Going north from Kalgoorlie-Wiluna( all sealed road) then Wiluna-Meekatharrra (good dirt 100km/h stuff for 180 km) will save you 800 km. Call local cops for road conditions before you turn off at Kal, and STOP when a road train approaches you on the dirt road.
Leonora not bad joint to stop overnight, although it was the first place i ever got called a "white C**t. Get used to it. Newman also a good o'night spot. Good luck.