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Cave Hill Woodlines

Difficulty: Trek rating 3.5 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3.5 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3.5 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3.5 of 5 - Click for details   Suitable for: 4WD 
This 4WD trek takes you back to the days when the gold mining industry needed timber as its main energy source. Thus, the vast network of tramway lines to carry it was created until the mid 1960s when it was no longer viable.
StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesCoolgardie
Trek
FinishHyden
Distance378.56 kmMinimum Days2
Average Speed68.95 km/hrDriving Time5 hr 29 min
Article By: ExplorOz Team   Updated: 20 Mar 2008
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 Description

This historic trek note takes you back to the days when timber was needed to support mining operations at Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie. Evidence of the woodlines is everywhere, from the remnants of rail sleepers and loading ramps near the main track, to granite slab walls on rock monoliths used to trap valuable water. Today and 65 years since operations had ended, the bush and the Salmon Gum and Gimlet forests have reclaimed the land.

There’s not only an abundance of historical significance in the region, but also many amazing natural land features. Just some of the sights you will encounter include; Burra Rock, which is a large granite outcrop that slopes steeply southward and Cave Hill which is one of the largest and highest granite monoliths in the region.

There are some camping and picnic sites available in Burra Rock and Cave Hill Nature Reserve with BBQ pits and toilet facilities. Camping is also permitted at The Breakaways which is near a soft rocky outcrop just south of the main route.

 Interactive Route Map

CoolgardieBurbanksLondonderryNepean Rd & Burra Rocks AccessBurra RockCave HillCave Hill Tk & Brown Rock AccessTrig Station BBN 81TVictoria Rock Rd & Cave Hill AccessVictoria Rock Rd & Banks Rock AccessVictoria Rock Rd & Hyden Norseman RdMcDermid RockHyden Norseman Rd & Windy Hill Camp AccessThe BreakawaysHyden Norseman Rd & Southern Cross RdHolland Tk & Hyden Norseman RdState Barrier FenceEast Hyden Bin Rd & Wave Rock AccessHyden
Coolgardie
Take plenty of time to explore Coolgardie, admire it's magnificent buildings and it's various museum's. John and Agnes Holland are buried in the pioneer cemetery.
Features: Populated PlaceService Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel
Position: 121.1660ºE   30.9536ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Burbanks
Distance: 9.56km
Average Speed: 69.48km/h
Burbanks
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Populated Place
Position: 121.1375ºE   31.0326ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Londonderry
Distance: 4.82km
Average Speed: 81.28km/h
Londonderry
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Place Name
Position: 121.1168ºE   31.0713ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Nepean Rd & Burra Rocks Access
Distance: 9.64km
Average Speed: 89.42km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 121.0833ºE   31.1504ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Burra Rock
Distance: 34.23km
Average Speed: 45.91km/h
Burra Rock
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Populated PlaceCamp Free National Parks,Reserves Point of Interest
Position: 121.2020ºE   31.3915ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Cave Hill
Distance: 39.6km
Average Speed: 45.34km/h
Cave Hill
Cave Hill Reserve is strictly four wheel drive access only and is popular with the four wheel drive enthusiasts. Ideal for day or overnight trips. Cave Hill is aptly named due to the spectacular granite outcrop with a large cave formation on the western side.
Features: Populated PlaceCamp Free Toilet Point of Interest
Position: 121.2303ºE   31.6634ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Cave Hill Tk & Brown Rock Access
Distance: 13.77km
Average Speed: 33.13km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 121.1797ºE   31.7054ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Trig Station BBN 81T
Distance: 28.34km
Average Speed: 41.82km/h
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 120.9310ºE   31.7889ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Victoria Rock Rd & Cave Hill Access
Distance: 12.7km
Average Speed: 31.41km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 120.8341ºE   31.8096ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Victoria Rock Rd & Banks Rock Access
Distance: 17.85km
Average Speed: 70.97km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 120.7925ºE   31.9276ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Victoria Rock Rd & Hyden Norseman Rd
Distance: 10.96km
Average Speed: 61.39km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 120.7622ºE   32.0148ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: McDermid Rock
Distance: 2.64km
Average Speed: 78.43km/h
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 120.7449ºE   32.0329ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Hyden Norseman Rd & Windy Hill Camp Access
Distance: 34.34km
Average Speed: 80.12km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 120.5030ºE   32.2185ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: The Breakaways
Distance: 23.78km
Average Speed: 88.83km/h
The Breakaways
Formal free Campsite with several camping bays, drop toilets, concrete tables, seats and firerings, on the road between Norseman and Kulin
Features: Camp FreePoint of Interest
Position: 120.2632ºE   32.2775ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Hyden Norseman Rd & Southern Cross Rd
Distance: 50.08km
Average Speed: 96.33km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 119.7553ºE   32.4157ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Holland Tk & Hyden Norseman Rd
Distance: 27.78km
Average Speed: 91.64km/h
Holland Tk & Hyden Norseman Rd
For many travellers, this junction marks the beginning of the Holland Track to the north, however almost 300km of the route originally created by John Holland also lies to the south, albeit mostly lost to the advances of pastoral farming lands and formed gravel roads.
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 119.4589ºE   32.4141ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: State Barrier Fence
Distance: 4.75km
Average Speed: 94.7km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn OffPoint of Interest
Position: 119.4095ºE   32.4232ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: East Hyden Bin Rd & Wave Rock Access
Distance: 47.57km
Average Speed: 90.72km/h
East Hyden Bin Rd & Wave Rock Access
There are actually two entry/exit points to Wave Rock. This turnoff is the first seen if approaching Hyden from the east (ie. if you've driving West into Hyden the turnoff is on your right).
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 118.9110ºE   32.4410ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Hyden
Distance: 6.14km
Average Speed: 50.16km/h
Hyden
Although the township of Hyden lies along the Kondinin-Hyden Rd and Hyden-Lake-King Rd, the main town centre lies on a street adjacent to the main road, and this is named McPherson Street.
Features: Populated PlaceService Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Fuel Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Resort,Motel
Position: 118.8626ºE   32.4489ºS (GDA 94)

