This trek takes in the World's largest
rock - Mt Augustus. After leaving Paraburdoo, you zig zag your way into Mt Augustus, travelling through station country the whole way. The drive can take most of the day, although there are several camping spots along the way. Camping is not permitted in the Mt Augustus National Park. After arriving at Mt Augustus, there are several different
places to look at around the base of Mt Augustus. If you wish to climb Mt Augustus, you need to allow 6hrs to climb it - it is
well worth the climb. As you head south from Mt Augustus, again through station country, the terrain changes from dry and sparse open land, to green paddocks of wheat. This trek is suitable for softroaders with caution at creek crossings and after rain. This trek can also be linked up with the Karijini &
Millstream NPs Trek Note.
How to Use this Trek Note
- To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.
Environment
Take the opportunity to climb Mt Augustus - the worlds largest
rock. Mt Augustus rises 715m out of the red, stony sandplain, making it the worlds largest monocline (A geologic structure in which all layers are inclined in the same direction, in this case arch-like). It is 2 1/2 times the size of Ayers
Rock (Uluru). There are also many shorter walks around the base.
Whilst in the region, keep your eye our for Red Kangaroos, Dingoes, Emus, Goannas (Bungarras), Pink and
Grey Galahs, Wedge Tail Eagles, Honeyeaters, Bustards, Black Cormorants, Blue-Winged Kookaburras, Corellas, Wattles, White-barked River Gums. In late winter and spring there are many acres of
wildflowers that can be seen including the Everlasting Daisy.
History
Aboriginal history is very evident in this area. Around Mt Augustus you will be able to see engravings on
the rock wall as
well as many of the place names are Aboriginal. There are several dream time stories for Mt Augustus, but the most common is the story of a boy called Burringurrah who was undergoing his initiation into manhood. He was so distressed that he ran away. Because of this, he transgressed the Aboriginal tribal law and under the law he had to be punished. Tribesmen chased Burringurrah and speared him in the upper right leg. He fell to the ground with the spear protruding from his leg. Burringurrah tried to crawl away, but the women beat him with their fighting sticks causing him to collapse and die. As you look at Mt Augustus you can see his final lying position, he died lying on his belly with his left leg bent up beside his body. Edney's
Lookout, a small peak, represents the spear head.
Mt Augustus was named after Sir Augustus Charles
Gregory, the brother of Grancis
Gregory who was the first European to climb Mt Augustus in 1858.
TrekID: 113