free camping in the Wheatbelt Archives

Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail (Hyden-Norseman Road)

The Breakaways along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail

Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail is a 300km unsealed road that links Hyden and Norseman. It features 16 interpretive sites with walking trails, picnic and camping areas. As you drive along this scenic route, you will see how the scenery changes from section to section – from low heath, to shrubs, to eucalyptus woodlands.

Starting at Hyden

Our journey began in Hyden, where a visit to the iconic Wave Rock felt like a rite of passage. Though we’d been before, it was the first time for our children. It was a moment of shared wonder beneath the ancient wave-shaped granite.

Holland Track Intersection

Our first stop along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail was the Holland Track intersection.

Holland Track intersection along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail.

Originally, we’d planned to drive the Holland Track itself, but towing a caravan—even a small off-road one—proved impractical. The entry looked deceptively smooth, but we knew the track beyond was riddled with deep washouts. Instead, we lingered at the interpretive sign, absorbing the history and admiring the wildflowers. What a delicate bursts of colour against the rugged terrain.

Comesperma scoparium Broom Milkwort (above left), Grevillea coccinea (above middle), Stylidium breviscapum Boomerang Triggerplant (above right).

Forrestania Plots

With daylight fading, we made camp at Forrestania Plots—a free, no-facilities campground nestled in the bush.

It’s a simple, cleared area, but the surrounding flora made it quietly beautiful.

Balaustion pulcherrimum Native Pomegranate (above left), Calytrix leschenaultii (above middle), Cyanostegia Tinsel Flower (above right).

Grevillea excelsior (Flame Grevillea) stood tall and radiant (below left). Striking Hakea francisiana (Emu Tree) was also fascinating to see (below right).

We watched the sun dip below the horizon, its golden light filtering through the foliage, then gathered around a campfire under the stars.

The Breakaways

Perhaps the most picturesque stop along the trail, The Breakaways offered a sense of peace and timelessness. The rock formations here are captivating—layered with colour, texture, and quiet mystery. We wandered for hours, tracing the contours of the land and soaking in its stillness.

The site is well-equipped, with a spacious picnic and camping area, tables, fire rings, and a toilet. Though tempted to stay, we chose to continue our journey, carrying the calm of The Breakaways with us.

The Breakaways site along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail.

Eucalyptus vittata (ribbon mallet) is a unique eucalyptus tree that sheds its bark in long ribbons that sway gracefully in the wind, composing a soothing bush melody.

McDermid Rock

Our second stop along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail (Hyden–Norseman Road) was McDermid Rock, site #9 on the trail. This striking granite outcrop is a wonderful place to pause—whether for a wander, a picnic, or an overnight stay.

The site is well-equipped with a toilet, picnic tables, and fire rings, making it both scenic and practical.

You can climb McDermid Rock and explore the surrounding area via a 1,271-meter interpretive trail. The walk begins with a steep ascent but soon levels out into an easy and enjoyable loop, dotted with informative signs that highlight the area’s natural and cultural history.

We camped there during the September school holidays, and while it was a popular spot, we arrived early enough to secure a great site. We loved our time at McDermid Rock—scrambling over the granite, soaking in the views, and gathering around a campfire under the stars.

Lake Johnston

Lake Johnston is site #10 on the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail. It is a striking salt lake.

This tranquil spot offers a small but welcoming area for picnicking or camping, complete with a toilet and picnic table. It’s an ideal place to pause, take in the expansive views, and enjoy the serenity of the landscape.

Disappointment Rock

Our journey along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail concluded at Disappointment Rock. Though there are no facilities here, the area features a scenic 1.9-kilometre hiking trail that traverses the rock and includes 17 interpretive signs offering insights into the local geology and ecology.

We didn’t have time to complete the full walk, as my main focus was spotting an open granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila). After encountering many closed blooms, it was a true delight to find one fully open—thanks to the keen eyes of my youngest son.

