Unshackled Adventures

Our wildflower adventure continued from Buntine Rock, where we set off exploring the surrounding bushland in search of Western Australia’s elusive native orchids. The views from the granite outcrop were spectacular, stretching across bush reserves and the patchwork of Wheatbelt farmland.

After a few days in Perth catching up on shopping and enjoying some wonderful hospitality from some of our Youtube followers, we were more than ready to hit the road again. Our next adventure? A roughly 3,100-kilometre journey along Western Australia’s Wildflower Way, with fingers crossed that we’d arrive at just the right time to see the famous wildflowers in bloom.

In true Unshackled Adventures style, what started as a simple trip to get a wheel alignment turned into a wonderful few days of exploring Western Australia's Wheatbelt, uncovering some fascinating history, meeting friendly locals and discovering a very special wildlife sanctuary.

Western Australia’s wheat belt is home to spectacular granite formations, ancient woodlands, salt lakes and a fascinating history shaped by exploration and the gold rush. Our journey took us to two remarkable locations: Karalee Rocks and Baladjie Rock.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a place where Australia’s gold-mining history is impossible to miss. From historic mining equipment and explosives magazines to the enormous machinery of the modern Super Pit, a visit to the region provides a fascinating look at how gold shaped the development of Western Australia.

Gwalia sprang up almost overnight after gold was discovered in 1896, attracting prospectors from around the world. Corrugated iron, hessian and timber were used to create a rough but thriving mining settlement.

There was something satisfying about waking up knowing we were ready to roll. The tanks were full, the fuel was topped up, and after making sure every last scrap of rubbish had been disposed of responsibly, we were packed and ready for another day on the Great Central Road.

There are some days on the road that you know will stay with you forever.

After spending several unforgettable days based at Curtin Springs, using it as our base to explore both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, it was finally time to pack up camp and continue our journey west along the Outback Way. We had been looking forward to this stretch for months. The Great Central Road is one of Australia's most iconic outback drives, crossing some of the country's most remote landscapes, and today our adventure on this legendary road would officially begin.

Lessons Learned, Lowlights & Highlights – Our Round Up

There are some places that sit on your bucket list for years. You scroll past the photos, watch the documentaries, and imagine what they'll be like. Then one day, almost without warning, you're standing there in person... and nothing could have prepared you for it.

Some places are on every traveller's bucket list, and then there are the places you stumble across almost by accident that end up becoming the highlight of your trip. Rainbow Valley was exactly that for us.