Why We Bypassed WA’s Goldfields Towns to Get Home Before Dark

During our recent road trip through Western Australia, we found ourselves facing an unexpected decision: bypass the Goldfields towns or risk arriving home after dark. We’ve always enjoyed exploring the unique character of these historical towns, but this time, practicality won. Here’s a look at the factors that influenced our decision and some insights based on our journey.

Time Constraints and Planning

One of the main reasons we chose to bypass the Goldfields towns was our time constraints. With a driving distance of approximately 1,150 kilometers from Kalgoorlie to Perth, we knew we had to plan our stops carefully. According to Main Roads WA, the speed limit varies between 110 km/h and 100 km/h on these roads.

Considering these limits, we expected our travel time to be around 12 hours, including breaks.

Safety Concerns

Driving after dark in this region poses certain risks, primarily due to wildlife. The roads are known for kangaroo crossings, especially during dusk and dawn. According to The Department of Transport WA, there’s a significant increase in accidents involving wildlife during these times. For us, traveling during daylight offered a safer, less stressful drive.

Fuel and Services Availability

Another aspect we considered was the availability of fuel and services along our route. While towns like Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie are well-equipped, the smaller, more isolated spots sometimes have limited hours of operation. By bypassing some of these service points, we avoided any surprises related to fuel stops or rest breaks.

Impact on Itinerary

Here’s how bypassing the Goldfields towns impacted our travel schedule:

1. Time Savings: Skipping frequent stops allowed us to maintain a steady pace and reduced our total travel time by approximately 1.5 hours.
2. Reduced Risk: We minimized our risk of traveling in potentially hazardous conditions associated with nighttime driving.
3. Simplified Route: Our route became more direct, which involved fewer deviations and hence less likelihood of unplanned detours.

Alternative Explorations

While we had to skip the Goldfields towns this time, we plan to revisit them under more favorable circumstances. In the meantime, here are some online resources we recommend for planning your Goldfields exploration:

• Australia’s Golden Outback – Offers insights into attractions and travel tips for visiting Goldfields.
• The Golden Quest Discovery Trail – This self-drive adventure could be an excellent guide for your future travels.

If you’re curious about the route we took, check it out on Google Maps: Kalgoorlie to Perth Map.

While bypassing WA’s Goldfields towns was not what we originally planned, it was a practical decision given the circumstances. We hope to return and experience the charm of these towns when time and conditions allow for a more leisurely visit.