Warburton to Warakurna- Central Range Bioregion
The Warburton Ranges with stony rises, dramatic outcroppings and rolling hilly topography to the east of Warburton marks the western boundary of the Central Ranges bio-region and eastern extent of the Gibson Desert. The Central Ranges are characterised by uplifted land forms with savannah plains, acacia woodland and scattered rugged corkwood, bloodwood and desert oaks. Soil colour is more grey, less red than the sandy dune fields of the Gibson Desert bio-region to the west.The landscape in this part of the Central Ranges Bio-region includes common sandy dune ridges and sparse to dense mulga woodlands with grassy savannah plains, but it also includes distinctive low stony rises that are worth exploring. There is a fine example just east of the Patjarr junction. There is no defined access, but the 300-400m walk will undoubtedly be rewarded.
Picnic Spot and Ballinger memorial
About 22 km east of Warburton there is a picnic spot with a table, and a memorial to a Tim Ballinger. No-one seems to know the story of this memorial of a man who was dearly loved. Why is it here? Who was Tim Ballinger?
Mummine Well
Located immediately adjacent to the highway about 31km east of Warburton on the south side.The Mumming well has a functioning windmill with a tank adjacent to it. The pond is a magnet to wildlife of all sorts - you will probably see some camels and kangaroos and a variety of droppings.It’s a great place for bird watching - flocks of finches, budgies, cockatiels, raptors, butcherbirds, honeyeaters, bronze wing pidgeons, galahs and lots more. Water is available in the tank, but the quality is unknown- best to boil your own billy.Two and a half kilometres east of the Ballinger Memorial and 7km west of Mummine Well is one of many tall telecommunications towers that are critical to remote inhabitants along the Outback Way. There is a small parking bay on the north side at the crest of the ridge hill. This is a great spot to stop and explore the rocky breakaway and gain a high vantage point over the landscape.
Yarla Kutjarra Campsite
Yarla Kutjarra Campsite is located 94km east of Warburton and 131km west of Warakurna. The track to Yarla Kutjarra is on the southwest side of a distinctive break away that features distinctive outcroppings, caves, columns and vegetation patterns. The highway cuts a ‘pass’ through the range. The campsite includes a water tank, shelter and toilet. There are 4-6 camp sites on the flat and a couple in the range northeast of the shelter.
Desert Oak
47km from WarakurnaThe lonely Desert Oak on the north side is the first desert oak east bound and last west bound. Stop and look! The seed cones under the tree are distinctive and the bark is thick and furrowed. Appreciate the cool shade. This is a great place to look for animal tracks in the sand and inspect the desert oaks, mallee clumps, sandy dune rises and rabbit burrows as well.The Rawlinson Range is the dramatic land form to the north.
Warakurna for Art & Giles for Weather station
Warakurna Roadhouse is very friendly and has basic supplies and a range of cooked meals.Go through to the local art gallery and find some local artwork and treasures. The Warakurna Artists have taken works to China with significant success, art buyers fly directly into Warakurna to purchase artworks.While at Warakurna- book in to see the launching of the weather balloon at the Giles Weather station... in behind Warakurna- on your way you may be surprised to find one of Len Beadell's Dozers, and a chunk of space junk- the things you find in remote Australia!There are numerous opportunities to explore, picnic or camp in the Schwerin Mural Crescent Range to the north-east and Rawlinson Range to the northwest.Gorges and water holes abound with extraordinary diversity of animals such as rock-wallabies and plants unique to the Central Ranges bioregion. There are also hazards and some areas of special significance to the Aborigines. Check at the roadhouse for directions and information.
