Upper Gascoyne

The Shire of Upper Gascoyne is situated in the inland eastern region of the Gascoyne and is home to the two significant and spectacular National Parks; Mt Augustus and Kennedy Ranges.

This remote area of the region is particularly attractive for its natural geographical features, the true Australian outback experience, billabongs and wildlife. Travelling through the region can be undertaken by driving along the Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways or taking a route that joins the Mt Augustus to Karijini National Park in the Pilbara.

Kennedy Loop 4WD Track, Upper Gascoyne (video courtesy of Shire of Upper Gascoyne)

Gascoyne Junction

Gascoyne Junction is the administrative centre of the Shire of Upper Gascoyne and is located two hours drive inland from Carnarvon. The estimated resident population is 315 people. About 80 people live in the town while the remaining population is dispersed across pastoral stations and at Burringurrah Aboriginal Community near Mt Augustus.

Aerial view of Gascoyne Junction town centre 2021.

Its inland location means Gascoyne Junction has a relatively high average temperature of 31°C. Temperatures can reach 48°C in January, the hottest month.

The key economic driver in the Upper Gascoyne is pastoral activity, however tourism is an area of growth and there is significant mining exploration being undertaken.

Visitors to this remote part of the Gascoyne should take care and follow the below advice:

  • Do not leave designated roads to travel on station tracks, these tracks are on private property.
  • Make sure your vehicle is equipped for the conditions; two spare tyres, a compressor, tools, adequate fuel and water, first aid supplies.
  • Tell someone about your travel plans and expected arrival time so they can alert authorities if you fail to arrive – carry a satellite phone
  • Obey road closure signs; it is an offence to ignore them.

Burringurrah

Burringurrah is a remote Aboriginal community in the Shire of Upper Gascoyne, approximately 480kms east of Carnarvon. Burringurrah is a  closed community and any visitors must attend the Burringurrah Police station to gain authorisation to access it. Currently only essential workers or community members can access the townsite and must be single vaccinated against COVID-19 as at 1 January 2022 and double vaccinated as of 31 January 2022.

Burringurrah town

The community is sited on a 45,000 hectare reserve excised from the Mt James pastoral lease and is located some 310kms from the Meekatharra township and some 70kms from the Mt Augustus monocline and tourist resort.

Roads servicing the community are unsealed and are prone to lengthy closures during periods of rainfall or cyclonic flooding. Burringurrah Community became an incorporated body in 1999 and presently houses a population ranging from 150 to 200 people.

Community facilities include a school, which provides for approximately 40 students ranging from pre-primary to high school level, a 25m swimming pool, a Telecentre/training facility currently utilised for the Indigenous Ranger program that operates seasonally from approximately March to October, a police station, and a Medicare office which employs one community member.