Suggested Time: 2 days -
Central Wheatbelt

The unsealed Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail links Hyden and Wave Rock to Norseman and explores one of the world’s greatest untouched temperate woodlands, with 16 designated stopping places.

Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail

1
Day 1: The Breakaways Campsite (137km)

Marvel at Wave Rock, an amazing feat of nature that was millions of years in the making, before hitting the dirt road and heading east towards…

Marvel at Wave Rock, an amazing feat of nature that was millions of years in the making, before hitting the dirt road and heading east towards Norseman. Much of the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail is gravel, but it is suitable for two wheel drives and caravans.

Take in the expansive views of sandy heathland and spring wildflowers as you pass along the Holland Track, which gives way to nickel and gold mining land around Forrestania Plots. Keep a look out for bush turkeys, dingos or some of the more elusive native animals such as honey and pigmy possums, which are sometimes seen around Grevillea Hill. From here the landscape changes to mallee woodland and eucalypts. Explore the rocky outcrops and cliffs of The Breakaways before rolling out your swag at the campground for a night under an amazing star-filled sky.
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Day 2: Norseman (165km)

You’ll see eucalypts, sandy heathlands, hakea and flame grevillea as you set off east towards Mermaid Rock. This is a great spot for a picnic or a…

You’ll see eucalypts, sandy heathlands, hakea and flame grevillea as you set off east towards Mermaid Rock. This is a great spot for a picnic or a walk along the marked trail. Take in the vista of open woodland and salmon gum trees at Lake Johnson and Lake Viewpoint.

Continue to Disappointment Rock and walk the two-kilometre trail around and over the outcrop. The next stretch passes through an ever-changing landscape, from mallee woodland to mallee scrub, sandy shrub and stands of eucalypts. Rolling rocky hills and abandoned mine shafts dot the landscape on the way to Lake Cowan. The Woodlands Walk in Norseman completes the trail. Spend some time exploring the mining heritage and salt lakes of Norseman.

Download a map and guide of the trail here.

To ensure you enjoy a safe and well-planned journey, take a look at our pages on Traveling to and Around the Golden Outback and Important travel tips. If you have your camping gear or caravan in tow, check out the range of caravan parks and camping sites available in Australia’s Golden Outback.

Driving times and distances intended as a guide only and may vary depending on exact route taken. Accommodation options are indicative as to what is available in the area.

Above map not to scale and intended as a guide only. It is highly recommended before heading out on your journey, you purchase a detailed Western Australian road and track map available from the RAC, petrol stations or where good maps of Western Australia are sold.

Events along the way

Wave Rock Weekender

Wave Rock Weekender is an intimate boutique festival experience with a soul bigger than the 270 million year old Wave Rock itself; brilliant artists…

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Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail

Day 1: The Breakaways Campsite (137km)

Day 2: Norseman (165km)

Events along the way

Wave Rock Weekender