Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 0m
Min elevation: 0m
Total Ascent: 0m
Hike overview
For a great overall impression of the geographical marvel that is the Kennedy Ranges, you can do no better than walk the 5.8 kilometre return Escarpment Base Trail. There is interesting geology as well as sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) to observe between Temple Gorge Campground and Honeycomb Gorge Trail. A lookout area is a feature of the section between Honeycomb Gorge and Sunrise View trails.
Although there are some loose rocky slopes to contend with, this Class 3 trail is suitable for most reasonably fit walkers. Don't let the 5.8km return hike put you off. The trail skirts the base of sheer rock faces along the edge of this spectacular escarpment. Along the way you can take a short diversion into Honeycomb Gorge. The whole trail features huge boulders that tumbled from the escarpment over time. The stunted contorted sandalwood trees add a stark foreground to massive walls rising out of the rocky plain. Leave early in the morning and watch the rising sun light up the cliffs in a sensational red glow. It is also a good time to watch kangaroos that frequent the area. Sunrise view at trails end is an obvious viewing point. This is one of six walk trials in the park - Temple Gorge, Honeycomb Gorge, Drapers Gorge, the Escarpment Trail (leading to the top of the range), the Escarpment Base Trail, and Sunrise View.
Tips
Start Point: Sunrise Car Park, Kennedy Ranges, 900km north of Perth
End Point: Sunrise Car Park, Kennedy Ranges, 900km north of Perth
Region: Kennedy Range National Park, Coral Coast
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Walk map and GPX file
Do you have a GPX file for this hike? Feel free to email it to me so I can add it to this hikes info.
Click to add your file >>
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Gallery
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Kennedy Range National Park.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
About the region
Scenic landscapes, wilderness, wildflowers, camping, walk trails, night skies, geology €“ gemstones and marine fossils (to observe only), bird watching and outback photography are some of the attractions at Kennedy Range National Park. Kennedy Range is known as 'Mundatharrda' to the local Inggarda Aboriginal language group. Kennedy Range is a vast elevated north-south oriented sandstone plateau between 12 and 25km wide and about 75km long. The rocks that comprise the range were originally deposited beneath the sea. Over time they were compressed to form sandstone, then faulted, uplifted and tilted towards the west. Subsequent erosion has isolated the plateau 80m above the surrounding plain. The vegetation of the plain is acacia shrubland (mostly mulga), which shades an abundance of seasonal understory of flowering annuals (including everlastings).
Find a place to stay
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Andover, Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Gascoyne Junction, Meekatharra, Mount Augustus, Murchison, Ningaloo, Shark Bay
Let someone know
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Kennedy Range National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Suggest an edit
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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.






