Paraburdoo to Murchison via Mt Augustus

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesParaburdoo
FinishMurchison Oasis Roadhouse and Caravan Park
DifficultyDifficulty 2.5/5
Suitable ForAWD 
Distance913.67 km
Minimum Days2
Average Speed45.68 km/hr
Travel Time20 hrs
Page Updated: 21 Oct 2021

Description

This trek takes in the World's largest rock - Mt Augustus. After leaving Paraburdoo, you zig zag your way into Mt Augustus, travelling through station country the whole way. The drive can take most of the day, although there are several camping spots along the way. Camping is not permitted in the Mt Augustus National Park. After arriving at Mt Augustus, there are several different places to look at around the base of Mt Augustus. If you wish to climb Mt Augustus, you need to allow 6hrs to climb it - it is well worth the climb. As you head south from Mt Augustus, again through station country, the terrain changes from dry and sparse open land, to green paddocks of wheat. This trek is suitable for softroaders with caution at creek crossings and after rain. This trek can also be linked up with the Karijini & Millstream NPs Trek Note.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

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Environment

Take the opportunity to climb Mt Augustus - the worlds largest rock. Mt Augustus rises 715m out of the red, stony sandplain, making it the worlds largest monocline (A geologic structure in which all layers are inclined in the same direction, in this case arch-like). It is 2 1/2 times the size of Ayers Rock (Uluru). There are also many shorter walks around the base.

Whilst in the region, keep your eye our for Red Kangaroos, Dingoes, Emus, Goannas (Bungarras), Pink and Grey Galahs, Wedge Tail Eagles, Honeyeaters, Bustards, Black Cormorants, Blue-Winged Kookaburras, Corellas, Wattles, White-barked River Gums. In late winter and spring there are many acres of wildflowers that can be seen including the Everlasting Daisy.

History

Aboriginal history is very evident in this area. Around Mt Augustus you will be able to see engravings on the rock wall as well as many of the place names are Aboriginal. There are several dream time stories for Mt Augustus, but the most common is the story of a boy called Burringurrah who was undergoing his initiation into manhood. He was so distressed that he ran away. Because of this, he transgressed the Aboriginal tribal law and under the law he had to be punished. Tribesmen chased Burringurrah and speared him in the upper right leg. He fell to the ground with the spear protruding from his leg. Burringurrah tried to crawl away, but the women beat him with their fighting sticks causing him to collapse and die. As you look at Mt Augustus you can see his final lying position, he died lying on his belly with his left leg bent up beside his body. Edney's Lookout, a small peak, represents the spear head.

Mt Augustus was named after Sir Augustus Charles Gregory, the brother of Grancis Gregory who was the first European to climb Mt Augustus in 1858.

TrekID: 113

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
In relatively remote treks such as this one, it is still important to carry sufficient fuel, water, food, supplies, communications and navigation gear such as a GPS and HF radio, safety equipment and first aid, along with emergency backup supplies. A small range of supplies and fuel is available at Mt Augustus. There are no mechanical repair services available, so make sure you have enough tools and spares in case of a breakdown.

Permits

No permits are required to traverse Paraburdoo to Murchison via Mt Augustus, however camping fees may apply.

Fuel Usage

DieselULPLPG
4cyl 128 litres4cyl 148 litres4cyl 183 litres
6cyl 140 litres6cyl 166 litres6cyl 161 litres
8cyl 140 litres8cyl 152 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Closest Climatic Station

