Mount Augustus, also known as Burringurrah, is recognized as the world’s largest rock, located in Western Australia. Within Western Australia’s Mount Augustus National Park. Mount Augustus Station is another name given to the adjacent pastoral lease. Apart from Uluru, this enormous geological feature has great cultural value and is bigger than any other.
Mount Augustus history
For thousands of years, the native Wadjari people have called Mount Augustus “Burringurrah,” suggesting a Dreamtime figure—a young lad who was speared and turned into a rock. For years, the Wadjari people considered the rock as a sacred site; the engravings of early Aboriginal habitation surround Mount Augustus.
The rock has been a holy location for the Wadjari people for years, with evidence of early Aboriginal settlement portrayed in the rock carvings surrounding Mount Augustus.
In the 1890s, there was a gold rush in the region because of the local geology. Today, Mount Augustus is a major tourist site, bringing tourists from across the globe to explore its hiking paths, rock art, and natural waterholes.
Where is Mount Augustus?
Mount Augustus is located in Western Australia, approximately 1,000 km north of Perth. It is situated within the Mount Augustus National Park, which covers an area of 6,110 square kilometers.
The nearest major town to Mount Augustus is Carnarvon, which is about 460 km to the west. The park can be accessed via a gravel road that branches off the North West Coastal Highway near Gascoyne Junction.
On a 49-kilometer sound road, visitors may drive around Mount Augustus’s base and get views of the changing faces of the rock and get access to other sights like rocky stream gorges, caverns, Aboriginal rock art, picnic places, and hiking paths.
Mount Augustus vs Uluru
While both Mount Augustus and Uluru are prominent Australian monuments, there are considerable variations between the two. Mount Augustus is more than twice the size of Uluru, towering 367 meters higher and having a far greater diameter. Uluru is a free-standing monolith, whereas Mount Augustus is an inselberg, a solitary rock feature sculpted by erosion and geological uplift.
Another important distinction is that although climbing Uluru is now restricted out of respect for its cultural value, there are no limits on climbing Mount Augustus. The Summit Trail to the summit of Mount Augustus is a hard trek that gives amazing views of the surrounding environment.
Why is Mount Augustus so significant?
Mount Augustus is significant for several reasons:
Size: It is the largest rock in the world, more than twice the size of Uluru.
Age: The rock is approximately 1.6 billion years old, making it one of the oldest geological formations in Australia.
Cultural significance: Mount Augustus is a sacred site for the local Wadjari Aboriginal people, who have called it “Burringurrah” for thousands of years.
Biodiversity: The park surrounding Mount Augustus is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including over 100 species of birds.
Geological significance: Mount Augustus is an asymmetrical anticline, built up through the bending of previous sedimentary strata, offering an understanding of the geological past of the Earth.
Aesthetic appeal: The rock’s changing colors at dawn and dusk, along with its impressive size and shape, make it a visually stunning natural wonder.
For anybody visiting the Australian outback, Mount Augustus is a must-see location with immense cultural, historical, and geological importance based only on its grandeur and magnitude.
Mount Augustus map
Mount Augustus, also known as Burringurrah, is a massive inselberg located in Western Australia, approximately 1,000 km north of Perth.
It is the largest rock in the world, standing 1,106 meters (3,629 ft) above sea level and covering an area of 4,795 hectares (11,850 acres). For thousands of years, the local Wadjari Aboriginal people have considered the rock holy.
Mount Augustus weight
It would be very hard to get a right estimate on Mount Augustus’s weight, so no one knows for sure. We can guess how much it weighs, though, based on its size and what it’s made of.
Assuming that the sandstone and aggregate that makeup Mount Augustus have an average density of 2.6 g/cm³ and that it is 8 km long, 5 km wide, and 1.1 km high, we can get a rough idea of its volume as follows:
V=8×5×1.1=44 km3=4.4×1010 m3
Using the formula for density, ρ=mVρ=Vm, and plugging in the values:
4.4×1010 m3×2.6×103 kg m3=1.144×1014 kg
It most likely weighs 114 million kilotons, which is equivalent to 114 billion metric tonnes. To put it another way, this weighs about the same as 228 billion blue whales or 57 billion African elephants.
This is just a ballpark estimate, of course; the precise composition and density of the rock will affect the actual weight somewhat. Nonetheless, it gives us a sense of the truly massive scale of Mount Augustus, the world’s largest rock.
5 interesting facts about Mount Augustus
Mount Augustus is the largest rock in the world, more than twice the size of Uluru.
The rock is approximately 1.6 billion years old, making it one of the oldest geological formations in Australia.
Mount Augustus is home to over 100 species of birds, including emus, red kangaroos, goannas, euros, and birds of prey.
The local Wadjari people have called Mount Augustus “Burringurrah” for thousands of years, referring to a Dreamtime figure, a young boy who was speared and turned into a rock.
There was a gold rush in the area in the 1890s due to the local geology.
The best time to visit Mt Augustus
The best time to visit Mount Augustus is during the cooler months from May to August, as temperatures can be extremely hot in the summer. The moderate and pleasant weather during this period makes trekking and park exploration perfect.
Some key considerations for the best time to visit:
Avoid the summer months (December to February) when temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). The wildflower season runs from July to October, with the peak being in August and September.
