Quobba Blowholes
Journeying from red rock to coral reef, a road trip along the Gascoyne River is like no other. It beckons visitors to follow the natural path of this ancient waterway and discover one of Western Australia’s most rewarding caravanning routes — rich with culture, scenery and iconic outback experiences.
There are plenty of places in Australia where travellers can go bush, follow the coast or explore heritage towns — but few offer all three in one fantastic outback-to-coast journey. In Western Australia’s Upper Gascoyne and Carnarvon region, the Gascoyne River carves a natural touring route that flows from inland monoliths to coral reef.
This isn’t just a destination — it’s an adventure through some of Australia’s most dramatic contrasts: gorges and coastal cliffs, station stays and snorkelling, stargazing and stony ranges. It’s the complete Australian story and it all flows from the same lifeblood — the Gascoyne River.
The story of the Gascoyne
The Gascoyne is intrinsically tied to travel and adventure. Long before European settlement, the region’s Traditional Owners followed the seasonal flows of the Gascoyne River — Australia’s second-longest river system — moving between inland ranges, natural waterholes and the coast. That deep connection to Country is still celebrated in the region, with cultural centres and guided tours sharing knowledge shaped by the river.
Pastoral life began in the 1870s, with settlers using the bore-fed river system to establish stations. And in the 1920s, aviation pioneer Charles Kingsford Smith bought a mail run from Carnarvon to Meekatharra — financing his flying dreams by trucking post through the outback.
Carnarvon’s deep-water port became the region’s gateway to trade, shipping out wool and beef, and later, the tropical fruit that still defines the area.
Today, the Gascoyne region remains a place of sweeping landscapes, rich stories and authentic country hospitality. Whether you’re staying at a station, sharing a meal at a country pub or joining a cultural tour, the local history runs deep — and it’s still being lived every day.
Follow the Gascoyne River all the way to WA’s beautiful coastline
From the outback to the coast
There are many ways to explore the Upper Gascoyne and Carnarvon region, but tracing the river’s natural course is one of the best ways to do it. You can start inland at Gascoyne Junction or from the river mouth in Carnarvon — either way, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
If beginning in the east, Gascoyne Junction makes a great base camp or first stop on a camp-hopping trip. The Gascoyne Junction Pub and Tourist Park is well-equipped for exploring the region’s inland wonders — and a great spot to get insider tips from the locals and some great pub grub.
The entrance to Gascoyne Junction (Image Sean Scott Photography)
The pool and outdoor dining area at Gascoyne Junction Pub and Tourist Park
Less than an hour away, Kennedy Range National Park is known for its dramatic honeycombed cliffs and quiet campsites at the DBCA-run Temple Gorge Campground. After dark, this is one of WA’s best stargazing spots.
Mount Augustus is around four hours north-east of Gascoyne Junction and is famous for being the world’s largest monolith — twice the size of Uluru. Walking trails range from short strolls past ancient Aboriginal rock art to a challenging summit hike with panoramic views. Camp beneath the rock at Mount Augustus Tourist Park, part of the WA Station Stay network.
Cattle Pool on the Lyons River, Mount Augustus National Park (Image Sean Scott Photography)
As you head west, the river guides you toward permanent river waterholes like Rocky Pool, shaded by towering river red gums. Eventually, you’ll arrive in Carnarvon, where the Gascoyne meets the Indian Ocean.
Carnarvon is where outback meets coast. The town is known for its tropical produce, laid-back vibe and great mix of history and culture. Visit the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, have a coffee overlooking the One Mile Jetty or take a walk along the fascine to enjoy parks and waterfront views, and don’t miss the quirky Cactus Garden — a passion project turned quirky local attraction.
From Carnarvon, the coastline opens up two ways. Head north and you’ll reach Coral Bay, Ningaloo and the Quobba Coast, with the iconic Quobba Blowholes, limestone cliffs and world-class shore fishing on Point Quobba. Or travel south to Wooramel Station.
At every stage in the journey, you’ll find station stays offering something from beachfront camping to remote inland bases. Whether you stay for a night or a week, these hosted stops are a highlight in themselves.
Best things to see and do
Must-see natural wonders
- Kennedy Range National Park: Spectacular honeycomb cliffs, walking trails, camping and some the best stargazing in WA.
