Provides an opportunity for highly experienced hikers with specialised outdoors skills to navigate off-trail in challenging natural and wilderness areas.
There is no defined trail and no infrastructure is provided, including route marking. For management or safety purposes a trailhead sign may be provided. Experienced hikers will need to carry maps and/or navigation aids, and natural hazards should be expected. Safety and navigation could be affected by storms and flooding, extreme weather or aridity and vegetation density.
This 3.4km return trail includes all three sections of the Peak Charles Trail, including the challenging summit trail.
The final section of the trail is very steep and requires foot and hand placement in crevices to pull yourself up in places. You must be able to lift your own weight several times. There are no markers and you must be able to find and assess appropriate hand and foot holds.
On the descent you have to crab crawl on your hands and feet with your back to the rock. If you are short you may need to be pulled up in a few places on the ascent by another person and will have to slide down some short sections of steep rock on the descent. The summit is largely bare and marked by a tall rock cairn.
Provides an opportunity for highly experienced hikers with specialised outdoors skills to navigate off-trail in challenging natural and wilderness areas.
There is no defined trail and no infrastructure is provided, including route marking. For management or safety purposes a trailhead sign may be provided. Experienced hikers will need to carry maps and/or navigation aids, and natural hazards should be expected. Safety and navigation could be affected by storms and flooding, extreme weather or aridity and vegetation density.
What To Pack
What To Pack
Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails
(Bushwalks and/or longer trails)
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Insect repellent
Plenty of drinking water (as a minimum carry and drink 1 litre of water per hour of walking, per person).
PLB or satellite phone
Clothing to suit the activity, environment and weather conditions.
Map/ Compass, do not rely on your phone in remote locations.
Snacks/ Meals to keep your energy levels up on longer walks
Extra food and water in case of unexpected delays
Rubbish bag to remove all your rubbish
Reference material such as wildflower wildlife guides.
Whistle (for emergencies, six short blasts per minute)
Small trowel for toilet emergencies, and a few sheets of toilet paper in a small waterproof bag.
Personal first aid kit (check that items are clean, properly sealed, have not exceeded expiry dates and that used items have been replaced).
Torch/ Headlamp
Binoculars and camera (optional)
Additional Useful Items
For most of the year there is no fresh water, so if you intend to visit, make sure you are totally self-sufficient. Keep to formed paths or bare rock to protect fragile plant communities. Take all rubbish, including food scraps out with you.
Hazards & Warnings
Trail has a natural surface of granite and rock so caution is advised. If wet or windy do not attempt steep rocky bare sections of the trail. Take extreme care near steep slopes. Stay away from cliff edges.
Facilities
The campground has no fresh water facilities - so you'll need to be self-sufficient and take your own water and cooking equipment. Interpretive panels at the campground give more information about Peak Charles.
Trails are free and offer countless benefits to our community, from fostering fun and fitness to encouraging social connection, exploration, and personal challenges. These exceptional trail experiences are made possible through the support and collaboration of these great organisations and initiatives:
Peak Charles
Credit:
Kevin Smith DBCA
1 / 3
Summit
Credit:
Kevin Smith Parks and Wildlife
2 / 3
Stunning views
Credit:
Kevin Smith Parks and Wildlife
3 / 3
Download KML for this trail
A KML map file is available for all of our trails for use on your own mobile device.
To use these, you will need to already have a KML reader available, such as Strava.
Join trails wa to add this trail to your favourite. By joining you will also be able to rate and review trails and share your photos with other trail goers!
.jpg)
.jpg)
Multiple day
1000km
.jpg)
.jpg)