Along the way, we also spotted a few lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) and were treated to the sight of numerous Ornate Crevice-Dragon lizards basking in the sun.

Ornate Crevice-Dragon lizards were abundant at Disappointment Rock (below).

Talgomine Reserve

Talgomine Reserve is a large picturesque area around the rock, 12 km east of Nungarin in the Сentral Wheatbelt. Talgomine rock was ‘originally named Mount Moore’. In the 19 century the place was used as a stopping place for travellers and stock passing through the area. The reserve became an important watering place. Particularly, it served as a community sheep dip to treat skin infection of animals.

Facilities

There is a free campground at the base of a rock. Facilities at Talgomine Reserve include a picnic table and a long drop toilet, as well as bins. We enjoyed having the place all to ourselves for the night. It turned out to be a much nicer and cozier place than Danberrin Rock where we stopped initially but had to leave due to ants’ infestation.

Nice walks and nature at Talgomine Reserve

In the morning, I wandered through the area, climbing over granite outcrops and circling the boulders. Just a few weeks ago, this place would have been ablaze with wildflowers—especially everlastings. Now, only the orange immortelle (Waitzia acuminata) remained, still flowering but past its prime. Aside from that, little else was in bloom.

Waitzia acuminata everlasting at Talgomine Reserve

Yet the landscape held its own quiet beauty. The granite shimmered softly in the morning light, birds chirped cheerfully in the stillness, and a sense of peace settled over everything. We felt grateful to have spent the night here, far from the buzz and bustle of city life—a gentle pause in nature’s embrace.

Toapin Weir

Toapin Weir is a great picnic and free camping spot near the dam in the Central Wheatbelt. It is located 8km north of Quairading and is easily accessible. Built in 1912, Toapin Weir is the largest privately constructed water storage scheme in WA. It is still used to supply water to Quairading and surrounding area. It is also a popular recreational site.

Picnic and camping at Toapin Weir

The picnic area near the dam has a few picnic tables, shelters, flushing toilet, drinking water, electric bbqs, rubbish bins and fire pits. There is also a larger camping area, suitable for big rigs and large caravans a short walking distance from the dam.

Interpretive signs, benches, and small stairs make the dam even more accessible and attractive for easy exploration. You can climb onto the granite rock, where the dam is. Or you can take a circular walking trail around the weir. A few different varieties of wildflowers can be found in spring, including some orchids.

We stayed at Toapin Weir over the June long weekend for a couple of nights. It was a busy place, but we had our quiet spot closer to the dam. We enjoyed the campfire, beautiful sunset and exploring the area.

Nookaminnie Rock Nature Reserve

Located 3km west of Quairading town in the Central Wheatbelt, Nookaminnie Rock Nature Reserve is a great hiking place for nature enthusiasts. The highlight of the reserve would be the Nookaminnie Rock. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we didn’t get to the rock – it is a 6km return walk. Instead, we took a shorter Nookaminnie Creek walk.

Not much was flowering early June. But the gum trees looked quite majestic, especially lit by the rays of the setting sun. Wandoo, Salmon gums and York gums dominate the reserve. The walks trails are easy and are clearly marked.

Datjoin Rock

Datjoin Rock and Well Reserve, 18km east of Beacon in North East Wheatbelt is a natural attraction, a popular picnic and free camping spot. It is home to some interesting rock formations which are quite picturesque. During the months of spring the reserve is full of beautiful wildflowers. At the time we visited, there were mostly everlastings. Orchids do grow there too, but they finished blooming earlier, and we missed them by a couple of weeks or so (we visited this place end of September). Datjoin Rock is part of Wheatbelt Way self-drive.

Carpets of everlastings (above left), Brunonia australis Native Cornflower (above middle), Waitzia acuminata orange immortelle (above right).

Camping at Datjoin Rock reserve

Camping is allowed at the Datjoin Rock Reserve, near the well. There are no facilities, so you would need to be self-sufficient and take all rubbish with you. As with most Wheatbelt places, cooler months are the best for camping. During the months of April and September you can have camp fire there.

