Hike at a Glance
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Min elevation: 0m
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Hike overview
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 rewarded 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.
Track grade
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.
Practical information
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.
Walk map and GPX file
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Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
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.
Planning checklists
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 there
Getting to the trailhead: Peak Charles National Park.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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: Esperance, Hyden, Norseman, Ongerup, Ravensthorpe
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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Peak Charles National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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.





