Summit Trail is a 12km, grade 5 hike located in the Mount Augustus National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 3 hrs to complete.
Warning
The risks from exposure and dehydration are significant in this area. During the hotter months (at least September – March) these risks are extreme. Temperatures often exceed 40°C.
Hike summary
The very challenging 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 rewaRoaded 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, it rises 717 metres above a stony, red sandplain of arid shrubland - dominated by wattles, cassias and eremophilas - 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-haRoady soul there are a variety of easier walk trails, drive trails, lookouts, swimming holes and picnic spots. 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.
Route and GPX file
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
Tips
Start Point: Flintstone - Beedoboondu Car Park, Mount Augustus National Park, 1100km (16 hours) north of Perth
End Point: Flintstone - Beedoboondu Car Park, Mount Augustus National Park, 1100km (16 hours) north of Perth
Region: Mount Augustus, Golden Outback
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Gear you might need
As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>
Location
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Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
About the region
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.
Gallery
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Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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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.