Location

To get to Datjoin Rock reserve, travel from Beacon for 18km eastward on Burakin/Wialki road. There is a narrow track entrance on the left. This track is suitable for for 2WDs but it is too narrow for caravans. There is another entrance to the actual rock 2km further eastwards on Clark Road, on the left, at the top of the rise. This second area is a narrow 4WD track only. We found the main Datjoin Rock and well reserve to be picturesque enough. So, if you get lost looking for the second entrance to the actual rock, you won’t miss much, as the Rock reserve has everything you need, including camping area.

Mollerin Rock

Mollerin Rock is a free camping and picnic area, 50km north of Koorda in North East Wheatbelt. It’s one of the attractions along Wheatbelt Way self-drive.

Mollerin Rock camp

Facilities are basic and include a long drop toilet with a tap for washing hands, 1 gazebo with a picnic table. There is plenty of space to accommodate various types of vehicles and set ups. The place is easily accessible to 2WD. The campground is at the base of Mollerin Rock, which is quite low in height and easy to walk on and around.

The views are wonderful from the top, especially at sunset. The best thing about Mollerin Rock is campfire at night during cooler months (between April and September) and wildflowers, mostly everlastings, during early spring.

We stayed at Mollerin Rock campground at the end of September. The wildflowers were past their prime time and many finished already but we still enjoyed the campfire and starry nights.

Attractions nearby:

Koorda Rose

Koorda is roughly 50km south of Mollerin Rock.

I planned a trip to Koorda to see the unique to the Wheatbelt region Koorda Rose (Darwinia purpurea). It is a very pretty bright red flowering plant, common in Koorda. It is found in abundance in Koorda Native Flora reserve, 15km north-east of town, on the Mulji Road.

Koorda Native Flora reserve also offers a free picnic and camping ground. The area is relatively big and open and suitable for all kinds of set ups and vehicles. There is a picnic table with shade, campfire ring and toilet. While we didn’t stay there, it looked like a nice camping spot for cooler months.

Koorda Motor and Military Museum

Another place we (our sons, in particular) enjoyed visiting was Koorda Motor and Military Museum. Although it is small and is open by appointment, it does have a few interesting things on display and is worth a visit.

Boys at Koorda Motor and Military Museum, 50km south of Mollerin Rock

Redcliffe

We love natural attractions and always visit them whenever we have a chance as we travel. Redcliffe was one such attraction. The uniqueness and attractiveness of this place comes from the contrast between the white salt lakes and the red granite outcrops. Redcliffe is located 5km off Koorda, at the end of Rifle Range road.

Moningarin Tank

Roughly half way between Koorda and Mollerin Rock, Moningarin Tank is a picturesque place to visit. Lots of wildflowers are blooming there during the spring.

Calytrix depressa (above left), Dianella revoluta (above middle), Dodonea inequifolia (above right).

Podolepis canescens (above left), Rhodanthe manglesii (above middle), Schoenia cassiniana (above right).

Carpets of everlastings (above left), Verticordia chrysanthella (above middle), Waitzia acuminata orange immortelle (above right).

Baandee Lake

Baandee Lake is a beautiful salt lake in the Central Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It is 25km east of Kellerberrin on Ski Lake road. This is a popular place for water skiing when there is enough water in the lake. It is also a pleasant free camping area. There are flushing toilets, cold water shower and non-drinking water for washing hands available. In cooler months you can enjoy camp fires in the fire rings provided. We stayed at Baandee Lake in early November. The weather was favourable – not too hot during the day time yet and cooling at night. There was still water in the lake although not enough for water ski activities. With plenty of space for camping along the shore of the lake to choose from, we found a nice spot with gorgeous view which we enjoyed during our 1 night stay there. We were the only ones, although a few cars visited during the day.

