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 Mt Augustus Tourist Park (08) 9943 0527.