Peak Charles Trail is a 2km, grade 4 hike located in the Peak Charles National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 1.25 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
Towering 500 metres above the surrounding plain, Peak Charles is visible for more than 50 kilometres in all directions. The two kilometre climb to the lookout takes around an hour and you’ll be rewaRoaded with sweeping views.
Peak Charles differs markedly from other rock outcrops in the region in size, height and steepness. The trail to the summit consists of three sections. The sections you choose to do will depend on your level of fitness, how well equipped you are and weather conditions. Moderate incline, rough surfaces, very slippery when wet. Height: 295 metres Total distance from here: 600 metres return (allow 45 minutes) The start of the trail is well defined and has no markers. It takes you through open woodland across mildly undulating terrain with loose rocks to exposed rock at the base of Peak Charles. From this point the trail is marked by white-tipped poles. Some high stepping onto rocks is required. This section of the trail ends at Mushroom Rock, one of many intriguing rock formations on the slopes of Peak Charles. Steep incline, rough, unstable surfaces. Very slippery when wet. Strong winds. Height: 460 metres Total distance from here 2.2km return (allow 2 hours) Exceeds walktrail classification as this section requires frequent rock scrambling. Very steep, exposed incline. Rough surfaces. Very slippery when wet. Strong winds. Height: 651 metres Total distance from here: 3.4km return (allow 3 hours) This section of the trail is very steep and requires foot and hand placement in crevices to pull yourself up in places. You must be able to lift your own weight several times. There are no markers and you mst be able to find and assess appropriate hand and foot holds. On the descent you have to crab crawl on your hands and feet with your back to the rock. If you are short you may need to be pulled up in a few places on the ascent by another person and you will have to slide down some short sections of steep on the descent. The summit is largely bare and marked by a tall rock cairn.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
Start Point: Peak Charles National Park is 507km (5 hours) east of Perth and 174km (2 hours) NW of Esperance.
End Point: Peak Charles National Park is 507km (5 hours) east of Perth and 174km (2 hours) NW of Esperance.
Region: Peak Charles National Park, Golden Outback
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Gear you might need
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Location
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About the region
Peak Charles, an ancient granite peak and its companion, Peak Eleanora, give sweeping views over the dry sandplain heaths and salt lake systems of the surrounding countryside. Towering 500m above the surrounding plain, Peak Charles is visible for more than 50km in all directions. The park lies within the Great Western Woodlands, an internationally significant area of great biological richness. At its base there is a pleasant campground.
The granite peaks have weathered to orange and brown hues. There are many unusual rock formations, and numerous species of orchids grow on the slopes. About 40 million years ago, both peaks were islands and wave-cut platforms can be seen on their upper slopes.
Gallery
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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.