Mount Graham Summit

Mount Graham Summit is a 12.7-mile (20.5-kilometer) out-and-back from Wineglass Bay Walking Tracks Car Park. The route climbs to the Wineglass Bay lookout, drops to the beach, follows the sand to the southern walkers' campsite, then turns inland on the Peninsula Track and climbs to Mount Graham. You return the same way. Allow 8 to 10 hours. This is a good choice if you want more than the famous bay view and are ready for a long, steep day. If you mainly want the scenery, the lookout or the beach makes a much shorter trip.

From the car park, the established track climbs to the saddle between Mount Amos and Mount Mayson. Views open over Coles Bay, then a short side path winds among large, rounded granite boulders to the lookout. Take the time to look around before heading down. The way to Mount Graham drops steeply from here to Wineglass Bay, so the climb to the viewpoint is only the start of the day.

At the bay, the pace changes. The sand is soft and slopes toward the sea, and the route continues south along the beach instead of ending at the first good view. At the far end, an inland path passes the walkers' campsite and joins the Peninsula Track. That campsite is a useful rest stop and a possible overnight break; check current camping arrangements before planning to stay there.

Beyond camp, the trail climbs steadily through a creek valley, with occasional glimpses back toward the beach. The grade eases briefly across a buttongrass plain, then steepens again for the climb to the ridge and summit. That open patch is a welcome change from the valley, but it is not the end of the uphill work. The route is long enough that the return over the beach and lookout descent matters as much as the climb out.

From Mount Graham, the view runs north over Wineglass Bay, the Hazards and the Tasman Sea, then south along the peninsula toward Schouten Island. Maria Island can appear in the distance when visibility is clear. For a useful photo, include the curve of Wineglass Bay below with the Hazards beyond it, then turn south for the long view down the peninsula. Conditions can hide the distant islands, so enjoy the view you have rather than waiting for a guaranteed panorama.

Bring enough water for a full day. Possible water points at Graham Creek and near the southern bay campsite are rainfall and use dependent, so do not count on a refill. The final summit approach may become faint, and a clear summit sign is not assured. Dogs are not allowed in the national park. A valid park pass is required for entry.