After spending 9 months in Meekatharra, I think I may have the secret to having the perfect Meekatharra day. So, what qualifications do I have to make such a bold statement, well to be honest none, but I have spent a fair bit of time exploring the area, chatting to the locals and doing what I do best … being a weekend tourist

But first where is Meekatharra?

Meekatharra is 765 kms north of Perth on the Great Northern Highway. It is halfway between Perth and Port Hedland making it a perfect overnight stop if you’re travelling north.

 

The Perfect Day in Meekatharra

The perfect day would have to start with a fresh coffee and pastry, or in my case, sweet cinnamon chai tea and a blueberry muffin, from Coles Express Roadhouse.

Energised and ready to go, head down to the Meekatharra Creek for a leisurely stroll along the Creek Trail, listening to the different birds singing, stopping to read the information panels and imagining life in the 1900s. The smell of fresh bread wafting down the street from the ‘best bakery this side of Perth’. The mega, wide dusty roads filled with the sounds of horses and carts, camel trains and hardworking people going about their daily business in long, flowing dresses and top hats and suits in the hot, sweltering sun. People were tough in those days, they had to be to survive.

For more information about the Meeka Creek trail, Meeka Lookout Trail or Meeka Heritage Walk trail see http://meekashire.wa.gov.au

Take a detour on the way back, stopping at the always popular, Mumma Moon’s Bakery, to pick up a delicious picnic lunch.  Why? To take to Peace Gorge, of course.

Local Museum

While waiting for your delicious lunch to be freshly made, duck across the road to the local Museum in the Shire Office. Check out the old hearse, a reminder of how harsh the living conditions were and the old town photos. Look closely at the surnames on the photos, you might recognise a few, a long lost relative or piece of family history. I recognised a few family names and wondered if their descendants are children at the local school, where I was teaching.

The Museum is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4.30pm.

Entry is free.

 

Peace Gorge

Restocked with plenty of water and delicious food, head out to Peace Gorge, just a stone’s throw away, though good luck throwing these enormous granite stones. The Gorge was originally called ‘The Granites’ but in 1916 after the servicemen returned home to their loved ones, there was a huge town celebration at the Gorge, and it was then known as Peace Gorge.

Peace Gorge is a series of enormous granite rocks to explore, climb and walk around. The golden, bronze rock colourings are stunning in the sunlight against the blue sky and red pindan earth. There are several picnic tables and benches around the Gorge, to relax and enjoy the tranquility and quiet serenity while taking in the natural beauty of this outback landscape. I spent hours photographing the light bouncing of the magnificent rocks and exploring the dry creek beds.

Peace Gorge is an awesome free camping site, but there are no facilities.

Meekatharra Lookout

Can this day get any better? The grand finale would have to be the Meekatharra Lookout, with 360-degree views of the town and surrounding mining area. A great place to watch the sun go down on this perfect Meekatharra day.

 

 

 

 

 

But wait… if you don’t want this perfect day in Meekatharra to end just yet head to the Commercial Hotel for a reflective drink, a chat with friends, or the Auski Inland Motel for a tasty dinner in the restaurant.

Bilyuin Pool

If you are heading north out of Meekatharra (or south into Meekatharra) it is worth stopping at Bilyuin Pool, though it can be difficult to find.

Bilyuin Pool is 85 kms north of Meekatharra, turning off the Great Northern Highway at the blue ‘Horseshoe Mine’ sign and onto Ashburton Downs Road. Look for the white Bilyuin Pool sign (about 14 kms) and turn onto a dirt track ( the track was hard to see and is not clear). The dirt track is only a few 100 metres long, but worth the drive when you see Bilyuin Pool. A peaceful, permanent pool in the Murchison River. There are no facilities here, but you can camp for free.

 

Travel tips-

1. Take insect repellent and a mosquito/ fly net to wear over your hat, the insects are very friendly.
2. Take plenty of water, especially in the summer the daytime temperatures are very hot.
3. Watch out for animals, such as cattle, kangaroos and emus on the road, especially at dusk, dawn and night.
4. Be aware of your fuel usage and where the next service station is, as they are 100s of kilometers apart.
5. The Great North Highway is a major transport route for long “Road Train” trucks, some being as long as 50 metres, so be very careful when you are passing them as they need a lot of space and can’t stop quickly.

 

 

I think this is the perfect day in Meekatharra and hope you do too. If you are travelling along the Great North Highway you may like to stop at New Norcia, it was the home for Spanish Benedictine monks in 1847 and has a unique history. There are still monks living here today. For more information about this fascinating place click on the link below.

New Norcia A Fascinating Day Trip from Perth.