Month: November 2025

Peak Charles National Park

Peak Charles National Park

Peak Charles National Park is a remote national park in Western Australia, 170 km north west of Esperance.

Getting there

Road to Peak Charles National Park

We visited Peak Charles National Park at the very end of September 2025, travelling from Norseman via Lake King–Norseman Road and then Peak Charles Road. Both are classified as 4WD-only, with corrugations, potholes, and sections that become impassable when wet. Still, for a 4WD track, the drive wasn’t too challenging.

Peak Charles campground

Aerial view of Peak Charles campground

At the base of Peak Charles, we camped for two nights in a small but welcoming campground. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables, and communal fire rings. With space for only 7–8 vehicles, the sites are compact and not suitable for large caravans.

Currently, the campground is free and non-bookable, though this may change once the access road is sealed. It can fill quickly on long weekends, but we were fortunate to find a spot on arrival.

A vehicle with a small caravan at Peak Charles campground

Climbing Peak Charles

Climbing Peak Charles was at the top of our agenda when we camped at the base of this striking 651‑metre granite outcrop. The hiking trail is divided into three sections: easy, moderately difficult, and extremely hard.

We began with the easy section, where half of our group decided to stop. My older son, 13‑year‑old Ariel, and I pressed on to the lookout. This part of the trail was steep and demanding, but manageable. The final ascent to the summit, however, defies classification. It is a sheer, exposed incline that requires crab‑like crawling on hands and feet.

At that point, I chose not to continue. Ariel, determined and fearless, insisted on reaching the summit alone. I watched anxiously as he disappeared behind the rock face. Moments later, his voice rang out—he had made it to the top. Pride and relief washed over me as I waited for him to descend safely. What an achievement for our boy! Here is a short reel featuring this moment.

The track to the summit measures 3.4 km, and the round trip took us more than four hours. For those with rock climbing experience and a taste for adventure, Peak Charles offers a truly rewarding challenge.

Peak Charles NP wildflowers

Common Mignonette Orchid Microtis

Calothamnus tuberosus (above left), Calytrix leschenaultii (above middle), Common Mignonette Orchid Microtis (above right).

Desert quandong Santalum acuminatum

Desert quandong Santalum acuminatum (above left), Dodonaea microzyga (above middle), Labichea species (above right).

Melaleuca species (above left), Nicotiana goodspeedii (above middle), Prostanthera serpyllifolia (above right).

Sigmoid spider (Caladenia sigmoidea)

Sigmoid spider (Caladenia sigmoidea) – above.

Track from Peak Charles to Lake King

Leaving Peak Charles National Park for Perth, we had several route options. Since we had already travelled the Hyden–Norseman Road, we didn’t want to repeat it. Heading down to Esperance would have added a long detour. Instead, we chose the shortest and least familiar option: the Lake King–Norseman Road.

Information about this road was scarce. When I contacted the local shires, the response was clear: the road is not maintained, not monitored, and towing is not advised. Despite this, we decided to take the risk after speaking with fellow campers at Peak Charles who had just driven it and reassured us it was passable.

To reach the Lake King–Norseman Road, we took a shortcut via a couple of 4WD tracks. These were narrow and dotted with potholes, but generally manageable. The most challenging section was where the track crossed what looked like a dry creek, leaving behind a deep washout. We had to take our time, work together, and carefully navigate our way through. Fortunately, our caravan is small and nimble—larger rigs would struggle here and likely wouldn’t make it.

Check out our short reel on this track.

And that’s us half way up Peak Charles.

Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail (Hyden-Norseman Road)

The Breakaways along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail

Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail is a 300km unsealed road that links Hyden and Norseman. It features 16 interpretive sites with walking trails, picnic and camping areas. As you drive along this scenic route, you will see how the scenery changes from section to section – from low heath, to shrubs, to eucalyptus woodlands.

Starting at Hyden

Our journey began in Hyden, where a visit to the iconic Wave Rock felt like a rite of passage. Though we’d been before, it was the first time for our children. It was a moment of shared wonder beneath the ancient wave-shaped granite.

Holland Track Intersection

Our first stop along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail was the Holland Track intersection.

Holland Track intersection along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail.

Originally, we’d planned to drive the Holland Track itself, but towing a caravan—even a small off-road one—proved impractical. The entry looked deceptively smooth, but we knew the track beyond was riddled with deep washouts. Instead, we lingered at the interpretive sign, absorbing the history and admiring the wildflowers. What a delicate bursts of colour against the rugged terrain.

Comesperma scoparium Broom Milkwort (above left), Grevillea coccinea (above middle), Stylidium breviscapum Boomerang Triggerplant (above right).

Forrestania Plots

With daylight fading, we made camp at Forrestania Plots—a free, no-facilities campground nestled in the bush.

Forrestania Plots along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail.

It’s a simple, cleared area, but the surrounding flora made it quietly beautiful.

Balaustion pulcherrimum Native Pomegranate (above left), Calytrix leschenaultii (above middle), Cyanostegia Tinsel Flower (above right).

Grevillea excelsior (Flame Grevillea) stood tall and radiant (below left). Striking Hakea francisiana (Emu Tree) was also fascinating to see (below right).

We watched the sun dip below the horizon, its golden light filtering through the foliage, then gathered around a campfire under the stars.

