Hike at a glance

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Quick overview: Explore the challenging but rewarding Peak Charles trail, situated in stunning Australia, just a short distance from the nearest town. This hard Grade 4, 2km circuit hike offers a unique experience with its steep inclines, intriguing rock formations, and rewarding views from a lofty 500m above the plain. Caution is advised as the terrain can be slippery when wet and strong winds are common. Be prepared for rock scrambling and high stepping onto rocks, and remember, the journey to the top and back is worth every step!

Hike length

2km

Average duration

1.25 hrs

Trail Difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Hike Type

Circuit

Technical details

Max elevation: 0m
Min elevation: 0m
Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Peak Charles National Park

End: Peak Charles National Park

Location: Peak Charles National Park

State: Western Australia

Nearest town: North Cascade

State capital distance: 174km

Latitude: -32.88178321

Longitude: 121.1713242

Hike Overview

Planning

Safety

Getting there

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Weather

Trail detail

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 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 difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)
Steep, rough, and demanding
These are challenging walks suited to experienced hikers. Expect sustained climbs, rough and uneven terrain, and longer distances. Tracks may be less defined, and signage can be limited, so navigation awareness is important. These walks require good fitness, confidence on difficult terrain, and the ability to manage fatigue over time.

Reality check: Poor navigation, weather changes, or fatigue can quickly escalate the difficulty of these walks.

Planning essentials

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.

Map and GPX file

Peak Charles Trail Walk (2km)

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Safety and preparation

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Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios and 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.

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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. Register your plans here →

Free 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

Peak Charles National Park

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Accommodation nearby

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Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Esperance, Hyden, Norseman, Ongerup, Ravensthorpe

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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.

Photo gallery

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Weather on the trail

Peak Charles National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

Acknowledgement of Country

Peak charles trail walk (2km) trail hiking australia

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a glance

Technical details

Trail detail

Hike summary

Track difficulty

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Photo gallery

Similar hikes in the area

Kepwari Trail Walk (7km)

Island Top Trail Walk (2.1km)

Twiggy’s Landing & Shearwater Lookout Walk (1km)

Skinny Dip Bay Walk (1.5km)

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

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Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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