The Golden Outback is Western Australia’s most diverse tourist region. From the desert to the forest and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the Golden Outback has adventures for all. The weather across the region can vary greatly at the same time of the year, due to the sheer size of the region.
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Golden Outback Weather
The Golden Outback is the largest of Western Australia’s tourist regions. The weather across the region can vary greatly at the same time of the year, due to the sheer size of the region. The more northern parts of the Golden Outback can experience day time temperatures between 30-40C+ in summer. Southern parts are a little milder in summer with temperatures between 20-30C. During winter day time and night time temperatures are fairly similar between the northern and southern parts (10-20C during the day and 0 -10C at night) however there is a lot more rainfall during winter in the southern region.
Popular Golden Outback Adventure Destinations
There is no shortage of adventure across the Golden Outback of Western Australia, however the most popular adventure destinations include Kalgoorlie, Wave Rock, Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park, Mount Augustus, Gascoyne Junction and more.
Golden Outback Adventures
Golden Outback Adventures On & Under The Water
Beaches
The Esperance-Coast is your Golden Outback destination for amazing beaches. The Cape Le Grand National Park located along the coastline features Lucky Bay, Australia’s Whitest Beach, Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove and Rossiter Bay. Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive takes you to a vast range of stunning beaches and hidden pools, including Blue Haven Beach and Twighlight Beach. Find more information on the Best Beaches in Esperance here.
Canoeing
The best Golden Outback location for canoeing is the Woody Island Nature Reserve Canoe Trail Esperance. The trail is marked as it winds through the wetlands and you’ll see an array of water birds including pelicans, swans, ducks, sea eagles and more.
Cruises
Off the coast of Esperance is the Recherche Archipelago and Woody Island. A perfect island playground for those who love snorkeling, diving, fishing and boating. Join an Esperance Island Cruise, to explore the island, see and get up close with marine wildlife such as Australian Sea Lions, New Zealand Fur Seals and Bottlenose Dolphins and snorkel in some of the world’s clearest waters.
Middle Island is located 100kms off the coast of Esperance and features the captivating pink Lake Hiller. A limited number of cruises visit the island in January and the cruise also offers a visit to the campground ruins of Australia’s only recorded pirates and wildlife encounters along the way. Contact Esperance Island Cruises for information on the Middle Island Cruise.
Diving
The Recherche Archipelago has over 140 islands, turquoise waters, caves, swim throughs and more, perfect for diving. Jump on a tour with Esperance Diving and Fishing and they can take you to the best dive spots in this area.
Lakes
Lake Ballard is home to the largest art gallery on earth. This large white salt plain is home to 51 cast black chromium steel sculptures, by artist Antony Gormley. The sculptures are best viewed and photographed at sunset or sunrise and there is a free designated camping area at Lake Ballard. This means you can enjoy a late evening or early morning walk around the landscape.
Salt Bath
The Wave Rock Salt Baths are located only 800m from Wave Rock Hyden. This 20m round 6m deep pool with buoyancy and therapeutic properties greater than those of the Dead Sea. Surrounding the pool are swinging day beds making this a unique and must do Golden Outback experience. A small entry fee is payable at the Wave Rock Kiosk near the Wave Rock Caravan Park.
Snorkeling
The best beaches for snorkeling in the Golden Outback are Munglinup Beach and Le Grand Beach Esperance.
Golden Outback Adventures on Land
Hiking Trails
There are a variety of walk trails to explore the reds and yellows of the desert to the greens and the blues of the forest and coastline. Find walk trails throughout the Golden Outback at trailswa.com.au.
Mine Tours
Super Pit Tour Kalgoorlie
Get onboard a Mine-Spec Bus and travel through the tracks of the site alongside the giant CAT793 Haul Trucks and get a view of the Super Pit from the internal viewing platform only accessible on the tour. Book your tour with kalgoorlietours.com.au.
Hannan’s North Tourist Mine
Experience both the gold rush history as well as modern day mining. With a giant Haul Truck and Loader to get your photo, try panning for gold and enjoy a game of two up too, all at Hannan’s North Tourist Mine.
