OVERVIEW
REMOTE OUTBACK CAMPING TOUR OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
This outback expedition is no ordinary adventure. We follow two tracks built by Len Beadell (regarded as the ‘last real Australian Explorer’), the Anne Beadell Highway (named after his wife) and the Connie Sue Highway (named after his daughter). They were completed in 1962. He surveyed these and many of the better-known outback tracks of Central Australia.
The highways pass through remote desert areas but don’t be confused by the highway tag; these tracks are rarely used and are often narrow, twisty and sandy, but well worth the adventure.
15-DAY OUTBACK TRIP FROM PERTH TO NEALE JUNCTION & COCKLEBIDDY – DISCOVER WILDLIFE & GRANITE WOODLANDS
The trip departs from Perth and heads to Neale Junction via Laverton on the Anne Beadell Highway, before heading south on the Connie Sue to Cocklebiddy. We have allowed seven days to travel these tracks so we’ll have plenty of time to explore the area’s wildlife and breathtaking terrain.
We will spend two full days at the Eyre Bird Observatory to explore the wildlife and history in this peaceful and strikingly scenic outpost.
Making our way back to Perth we will have two days on the Granite Woodlands Discovery Trail which passes through one of the most extensive temperate woodlands left in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Perth to Coolgardie Area | Today we will depart Perth from the Wellington Street tourist pick-up point at 7.15 am. We then head up the Great Eastern Highway, passing through the central Wheatbelt towns of Northam and Merredin as we head to Coolgardie. Accommodation: Bush Camp, Coolgardie Area LD |
Day 2 | Coolgardie Area to bush camp east of Laverton | Today we will travel through the historic goldfield ghost towns of Broad Arrow and Kookynie and then on to Laverton. Accommodation: Bush Camp, east of Laverton BLD |
Day 3 & 4 | Laverton - Anne Beadell Highway - Neale Junction | For the next two days, we will travel on one of the loneliest roads in Australia over many dunes topped by magnificent Marble Gums (Euc gongylocarpa). In the swales and throughout the area, you will find Eucalyptus youngiana, dense thickets of Mulga (Acacia anuer\), Sheoak (Allocasuarina cristata) and Hummock Grass or Spinifex (Triodia basedowii). The western side of the Great Victoria Desert features fascinating breakaway country and mesa-like hills. There will be plenty of time to look at the natural wealth of flora and fauna and appreciate the beautiful outback scenery. Accommodation: Bush Camps, Anne Beadell Highway BLD |
Day 5 | Neale Junction | Today will be spent exploring and discovering Neale Junction Nature Reserve. Accommodation: Bush Camp, Anne Beadell Highway BLD |
Day 6 - 9 | Neale Junction to Eyre Bird Observatory | The next section of the trip takes us south. We travel on the Connie Sue Highway via Rawlinna and on the Trans-Australian railway line to the coastal Eyre Bird Observatory south of Cocklebiddy. Accommodation: Bush camps on Connie Sue Highway and shared accommodation at the Bird Observatory. BLD |
Day 10 & 11 | Eyre Bird Observatory | We take a break from driving and camping for the next two days and discover the history and wildlife around the observatory. Accommodation: Bird Observatory BLD |
Day 12 | Eyre Bird Observatory to East of Norseman | Today we head back to the Eyre Highway while stopping and looking at the birdlife and wildflowers as we slowly make our way back to Perth. Accommodation: Bush Camp, East of Norseman BLD |
Day 13 & 14 | East of Norseman to Hyden Area via Granite Woodlands Trail | We will spend the next two days exploring the Woodlands Trail, which passes through one of the most extensive temperate woodlands left in the world. It links Norseman to Hyden and Wave Rock with 300 km of heathlands and granite outcrops. Accommodation: Bush Camps, Granite Woodlands Trail BLD |
Day 15 | Hyden Area to Perth | Our last day takes us through the Wheatbelt back to Perth. Our outback adventure ends with our late afternoon arrival in Perth. BL |
NOTE: the above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice
availability
Places available
Inclusions
- Coates tour leader/driver
- Coates naturalist leader/driver
- Two well-maintained, air conditioned vehicles with front facing, seat-belted seats
- Easy to erect tents and camp chairs with armrests
- A self-inflating air mattress and stretcher bed
- All eating utensils
- Meals as per itinerary – breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
- Morning tea each day & fruit on-board the vehicle throughout the day
- All national park entrance fees
- Campsite fees
Trip Reviews
“The itinerary was flexible day to day; everyone had a chance to call a stop for what interested them whenever it cropped up. The ability to handle the unexpected with aplomb is very much appreciated. Plan B was as good as – perhaps even better – than plan A.
I did expect very knowledgable and enthusiastic tour leaders and that’s what I received.
We could ask the complex questions and always end up with new and comprehensive information. Excellent!”
“[Guides] Went beyond expectations to make every aspect go as smoothly as possible especially when itinerary had to be altered due to weather.”
“Tom’s cooking was plentiful and delightful. Jolanda’s knowledge of the flora and fauna was exceptional.”
“The best outdoor adventure for flora and fauna lovers!”