The Northern Escarpment Trail is a 7.5km grade 3 return hike located in Purnululu National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 2.5 hours to complete.
Warning
Temperatures within the park and on the walk trails can reach 40°C (104°F) and radiant heat can increase the temperature to over 50°C (122°F).€¯ As a minimum carry and drink 1 litre of water per hour of walking, per person, even in the winter months.
Hike overview
The Northern Escarpment Trail links the Echidna Chasm and Bloodwoods carkparks, taking a route along the base of the escarpment. The trail between the two carparks is 3.75 kilometres along reasonably flat surfaces. The return hike is 7.5km.
The Northern Escarpment Trail provides you with an opportunity to explore the Escarpment, Echidna Chasm, Mini Palms Trail and Homestead Valley Trail (Homestead Gorge) from one trail head by parking at either Bloodwoods carkpark or Echidna Chasm carpark.
The Mini Palms Trail turnoff to Mini Palms Gorge turnoff is approximately 1km from the Bloodwoods carpark and 2.6kms from the Echidna Chasm carpark
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 305 m
Min elevation: 273 m
Total climbing: 166 m
Total descent: -166 m
Trail location
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Getting there
The Bloodwoods is one of the starting points for Mini Palms Trail, Homestead Valley Trail, and the southern end of the Escarpment Trail. There are toilets, shaded picnic areas and the Bloodwoods Lookout. Bloodwoods parking area is 19km from the visitor centre. The Bloodwoods car park is located within the Purnululu National Park, approximately 230km (3 hours) south of Kununurra and 2,890km (30 hours) north of Perth.
Access to the park by road is via Spring Creek Track, from the Great Northern Highway approximately 250 km south of Kununurra, to the track's end at the Purnululu National Park Visitor Centre. The track is 53 km long and is usable only in the dry season (April 1 to December 31), and only by four-wheel-drive (4WD) high clearance vehicles and off-road trailers. Safely navigating it takes approximately three hours. From the Purnululu National Park Visitor Centre, the road T-junctions at Gorge Road from where you can head either into the northern section, anchored by Echidna Chasm, or the southern section, with Piccaninny and Cathedral gorges.
Gallery
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About the region
The Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park is one of the most striking geological landmarks in Western Australia, offering a remote wilderness experience. Purnululu attracts visitors for a whole range of reasons; the sheer grandeur of the sandstone massif, watching it change to a golden colour late in the day, walking through some of the marvellous gorges and for the really well-prepared, a walk along Piccaninny Creek for an overnight camping experience.
Other walks include the Echidna Chasm Trail, Mini Palms Gorge Trail, the walk to Kungkalanayi Lookout, Cathedral Gorge, the Domes Walk, Homestead Valley Trail, Piccaninny Creek Lookout, Whip Snake Gorge and the Northern Escarpment Trail.
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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
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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.