- Mount Augustus: The world’s largest monolith, with mixed-grade walking trails, panoramic views, ancient Aboriginal rock art and a station-stay experience.
- Rocky Pool: A permanent river pool perfect for swimming, kayaking or picnics.
- Quobba Blowholes and Point Quobba: Natural ocean geysers with shore fishing from limestone cliff platforms and hidden coves perfect for exploring.
- Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef: World-class snorkelling, tropical fish, beach camping and station stays.
Hiking in Kennedy Range National Park
Cultural and heritage experiences
- Gascoyne Junction Historical Museum: Find out more about life by the Gascoyne River and how it shaped the stories of generations of pastoral families.
- Gwoonwardu Mia – Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage Cultural Centre: Learn more about the Gascoyne region’s rich Aboriginal heritage and its five language groups.
- Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum: Discover Carnarvon’s unique role in Australia’s space tracking history thanks to its clear skies and remote location.
Adventure activities
- Station stays: A must-do while in the region, with diverse options from beachfront sites at Wooramel or Warroora to rugged inland experiences at Mount Augustus.
- Astrophotography and stargazing: Enjoy dark skies where you can spot the Southern Cross, Milky Way and join seasonal astronomical events.
- Fishing and water sports: Shore fishing, kayaking, snorkelling and more across the river, reef and coast.
The night sky over Mount Augustus
Local favourites
- Carnarvon Farmers Market: Held Saturday mornings, with local growers selling fresh fruit and produce.
- The Cactus Garden: Located in Carnarvon, this garden was started more than 15 years ago from just a couple of gifted cacti and has become one of the region’s most Instagram-worthy attractions.
- Gascoyne Junction Pub and Tourist Park: Famous for its hearty #junctionpubgrub.
- Wooramel Station: Camp beside the Wooramel River, a Gascoyne tributary that creates a green corridor through red dirt country.
Carnarvon’s Cactus Garden
Iconic driving routes
- The Kingsford Smith Mail Run: Follow a historic 834km outback mail route from Carnarvon to Meekatharra via Gascoyne Junction, Kennedy Range and Mount Augustus, following the tracks of transport pioneer Charles Kingsford Smith. There is interpretive signage along the way that provide insight into both early European history and Dreamtime stories.
- Mount Augustus Scenic Loop: A 50km loop that highlights the area’s geological wonders and pastoral heritage.
- Kennedy Loop Track: A challenging 1.5-day 4WD track through the remote western side of the Kennedy Range and across the top — experienced four-wheel drivers only and leave the van behind.
For more inspiration, Outback Pathways has three self-drive trails through the heart of WA with interpretive signage revealing ancient landscapes and stories.
Guided tours
Join local experts through Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys, with experiences ranging from:
- Dawson’s Burrowing Bee tours (spot the Moogadgurrah, the world’s second largest bee)
- Night sky walks
- Cultural bush tucker and storytelling tours
The Killili Bridge over the Gascoyne River (Image Sean Scott Photography)
Where to stay on your Gascoyne adventure
You’ll find something for every style of traveller along the Gascoyne route — from well-equipped caravan parks to diverse off-grid station stays and campgrounds.
- Carnarvon caravan parks: Full facilities and easy access to town
- Gascoyne Junction Pub & Tourist Park: Great inland base with great pub food
- Temple Gorge Campground (DBCA): Peaceful Kennedy Range site, small fee but no bookings needed
- Mount Augustus Tourist Park: Camp with views of the iconic monolith
- Station stays: Wooramel (riverside camping), Warroora (beachside camping on the Coral Coast) and Quobba Station (beachside camping near the Quobba Blowholes)
Most station stays are part of the WA Station Stay program and offer the full spectrum of authentic Australian station life with unique experiences and welcoming hosts.
The Gascoyne Junction Pub and Tourist Park (Image Sean Scott Photography)
Temple Gorge campground in the Kennedy Range National Park
What to know before you go
For the most enjoyable inland experience, plan your travels between April and September, when temperatures are milder and perfect for exploring. The Mount Augustus Summit Trail also closes annually from 1 November to 28 February.
July to September will allow you to time your visit up with the region’s events calendar, wildflowers and the famous Dawson’s Burrowing Bees.