Gascoyne Junction
Distance from Trek Mid Point 162.71km W
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C40.739.737.532.827.723.823.024.928.332.335.338.7
Mean Min. °C23.924.422.518.613.810.59.310.012.015.518.121.3
Mean Rain mm24.029.828.714.727.631.627.412.03.14.53.54.2
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Paraburdoo to Nanutarra Wittenoom Rd & Ashburton Downs Rd
Driving: 83.47 km
Heading: 293°
Avg Speed: 65.97 km/hr
EST Time: 01:15:54
  • Drive west on Camp Road. for: 1.37 km time: 01:41
  • Turn right onto Paraburdoo - Tom Price Road. for: 49.89 km time: 50:02
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Nanutarra Road for: 32.21 km time: 24:12
Nanutarra Wittenoom Rd & Ashburton Downs Rd to Ashburton River, Ashburton Downs Rd
Driving: 55.53 km
Heading: 186°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 01:35:11
  • Drive east on Nanutarra Road/136. for: 0.02 km time: 00:00
  • Turn right onto Ashburton Downs Road. for: 55.51 km time: 01:35:11
Ashburton River, Ashburton Downs Rd to Ashburton Downs
Driving: 1.75 km
Heading: 195°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 03:00
  • Drive south on Ashburton Downs Road. for: 1.35 km time: 02:22
  • Make a sharp right. for: 0.4 km time: 00:38
Ashburton Downs to Pingandy Rd & Ashburton Downs Meekatharra Rd
Driving: 129.4 km
Heading: 127°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 03:41:49
  • Drive north on Ashburton Downs - Meekatharra Road. for: 129 km time: 03:41:17
  • Bear left. for: 0.4 km time: 00:33
Pingandy Rd & Ashburton Downs Meekatharra Rd to Pingandy Ck, Pingandy Rd
Driving: 59.89 km
Heading: 275°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 01:42:40
  • Drive northeast on Pingandy Road. for: 2.99 km time: 05:08
  • Turn right onto Pingandy Homestead Access Road. for: 12.93 km time: 22:09
  • Turn right onto Pingandy Road. for: 43.97 km time: 01:15:20
  • Turn right at the end of the road, onto Ashburton Downs - Meekatharra Road for: 0.01 km time: 00:04
Pingandy Ck, Pingandy Rd to Dooley Downs
Driving: 49.6 km
Heading: 239°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 01:25:01
  • Drive east on Pingandy Road. for: 49.6 km time: 01:25:02
Dooley Downs to Mount Augustus Outback Tourist Resort
Driving: 35.96 km
Heading: 226°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 01:01:38
  • Drive east on Dooley Downs Road. for: 0.08 km time: 00:08
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Dooley Downs Road for: 0.14 km time: 00:15
  • Turn right at the end of the road, onto Cobra-Mount Augustus Road for: 35.74 km time: 01:01:16
Mount Augustus Outback Tourist Resort to Burringurrah Community
Driving: 42.73 km
Heading: 176°
Avg Speed: 56.19 km/hr
EST Time: 45:37
  • Drive east on Dooley Downs Road. for: 0.08 km time: 00:14
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Dooley Downs Road for: 0.14 km time: 00:25
  • Turn right at the end of the road, onto Cobra-Mount Augustus Road for: 0.13 km time: 00:11
  • Turn right. for: 1.96 km time: 01:19
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Landor-Mt Augustus Road for: 39.9 km time: 42:23
  • Turn left. for: 0.38 km time: 00:43
  • Turn left. for: 0.04 km time: 00:06
  • Turn right. for: 0.1 km time: 00:16
Burringurrah Community to Landor
Driving: 56.3 km
Heading: 183°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 01:36:30
  • Drive west. for: 0.1 km time: 00:09
  • Turn left. for: 0.04 km time: 00:06
  • Turn right. for: 0.38 km time: 00:38
  • Turn left onto Landor - Mount Augustus Road. for: 55.78 km time: 01:35:39
Landor to Gascoyne River, Carnarvon Meekatharra Rd
Driving: 3.2 km
Heading: 140°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 05:29
  • Head southeast on Landor - Mount Augustus Road for: 3.2 km time: 05:29
Gascoyne River, Carnarvon Meekatharra Rd to Numgingina
Driving: 12 km
Heading: 232°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 20:34
  • Head southeast on Landor - Mount Augustus Road for: 2.72 km time: 02:39
  • Turn right onto Dalgety Downs - Landor Road for: 9.28 km time: 17:56
Numgingina to Erong Rd & Beringarra Byro Rd
Driving: 234.84 km
Heading: 194°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 06:42:34
  • Drive west on Dalgety Downs - Landor Road. for: 89.2 km time: 03:21:24
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Carnarvon Mullewa Road for: 93.22 km time: 53:13
  • Turn left onto Beringarra - Byro Road. for: 51.9 km time: 02:26:31
  • Bear left to stay on Beringarra - Byro Road. for: 0.51 km time: 01:27
Erong Rd & Beringarra Byro Rd to Derrin Pool
Driving: 39.97 km
Heading: 255°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 01:08:31
  • Drive southwest on Beringarra - Byro Road. for: 39.97 km time: 01:08:31
Derrin Pool to Mardagee
Driving: 3.25 km
Heading: 316°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 05:34
  • Drive west on Beringarra - Byro Road. for: 3.25 km time: 05:35
Mardagee to Carnarvon Mullewa Rd & Beringarra Byro Rd
Driving: 9.21 km
Heading: 284°
Avg Speed: 35 km/hr
EST Time: 15:47
  • Drive north on Beringarra - Byro Road. for: 9.19 km time: 15:46
  • Turn left onto Carnarvon Mullewa Road. for: 0.02 km time: 00:01
Carnarvon Mullewa Rd & Beringarra Byro Rd to Curbur
Driving: 44.31 km
Heading: 212°
Avg Speed: 100 km/hr
EST Time: 26:35
  • Drive southwest on Carnarvon Mullewa Road. for: 44.31 km time: 26:35
Curbur to Murchison Oasis Roadhouse and Caravan Park
Driving: 52.26 km
Heading: 178°
Avg Speed: 99.45 km/hr
EST Time: 31:31
  • Drive west on Mulga Crescent. for: 0.06 km time: 00:06
  • Turn right at the end of the road, onto Carnarvon Mullewa Road for: 52.2 km time: 31:26
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

No Places To See available for this trek

Facilities

Where to Stay

Campsites (powered and unpowered) as well as cabins are available at the Mt Augustus Tourist Resort.

Services & Supplies

There are limited supplies available at Mt Augustus and Murchison.

Wildflowers

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