Route Control

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 Permits

No permits are required for Cave Hill Woodlines, although road conditions for this trek may vary so please check with the Coolgardie Visitors Centre on: (08) 9026 6090

Shire of Coolgardie

Phone: (08) 9080 2111
Fax: (08) 9027 3125
Email: execsec@coolgardie.wa.gov.au
Website: Shire of Coolgardie

 Things to See & Do

The Breakaways   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Camp Free Point of Interest
Formal free Campsite with several camping bays, drop toilets, concrete tables, seats and firerings, on the road between Norseman and Kulin
Cave Hill   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Populated Place Camp Free Toilet Point of Interest
Cave Hill Reserve is strictly four wheel drive access only and is popular with the four wheel drive enthusiasts. Ideal for day or overnight trips. Cave Hill is aptly named due to the spectacular granite outcrop with a large cave formation on the western side. Facilities at the Reserve include barbecues and toilets.
State Barrier Fence   
Junction,Intersection,Turn Off Point of Interest
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
McDermid Rock   
Point of Interest 
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Burra Rock   
Populated Place Camp Free National Parks,Reserves Point of Interest
No description entered. Enter description or photos.

 Preparation

Preparation for this route should be as for any other remote 4WD track, including carrying sufficient fuel, water, food, supplies, communications gear, safety equipment and first aid, along with emergency backup supplies. Check your fuel range and plan detours for resupply at either Newdegate or Hyden. The terrain is dense in many places and the track winding with driver visibility impaired when passing traffic so a flag on your vehicle is recommended.

There are numerous tracks in the area and some may be unnamed or not shown on maps. A wise precaution is to get hold of some updated and detailed mud maps of the area. You could also get some digital maps of the region such as: Explore the Holland Track and Cave Hill Woodlines and you could load these into software-based navigation like OziExplorer, which incidentally should be already installed and running on your laptop. See our navigation articles for more information.

Be well prepared with a GPS, HF radio or Satellite phone as you may not see another vehicle for days. We advise that you refer to the latest information and advice about outback communications in the Communications Topic.

There may be risks with getting punctures, so please make sure you have adequate recovery gear and puncture repair kits. Travellers should read the 4WDriving Topic for related articles and checklists for vehicle setup and driver awareness.

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Fuel SymbolCoolgardie, Hyden Diesel4cyl 53 litres ULP4cyl 61 litres LPG4cyl 76 litres
6cyl 58 litres6cyl 68 litres6cyl 67 litres
8cyl 65 litres8cyl 60 litres
Usage is averaged from TrekFuel (* specific to trek) submissions and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Please note that road closures apply when it is wet.

Closest Climatic Station

Southern Cross
Distance from Trek Mid Point 88.49km NW
 JanFebMarAprMayJun JulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C 34.533.630.525.7 20.617.116.318.0 21.825.429.633.0
Mean Min. °C 17.217.215.211.6 7.85.74.44.8 6.59.312.915.5
Mean Rain mm 16.320.924.224.5 34.940.738.631.3 19.515.715.612.6
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Services & Supplies

