Murchison

Murchison, three and a half hours drive northeast of Geraldton, depicts the real Australian outback with open space, beautiful scenery, natural pools, historic homesteads and an abundance of wildlife. Situated on the Murchison River, Murchison's surrounds are mainly pastoral lands which offer the chance to experience working with sheep and cattle on the unique station stays available. The Shire of Murchison consists of 26 pastoral leases, an Aboriginal and a Local Government reserve, areas of vacant crown land and various other reserves. The Shire of Murchison is also known as the Shire without a town, there being no gazetted townsite within the Shire and only the Murchison Settlement being the major source of population and services. Murchison Settlement is where everything happens. It is the location of the Shire Office, the Murchison Sports Club, the Murchison Museum and the Murchison Oasis Roadhouse and Caravan Park. Just a 20 minute drive to the settlement's west are the rock formations of Errabiddy Bluff which can be seen from distances of over 30 kilometres. Have a picnic or partake of the great challenge of scaling the bluff. Abundant wildlife is in this area. Approximately 150 kilometres north of the Murchison Settlement is Bilung Pool. This natural water feature has year round water and picnic facilities are available. Located 80 kilometres south of the Murchison Settlement is Ballinyoo Bridge; built in the 1930s this was the second ever concrete bridge constructed in Western Australia. Permanent pools are at the crossing of the Murchison River. In spring, after winter's rainfall, wildflowers including everlastings and acacias bloom. As well as station stay accommodation, the Murchison area offers a roadhouse, caravan park and camping options.