Holland Track: Western Australia’s Original Bush Shortcut

The Holland Track feels different to most modern 4WD routes.

It’s tighter.

Rougher.

More overgrown.

And far more connected to old-school bush exploration than polished outback highways.

Running through remote mallee country east of Perth, the Holland Track has become one of WA’s most iconic touring adventures.

Mud holes.

Scrub pinstriping.

Deep ruts.

Campfires beneath the trees.

And the kind of bush driving that reminds you touring doesn’t always need massive dunes or desert crossings to feel memorable.

What Is the Holland Track?

The Holland Track is a historic bush route stretching between Broomehill and Coolgardie in Western Australia.

The track cuts through remote wheatbelt and mallee country, linking a network of rough bush tracks, clay pans, and narrow overgrown sections.

Today, the Holland Track has become one of WA’s classic 4WD adventures for drivers chasing a mix of:

• History
• Remote bush camping
• Mud driving
• Technical sections
• Old-school touring atmosphere

Unlike many wide modern touring roads, the Holland Track still feels properly rugged and narrow in places.

The History of the Holland Track

The Holland Track traces back to the Western Australian gold rush era of the 1890s.

At the time, prospectors and settlers were desperate for a shorter route between Perth and the booming goldfields around Coolgardie.

John Holland, an experienced bushman and explorer, was tasked with cutting a direct track through the dense scrub and remote bushland east of Broomehill.

What followed became one of the great early exploration efforts in WA history.

Using basic tools, horses, and hand labour, Holland and his team pushed through thick mallee scrub, rough country, and isolated terrain to create a shortcut to the goldfields.

The route dramatically reduced travel distance compared to existing alternatives.

But it wasn’t easy country.

The track quickly developed a reputation for harsh conditions, boggy sections, difficult navigation, and unforgiving bush terrain.

Even today, parts of the Holland Track still carry that rough expedition feeling.

That’s part of what makes it so special.

You’re not simply driving a modern recreation trail.

You’re following a route built during one of the most important periods in Western Australia’s early history.

Why the Holland Track Is So Popular

The track feels adventurous without needing extreme terrain.

Drivers regularly deal with:

• Mud holes
• Water crossings
• Deep ruts
• Narrow scrub sections
• Overgrown bush tracks

Depending on weather conditions, the track can become surprisingly challenging.

Heavy rain transforms sections into thick mud with deep bog holes and slippery clay.

Dry conditions make the track easier but still heavily overgrown in places.

Pinstripes are almost guaranteed.

How Difficult Is the Holland Track?

In dry conditions, most capable four-wheel drives with decent clearance can comfortably tackle the Holland Track.

But rain changes everything quickly.

Clay sections become extremely slippery.

Ruts deepen.

Recovery points start getting used properly.

Track conditions constantly evolve depending on storms, maintenance, and seasonal traffic.

The Holland Track rewards drivers who enjoy slower-paced technical bush touring rather than high-speed touring roads.

Vehicle Setup for the Holland Track

Most experienced drivers recommend:

• All-terrain or mud-terrain tyres
• Recovery gear
• Tyre deflator and compressor
• UHF radio
• Snatch straps and shackles
• Camping setup for remote stops

Wet weather preparation becomes especially important during winter and after heavy rain.

Best Time to Drive the Holland Track

The cooler months generally provide the best touring conditions.

Winter and spring often deliver the best atmosphere with green bushland and cooler temperatures.

But these seasons can also bring mud and difficult recovery conditions after rain.

Summer heat across the WA interior can become extremely harsh.

Camping Along the Holland Track

Camping forms a huge part of the Holland Track experience.

Remote bush camps surrounded by mallee scrub give the track its old-school touring atmosphere.

Once the vehicles stop and the campfire gets going, the Holland Track feels less like a modern 4WD route and more like a proper bush mission.

Why the Holland Track Deserves a Patch

The Holland Track woven patch represents one of WA’s true bush touring classics.

Historic exploration.

Mud.

Mallee scrub.

Remote camps.

And the kind of rough bush driving that still feels properly adventurous.

Built for real tracks.

Earned, not bought.

Final Thoughts

The Holland Track remains one of Western Australia’s most memorable touring routes because it still feels raw.

It hasn’t lost its bush character.

The overgrown scrub, muddy sections, and remote camps still create the feeling of genuine exploration.

That’s what keeps people coming back.

The Holland Track reminds you that some of the best touring adventures happen far away from polished tourist routes.

Track it. Mark it. Stitch it. Send it.