Deciding when to do the discovery trail
As the Goldfields region is renowned for its fine weather and beautiful blue skies, you can undertake the Discovery Trail at any time of the year. Like most of Australia's semi-arid regions, the summers are long and hot, while the winters are mild and dry. Whatever the season, temperatures can drop below 10° Celsius (50° Fahrenheit), so bring some warm clothing. Average annual rainfall is less than 300 millimetres, with occasional thunderstorms in summer.
Remember there is food and accommodation available at stops and businesses along the trail. Click on the town names on the Mud Map in the top left corner of this page to browse through visitor services available at each stop.
Road Conditions
The 965-kilometre Golden Quest Discovery Trail traverses sealed (bitumen) and unsealed (gravel or dirt) roads, with approximately 525 kilometres being unsealed. Following heavy rain, some roads are closed to all traffic. In such instances, the relevant authorities post signs announcing the closure. On no account proceed if a Road Closed sign is up. If you do, you can be heavily fined and also be liable for the cost of any road repairs required as a result of your use. Fortunately, road closures are relatively rare.
Always remember that rain creates instant changes to road conditions in the Goldfields. Following heavy rain, up-to-date information on road conditions along sealed highways can be obtained by calling Main Roads WA on 1800 013 314 (free call). For the latest information on the condition of unsealed roads, you are advised to contact the appropriate local government authority, as listed below.
| City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder | 08 9021 9600 |
| Shire of Coolgardie | 08 9026 6001 |
| Shire of Leonora | 08 9037 6044 |
| Shire of Laverton | 08 9031 1202 |
| Shire of Menzies | 08 9024 2041 |
Tips for traveling safely on unsealed roads
The Golden Quest Discovery Trail Guide Book provides important background information that can be used as tips in helping you to travel safely throughout the Trail. The following are some of the extracts from the Guide Book.
On all gravel or dirt roads, regardless of their condition, it is essential to travel at a speed that allows you to safely respond to any situation. Never exceed 80 kilometres per hour, regardless of how good or straight the road may appear to be. The sudden use of the brakes on a gravel road can have you in a dangerous skid and heading for the scrub.
Whilst travelling on these unsealed roads, you are urged to observe the following recommendations.
- Look well ahead on the road for possible trouble spots.
- Watch out for wildlife and livestock on or near the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Watch for dust in the distance to indicate oncoming traffic. Always slow down and move to the side of the road, most particularly when the approaching vehicle is a road train (these articulated trucks can be over 50 metres in length).
- Always drive to the conditions at the time, slowing down on bends and rough sections of the road, and do not speed under any circumstance.
- Avoid driving at night unless absolutely necessary.
A checklist for vehicles
As some sections of the trail route are remote from towns and essential services, it is strongly recommended that you ensure your vehicle has a comprehensive mechanical service before you depart on your journey. Ensure the vehicle owner's manual is in the glove box and that you have:
- a good supply of water, some food, a hat and sunscreen lotion, a first aid kit, an emergency blanket, and warm clothing, regardless of the season. Remember there is food and accommodation available at stops and businesses along the trail. Click on the town names on the Mud Map in the top left corner of this page to browse through visitor services available at each stop.
- a detailed map of the region (as well as the basic maps provided in this guide)
- enough fuel to cover 500 kilometres
- a basic tool kit with appropriate spanners, socket spanners and wrenches, etc
- a jack, jack-handle, jack-plate and wheel brace
- spare wheel, puncture repair kit, tyre pump and tyre-pressure gauge
- spare drive belts (fan, alternator, power steering, etc), radiator hoses and other hoses (as appropriate for your vehicle)
- spare distributor cap and fuel, air and oil filters
- spare spark plugs and set of points (if appropriate)
- engine oil, other lubricants, dewatering fluid and radiator sealant
- jumper leads, tow rope and/or chain and shackles
- fire extinguisher, small shovel or spade
- spare ignition key
While this may seem a lot to be carrying, this list is by no means comprehensive. When traveling in outback regions, it always pays to be prepared.
Breakdowns or accidents
In the event of a breakdown that you cannot repair or an accident, always stay with your vehicle and wait for someone to come along who may be able to assist. If you have a mobile phone, and providing there is coverage in the area through which you're travelling, the following are the telephone numbers for the region's police.
| Coolgardie Police | 08 9026 6000 |
| Menzies Police | 08 9024 2042 |
| Laverton Police | 08 9031 1000 |
| Leonora Police | 08 9037 6100 |
| Kalgoorlie Police | 08 9021 9777 |
Other vital information
Aboriginal communities
While the Golden Quest Discovery Trail does not pass directly through any Aboriginal communities, it does pass by several. These communities are not open to the public and should not be entered without prior permission or permits. We urge you to respect the privacy of their residents. For further information, you may wish to visit the Department of Indigenous Affairs website at www.dia.wa.gov.au.
Old mine workings - keep well away
Some disused mineshafts, diggings and other old mine workings in the Goldfields have been fenced off or have warning signs prominently displayed. There are many, however, that have neither fences nor signs, including some that are close to designated Golden Quest sites. These areas are unsafe and you should keep well away at all times, only walking on clearly defined tracks and pathways. You are urged to make 'staying on the trail' a priority to ensure your personal health and safety.
Pastoral stations - keep off
The trail passes through many active pastoral leases with large numbers of livestock. Do not travel off-road within pastoral properties without the prior permission of the relevant station owner or manager.
Fire bans
From time to time, total fire bans are imposed throughout the region, particularly during periods of prolonged hot weather. While total fire bans are announced on local radio, if you are unsure whether a ban is in place, contact the nearest local government office (see phone numbers listed above). Regardless of whether a total fire ban is in place, never light a campfire anywhere other than in a designated camping or barbeque area.
Food
Remember that while there is food and drink available at stops and businesses along the trail, it is always a good idea to travel with bottles of water, and food such as fruit and sandwiches. You can click on the town names on the Mud Map in the top left corner of this page to browse through visitor services available at each stop.
Clothing
It is advised to wear appropriate clothing whilst embarking on the trail, including a hat and sturdy walking shoes. Be sure to wear plenty of SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Pets, particularly dogs
If you're travelling with a pet, particularly a dog, never let them roam free. Throughout the region, 1080 poison baits are scattered to control wild dogs and foxes that pose a threat to livestock on pastoral properties.
Letting family and friends know where you are
It is strongly recommended that you inform family and/or friends of your travel plans and expected dates of arrival and return. If possible, provide them with a copy of your proposed itinerary.
