Mount Augustus, WA, Australia
The world’s largest monolith, Mount Augustus, is twice the size of Uluru. It’s an awesome sight, whether you’re gazing up at the 860-metre high summit from its 49-kilometre scenic base trail (four wheel drive only) or snapping shots from the Emu Hill Lookout. At sunrise and sunset the colours change from cool greens and blues to golden glows.
Standing proudly in the north-west of the Gascoyne-Murchison region, 390 kilometres from Meekatharra, you’ll need to allow at least two days to drive here from Perth.
A closer look will reveal ancient rock art and the mysterious caves of the Wadjari Aboriginal people, who call the ancient landmark ‘Burringurrah’. For thousands of years, the rock’s natural springs have been a source of water for the Wadjari people, and you can see evidence of their habitation at the Mundee, Ooramboo and Beedoboondu visitor sites.
Surrounded by gum trees, wattle and many native trees and shrubs, the area is also a haven for wildlife, from emus, kangaroos and goannas to kookaburras, honeyeaters and birds of prey.