With a national park dedicated to the great space in which Mt. Augustus resides, it is one of the greatest spots in Western Australia. Rich with heritage and untouched beauty, Mt. Augustus is a place of discovery and adventure that is bound to reveal something about you and your limits. Referred to as the Burringurrah by the Aboriginal people, the site is a much-loved area for many.

The Size

Spanning across an infinitely large space of land, Mt. Augustus is a space that bears its cultural roots within Aboriginal history. With Mt. Augustus covering an area of some 11,860 acres, it’s safe to say that its title as “world’s largest rock” is safe.

Facts

• Height: According to Western Australia’s Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM), Mt. Augustus rises to a height of 717 meters (approximately 2,350 feet) above a stony, red sand plain. Its central ridge is almost 5 miles long. Despite the technicalities, it’s clear to see that this rock is immensely large and is an undeniably powerful piece of nature.
• Age: Astonishingly, the rock of the mountain is estimated to be 1 billion years old, sitting on a granite rock said to be 1.65 billion years old.
• Name origin: Mt. Augustus was named in honor of Sir Charles Gregory (1819-1905), brother of the explorer Francis Gregory who was the first to climb the mountain during an epic 107-day journey through the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.

The mountain is referred to as Burringurrah by local Wadjari Aboriginal people and is a site of some significance. Due to its place as a cultural hub, Burringurrah is a great site.

Walking Trails

There are a large number of walking trails around and up the mountain. Only the fit and experienced should attempt the walk to the top of Mt. Augustus. You can get advice on the walking trails from Mt. Augustus Outback Tourist Resort at the foot of the mountain.

Directions

Mt. Augustus is some 530 miles from Perth. From Carnarvon on the North West Coastal Highway, Mt. Augustus is some 300 miles through Gascoyne Junction and 220 miles from Meekathara. Roads are unsealed gravel and, while able to be used by conventional vehicles, the going can be slow and tough but certainly challenging for the adventurous. Some roads may be closed or damaged after heavy rain.