19 Day Off Grid WA Explorer – 2026 Trip

Meeting at Widgiemooltha in the WA Goldfields, we embark on 19 days of adventure through some of the best off-the-map touring country in Western Australia’s remote pastoral and gold regions.

After lunch at the Widgiemooltha Tavern, we head deep into the Greater Western Woodlands, traversing the historic Woodline trails—routes originally cut to supply surrounding mining operations with timber for fuel and heating at the turn of the 20th century. Navigating a maze of backtracks, we visit one of many large granite outcrops historically used to dam water in this arid zone, providing vital supplies for agriculture and steam trains along the woodlines.

Slowly beginning our journey northward, we set our sights on the towering Helena & Aurora Ranges. Known as BIF ranges (Banded Iron Formation), these majestic peaks—surrounded by the largest intact temperate woodland on Earth—offer breathtaking views as we climb their rocky ridges. Brilliant camping abounds in this secluded, stunning environment.

Progressing north, we enjoy a peaceful camp beside a remote salt lake, dotted with Mallee and white gums, before reaching Lake Ballard—home to Antony Gormley’s award-winning installation Inside Australia. This iconic artwork features 51 spindly steel sculptures based on scans of local residents, scattered across the vast white saltpan, creating a haunting and powerful fusion of human form and outback landscape.

The backroads take centre stage as we travel into the historic gold settlement of Sandstone, where we explore surrounding sights including “London Bridge,” a natural sandstone arch, along with the old state battery and brewery ruins. We set up camp at a nearby former station—time to fire up the donkey heater and enjoy hot showers all around.

Continuing north, we visit the southern reaches of the Canning Stock Route, including a couple of well-preserved historic wells. We’ll do our best to catch a feed of yabbies and spend the evening under a brilliant starlit sky.

Moving on again, we intersect the Great Northern Highway before heading westward through remote station country in the Gascoyne interior, just south of the Pilbara. From afar, the mighty Mount Augustus begins to dominate the horizon—the world’s largest monocline, rising 715 metres above the surrounding plain and deeply significant to the Wajarri people, with ancient rock art sites tucked within its flanks. Here, we enjoy easy graded walks to scenic lookouts and cultural sites, including a stop at Cattle Pool. After a hearty dinner, we settle in for a night with facilities at Mount Augustus as the rock glows in the sunset and a billion stars light up the sky.

From here, more off-grid backtracks take us to one of WA’s hidden gems: the Kennedy Ranges. We enjoy an unforgettable camp atop the mesa before traversing through classic desert landscapes filled with red dunes and flowering Honey Grevillea. The scenery shifts again as we loop back along the western flank of the range through spring-fed country, finishing with a picturesque camp among towering river red gums.

Our journey then takes us west to the coastal town of Carnarvon, where we resupply before heading into the internationally significant Shark Bay World Heritage Area, en route to the westernmost point of mainland Australia—Steep Point. Our camp at Shelter Bay gives us a chance to dust off the fishing rods before boarding the Hartog Explorer barge, which delivers our vehicles to the shores of Dirk Hartog Island (Wirruwana).

Explore WA has had a long-standing affinity with this remarkable island—not just for its ecological beauty, but also its historic significance as the site of the first recorded European landing on Australian soil in 1616. Having journeyed here over 20 times, we know the best hidden gems and experiences, from spectacular coastal drives to whale-spotting during the annual humpback migration.

Slip into island time with a delicious dinner provided by the DHI team and unwind at our private, well-equipped Homestead Bay camp. For those seeking a unique aerial view, there’s even the option of a helicopter flight to explore the dramatic northern coastline of the island.

These are just some of the incredible experiences that await you on this 19-day adventure. With a focus on off-the-map, off-grid touring, you’ll enjoy remote camping, unforgettable natural wonders, and true 4×4 exploration through the heart of Western Australia’s diverse and rugged outback.

Ready to explore WA’s wild heart and coast?
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