Fantastic views and scenery at Baandee Lake

The best thing for us camping at Baandee Lake were the awesome views of the ever changing sky.

Stormy clouds and rainbow over Baandee Lake

So, we witnessed the intensely strong red sunset.

Many satelites (and maybe a comet?) across the sky full of stars but also some clouds.

Aurora passed by leaving a bit of a colour in the sky too. 🙂

Pretty cool sunrise

Some dramatic clouds in the morning just after the sunrise.

Dramatic looking clouds over Baandee Lake

and beautiful reflections of the clouds in the lake.

Baandee Lake is in South Doodlakine, Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It is about 3 hour drive east from Perth.

Marshall Rock

Marshall Rock in Northeastern Wheatbelt is part of the Wheatbelt Way Drive Trail and a popular leisure spot. It is located 280km from Perth and 7km to the nearest town Bencubbin. The rock itself is quite small and easy to climb. You can also drive up to the top (no caravans). From the top you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding fields, including nearby Lake McDermott.

Marshall Rock campground

Marshall Rock campground is nestled between Marshall Rock and Gardner Hill. There are all the basic facilities there that a traveller would need, which include waterless toilet, non-drinking water, bins, a couple of picnic tables and fire- pits.

The campground is free and easily accessible, suitable for all types of vehicles and set up. And yes, you can bring your fury friend there too. Our neighbour had 12 of them 😊.

Photography and astrophotography at Marshall Rock

Marshall Rock is an easy and short hike, so it became my daily habit during our 3 day stay there. Every time the same rock and surrounding area looked differently. You can always find a new angle to look at the same thing 😊

Marshall Rock is a great place for astrophotography.

Nearby attractions

Lake McDermott

Lake McDermott is a large salt lake, near Marshall Rock. Like many other salt lakes in that area, it is often dry. When it is full, it promises to be spectacular. During our recent visit there, it turned out to be impossible to come closer to it, to take a picture of the beautiful reflections in the water cast by the surrounding bushland. We ended up with boots full of mud which took a while to clean up. The lake, however, has excellent picnic facilities and walks around, and is a nice place to spend time.

Pergandes Sheep Yards

Another attraction nearby is Pergandes Sheep Yards. This is a short trip back in time, to 1910, when Pergandes family was the first to settle in the Mt Marshall district. Today visitors can see remains of an original homestead and sheep yards constructed entirely from nearby rock. Information boards describe life of early settlers and how they contributed to the development of the area. Well worth a visit.

Waddouring Dam

Also part of the Wheatbelt Way drive trail is Waddouring Dam. Built in 1929 to provide water to the nearby town Bencubbin, it is now used for recreation purposes. Waddouring Dam is a great picnic and camping spot.

There are two camping areas there. The camp closer to the water edge has a waterless toilet, non-drinking water and a picnic table. This camping area is small but there is another larger camping area further away from the dam (closer to the entrance). The camping areas are free to use. They also have fire pits. While the water in the dam seems clear enough, swimming is not recommended but you can safely kayak and paddle. We didn’t stay at Waddouring Dam but enjoyed visiting it and talking to those people who camped there.

Elachbutting rock

Elachbutting Rock is one of the more popular rocks in Eastern Wheatbelt. It is located 70 km northeast of Mukinbudin, (the nearest town). While not as big as Wave Rock, it is still quite big and has features similar to Wave Rock.

While it looks like Wave Rock, it is not.

The name Elachbutting means “big thing standing” for its sheer size, making it a prominent landmark with sweeping views from the top.

Campground

There is a large picnic and free camping area (suitable for at least 50-60 vehicles) with toilet and picnic tables.

The view of the camping area from Elachbutting Rock

Not far away from the camping area, there is an old well established by early settlers to provide them with drinking water (which is not drinkable now).

The gravel track around the rock is 6km long (which shows how big the rock is) with the camp area on one side and the wave rock formations on the other side. Nearby is Monty’s Pass, a 30m tunnel, caused by a rockslide.

