Preparation And Planning
Before you set out:
- Mobile phone coverage can be quite limited – do not rely on this always being available!
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
- Be sure to pack water, fuel, spare tyre(s), tools, a tow rope and a shovel (at least).
- Consider carrying a satellite phone or an EPIRB, in case of emergency.
Fuel & Food:
Other Important Information:
- These trails pass through a number of active pastoral properties – please do not travel off-road without the prior permission of the owner or manager.
- Enjoy trying to ‘strike it rich’ – but do keep off active mining leases.
- Old mine workings can be extremely dangerous. Be very careful, as many shafts are unmarked and unstable. In particular, keep children close to you at all times.
- If you’re travelling with a pet dog never let it roam free. Baits containing 1080 poison have been scattered throughout the region to control wild dogs and foxes.
Road Conditions:
- Large parts of these trails are on gravel roads (well in excess of 50%)
- These are generally in good condition, but can suffer after either rain or prolonged dry spells.
- Watch for bog holes (when wet) and bull dust and/or corrugations when dry.
- Creek crossings can be washed out – always slow down as damage can be hard to see.
- If possible, check with the Shire of Leonora before setting out.
- Do not drive past a ‘Road Closed’ sign! You may be liable for the cost of repairs.
- While travel in a 2wd vehicle is quite possible, with care, a 4wd is preferable
- The sealed section up the Goldfields Highway to Leinster is always accessible to all vehicles.
Driving Safely:
- On all unsealed roads a maximum speed of 80kph is recommended.
- Watch carefully for livestock and wildlife, especially near dawn or dusk.
- Avoid driving at night, unless absolutely necessary.
- Dust will often indicate oncoming traffic – slow down, and move to the side of the road.
- If you break down or have an accident stay with your vehicle!
Accommodation
Leonora
- Hoover House Bed & Breakfast
Just 3km from Leonora town centre in the Gwalia historic precinct, this superb B&B was built in 1898 by Herbert Hoover, later 31st President of the United States. It has 3 spacious high quality rooms with ensuites and a shady verandah. Continental breakfast is included.
Kane St Gwalia
Ph:(08) 9037 7122
Email: hoover@leonora.wa.gov.au
Web: www.gwalia.org.au
- Leonora Central Hotel
Motel wing has 12 self contained motel units with double bed accommodation in all units. Hotel has 8 standard single rooms air-conditioned with shared bathroom. Dining room offers meals 6.00pm – 8.30pm daily. Lounge, bars and beer garden.
70 Tower St (Goldfields Hwy) Leonora
Ph: (08) 9037 6042
Email: admin@centralleonora.com
- Leonora Motel
Located in town within walking distance to shops, hotels and service stations with 4 king executive suites, 14 Queen suites (3 family rooms) with LCD screen TV’s, microwave, toaster. Ample secure parking beside suites. Laundry on site.
48 Tower St (Goldfields Highway) Leonora
Ph: (08) 9037 6444
Email: leonoramotorinn@bigpond.com
- Leonora Village
Leonora Village is conveniently located right in the centre of town. We offer comfortable facilities and a warm welcome to all our guests.
1B Rochester St Leonora
Mobile: 0488 068 483
Email: reception@leovillage.com.au
Website: www.leovillage.com.au
Leonora White House Hotel
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Historic hotel c.1902 with outback character, air-conditioned with 1 double and 2 single rooms. 6 twin rooms. Shared bathrooms. Front bar, beer garden, pool table, dining room, counters meals in bar, laundry facilities, with ample parking.
62 Tower St (Goldfields Highway) Leonora
Ph: (08) 9037 6030
Email: whitehousehotel@bigpond.com.au
Leinster
The Agnew Loop
The Agnew Loop: Survival in a strange land
298.4km, 50% gravel roads, full day outing
The discovery of gold in the 1890’s sparked a rush to this region – but the country the settlers came to was hot, harsh and horribly unforgiving. This trail tells many of the stories of what was often a struggle for survival as Europeans set out to make their way in a land that was both foreign and pitiless.
From coach roads and stock routes to wayside hotels and staging posts, and from vast pastoral stations to historic mines and the shooting-star settlements that they spawned – the social history of this struggle for survival is strung out along this Loop for your enjoyment.
Drive the 300km in a clockwise direction – it is a comfortable day’s outing, but do check road conditions first as half the route is on gravel surface’s.
The Darlot Loop
The Darlot Loop: More than just mulga.
345.8km, 70% gravel roads, full day outing
Take a trip through the many and varied landscapes of the north-east goldfields – from dramatic breakaways to samphire flats and salt lakes, and from vast mulga plains to magnificent marble gum on spinifex sands. This loop is your introduction to a fascinating natural environment, and to the human influences that have shaped it over the last hundred years.
At close to 350km this is a long day’s outing. It is designed to be travelled in a clockwise direction, initially heading north from Leonora on the Goldfields Highway. Note that approximately 70% of the Trail is gravel – this is generally of good quality, but can suffer after rain. Check with the Shire for the latest conditions!