Venture along the Miners Pathway and explore the wild prospecting towns that rocketed to the forefront of Western Australia’s gold rush in the 1800s, including Mt Magnet, Cue, Meekatharra and Sandstone. Embark on your Miners Pathway self drive adventure by purchasing the Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways Guidebook.
Day 1: Paynes Find – Meekatharra
(340 kilometres/4 hours)
Enjoy the bright blooms of wildflowers (in spring only) before setting off along the Miners Pathway from Paynes Find towards Mt Magnet. Remnants of its gold mining history are evident in discarded mine shafts, the museum and heritage walk trails. Head north to Cue, famous for its stunning colonial buildings, many of which are classified by the National Trust.
Accommodation options: Motel, outback pub, bed and breakfast, station stay, caravan park, camping.
Day 2: Meekatharra – Sandstone
(221 kilometres/2.5 hours)
Hit the dirt road south-east to Sandstone, keeping watch for local wildlife such as kangaroos and emus. The Meekatharra-Sandstone Road is a gravel road, so you might want to check the latest road reports before you head off. The historic town of Sandstone takes its name from the many rust-stained natural rock formations that dot the surrounding landscape. Be sure to stop at London Bridge – a rock formation that was once wide enough for a horse and sulky to cross.
Accommodation options: Outback pub, bed and breakfast, caravan park, camping.
Day 3: Sandstone – Yalgoo
(280 kilometres/3 hours)
The journey weaves through the vast open landscapes, crossing back through Mt Magnet to Yalgoo. Emus, wedge-tailed eagles and kangaroos are plentiful here. Visit Joker's Tunnel, carved through solid rock by early prospectors.
Accommodation options: Sheep stations, outback pub, caravan park, camping.
Day 4: Yalgoo – Paynes Find
(260 kilometres/3 hours)
Head south-east to your starting point at Paynes Find. Visit the Gold Battery and Museum, which showcases the region's mining, pastoral and sandalwood industries. The route from Yalgoo to Paynes Find is a gravel road, but depending on the time of year and weather conditions some parts of the route may only be suited to 4WDs.
Supplies and services are limited and road conditions can vary, so plan ahead, stock up on food, water and fuel and contact the Shire of Yalgoo for up-to-date track information and road reports.
And to ensure you enjoy a safe and well-planned journey, be sure to take a look at Road safety and Important travel tips.
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.