State Barrier Fence

Stretching for over 1,000 kilometres across the vast interior of Western Australia, the State Barrier Fence is a remarkable feat of early 20th-century engineering and a testament to the region's agricultural history. Built to protect pastoral lands from the incursion of wild dogs and emus, this iconic fence weaves through remote landscapes of golden spinifex, red dirt, and endless blue skies. For adventurous travellers, following the fence line offers a unique road trip through the state's rugged outback, with opportunities to spot native wildlife, visit historic rabbit-proof fence remnants, and experience the raw beauty of the Australian bush.

Highlights & What to See

• Walk a Section of the Fence: Near the town of Buntine, you can park and walk along the original 1907 rabbit-proof fence, with interpretive signs explaining its construction and purpose.
• Wildlife Spotting: The fence acts as a barrier for emus and kangaroos; at dawn and dusk, you might see them congregating along its length.
• Historic Rabbit-Proof Fence Posts: Look for the original jarrah and steel posts that have stood for over a century, some still bearing the maker's marks.
• Lake Moore: A vast salt lake near the fence, perfect for photography and birdwatching, especially after rare rains when it fills with water.
• Paynes Find: A tiny gold-mining settlement with a historic pub and a fascinating cemetery that tells the story of the region's pioneers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least half a day to explore a concentrated section of the fence, ideally between Buntine and Paynes Find, where you can combine fence-side walks with visits to historic sites. For a deeper experience, allow a full day to drive the unsealed roads that shadow the fence, stopping at points of interest. If you're incorporating it into a longer outback itinerary, two days gives you time to camp overnight and truly absorb the solitude and scale of the landscape.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mount Magnet: An historic gold-mining town with heritage buildings and a museum about the region's gold rush.
• Dalwallinu: The gateway to the wildflower region, especially spectacular in spring (August–October).
• Wubin: A small town with a quirky 'Rabbit-Proof Fence' interpretive centre and a great roadhouse for supplies.
• Pindar: A ghost town with ruins of the old railway siding, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
• Perenjori: Known for its wildflower displays and the historic Morawa-Perenjori railway line walk.

Please check official sources for current details.