The risks from exposure and dehydration and heatstroke are significant in this area - some hikers have not survived this trail. During the hotter months (at least September €“ March) these risks are extreme. Temperatures often exceed 40°C. Due to recent deaths, this trail is now closed during Summer. Only very fit and experienced bushwalkers should attempt this full day, very challenging hike.
The very challenging Mount Augustus Summit Trail takes walkers to the top of the biggest 'rock' in the world, Mount Augustus. Twice as high as Uluru (Ayers Rock) the experienced walker will be rewarded with extensive views over the surrounding plain to the distant ranges.
Located in the Mount Augustus National Park, Mount Augustus, or Burringurrah as it is known by the local Wadjari Aboriginal people, is about midway between the Great Northern and North West Coastal highways.
One of the most spectacular solitary peaks in the world, the visible portion of the sandstone and conglomerate structure which makes up Mount Augustus, is twice the size of Uluru. Sitting on a bedrock of granite, the mountain is eight kilometres long and stands 858 metres above the surrounding plain and 1105 metres above sea level - and is clearly visible from the air for more than 160 kilometres.
The rock itself, which culminates in a small peak on a plateau, is an area of 4,795 hectares. During dawn and dusk, its colour changes almost minute by minute from deep indigo to bright pink, orange or red and occasionally green, reflecting the mood of the rock and the spirits living there The return walk to the top of the mount and back is well signposted and takes a full day to complete.
For the less-hardy soul there are a variety of easier walk trails, drive trails, lookouts, swimming holes and picnic spots.
Main image: Graeme Churchard from Bristol, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Things to consider if you are attempting the Summit Trail:
- The Summit Trail is open May to August.
- The Summit Trail is closed after 7am €“ September, October, March and April. Start your hike before 7am in these months.
- The Summit Trail is closed €“ November to February.
- Spend a few days hiking shorter trails before considering your ability to tackle this challenging trail.
- Fill out the Summit Hiking Form and leave on your vehicle dashboard. Also available from Mount Augustus Tourist Park.
- It's hard work going up €“ it's even harder coming back down.
- Know your limits and turn back if you feel fatigued.
- Rescues put other lives at risk and can take time as there is no rescue helicopter in this region.
- Roads may be closed or substantially damaged after heavy rain. Details about road conditions can be obtained from the Shire of Upper Gascoyne (08) 9943 0988 and the Shire of Meekatharra (08) 9981 1002.
- Scenic flights from Shark Bay to Mount Augustus are available from Shark Bay Air Charter.
- Camping and accommodation is available at the Mount Augustus Tourist Park (08) 9943 0527.
Total distance: 11440 m
Max elevation: 1064 m
Min elevation: 416 m
Total climbing: 678 m
Total descent: -678 m
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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Mount Augustus National Park.
Mount Augustus is a two day drive from Perth via Carnarvon or Meekatharra. The park is 465km from Carnarvon via Gascoyne Junction. The 172km road between Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction is sealed but all other roads in the area are unsealed. Be aware that there are long distances€¯between settlements, supplies and services €“ this is outback Australia. Mount Augustus Summit Trail Car Park is located off Mount Augustus Road via Gascoyne Junction.
The Loop Drive and all access roads are generally suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. Drive to the road conditions and obey road closures and speed limits.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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
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.
Sometimes described as the world's largest monocline, it is estimated that the rock of the mountain is around 1000 million years old and was formed from an uplift which raised an ancient seabed of sedimentary proterozoic sandstone and conglomerate. The granite rock which lies beneath Mount Augustus is said to be 1650 million years old. The Indigenous name for Mount Augustus is Burringurah.
Looking for more walks in or near Mount Augustus National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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