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Drive Trails

 

Hidden Treasures Loop 4 day drive trail
Perth - Woodanilling - Katanning - Nyabing - Pingrup - Ongerup - Jerramungup - Bremer Bay - Borden- Tambellup - Broomehill - Kojonup - Albany

On this trail you have the opportunity to take in all the treasures we have to offer in the Great Southern, from historic towns, to rolling rural landscapes and picturesque lakes, and some of mother nature's wonders. Take a left off Albany Highway at Robinson Road, 23 km south of Arthur River, to start your unique journey. Take time to explore and enjoy the wide range of low key attractions we have to offer.

 

Early Settlers & Great Southern Railway 2 day drive trail
Wagin - Woodanilling - Katanning - Broomehill - Tambellup - Cranbrook - Albany

Follow the route of the Great Southern Railway, which was completed between Perth and Albany in 1889. Wonder at the abilities and tenacity of our early settlers and the architects of the day, as well as experiencing our natural heritage. Plan ahead and book a guided tour, available in Katanning, Broomehill and Tambellup, or hop out of the car and take a walk on one of the many heritage trails on offer. The best point of entry is along the Great Southern Highway.

 

Lakes & War Settlement 2 day drive trail
Wagin - Dumbleyung - Nyabing - Pingrup - Ongerup - Jerramungup - Bremer Bay - Albany

Be amazed at one of nature's largest lakes in Western Australia, situated just outside Dumbleyung. It's so big that in 1964 Graham Campbell attempted to break the world land speed record on it. You will travel east through some of the best open rural plains in the Great Southern. Travellers will touch the tip of the ancient river system, running north/south from Pingrup to Lake Grace, now only a series of salt lakes. As you near Jerramungup you will be coming into some of our most recently settled rural areas. After World War II, the government of the day opened large tracts of land in a bid to repatriate returning soldiers and you can see just how well our 'diggers' adapted.

 

Sandalwood, Salt & Malleefowl 2 day drive trail
Lake Grace - Pingrup - Ongerup - Gnowangerup - Broomehill - Kojonup

Numerous salt lakes, which once were part of an ancient river system, are prominent on this route. Among these is Lake Bryde; its abundant variety of identified water birds alone should entice the avid birdwatcher. You will also find on your trip many references to the sandalwood cutters. These pioneers lived a lonely existence, spending weeks criss-crossing virgin bush in search of the valued sandalwood tree. The Ongerup/Gnowangerup area is the home of the elusive Malleefowl, once a common sight throughout the Great Southern. Tours can be arranged, but prior arrangement is essential.

 

National Parks & Biosphere 3 day drive trail
Albany - Bremer Bay - Jerramungup - Ongerup - Borden - Cranbrook - Perth

Travellers should be aware that there is a lot of dirt and some very rough ground to cover on this drive trail. We recommend 4WD touring, otherwise it is best to travel in the dryer months. The Great Southern is home to two unique National Parks: the Stirling Range National Park, which includes one of the only ranges that regularly experiences snow in WA, and the Fitzgerald River National Park, one of the largest parks in Australia, forming a large part of the Fitzgerald Biosphere. With over 180 plant species, 75 of which are not found anywhere else in the World, this is a must-do trip.

 

Holland Track/Way 3 day drive trail
Broomehill - Nyabing - Newdegate - Hyden - Coolgardie

Holland Way covers 600 km, encompassing interesting farming, pastoral, mining and native landscapes. Gold was discovered in Coolgardie in 1892 and the only way to get there from Albany was via Northam and Southern Cross. A shorter route was required. John Holland and three trusty followers set out from Broomehill on 26th April 1893, arriving at Coolgardie on 3rd July. This track was cut through virgin bush and covered over 500 km, cutting weeks off travel time for the thousands of fortune-seekers gathering from all over Australia in Albany. Ideal for two wheel drive travel. An alternative, for the more adventurous, is the 4WD Holland Track, which is 350 km in length, but you will need to be well prepared and it is best not to travel during the winter months.

 

Below is a map of the Hidden Treasures drive trails - a larger, print-friendly Drive Trails Map is available here.

 

Safety Tips... Life threatening emergencies - phone 000 All police stations - phone 131 444 Don't drive tired; stop and rest at least every 2 hours. It is recommended that you carry a Next G phone. Look out for wildlife and livestock, especially at dawn and dusk. Be aware of and give way to large road trains, trucks and agricultural machinery, which frequent these roads. Reduce your speed at night and drive within the range of your headlights. Drive with care on gravel roads - reduce your speed! Do not light fires in restricted areas. Make sure your car is mechanically sound, your tyres are in good condition and have your brakes checked. Always wear your seatbelt ... children too. Never leave your car unlocked when unattended. Do not consume alcohol before driving or during a break. Check your roof rack. Notify police or rangers when travellling to remote areas. Always carry and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Make sure you have enough fuel, as smaller towns may not serve fuel after hours. Please take all your rubbish with you. Slow down ... you will see more!