The risks from exposure and dehydration are significant in this area. During the hotter months (at least September €“ March) these risks are extreme. Temperatures often exceed 40°C.
Kotka Gorge Trail is a two kilometre return walk which leads on from the Gum Grove Trail to the main opening of the Gorge. The trail ends here with views to the east of Mount Augustus.
This trail commences at the end of Gum Grove Trail. The walk starts along a dry rocky creek bed. It then leaves the creekline and climbs upwaRoads. There is a variety of rugged terrain and plenty of Birds to see along the way. Then you hit the main opening of Kotka Gorge where the trail ends. Go beyond that point and you enter the gorge, which is not recommended as it is prone to rock falls. It will possibly take up to two hours to complete this walk due to the rocky, steep in parts, terrain. It is vital to take plenty of drinking water, even in cooler winter months.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 2859 m
Max elevation: 556 m
Min elevation: 416 m
Total climbing: 156 m
Total descent: -155 m
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Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Carnarvon, Cue, Gascoyne Junction, Meekatharra, Mount Magnet, Mullewa, Murchison, Murchison Settlement, Paraburdoo, Wiluna
About the region
Rising 715m above the surrounding alluvial plain, Mount Augustus is an inselberg, meaning €˜island mountain'. There are rocky creeks, gorges and open plains supporting a variety of vegetation and wildlife. Mount Augustus is known as Burringurrah to the local Wajarri Aboriginal people. The park was gazetted on 22 September 1989 and is made up of former parts of Mount Augustus and Cobra Stations.
During 1999-2000, the State purchased nearby pastoral leases Cobra and Waldburg and part leases of Mount Philip and Dalgety Downs with the aim of managing the whole area €“ including the national park €“ for conservation. The total area is now 607,603 hectares.
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