MOUNT AUGUSTUS

BURRINGURRAH

Mt. Augusts from the station campsite. (C) Caroline Brocx

GPS 24 19 12 S 116 50 23 E

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Mt. Augustus is 458km east of Carnarvon. It reaches 1105 metres above sea level, 715 (some sources quote 858) metres above the surrounding plain, and from the top the surrounding country can be seen for up to 160 kilometres. It is 16km long and 5km wide. Access is via unsealed roads but when dry, they are suitable for 2 wheel drive vehicles. You must carry ample fuel, water and food as this is a remote area. Alternatively you can fly to Mt Augustus Tourist Park with Shine Avation Geraldton 08 9923 3600, Sharkbay Air Charter 08 9948 1773, Norwest Air 08 9949 2888 or Geraldton Air Charter 08 9923 3434. Coach Company Casey Tours 1800 999 677 also runs a service to the tourist park.

The rock was named by Francis Gregory  in 1858 after his elder brother (Augustus) who later became Surveyor-General of Queensland. It is estimated to be over 1,750 million years old. It is twice the size of Ayres Rock (Uluru).

Mt. Augustus is a monocline (and is made up of more than one type of rock) whereas Ayres Rock is a true monolith (made up of one type of rock only.)

On the north side of the rock is the Lyons River and a permanent fresh water pool known as Cattle Pool.

There is a circuit drive around the rock that is almost 50 kilometres in length. Other features of interest include: Emu Hill Lookout, Goolinee (Cattle Pool), Goordgeela, The Pound, Beedoboondu (Flintstone), Mundee, Ooramboo and Warrarla (Gum Grove).

There are walking trails around the rock and two trails to the summit. These are only for the very fit and it takes 5 hours (return) so proper clothing, good walking shoes, a hat plus food and drink should be part of any walker's kit.

No campsites are available inside the park but a tourist complex has been established outside the park boundary about 5km from the rock. Phone 08 9943 0527 for more information.

Open fires are prohibited within the park.

NPW Website for more information

Best time to visit:

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