Pros & cons
PROS
- A true state high point with summit cairn, logbook, and monument
- Flexible effort: park lower or higher depending on vehicle and conditions
CONS
- Mostly a 4WD road walk rather than a natural singletrack
- Approach involves rough roads, sparse signage, and land‑access nuances
Approach via long dirt roads from the highway; expect a gate and limited signage. High‑clearance 4WD strongly recommended. Park where your vehicle can safely reach—commonly near the Karijini National Park boundary—then walk the remaining 4WD track to the summit.
Remote Grade 5 outing on rough, steep 4WD track; extreme summer heat (>40°C); limited signage and gated access across leasehold areas; industrial traffic possible; do not continue beyond the nearby railway line; carry ample water and emergency comms; park entry fees apply.
Overview
This is a no-frills march to Western Australia’s highest point, trading singletrack for a rugged vehicle track and sweeping Pilbara horizons. Expect a steady grind on a 4WD road rather than a gorge walk. If your goal is the state high point and big skies, it delivers.
Route and Stats
Most hikers tackle the return route from near the Karijini National Park boundary: 16 km total, about 6 hours, with roughly 709 m of ascent. The walking is almost entirely on a steep, rocky 4WD track. It’s graded at the hardest end of the local scale (Grade 5), reflecting remoteness, rough surfaces, and limited marking rather than technical scrambling.
What You’ll See
Views broaden with every switchback: ochre plains, ancient red ranges, and a wide-open desert palette. At the top, look for a cairn/logbook and a substantial monument with a summit sign—simple but satisfying proof you’ve reached the high point.
Access and Parking
Reaching the start is half the challenge. Access is via long dirt roads with minimal signage and sections suitable only for high‑clearance 4WD. Traffic from road trains and mine workers is possible; drive cautiously. Many hikers park where their vehicle can safely reach—often near the park boundary—and walk the rest. The approach crosses leasehold/pastoral lands before the park; signage and gates can be confusing, and there are cautions about not continuing beyond a nearby railway line. Park entry fees apply.
Best Time to Hike
Aim for the cooler, drier months of June–September when conditions are friendlier and wildflowers may show. Summer regularly pushes beyond 40°C—plan for extreme heat if you go then. Early starts help with both temperatures and lighting.
Tips and Essentials
Carry ample water and sun protection; there’s no reliable water on the route. Treat it as a remote outing: sturdy footwear, layers, a torch, a PLB, and a reliable way to communicate. Let someone know your plan. Navigation is straightforward on the track but the Grade 5 rating underscores the need for self‑reliance.
Near Mount Meharry Summit Route
All places →All trails →
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Hamersley Gorge Main PoolSwim beneath folded ironstone walls at a photogenic natural poolTrailhead · Restroom
Hancock Gorge (Kermit's Pool)Short, high-drama slot with ladders, Spider Walk, and an icy pool.Challenging · 0.5 mi · 2 hr
Oxer Lookout TrailShort stroll to a jaw dropping four gorge junctionEasy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
Joffre Gorge WalkShort, steep drop into a red rock amphitheatre and icy plunge poolChallenging · 0.8 mi · 2 hr
Fern PoolShaded gorge stroll to a spring-fed swimming hole and waterfallModerate · 1.6 mi · 48 min
