From Scenic Trails to Stunning Lookouts

For those who prefer to take in the breathtaking beauty of Mt Augustus without extensive hiking, the Mt Augustus Loop Drive provides a perfect alternative. This 49 km scenic route circles the base of the mountain, offering multiple stopping points where visitors can admire the sheer scale and majesty of this natural wonder. The drive is accessible for two-wheel-drive vehicles and provides access to significant feature sites, making it ideal for families and travelers looking for a more relaxed exploration.

Two standout lookouts along the drive are Emu Lookout and Yalaweerie Lookout, which offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Emu Lookout is the perfect spot to take in the grandeur of Mt Augustus at sunset, when the rock changes color in the fading light. Meanwhile, Yalaweerie Lookout is the go-to place for an unforgettable sunrise experience, as the first light of the day illuminates the vast, untouched wilderness.

Along the drive, visitors will also encounter culturally significant petroglyph sites, which feature ancient rock engravings created by the Wajarri people. These sacred sites provide a glimpse into the deep cultural heritage of the region, and visitors are encouraged to treat them with the utmost respect.

— A Legacy of the Outback

The history of Mount Augustus Station dates back to 1887, when it was first established by Samuel James Phillips and John Hughes Phillips. The station quickly became a significant part of the region’s pastoral industry, supporting thousands of cattle and serving as a hub for local stockmen. After World War I, the property was managed by Ernest Potts, who oversaw a herd of 17,000 cattle alongside a team of both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous stockmen. For 35 years, Potts played a vital role in shaping the station’s operations before it passed through several other owners and managers.

A major turning point in the station’s history came in 1989, when 9,168 hectares of land, including the iconic Mt Augustus rock, were voluntarily released from the station’s holdings and designated as Mt Augustus National Park. This transition marked an important step in the conservation of the area’s unique landscapes and cultural heritage. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the station’s history while experiencing the untamed beauty of the surrounding environment.

For those interested in learning more about the pastoral history of the region, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure provides additional resources and historical insights into the evolution of Mt Augustus Station and its role in Western Australia’s outback heritage.

— Meet the Local Wildlife

Mount Augustus is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, thanks to the abundant water that seeps from the rock formation, nourishing groves of white-barked river gums. Honeyeaters, Babblers, and Galahs forage in the trees, while Emus search for fruits and Bustards catch insects and small reptiles on the ground.

The plains are often frequented by Bungarras (Goannas) and Red Kangaroos, and the rock formations provide shelter to Euros and Birds of Prey. The majestic Wedge-Tailed Eagle, with a wingspan of up to 2 meters, soars above the land. At Cattle Pool on the Lyons River, permanent water sources attract waterbirds such as Black Cormorants, Swans, and Ducks. The trees are filled with Corellas and Blue-Winged Kookaburras.

Mount Augustus also marks the southernmost habitat of the Pilbara Olive Python, a non-threatening species that can grow up to 6.5 meters long, typically spotted near water. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a safe distance if encountering this snake.