Trail summary
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.
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
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
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.
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Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.