Next to Monty’s Pass is King’s Cave. While the word Cave might be an exaggeration, as it looks more like a hollow, King’s Cave is said to be acoustic, providing good echoes. In any case, it is a fun place to visit, especially for kids.

Flora and fauna

Elachbutting Rock is surrounded by Elachbutting Nature reserve, which means it is home to many birds and wildflowers.

Elachbutting Rock 4WDriving and climbing

We climbed onto Elachbutting Rock and we drove onto it (part of it using a 4WD only track). The views from the top of the rock give you a perspective of the vastness of the land, and you can marvel at the patterns and the colours of nature, the shapes and the lines that form a sophisticated and beautiful puzzle.

Kids found their own entertainment on top of the rock – walking on stones inside a small puddle.

The Elachbutting granite outcrop (or part of it) provides an interesting background when taking pictures of a night sky, with millions of stars rising up above horizon.

Lake Brown and Eaglestone Rock

Lake Brown near Eaglestone Rock in the Wheatbelt

Lake Brown and Eaglestone Rock

Salt lakes are a great natural wonder in the Wheatbelt. When there is a lot of rainfall, the salt lakes become fully alive with many of lying dormant seeds and eggs waking up to the right conditions. In dryer seasons, many salt lakes dry up and harden so much that you can walk on their surface. There is so much salt in them, that the dry salt resembles ice and for someone who has never seen ice, it is a real delight. Lake Brown is one such place of wonder. Kids had a lot of fun walking on the salty crust and playing with it. While I was busy photographing beautiful landscape.

Lake Brown and Eaglestone Rock overlooking it are located 20km north east of Nungarin in the Wheatbelt region of WA and are accessed via Lake Brown South Road. We did not camp there, as we only stopped to check out this place and saw a few caravans and vans there. It did look like a fantastic spot for exploration, as well as camping, especially in the cooler months. This place will be our next adventure in the near future!

Eaglestone Rock near Lake Brown in the Wheatbelt

Eaglestone Rock and salty Lake Brown in the Wheatbelt

Beringbooding Rock

Beringbooding Rock, 65km north east of Mukinbudin in the Eastern Wheatbelt is an interesting place to visit. It is known for having the largest rock water catchment tank in Australia. Built in 1937, the water tank holds over two million gallons of water. There is a low wall around the perimeter of mostly flat rock that catches rain water and directs it to the tank.

People walking on top of Beringbooding Rock in the Wheatbelt — The largest water catchment tank in Australia

Apart from this water tank, there are other interesting things to see along 2.3km circuit route around and over the rock. I found the sight of an enormous balancing boulder very fascinating.

While I was busy taking pictures of the boulder, our kids spent time near the tall cairn. The youngest, Ilusha said that everyone who passed by, put a small rock to add to this tower. Logical thinking!

Among other attractions, there are some smaller rocky outcrops, a cave, a gnamma hole (natural water hole) and beautiful views of the surrounding country from the top of the rock. The walk over the rock is relatively easy. Shire of Mukinbudin has also provided picnic and free camping facilities with tables and flushing (!) toilet at the base of the rock.

Starting at Hyden

Holland Track Intersection

Forrestania Plots

The Breakaways

McDermid Rock

Lake Johnston

Disappointment Rock

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Facilities

Nice walks and nature at Talgomine Reserve

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Picnic and camping at Toapin Weir

Nookaminnie Rock Nature Reserve

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Camping at Datjoin Rock reserve

Location

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Mollerin Rock camp

Attractions nearby:

Koorda Rose

Koorda Motor and Military Museum

Redcliffe

Moningarin Tank

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Fantastic views and scenery at Baandee Lake

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Marshall Rock campground

Photography and astrophotography at Marshall Rock

Nearby attractions

Lake McDermott

Pergandes Sheep Yards

Waddouring Dam

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Campground

Flora and fauna

Elachbutting Rock 4WDriving and climbing

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