Having a 4WD will be handy for some of the region’s tracks, but most roads, including those to Kennedy Range and Mount Augustus, are suitable for well-prepared vans. Always check road conditions before travelling.
And don’t forget your camera — the sunrises, stars and mix of outback and coastal landscapes are some of the most photogenic in the country.
Upcoming events
- Kennedy Range Campdraft (21–23 August 2025): Watch skilled riders and their horses working cattle
- Under Gascoyne Skies Festival (21–30 August 2025): Guided stargazing sessions and astronomical talks
- Big Rock Feast (31 August 2025): A gourmet dinner under Mount Augustus
- Carnarvon Cup (September 2025): The region’s biggest social event with camping available at the racecourse
- Junction Races (5–7 September 2025): Classic country racing at Gascoyne Junction
- Landor Races (3–6 October 2025): A remote outback celebration of racing and community
Plan your trip
Need some trip planning inspiration? Whether you’re just passing through or planning a full Gascoyne adventure, these suggested itineraries are a great place to start.
Carnarvon/Coral Bay (2–3 days)
Base: Carnarvon Caravan Park
Day 1: Carnarvon discovery
- Morning: Carnarvon Saturday Farmers Market
- Afternoon: Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum and Gwoonwardu Mia – Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage Cultural Centre
- Evening: Sunset at One Mile Jetty
Day 2: Coral Bay adventure
- Early departure to Coral Bay (1.5-hours)
- Snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef (equipment rental available)
- Afternoon: Beach relaxation and coastal walks
- Optional: Stay overnight at Coral Bay caravan park
Snorkelling at Coral Bay
Day 3: Quobba Coast
- Morning: Quobba Blowholes (spectacular ocean geysers)
- Afternoon: Shore fishing at Point Quobba
- Return to Carnarvon for departure
Upper Gascoyne weekend (2–3 days)
Base: Gascoyne Junction Pub and Tourist Park
Day 1: Gascoyne Junction
- Arrival and setup at Junction Pub
- Afternoon: Gascoyne Junction Historical Museum
- Evening: Authentic outback pub experience with station workers and travellers
Day 2: Kennedy Range National Park to Mount Augustus
- Day trip to Kennedy Range (45 minutes)
- Honeycomb Gorge Trail (600m return)
- Escarpment Trail for panoramic views
- Evening: Stargazing at Mount Augustus Tourist Park
Day 3: Mount Augustus
- Walking trail and Aboriginal rock art
- Mount Augustus Scenic Loop
- Return to Gascoyne Junction
Petroglyphs in Mount Augustus National Park
The Ultimate ‘Go with the Flow’ journey:
7–14 days
- Days 1–4: Explore Carnarvon’s space museum, art and mural trail, get fresh local produce and seafood along the fruit loop drive trail, check out the heritage precinct, day trip to the Quobba Blowholes, and cultural experiences at Gwoonwardu Mia.
- Day 5 and 6: Coral Bay trip
- Day 7: Drive to Gascoyne Junction via Kennedy Range National Park with overnight camping in Kennedy Range National Park
- Day 8: Explore the trails of Kennedy Range National Park before an overnight base in Gascoyne Junction.
- Day 9: Drive to Mount Augustus, base camp setup
- Day 10: Full day exploring Australia’s largest monolith, summit trail (weather permitting)
- Day 11: Return to Gascoyne Junction, outback pub experience
- Day 12: Departure or extend with additional station stays via Wooramel Station (river camping experience)
Let the Gascoyne guide you
The beauty of this journey lies in its pace. Let the Gascoyne shape your route from rugged inland ranges through to the iconic turquoise waters of the WA coast. Whether you’re chasing outback solitude or coastal colour, the Gascoyne will take you there — and back again.
For more trip planning inspiration, visit:
THE NEXT STEP
If you want to learn the latest caravan news, find the most innovative new caravans and camping gear or get inspired to plan your next road trip to some of Australia's best destinations off the beaten track, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We promise to send you only the best content.
Related articles:
Gascoyne Junction, WA: Gateway to Australia's Golden Outback
Caravanning the Ningaloo Coast: Exmouth to Coral Bay, WA
Go with the flow in the Upper Gascoyne and Carnarvon, WA