Embark on a real Australian outback adventure following a pioneering route created by John Holland through rugged bushland and woodlands. This very popular 4WD trail connects Broomehill in the southern Wheatbelt to Coolgardie in the Goldfields and can actually be undertaken in two sections with different driving conditions
The John Holland Way route connects Broomehill to Coolgardie mainly on bituminised and usually good surface gravel roads.
The Holland Track (4WD only) also starts in Broomehill, but then from the Hyden / Norseman Road north it follows a different route that is a real adventurer 4WD track.
3 Day - The John Holland Way
(2WD & 4WD vehicles)
Day 1: Broomehill – Newdegate (predominantly bitumen)
(200 kilometres/2.5 hours)
For a dose of history, start your adventure with a visit to the museum at Broomehill before hitting the road towards Nyabing. You'll pass by Lake Grace, a shallow salt lake with a superb lookout over the surrounding countryside. Continue through rich farmland, taking in Holland Soak and Silver Wattle Hill before arriving in Newdegate, known for its natural reserves.
Accommodation options: Holland Track Farm, caravan park
Day 2: Newdegate – The Breakaways (bitumen & well-formed gravel)
(220 kilometres/3-4 hours)
Explore Emu Rock before crossing the Rabbit Proof Fence. Continue along the Hyden/Norseman road towards Norseman and stay overnight at The Breakaways or McDermid rock camping area. This route to Coolgardie is 220 kilometres, but will take 5-6 hours, passing natural bushland and stunning rock formations.
Accommodation options: Camp out at The Breakaways or McDermid Rock
Day 3: The Breakaways – Coolgardie (gravel road)
(250km/3-4 hours)
From the Breakaways or Mc Dermoid Rock continue east for a short distance before turning north towards Coolgardie on Victoria Rock Road. Arrival in Coolgardie will complete this wonderful John Holland Way journey through the remote outback with its vistas of virgin bushland, salt lakes, nature reserves and granite outcrops.
Driving times and distances intended as a guide only and may vary depending on exact route taken. Accommodation options are indicative as to what is available in the area.
Above map not to scale and intended as a guide only. It is highly recommended before heading out on your journey, you purchase a detailed John Holland Track guidebook to get the most out of your experience.
3 Day - The Holland Track
(4WD vehicles only)
Tackle the rugged Holland Track route and embark on a real Australian 4WD outback adventure. Carved into rugged bushland, this track connects Broomehill and the Goldfields.
The first part of the route between Broomehill and the Hyden/Norseman Road is relatively easy but from there, as the track heads further north, becomes a real 4WD experience.
This area is remote and it’s highly recommended you travel in a group and have some emergency communications and recovery equipment. High clearance 4WD is highly recommended. This northern part of the route is a narrow single lane track, at times with many water-filled washaways. Side-tracks and the main track have real tyre-staking potential so more than 1 spare tyre should be carried. Trailers may prove a liability on the side-tracks, especially if the boggy washaways need to be tackled.
Rain will render some sections of the track very slippery and muddy so particular care should be taken with weather forecasts. Parts of the track are only suitable for high clearance four wheel drive vehicles and should only be attempted by confident drivers. Supplies and services are limited and road conditions can vary, so plan ahead, stock up on food, water and fuel and contact the local visitor centre. Some track information and a video of track conditions to expect can be found here.
A John Holland Track guidebook should be purchased to get the most out of your experience.
Day 1: Broomehill – Newdegate
(200 kilometres/2.5 hours, mostly sealed roads)
For a dose of history, start your adventure with a visit to the museum at Broomehill before hitting the road towards Nyabing. You'll pass by Lake Grace, with its series of shallow salt lake and a superb lookout over the surrounding countryside. Continue through rich farmland, taking in Holland Soak and Silver Wattle Hill before arriving in Newdegate, known for its natural reserves.
Accommodation options: Holland Track Farm, caravan park
Day 2: Newdegate – Sandalwood Camp
(280 kilometres/5-6 hours)
Explore Emu Rock before crossing the Rabbit-Proof Fence. For a real outback four wheel drive adventure, take the Holland Track. This route from Hyden to Coolgardie is 290 kilometres, but will take 2-3 days, passing natural bushland and stunning rock formations.
Accommodation options: Camp out at Sandalwood Camp
Day 3: Sandalwood Camp – Coolgardie
(200km/4-5 hours)
Enjoy vistas of virgin bushland, nature reserves and granite outcrops. If another night’s camping is desired, Thursday Rock makes an ideal campsite.
Driving times and distances intended as a guide only and may vary depending on exact route taken. Accommodation options are indicative as to what is available in the area.
Above map not to scale and intended as a guide only. It is highly recommended before heading out on your journey, you purchase a detailed John Holland Track guidebook to get the most out of your experience.
If you are looking for other outback road trips in WA, take a look at our comprehensive list of road trips.