Calytrix leschenaultii Archives

Peak Charles National Park

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

Getting there

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

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

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

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) – 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Stirling Range NP

Bluff Knoll is the third highest mountain peak in Western Australia and is the highest in Stirling Range

Stirling Range NP is one of the best places in Western Australia for hiking, as well as to view wildflowers. Over 1500 species of plants grow there, with some plants not existing anywhere else in the world. Some plants are easy to spot and they are quite abundant. Others are rare and threatened flora and very hard to find, as it is protected. Certain types of wildflowers, like mountain bells, only grow in altitudes higher than 300 meters above sea level.

Bluff Knoll flora

The plants below were all photographed while climbing Bluff Knoll hiking trail.

Gastrolobium bilobum (Heart leaved poison)

East and West of Stirling Range NP

I found these wildflowers in Stirling Range National Park in places, other than Bluff Knoll. We stayed at Stirling Range Retreat, where a lot of orchids, as well as other plants grow.