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Mt Ragged Walk Trail, Cape Arid NP Mt Ragged Walk Trail, Cape Arid NP

  • 1-3 hours
  • 3 km
    • Bush Walk Class 5

      Extreme trail with very rough surface, and may have very steep hills, arduous rock hopping or rock scrambling. Limited or no directional signage. For very experienced bushwalkers with navigation and emergency first aid skills, and high level of fitness.

Mt Ragged Walk Trail at Cape Arid National Park is an exciting three kilometre return walk and climbing trail to the Tower Peak of Mount Ragged.

Mt Ragged Cape Arid Summit Register C Soord
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Start the walk trail at the Mt Ragged car park and ascend the range to Mt Ragged (Tower Peak).

The walk to the summit of Tower Peak (594 metres) is a tough, steep ascent with the track overgrown in parts. Hoist yourself up some decent size rock faces and enjoy the adventure to climb within this spectacular scenery. The climb is rewarded with impressive views. 

Mid-way up the mountain, the trail crosses a platform carved by wave action thousands of years ago when the sea level was much higher than present. Similar wave action is thought to have carved the caverns in the granitic hills of the south coast, for example, the hollow through the summit of Frenchman Peak in Cape Le Grand National Park. 

Although challenging, the Mt Ragged Walk Trail also offers terrific opportunities for spotting birds. There are known to be around 160 bird species in Cape Arid National Park, several of which are threatened or endangered.

Camping is available at Mt Ragged, providing toilet and barbecue facilities. Campsites are not bookable and operate on a first come first served basis.

Approx 850km from Perth the trail is accessible by 4WD only. There are two ways to access Mt Ragged. From Balladonia on the Eyre Highway there is reasonable gravel road for the first 60km before changing to a rough, rocky sand track. From Fisheries Rd (Esperance access), the turnoff to Mt Ragged is 50km along the Balladonia road, this section of road is rough, sandy and rocky. 

Esperance Visitor Centre

(08) 9038 1555

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Be trail ready for Mt Ragged Walk Trail, Cape Arid NP

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Allow 3 hours

Length

3km return

What To Pack

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Mt Ragged Car Park, which is approximately 130 km south of Eyre Hwy (Balladonia Roadhouse)

Get directions

Trail End

Mt Ragged Car Park

Bush Walk

Class 5

Extreme trail with very rough surface, and may have very steep hills, arduous rock hopping or rock scrambling. Limited or no directional signage. For very experienced bushwalkers with navigation and emergency first aid skills, and high level of fitness.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

The trail requires rock scrambling up some steep sections near the summit.

Hazards & Warnings

No water at site.

Limitted shade when accessing the summit.

Check weather conditions as they can quickly change.

Facilities

  • Camping
  • Car Park

Best time of year

During the months of June until September the Wildflower season comes into full bloom

Fees

National Park fees

Trail Access

Car 4WD

Prohibited Items

No pets; No fires in National Parks
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Tall Peak

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2 trail goers have rated Mt Ragged Walk Trail, Cape Arid NP as 5 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Deborah Hallows

Reviewed 29 Jan 2023, 8:52pm

One of the best hikes I’ve done! Spectacular!
Sarah Nevison

Reviewed 8 May 2018, 1:25pm

Although this walk is quite difficult and gets a bit scrambly in places, its definitely worth the trek! Just be very careful when you get closer to the top as it's very windy and there's not much to hold on to. It's a beautiful place to watch the sunrise from and it feels like a bit accomplishment getting to the top.

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