Trail Fast Facts
Homestead Walk is a 750m, grade 1 hike in Millstream Chichester National Park, Western Australia. This hike typically takes 35 minutes to complete.
Hike Overview
Out of the arid forbidding landscape that makes up much of Millstream Chichester National Park appears an oasis. A flat easy 750 metre return walk trail begins at the historic Millstream Station homestead and meanders through towering paperbark trees, introduced date palms and pools of freshwater.
The Homestead Trail explores station life from the 1930s at Millstream through the eyes of a 12 year old boy. As you walk into the tropical glades you come across a series of permanent crystal clear pools that rise out of the Fortescue River floodplains. The water is so clear that numerous freshwater fish seem to be swimming in air. On top is a watery gaRoaden of water lillies. It looks like a scene out of a Monet painting. Most of the palms are of the introduced date variety. There is one exception, a type of livistona palm found only in the north-west of Western Australia. The well preserved Millstream Homestead was once part of a vast pastoral station. Now it is an informative information centre telling visitors about the natural and cultural wonders of this beautiful region.
Track Grade
Grade 1 (All-abilities) -Â Perfect for Families and Beginners: Grade 1 on the AWTGS represents the easiest walking tracks, perfect for families with young children or those new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required. These gentle walks feature a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. They are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance due to the even terrain. The total distance of a Grade 1 walk is typically no greater than 5 kilometers, making them a comfortable and manageable option for all ages and fitness levels.
Tips
Start Point: Millstream Homestead is 1200km north of Perth, 120km east of Roeborne
End Point: Millstream Homestead is 1200km north of Perth, 120km east of Roeborne
Region: Millstream Chichester National Park, North West
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Map and GPX file
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Trail Location (trailhead)
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Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Millstream Chichester National Park is an oasis in the desert, nestled within the chocolate brown rocks of the Chichester Range, dotted with spinifex and snappy gums. Permanent pools are fed by springs that draw water from the underground aquifer within porous dolomite rock. The Millstream area has been a sacred land since well before the arrival of Europeans to the area, and the Yinjibarndi people still gather here as the traditional custodians of their country, which stretches from the Hamersley Range foothills and Fortescue Valley in the south to the Chichester Range escarpment in the north. The Jirndawurrunha Park Council €“ composed of twelve members from the Yindibarndi and Ngaluma €“ meet regularly with the Parks and Wildlife Services to discuss and set management objectives for the park. Deep Reach €“ a deep pool on the Fortescue River €“ is one of the most sacred places in Yindjibarndi country and is home to the Warlu serpent, revered and respected by Yinjibarndi and neighbouring Aboriginal clans.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.