The park receives the most rainfall during the winter months (June to August). The rock’s colors are most vibrant at dawn and dusk, so plan your visit accordingly.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and suitable clothes for the temperature regardless of when you come. The park may be somewhat far-off, therefore it’s also crucial to be ready for any mishaps and to heed park rangers’ and local guide’s recommendations.
Mount Augustus hike
With various hiking paths accessible, foot exploration of Mount Augustus is the most common method used. The 12-kilometer Summit Trail, a 12-hour return climb between six and eight hours, is the toughest. Because of its steep climb and demanding degree of physical ability, this path is advised for experienced hikers with a great degree of fitness.
For those looking for a less challenging experience, shorter trips around Mount Augustus include the 49-kilometer round route allowing visitors to admire the granite from several angles. These walks provide an opportunity to explore Aboriginal rock art, different wildlife, and natural waterholes.
How was Mount Augustus formed?
Mount Augustus is an asymmetrical anticline, formed by the folding of rock layers into an arch-like structure.
The rocks consist of sand and gravel deposited by an ancient river system about 1,600 million years ago. These sedimentary rocks were then buried beneath younger marine sediments, which were laid down when shallow seas covered the region between 1,600–1,070 million years ago.
The rocks were buckled into their present-day structure about 900 million years ago when movement along faults in the underlying granitic and metamorphic rocks caused localized, strong, north-east directed compression.
Erosion has since removed the overlying marine sedimentary rocks, exposing the sandstone and conglomerate of Mount Augustus.
Mount Augustus facts
Mount Augustus is more than twice the size of Uluru, measuring 8 kilometers in length and with an 8-kilometer-long central ridge.
It is an asymmetrical anticline, formed by the folding of rock layers into an arch-like structure, unlike Uluru, which is a monolith.
The rocks of Mount Augustus consist of sand and gravel deposited by an ancient river system about 1,600 million years ago.
Mount Augustus is home to approximately 100 species, including birds of prey, emus, red kangaroos, goannas, euros, and others.
Surrounding Mount Augustus, there are many walking paths, including the challenging Summit Trail, which rounds out in six to eight hours.
Is Mount Augustus the biggest rock in the world?
Yes, Mount Augustus is widely considered to be the largest rock in the world.
It stands 1,106 meters (3,629 ft) above sea level and covers an area of 4,795 hectares (11,850 acres), with a central ridge that is almost eight kilometers long. This makes it more than twice the size of Uluru, which is often cited as the largest rock in the world.
Although some sources claim Mount Augustus is the largest monolith in the world, geological studies contradict this assertion as Mount Augustus is an uneven anticline instead of a real monolith. Still, its sheer enormity and striking presence make it a very amazing natural beauty.
Mount Augustus facts for kids
- Mount Augustus is the largest rock in the world, more than twice the size of Uluru.
- It is an ancient rock formation, approximately 1.6 billion years old.
- The local Wadjari people call Mount Augustus “Burringurrah” and consider it a sacred site.
- There are over 100 species of birds that live around Mount Augustus, including emus, kangaroos, and birds of prey.
- Visitors can hike to the top of Mount Augustus on the challenging Summit Trail, which takes about 6–8 hours to return.
- Mount Augustus is home to Aboriginal rock art and natural waterholes that are great for exploring.
- The rock changes color throughout the day, from deep indigo to bright pink, orange, red, and even green at dawn and dusk.
- Mount Augustus is located in Western Australia, about 1,000 km north of Perth.
- The rock is an asymmetrical anticline, formed by the folding of ancient sedimentary layers.
- Visitors can drive around the base of Mount Augustus on a 49-kilometer loop road to see the rock from different angles.
Conclusion
Mount Augustus, or Burringurrah, is not just a geological marvel but also a site of profound cultural significance. Its impressive size and unique characteristics make it a must-see destination for those exploring the Australian outback. Whether hiking to its summit or enjoying the views from the base, visitors are sure to be captivated by this remarkable natural wonder.
Refer: Mount Augustus
- Mount Augustus National Park – Wikipedia: This page provides detailed information about the park, its geography, history, and significance to the local Aboriginal people. Mount Augustus National Park – Wikipedia
- Mount Augustus (Western Australia) – Wikipedia: This article offers insights into the geological formation of Mount Augustus, its dimensions, and cultural history. Mount Augustus (Western Australia) – Wikipedia
- Mount Augustus National Park – Travel guide at Wikivoyage: A travel guide that includes practical information for visitors, including access routes, walking tracks, and camping options. Mount Augustus National Park – Wikivoyage
- Mount Augustus: The World’s Largest Rock – Steemit: A personal travel narrative that describes the journey to Mount Augustus and the experience of hiking the rock. Mount Augustus: The World’s Largest Rock – Steemit
- Mount Augustus National Park – Australia’s Coral Coast: This page provides an overview of the park, including its flora, fauna, and visitor information. Mount Augustus National Park – Australia’s Coral Coast
- Mount Augustus: Preserving Australia’s lesser-known sacred rock – BBC News: An article discussing the cultural significance of Mount Augustus and efforts to preserve it. Mount Augustus: Preserving Australia’s lesser-known sacred rock – BBC News
