A step by step guide to WA's Golden Outback road trip

From desert plains to breathtaking coastline, a road trip into Western Australia’s Golden Outback really does have it all.

The road trip, leg by leg…

Part 1: Perth to Wave Rock

Part 2: Wave Rock to Hopetoun

Part 3: Hopetoun to Esperance

Part 4: Esperance to Kalgoorlie

As the kilometres rhythmically tick away and mobile service dips in and out, I stare out of the window and breathe deeply; the wrangling it took to be sitting in a car next to one of my oldest friends, heading deep into Western Australia’s Golden Outback was a journey in itself.

The loop we decided on holds promise of wild desert plains, pristine beaches with the whitest of sand, and stories of exploration and community. Admittedly my association with road trips has long been car sickness and singalongs, arguments over bubblegum and inevitable “Are we there yet?” cries.

But perhaps I’ve got it wrong, because the speed at which I am being enveloped with calm as the landscape shifts from the green busyness of hobby farms to undulating stretches of brownish pasture is a surprise to me.

It ignites a discussion about the romanticism of a road trip, the lure of adventure and unknown experiences. My friend reveals she finds hours spent in a car meditative, it’s her place of zen. As the road widens and flattens between York and Quairading, and the car begins to hum to the soothing tones of Chet Faker, I decide I’m a fast adopter and closer to carefree than I can remember.

The details: The Golden Outback, WA

Getting there: 

Qantas and Virgin fly daily to Perth from all other capital cities.

Staying there:

Wave Rock Motel – Basic rooms, perfect for a one-night stay. 2 Lynch Street, Hyden

Wavecrest Village – Self-catered apartments with an adjoining bistro for dinner. 279 Hopetoun-Ravensthorpe Road, Hopetoun

Esperance B&B by the Sea – Lovely hosts, 180-degree ocean views. 72 Stewart Street, Esperance

ibis Styles Hotel – As you’d expect; modern rooms, friendly service. 45 Egan Street, Kalgoorlie

Eating there:

Selena’s Ravy Country Kitchen –  Excellent coffee in a country cottage setting. 92 Morgans Street, Ravensthorpe; 08 9838 1163

The Loose Goose Restaurant & Bar – Cosy and unassuming décor teamed with beautiful food. 9A Andrew Street, Esperance.

The Palace Hotel – Sit on the verandah and be transported to 19th-century gold rush days. Corner of Hannan and Maritana Streets, Kalgoorlie