The Agnew Loop: Survival in a Strange Land (398.4km, 50% gravel roads, full day outing)
The discovery of gold in the 1890’s sparked a rush to this region – but the country the settlers came to was hot, harsh and horribly unforgiving. This trail tells many of the stories of what was often a struggle for survival as Europeans set out to make their way in a land that was both foreign and pitiless.
From coach roads and stock routes to wayside hotels and staging posts, and from vast pastoral stations to historic mines and the shooting-star settlements that they spawned – the social history of this struggle for survival is strung out along this Loop for your enjoyment. Drive the 300km in a clockwise direction – it is a comfortable day’s outing, but do check road conditions first as half the route is on gravel surfaces.
_________________________________________________________________________
The Combined Experience: The Best of Both Trails (432.8km, 85% gravel, two days)
Starting from Leonora, you can overnight at Leinster, and drive the 430km "round the outside" of the combined loop in a two-day outing. However, it is important to check accommodation in both places before setting out, as room numbers and public availability are limited. Or you can camp out along the way, and take in the spectacular stars of the outback sky.
To undertake this drive, travel the Agnew Loop section in a clockwise direction until you reach the Darlot-Weebo Road, 15km south of the Lawlers-Darlot Track site. Then join the Darlot Loop section at the same junction midway between Goanna Patch/Thunderbox and the Transition Zone sites.
VITAL INFORMATION
All major junctions and all sites (stopping places) are signposted, but please note: this signposting is only fully functional for travel in a clockwise direction.
Note also that in some cases only the Trail logo appears on signage - so please familiarise yourself with these: the logo for the Agnew Loop is the man with a shovel.
You are strongly urged to carry up-to-date and detailed road and/or topographic mapping to augment the map in this guide, which is symbolic in nature. You will be travelling in remote locations and are responsible for knowing your surrounds - and your options - at all times!
These trails pass through a number of active pastoral properties - please do not travel off-road without the prior permission of the owner of manager.
Please also keep off active mining leases.
Old mine workings can be extremely dangerous. Be very careful, as many shafts are unmarked and unstable. In particular, keep children close to you at all times.
If you're travelling with a pet, never let them roam free. Baits containing 1080 poison have been scattered throughout this region to control wild dogs and foxes.