Escape the ordinary with this fabulous 4-day road trip. Immerse yourself in wonderful wildflowers, friendly country towns, picturesque farming landscapes, and sparkling night skies. This is a road trip of colourful golden contrasts.
Day 1: Perth – Wongan Hills (185 kilometres/2.25 hours)
Head out to the rolling hills of the Chittering Valley, stop for morning tea at the award-winning Bindoon Bakery. Enjoy delectable cakes and purchase artisan bread to go! Travel through the historic town of New Norcia, on your way to Wongan Hills for wonderful wildflowers, spectacular lookouts, and walk trails. Wongan Hills is an RV Friendly town and at night, you’ll find the stars are at your fingers tips! This Astrotourism Town welcomes stargazers at beautiful Lake Ninan for astrophotography or, if you have your telescope packed, head up to the Wongan Hills Airport for a perfect astronomy night under dark skies.
Overnight: Wongan Hills
Day 2: Wongan Hills – Perenjori (190 kilometres/2 hours)
As you set out for Perenjori, make plans to stop in at Dalwallinu for morning tea. On your way north, you’ll travel through some expansive farming country and, approximately 16kms before you reach Perenjori, you’ll come across the interesting heritage site of Caron Dam Reserve. It’s RV friendly and a wonderfully dark place to stargaze at night. Or stay overnight in Perenjori ready to explore the fascinating Rothsay Heritage Trail. If you’re traveling through wildflower season, make sure you find out where to see the stunning Wreath Flowers! By night, the stars are simply stunning above the red rock breakaway country at The Salmons, 20kms east of Perenjori. If you prefer stars closer to where you’re staying, the Perenjori Golf Club welcomes “astro-visitors” at night with or without telescopes.
Overnight: Perenjori
The Salmons east of Perenjori is stunning under the stars at night.
Take a morning stroll around Perenjori to see the unique Monsignor Hawes Church of St Joseph. Then hit the road to Morawa, to visit another extraordinary building designed by Monsignor Hawes, the Holy Cross Church. or explore Bilya Rock with its abundant wildflowers in season. If you’re ready for a stargazing adventure, take a picnic dinner to stunning Koolanooka Springs. Watch the golden light fade and billions of stars emerge! If stargazing closer to town is more your cup of tea, the Morawa Caravan Park has a dedicated spot.
Overnight: Morawa
Pop into the Morawa Museum before you fuel up at the roadhouse which doubles as the Wildflour Bakery and Cafe. Make sure you grab a tasty treat for your road trip back to Perth. You’ll travel through the wide-open landscapes of golden wheat crops in season and sheep grazing the paddocks. Cross over to the Midlands Road at Carnamah before stopping in Moora for lunch. Enjoy the pretty town gardens and colourful murals. Then it’s just a couple of hours until home. You’ll feel like you’ve been on holiday for weeks and the stars will remain in your mind long after.
This trip is a sensory overload of country hospitality, tasty local wares, wide-open spaces, and pristine dark night skies. Your camera card will be overflowing with amazing pictures to help you remember your golden adventures!
Travelling north instead? Explore some other wonderful dark sky destinations along the way. Another itinerary to travel is the Starry Coast to Outback Adventure. Or head towards the coast for Wild Flowers Wild Stars.
Ready to stay longer? You’ll find more about this wonderful region on the Australia’s Golden Outback website.
Driving times and distances are intended as a guide only and may vary depending on the exact route taken. Accommodation options are indicative of what is available in the area.
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New locations for stargazing and astrophotography are popping up in country WA!