Mt Bruce Summit is an 11km, grade 5 hike located in Karijini National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 4 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Mount Bruce (Punurrunha in the Aboriginal language) stands as Western Australia's second-highest peak at 1,234 meters, dominating Karijini National Park. Hikers of all levels can find something to challenge them here, but the crown jewel is the demanding Mount Bruce Summit trail.
This 11-kilometer loop pushes experienced hikers with a significant climb. Expect a steep ascent with sections requiring rock scrambles, all totaling an elevation gain of 450 meters. The reward for your effort? Breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the majestic Hamersley Ranges.
Planning is key for tackling Mount Bruce. Aim for an early morning departure, especially during hot weather, to avoid the brunt of the sun. This is a Grade 5 hike, so ensure you're in good physical condition and have experience navigating challenging terrain. Shorter and easier options exist for those who want to experience Mount Bruce without summiting. The 500-meter walk to Marandoo View offers scenic vistas of the nearby mine. The Honey Hakea Trail extends further for a 4.6-kilometer round trip, with some light scrambling for more expansive views.
The Mount Bruce Summit trail starts with a gentle climb, but the difficulty increases after passing the Marandoo Mine viewpoint. Be prepared to navigate sections that require scrambling and climbing skills. Despite the challenge, the summit hike rewards adventurers with unforgettable panoramic vistas. Witness the vastness of the Hamersley Ranges stretching out before you, a scene that captures the rugged beauty of Karijini National Park.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1222 m
Min elevation: 744 m
Total climbing: 705 m
Total descent: -705 m
Trail location
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Getting there
The trailhead for the Mount Bruce Summit Hike is Mount Bruce Car Park in Karijini National Park, a 2 hour drive from Newman which is 1200km north of Perth. The access road to Mt Bruce is a 3km unsealed road, with a turnoff from Karijini Drive close to the Banjima Drive West entry station. An information bay and toilet is also located at the Mt Bruce carpark.
Much of the southern half of the park is inaccessible. Visitors concentrate on the spectacular gorges in the north, with their rock pools, waterfalls and unique wildlife.
You can enter Karijini National Park from Tom Price, Roebourne, Port Hedland or Newman.
Be aware that distances travelled can add up quickly when touring this park. The nearest fuel is over 80km from Dales Campground at Munjina Roadhouse or Tom Price and around 70km from the Karijini Eco Retreat to Tom Price. A trip from Dales to Weano via the shortest route is about 112km return. Plan your visit carefully.
Gallery
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About the region
Karijini National Park offers spectacular rugged scenery, ancient geological formations, a variety of arid-land ecosystems and a range of recreational experiences. Covering 627,422 hectares just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Hamersley Range, Karijini National Park is Western Australia's second largest national park. Massive mountains and escarpments rise out of the flat valleys. The high plateau is dissected by breathtaking gorges, and stony, tree-lined watercourses wind their way over the dusty plain. Erosion has slowly carved this landscape out of rocks that are over 2,500 million years old. There are many beautiful gorges and sites to visit in Karijini National Park, but be sure to include Dales Gorge, Fortescue Falls, Weano Gorge and Oxers Lookout.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.