The Breakaways

Perhaps the most picturesque stop along the trail, The Breakaways offered a sense of peace and timelessness. The rock formations here are captivating—layered with colour, texture, and quiet mystery. We wandered for hours, tracing the contours of the land and soaking in its stillness.

The site is well-equipped, with a spacious picnic and camping area, tables, fire rings, and a toilet. Though tempted to stay, we chose to continue our journey, carrying the calm of The Breakaways with us.

The Breakaways site along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail.

Eucalyptus vittata (ribbon mallet) is a unique eucalyptus tree that sheds its bark in long ribbons that sway gracefully in the wind, composing a soothing bush melody.  

McDermid Rock

Our second stop along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail (Hyden–Norseman Road) was McDermid Rock, site #9 on the trail. This striking granite outcrop is a wonderful place to pause—whether for a wander, a picnic, or an overnight stay.

McDermid Rock along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail

The site is well-equipped with a toilet, picnic tables, and fire rings, making it both scenic and practical.

You can climb McDermid Rock and explore the surrounding area via a 1,271-meter interpretive trail. The walk begins with a steep ascent but soon levels out into an easy and enjoyable loop, dotted with informative signs that highlight the area’s natural and cultural history.

We camped there during the September school holidays, and while it was a popular spot, we arrived early enough to secure a great site. We loved our time at McDermid Rock—scrambling over the granite, soaking in the views, and gathering around a campfire under the stars.

Lake Johnston

Lake Johnston is site #10 on the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail. It is a striking salt lake.

Lake Johnston along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail

This tranquil spot offers a small but welcoming area for picnicking or camping, complete with a toilet and picnic table. It’s an ideal place to pause, take in the expansive views, and enjoy the serenity of the landscape.

Disappointment Rock

Our journey along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail concluded at Disappointment Rock. Though there are no facilities here, the area features a scenic 1.9-kilometre hiking trail that traverses the rock and includes 17 interpretive signs offering insights into the local geology and ecology.

Disappointment Rock along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail

We didn’t have time to complete the full walk, as my main focus was spotting an open granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila). After encountering many closed blooms, it was a true delight to find one fully open—thanks to the keen eyes of my youngest son.

Along the way, we also spotted a few lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) and were treated to the sight of numerous Ornate Crevice-Dragon lizards basking in the sun.

Ornate Crevice-Dragon lizards were abundant at Disappointment Rock (below).

The Jam Patch

Campers at the Jam Patch

The Jam Patch is a large bushland reserve in North Lake Grace in the southern Wheatbelt, named for its many Jam Trees (Acacia acuminata). This protected area is a haven for native flora and fauna, lovingly cared for by volunteers from the Lake Grace Land Conservation District Committee.

Picnic and free camping area

Near the entrance, there’s a designated camping area for caravans. It’s simple and free, with no facilities apart from toilets—which, unfortunately, were unusable during our visit in early October 2025 due to lack of maintenance. Further into the reserve, the picnic area offers tables and barbecues. While it’s unclear whether camping is officially permitted there, we did see a few people sleeping in swags.
The camping area itself is modest in size and was fairly busy, but we managed to find a spot. Despite the limited amenities, it’s a peaceful place to spend a night or two, surrounded by bushland and birdsong.

Map of the Jam Patch

Bush walks and wildflowers at the Jam Patch

The Jam Patch features several walking trails with interpretive signs. Two trails loop around flat granite outcrops, while a third traces the edge of a salt lake. These walks offer quiet immersion in nature and glimpses of wildflowers along the way.


Although we arrived a little late for peak bloom—donkeys and cowslips had already finished flowering—we were still treated to the delicate beauty of lemon-scented sun orchids, little laughing orchids, and granite sun orchid.

Lemon Scented Sun Orchid Thelymitra antennifera at the Jam Patch

Even with fewer flowers, the walks were serene and restorative, offering solitude and a deep sense of connection to the land.

Pelargonium havlasae (top left), Brunonia australis (top right).

Talgomine Reserve

Talgomine Reserve is a large picturesque area around the rock, 12 km east of Nungarin in the Сentral Wheatbelt. Talgomine rock was ‘originally named Mount Moore’.  In the 19 century the place was used as a stopping place for travellers and stock passing through the area. The reserve became an important watering place. Particularly, it served as a community sheep dip to treat skin infection of animals.

Facilities

There is a free campground at the base of a rock. Facilities at Talgomine Reserve include a picnic table and a long drop toilet, as well as bins. We enjoyed having the place all to ourselves for the night. It turned out to be a much nicer and cozier place than Danberrin Rock where we stopped initially but had to leave due to ants’ infestation.

People camping at Talgomine Reserve

Nice walks and nature at Talgomine Reserve

In the morning, I wandered through the area, climbing over granite outcrops and circling the boulders. Just a few weeks ago, this place would have been ablaze with wildflowers—especially everlastings. Now, only the orange immortelle (Waitzia acuminata) remained, still flowering but past its prime. Aside from that, little else was in bloom.

Waitzia acuminata everlasting at Talgomine Reserve

Yet the landscape held its own quiet beauty. The granite shimmered softly in the morning light, birds chirped cheerfully in the stillness, and a sense of peace settled over everything. We felt grateful to have spent the night here, far from the buzz and bustle of city life—a gentle pause in nature’s embrace.