Go west

Posted 7 November, 2018 Clair Morton

The term Wild West was coined to describe America’s colonial frontier, but perhaps it’s better suited to Australia’s largest state. From the spectacular scenery of Kalbarri National Park to the giant whale sharks that cruise the waters off Exmouth, this is truly a wild place.

 

Day 1: Perth to Jurien Bay

There’s not much distance to cover on this leg if you stick to the road, but detours to check out WA’s largest sand dunes at Lancelin and the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park – a unique desert filled with hundreds of limestone pillars – should be enough to fill your day. Watch the sun set over the azure waters of popular skydiving spot Jurien Bay, keeping an eye out for a playful sea lion or two. Distance: 220km

 

 

Day 2: Jurien Bay to Kalbarri

If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with royalty, this might be your chance. Near the town of Northhampton, down a dirt road, is a bizarre ‘micronation’ known as the Principality of Hutt River. Formed in 1970 following a dispute between the WA Government and the Casley family, this quirky Principality is presided over by Prince Graeme, and even issues its own currency and passports (which aren’t officially recognised by the Australian Government). Not far from here is Port Gregory, which boasts a stunning pink lagoon where the river meets the ocean. Stay as long as you want – just make sure you get to Kalbarri with enough sunlight to take in the raw power of the ocean on Kalbarri’s clifftop walks to Island Rock and Natural Bridge. Distance: 350km

 

 

Day 3: Kalbarri to Carnarvon

From Kalbarri, the loop back down to the highway is full of surprises – if you know where to look. Nature’s Window, a magnificent rock arch located high above the Murchison River, is deep in the heart of Kalbarri National Park but worth the drive and 500m walk. Stretch your legs here before setting back out – it’s a 4-hour drive to Carnarvon. One of WA’s primary producers of bananas, this unique coastal town of fewer than 5000 people has an interesting claim to fame. The Carnarvon Tracking Station was instrumental in NASA spaceflight programs in the 1960s, including the first landing on the moon, and it was the first place in Australia to receive a satellite television broadcast. You can explore this history at the Space and Technology Museum, which was officially opened by astronaut Buzz Aldrin in 2012. Distance: 448km

 

 

Day 4: Carnarvon to Exmouth

Make sure you’re stocked up with plenty of food, water and fuel before hitting the road – the stretch from Carnarvon to Exmouth features huge termite mounds, the odd kangaroo and not much else. There is the Minilya Bridge Roadhouse at about the halfway point, which is a good place to stop and stretch your legs, but it’s on this leg of the journey you’ll realise just how far away you are from civilisation. Distance: 363km