Geraldton to Coolgardie via Sandstone, Leonora

Submitted: Monday, Jun 15, 2009 at 05:23

ThreadID: 69827 Views:6341 Replies:5 FollowUps:8

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Member - Patricia R (TAS)

Would very much appreciate any feedback from anyone who has done this trip - road conditions (sealed or unsealed?) and availability of accommodation, possibly at Sandstone?

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Reply By: Member - Uncle (NSW) - Monday, Jun 15, 2009 at 06:39

Reply By: Member - Phil B (WA) - Monday, Jun 15, 2009 at 06:46

Reply By: Member - Ian F (WA) - Monday, Jun 15, 2009 at 12:45

Reply By: Member - ross m (WA) - Monday, Jun 15, 2009 at 14:32

Monday, Jun 15, 2009 at 14:32

The dirt sections in that area are reasonably good but always use caution.
There has usually been sheep and goats on the road when Ive been through especially between Mt Mag to S/stone.
The roadtrains can be quite busy on those roads servicing the mines.
All in all an easy drive with fairly straight roads

There is lots of attractions in the way of old town sites and infrastructure but some of them you need to look for it ; )

AnswerID: 370075

Follow Up By: Member - Patricia R (TAS) - Tuesday, Jun 16, 2009 at 00:33

Tuesday, Jun 16, 2009 at 00:33

Thanks Ross - Don't worry, I'm always cautious - we have a fair few goats on the roads in Tassie, too, and they don't all have four legs - in fact, I think some of them might even have licences! I was especially interested in finding out whether the roads were sealed or not - hard to distinguish from my maps - and what condition they were in, also some info on the availability of accommodation in the area - from the distances, I think we'd be looking at staying overnight at Sandstone, as, being unfamiliar with the area, I like to be off the road before dark - your reference to the goats applies here!

We've done previous trips to WA, but not in this particular area, so any further info on old town sites, etc., would be appreciated. With thanks. Patricia.

FollowupID: 637536

Follow Up By: Member - ross m (WA) - Tuesday, Jun 16, 2009 at 10:35

Tuesday, Jun 16, 2009 at 10:35

Patricia, Mt Magnet is the biggest town along the route.
It has 3 pubs and a good council owned caravan park.
But its a bit close to Geraldton if your planning the trip over two days.
Along the Mt Magnet to Sandstone rd there is theembankment where a rail car used to run with the remains of old stations along the way.
No buildings,just old platforms
I think the rail car went as far as Leinster and Leonora and maybe to Laverton in its day but Im not certain of its route.
There are towns along there like Paynesville that once had a population until the gold ran out.
Other surviving towns like Ora Banda and Broad Arrow are worth a visit.
There are sign posts along the Goldfields hwy showing sites of old gold towns.
Sometimes there is an old cemetary to visit.

FollowupID: 637584