The following locations have various services and supplies: Coolgardie, Hyden

 Camp Sites & Accomodation

The Breakaways   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Camp Free Point of Interest
Formal free Campsite with several camping bays, drop toilets, concrete tables, seats and firerings, on the road between Norseman and Kulin
Cave Hill   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Populated Place Camp Free Toilet Point of Interest
Cave Hill Reserve is strictly four wheel drive access only and is popular with the four wheel drive enthusiasts. Ideal for day or overnight trips. Cave Hill is aptly named due to the spectacular granite outcrop with a large cave formation on the western side. Facilities at the Reserve include barbecues and toilets.
Hyden   
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Fuel Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Resort,Motel
Although the township of Hyden lies along the Kondinin-Hyden Rd and Hyden-Lake-King Rd, the main town centre lies on a street adjacent to the main road, and this is named McPherson Street. Here you'll find the Post Office, numerous small businesses such as newsagent, bakery, supermarket and more.
Burra Rock   
Populated Place Camp Free National Parks,Reserves Point of Interest
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Coolgardie   
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel
Take plenty of time to explore Coolgardie, admire it's magnificent buildings and it's various museum's. John and Agnes Holland are buried in the pioneer cemetery.

 Environment

The tracks are a mix of gravel tracks and bitumen roads when you head closer to the towns. Some of these tracks have large washaways beside them, so caution should be exercised. The natural terrain on this trek is predominantly bushland with relatively thick forests of Salmon Gum and Gimlet. There are some large granite outcrops and monoliths with rock pools and the occasional salt water lake.

Some of the animals and birds that you may encounter on this trek note include: Kangaroos, Emus, Foxes, Mallee Fowl and Thorny Devils. During Spring, the region produces magnificent wildflower and flowering shrubs. Around Hyden and Wave Rock during this time produces a superb variety of orchids.

 Driving Directions

Time
Direction
Distance
Coolgardie to Burbanks 9.56 km S 197° 8 min
Burbanks to Londonderry 4.82 km SW 205° 3 min
Londonderry to Nepean Rd & Burra Rocks Access 9.64 km S 200° 6 min
Nepean Rd & Burra Rocks Access to Burra Rock 34.23 km SE 157° 44 min
Burra Rock to Cave Hill 39.6 km S 175° 52 min
Cave Hill to Cave Hill Tk & Brown Rock Access 13.77 km SW 226° 24 min
Cave Hill Tk & Brown Rock Access to Trig Station BBN 81T 28.34 km W 248° 40 min
Trig Station BBN 81T to Victoria Rock Rd & Cave Hill Access 12.7 km W 256° 24 min
Victoria Rock Rd & Cave Hill Access to Victoria Rock Rd & Banks Rock Access 17.85 km S 197° 15 min
Victoria Rock Rd & Banks Rock Access to Victoria Rock Rd & Hyden Norseman Rd 10.96 km S 196° 10 min
Victoria Rock Rd & Hyden Norseman Rd to McDermid Rock 2.64 km SW 219° 2 min
McDermid Rock to Hyden Norseman Rd & Windy Hill Camp Access 34.34 km SW 228° 25 min
Hyden Norseman Rd & Windy Hill Camp Access to The Breakaways 23.78 km W 254° 16 min
The Breakaways to Hyden Norseman Rd & Southern Cross Rd 50.08 km W 252° 31 min
Hyden Norseman Rd & Southern Cross Rd to Holland Tk & Hyden Norseman Rd 27.78 km W 270° 18 min
Holland Tk & Hyden Norseman Rd to State Barrier Fence 4.75 km W 258° 3 min
State Barrier Fence to East Hyden Bin Rd & Wave Rock Access 47.57 km W 267° 31 min
East Hyden Bin Rd & Wave Rock Access to Hyden 6.14 km W 259° 7 min
Coolgardie to Hyden 378.56 km     5 hr 29 min
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.

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 Recommended Reading for Cave Hill Woodlines

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This book includes trip notes for the Holland Track, the John Holland Way and the Cave Hill Woodlines. These are coupled with selected GPS waypoints and descriptions of the various fascinating features you'll discover along the way.
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Discover the Goldfields with 12 exciting trips out of Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie, Norseman and Southern Cross. Includes 3 tours of each areas. Easy to read and handy to store in the glovebox.
Explore the Holland Track & Cave Hill Woodlines CD
The trips include: Hyden to Coolgardie via the Holland Track and return, Coolgardie to Hyden via Cave Hill, Hyden to Coolgardie via the Cave Hill Woodlines and Coolgardie to Broomhill via the John Holland Way.
Great Desert Tracks of Australia SW
This is just one map from the 6 map set of the Great Desert Tracks Map Pack. This particular map covers the Gunbarrel Hwy, Great Central Road, Connie Sue Hwy and David Carnegie Road.
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This map covers the south coast region of WA. It also includes regoinal information, climate profiles, lists of National Parks, Nature Reserves and Wineries, photos and drawings of the flora and fauna found in the region. Comes in a Plastic Wallet.
Goldfields & Esperance
Excellent, detailed map including camping areas, caravan parks, picnic areas and covers major towns and attractions. This map includes a regional map as well as towns maps and descriptions of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Coolgardie, Kambalda, Norseman, Esperance and Cape Le Grand.
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