West Hamersley Ranges and Woongarra Pool

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesWoongarra Pool TurnOff
FinishTrack Access West End
DifficultyDifficulty 3/5
Suitable ForAWD 
Distance43.29 km
Minimum Days1
Average Speed36.67 km/hr
Travel Time1 hr 10 mins
Page Updated: 21 Oct 2021

Description

This trip can be commenced from either end point on the Tom Price to Nanutarra Road. You will obtain current mud maps and information when you pay and obtain keys from Cheela Plains Station. This information is merely a description to inspire those of you who don't know that this private self-drive track is available and we take no responsibility for errors in this document which may arise due to changes made by Cheela Plains Station. Please follow their instructions. Contact cheelaplains@gmail.com

There are steep vehicular climbs from which extensive panoramas in all directions can be seen. The track continues through similar series of high points, all of which have excellent views until it levels out along a tributary of the Beasley, passing through a protected Indigenous site along the way. Woongarra pool is set against a wide sandy gravel bed and river gums – very pretty.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

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Environment

The Pilbara is located in the Australian arid zone and this area has low rainfall of around 250mm annually, arising mainly from cyclonic events in summer. Temperatures are very high in summer and pleasant in winter, but with significant diurnal variations leading to frequent cold evenings.

The area falls in the Fortescue botanical district with an estimated 2000 species of flora present including significant proportions of eucalypt species as well as acacias. The upland rocks are notable for iconic snappy gums. Everywhere other than rivers and alluvial valleys, the landscape is characterised by Spinifex; triodia pungens on the lower slopes being replaced by triodia wiseana as the ground rises.

Rivers and streams are dominated by river gums. Woongarra Pool lies on the Beasley River which flows to the Hardey, which is in turn a tributary of the Ashburton.

The Hamersleys are also rich in faunal diversity with over 30 mammal species, 130 birds, and 90 reptiles and amphibians.

Rocks in the Hamersleys are old; in the order of 2000 million years. At the macro level three groups of rock, Fortescue, Hamersley and Turree Creek groups together overlay an older Hamersley Basin and collectively are known as the Mount Bruce Supergroup. Subsequent folding and erosion has led to today’s distinctive character. The Hamersley’s are highly prospective for iron as is the case for this trek. The prominent features of the trek’s landscape result from the highly resistant to erosion banded iron formations present throughout.

History

Aboriginal history in the Hamersleys extends from at least 30,000 years ago. The area of this trek was part of the Kurrama language group. Aboriginal interests continue strongly today and this trek contains at least one exclusion zone due to religious sensitivity.

Colonial history commenced with F.T. Gregory who surveyed the Hamersleys twice from a landing at Hearson Cove near Dampier on the Burrup Peninsula. He named the Ranges after his friend Edward Hamersley as well as naming many other features.Gregory reported good grazing at many places and early runs were taken up for sheep. Both Cheela Plains and Rocklea stations continue pastoral operations on the area of this trek.

Mining in the Hamersleys initially took place for asbestos at Wittenoon as well as for minor gold deposits at Turree Creek. Interest in iron deposits intensified after the lifting of a federal Government ban on exports of iron ore in 1960, leading to the building of no less than ten towns in the Pilbara during this decade alone!

Nearby major mines are located at Mt Whaleback (at Tom Price) and at Paraburdoo. Initially built as company towns, Paraburdoo and Tom Price were ‘normalised’ in the 1980s with residences being placed on the open market.

TrekID: 220

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
Please contact Cheela Plains Station in advance to obtain current information about this trek. They will provide full information. A small fee is payable and you will need to obtain (and return) keys to access via locked gates. Cheela Plains Station welcomes visitors to camp at their station stay campground and use facilities provided. Contact cheelaplains@gmail.com or call +61 89189 8084

Permits

Track access is gated and locked. Make $20 payment and obtain keys from Cheela Plains Station Stay. Contact cheelaplains@gmail.com or call +61 89189 8084

Fuel Usage

Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Nanutarra.
DieselULPLPG
4cyl 6 litres4cyl 7 litres4cyl 9 litres
6cyl 7 litres6cyl 8 litres6cyl 8 litres
8cyl 7 litres8cyl 7 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Closest Climatic Station

Paraburdoo Aero
Distance from Trek Mid Point 55.97km SE
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C41.038.636.433.429.225.224.827.531.235.638.240.2
Mean Min. °C26.025.023.119.614.611.09.710.913.418.121.324.4
Mean Rain mm50.778.346.426.816.623.614.611.63.54.48.128.7

Map

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Directions

Woongarra Pool TurnOff to Black Tank
Driving: 6.14 km
Heading: 317°
Avg Speed: 45.26 km/hr
EST Time: 08:08
Black Tank to Woongarra Pool
Driving: 6.94 km
Heading: 326°
Avg Speed: 45.42 km/hr
EST Time: 09:10
Woongarra Pool to Sacred Sites Area
Driving: 12.83 km
Heading: 126°
Avg Speed: 38.62 km/hr
EST Time: 19:55
Sacred Sites Area to Views
Driving: 8.18 km
Heading: 104°
Avg Speed: 30.03 km/hr
EST Time: 16:20
Views to Woongarra Gap
Driving: 7.41 km
Heading: 91°
Avg Speed: 21.67 km/hr
EST Time: 20:31
Woongarra Gap to Track Access West End
Driving: 1.79 km
Heading: 132°
Avg Speed: 39.03 km/hr
EST Time: 02:45
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

Facilities

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this trek

Wildflowers

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