meals as per itinerary: B (breakfast), L (lunch), D (dinner);
- Campsite fees;
- Morning teas;
- All national park entrance fees;
- Travel permits as required.