Punurrunha Summit (Mount Bruce)

From the car park, a short path reaches Marandoo View, an easy 500 m return option in its own right. Look across to the Marandoo iron-ore mine, then continue uphill: the summit route passes this lookout rather than ending there. The first section shares its approach with the Honey Hakea walk before the summit track takes you farther along the ridge. Mulga flats spread below the mountain, and the mine stays in view for much of the climb. You gain height steadily; the summit route turns the easy start into a full-day outing.

Higher up, the tread crosses broad rock slabs and steep switchbacks before reaching a narrow ledge with a chain for assistance. The red rock is broken into blocky shapes that give you places to steady yourself, but the chain does not make this a casual walk. Beyond it, the track follows narrower, rough ridge sections with exposed drop-offs on the south side, then climbs again toward the top. Take this part slowly and be honest about how the exposure feels. There is no reason to push on if the footing or height is outside your comfort zone.

A cairn and round orientation plaque mark the summit area. From here the Hamersley Range stacks into the distance, while Marandoo and the iron-ore mine sit behind you. The peak is listed as Western Australia’s second tallest. Give yourself time to take in the landscape before heading back down the same route. For a photo, include the cairn or the ridgeline in the foreground with the layered ranges beyond; it gives the wide view a sense of scale.

Use the cooler part of the day, but start only after sunrise and leave enough margin to finish before sunset. The park’s visitor guidance says not to attempt the trail before sunrise or after sunset. Summer temperatures often exceed 40°C, and there is no confirmed water refill along the route, so plan your water for the whole six-hour walk. The exposed summit can also feel windy; a light layer is useful when conditions are cooler. The park service advises considering a personal locator beacon for remote walks like this.

Marandoo View is 500 m return and takes about 30 minutes. Honey Hakea is a separate 4.6 km return walk to a higher viewpoint, with a three-hour allowance. Both start from the same car park and give you a taste of the mountain without committing to the Grade 5 summit route. Pets and other domestic animals are not permitted in Karijini National Park.