MOUNT AUGUSTUS NATIONAL PARK
There’s an iconic journey that beckons those who crave adventure.
As you approach Mount Augustus, the rock’s outline can be hard to distinguish in the afternoon shadow, but don’t worry – there’ll be plenty of time to admire its sights properly. Start by taking the 40-minute Loop Drive around the base of the rock. As you edge around to its northern face, you’ll begin to see its resemblance to Uluru – and begin to appreciate just how enormous it is. Mount Augustus Tourist Park is on the loop (signposted), so pull up and check into yourcabin.
Mount Augustus is a monocline: a type of rock formation that leans, or ‘dips’ in a single direction. At 1,700 million years old, it is three times older than Uluru and twice its size, making it the largest rock in the world – and today, you’re going to climb to its peak. For the best experience, make sure you prepare a lunch and plenty of water the night before, and leave before dawn to make your way around the rock to the entrance of the Summit Trail. (Be sure to carry sun protection too.)
Classified as a Grade 4 walk (from a possible score of 5), the hike is a challenging six-hour return adventure – and well worth it. Along the way you’ll be rewarded with impressive views and a beautifully clear silence punctuated only by bird song, with only two posted signs, and a chain of coloured dots to mark your path.
You’ll know when you’ve reached the peak by the hand-built rock cairn that greets you. Built by local Keith Moon and a band of his friends, it offers 360-degree views of the region from its top,along with the likelihood of your phone suddenly pinging, thanks to the odd bar of reception found up here. There’s a surprise waiting for you at the summit too, which we won’t spoil, other than to tell you to look for the picnic table.
Enjoy a congratulatory sandwich while you sit; you’ve earned it! The rest of your day is yours to spend at leisure. Cool off with a dip at Cattle Pool (a blissful freshwater spot), or retreat to the air conditioned comfort of your cabin.
Continue reading for important information before setting off on your adventure.
WALK TRAILS AT MOUNT AUGUSTUS
There’s a walk trail for everyone – from the climb to the summit (taking 5-8 hours and requiring a high level of fitness) to short walks on flat terrain of 300 or 500m, and everything in-between. All walk trails in the park are essentially unmodified with ground level trail marking dots to follow. Walkers should read the information on each trail, and take particular note of the walk trail classifications.
Choose walk trails suitable to your capabilities. Carry and drink 3 to 4 litres of water per person per day of walking; wear sturdy shoes and protection from the sun, wind and rain. Because of the extreme heat in summer, walking during this time is not recommended. If you do walk in summer, extra water will be required.
The Wajarri traditional owners request that visitors complete all their walking during daylight hours.
SHORT WALKS
These walks require a moderate level of fitness. Trail surfaces are uneven and may be unstable.
- At Flintstone –Beedoboondu, the Flintstone Rock walk (Class 3) is the first section of the Gully Trail. Flintstone Rock is a large slab of rock which bridges the rocky gully. Under this rock you can observe Aboriginal engravings.
- At Cattle Pool – Goolinee, the Corella Trail (Class 3) reveals tranquil scenes of waterbirds from the south bank of the Lyons River.
- At Gum Grove – Warrarla, the Gum Grove Trail (Class 3) leads walkers through a shady grove of gnarly white-barked river red gums.
- At The Pound (Class 3), the Saddle Trail (Class 3) offers views of the overall Pound area as well as the Lyons River valley to the north.
- At Mundee and Edney’s – Ooramboo sites, the Petroglyph (Class 3) and Ooramboo Trails (Class 3) lead you to Wajarri (local aboriginal) engravings (petroglyphs).
HALF-DAY WALKS
These walks require a moderate to high level fitness. Trail surfaces are relatively undisturbed and can be rough and unstable. Weather can affect safety.
- At Goordgeela (Class 4), follow the rocky creek before ascending steeply to enjoy views to the north of the meandering Lyons River in the foreground and the Godfrey Range in the background.
- At Edney’s – Ooramboo, from Edney’s Lookout (Class 4) you can see the Mount Augustus Tourist Park and sweeping views of the vast landscape to the north east.
- At Gum Grove – Warrarla, continue on from the Gum Grove Trail along a dry, rocky stream channel to the entrance of Kotka Gorge (Class 4). From here, you will have prime views over the plain to the north east. In the dry stream channel, watch out for fine-grained siltstones derived from older pre-existing rock types.
FULL-DAY WALKS
These walks require a high level of fitness. Trail surfaces are relatively undisturbed and can be steep, rough and unstable. Weather can affect safety.
- At Flintstone – Beedoboondu, allow 5-8 hours for the 12km return trek to The Summit (Class 4 and 5). It is a long, difficult walk ascending over 650m. You are rewarded with extensive views over the surrounding plain and distant ranges.
CAN'T DO A LOT OF WALKING?
The 49km Loop Drive around Mount Augustus allows access to all visitor sites within the park. Please note that after rainfall, the Shire of Upper Gascoyne may temporarily close the Loop Drive.
The Loop Drive and all access roads are generally two-wheel-drive friendly. Drive to the road conditions and obey road closures and speed limits
CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION
There is no camping available in the Mount Augustus National Park. The near by Mount Augustus Tourist Park provides powered and unpowered camp sites and other types of accommodation. The tourist park is privately owned and operated by the owners of Mount Augustus Cattle Station. Fuel and basic supplies are available from the tourist park.
TIPS FOR YOUR SAFETY
The risks from exposure and dehydration are significant in this area. During the hotter months (at least December – March) these risks are extreme. Temperatures often exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
- Walk in groups of three or more – in an emergency one might need to wait with the injured person while someone goes for help;
- Tell a trusted and responsible person of your plans and provide sufficient detail to them so they can get help if required;
- Each person needs to carry and drink 3 to 4 litres of water per day of walking;
- Carefully review your daily drinking water needs. Carry cool water if possible;
- There is no drinking water in the park. Extra water may be needed if walking in the hotter months;
- Plan your walk for the most suitable season and/or daily weather conditions;
- Wear a broad brimmed hat, sunscreen and a loose long sleeved shirt for protection from the sun;
- Take regular breaks when walking;
- Wear sturdy footwear and follow the trail markers; and
- Walk during the cooler parts of the day – there will also be more wildlife about during this time.
Walk trails are usually natural unmodified surfaces. Beware of:
- undercut cliff edges; and
- loose rocks and unstable surfaces.
This information has be sourced from Department of Parks and Wildlife. Click Here for more information on the Mount Augustus National Park.
