Hyden Norseman Road is a very scenic drive in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia. The road stretches around 300 kilometers between Hyden and Norseman.
The road, also known as the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail, is 289 km (179 miles) long, running west-east from the town of Hyden (in the Shire of Kondinin) to Norseman. It is an excellent alternative to traveling the Great Eastern Highway.
This wide, well-maintained unpaved road is suitable for all vehicles, including those towing caravans or campers. Two hundred forty-eight kilometers of the road are a good gravel road, although the middle section, which has more of a clay base, can be muddy, boggy, and slippery in the wet. It’s recommended to drive carefully at all times and to be aware of local conditions.
Running through the middle of nowhere, to drive the road without stopping will take most people between 5 and 6 hours. The drive features 16 designated stopping places. There are several mines in this area, so please be aware that large haul trucks regularly use this road throughout the year.
The road tops out at 445m (1,459ft) above sea level. Drivers should always drive according to the conditions of the road when it is open. It is important to drive for the conditions and take notice of “road closure” signs. During the winter months, this road can become flooded or impassable at any time during wet weather. This road is unfenced, and animals cross frequently and without notice. Drivers should always drive according to the conditions of the road when it is open. Wet weather, however, can cause the road to be closed.