Natural & Other Attractions
Wave Rock Hyden
Wave Rock is a 15m high, 100 metre long rock formation that is believed to have been 2700 million years in the making. It’s one of WA’s must see natural wonders and you can enjoy a walk around the rock where you can also see native flowers and birds. Hyden is located 340kilometers, south east of Perth (approx. 4 hour drive) so makes a great weekend adventure or stop on your Golden Outback adventure.
Hippo’s Yawn Hyden
Another natural rock formation to visit while you are in Hyden is Hippo’s Yawn. This is another wonderful photo opportunity with this rock resembling a hippo yawning as the name suggests.
Stone Henge Esperance
This man made attraction is a full life size replica of the Stone Henge in the UK. It’s constructed of 137 stones of Esperance Pink Granite and is approximately 6.5km drive from Esperance. An entry fee to Stone Henge Esperance is payable and there is a small cafe/kiosk at the attraction.
Road Trips
Spring is the best time to road trip through the Golden Outback. Here are 10 of the Best Road Trips in the Golden Outback including the Tin Horse Highway, Murchison GeoRegion, Golden Quest Discovery Trail and more!
Station & Farm Stays
A stay at a Station & Farm Stay is a great way to get an authentic taste of country life in the Golden Outback. Stays and accommodation range from luxury homesteads to camping facilities on huge cattle stations and farms, particularly throughout the Gascoyne and Murchison Regions. Find a list of station and farm stays in the Golden Outback region at www.australiasgoldenoutback.com.
Wildflowers
The Golden Outback blooms with a variety of 12,000+ varieties of wildflowers, displaying a kaleidoscope of colors in the arid landscape. From pink everlastings to red Sturt’s desert peas, these vibrant blooms attract wildlife and hold cultural significance for Indigenous peoples, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle from July to October every year. Check out these Golden Outback Wildflower Hotspots here.
Wildlife
Kangaroos at Lucky Bay
Kangaroos are a common sight at Lucky Bay Esperance, particularly in the evening right before sunset. These marsupials are often seen lazing on the beach, hopping across the white sands, or grazing on the nearby vegetation, providing an unforgettable wildlife encounter in a stunning coastal setting.
Golden Outback Adventures in the Air
Lake Hillier
As you soar above the pristine coastline, you’ll be mesmerized by the rugged peaks of Mount Hillier, covered in lush greenery. The azure waters of the Southern Ocean contrast against the majestic mountain backdrop, creating an awe-inspiring sight. Discover the amazing Mount Hillier with an 80 minute scenic flight with www.flyesperance.com.
Super Pit Kalgoorlie
Get a bird’s eye view of just how big Kalgoorlie’s Super Pit is on a Kalgoorlie Super Pit Scenic Flight.
Accommodation
If you are looking for more adventure outside of the Golden Outback of Western Australia? Check out the Always Adventure Ready Western Australia Adventure Guide for more inspiration, plus we’d love for you to share your Golden Outback adventure experiences with us in the comments below.
MY ADVENTURE TOOLBOX
Anaconda – is the go to for all my adventure gear. They have everything for any adventure! Camping, hiking, snorkeling, fishing, biking, standup paddleboarding and more. Oh and the discounted club prices are amazing!
Trip.com – is where I book my flights, accommodation and car hire in the one place. I love that I get Trip coins every time I book that I can apply to get a discount, on my already best price next booking. Having all my adventure bookings on the one Trip.com app each and every adventure so much easier!
Jucy.com – if I want an affordable campervan to explore the east coast of Australia, Jucy Campers are my favourite.
Cover-More Travel Insurance – when I need travel insurance, I turn to Cover-More, they have unlimited overseas medical and dental, 24-hour emergency assistance, COVID coverage and more.
Viator.com – to find and book the best tours I use Viator.com. Viator allows me to find tours and experiences I otherwise wouldn’t have know about and book multiple tours on the one platform!