Do waking up well with a sunrise hike up Punurrunha (Mt Bruce) before splashing into one of Karijini National Park’s ridiculously beautiful swimming holes.

Highlights

  • A 10km strenuous yet rewarding return hike up a 1,234m peak
  • Panoramic views out over the Hamersley Range during the whole ascent
  • Taking on WA’s second highest peak at sunrise
  • Take your pick of the many tranquil waterholes nearby for a post-workout reward

Hiking Up Punurrunha (Mt Bruce)

Karijini National Park is an absolute goldmine of gorges, waterholes and one very spectacular hike. As the second highest mountain in the state, Punurrunha (Mount Bruce) is regarded as one of WA’s most scenic and rewarding walks.

 

Starting The Day The Right Way On Punurrunha (Mt Bruce) // Karijini NP (WA) Tiffany Hulm, red earth, mountain, horizon, lookout, plains

 

It is a 10km return hike and I would recommend allowing around four hours to conquer and descend. En route, this little lady throws you a bunch of curve balls. At least four times I thought I was reaching the peak only to get there and realise it was a mere bump in the bigger scheme of things.

Kicking off from the car park before the light of day, the first half of the walk is relatively easy. It’s the second half that will have you clambering and climbing over rocks, making it a little more strenuous.

 

Starting The Day The Right Way On Punurrunha (Mt Bruce) // Karijini NP (WA) Tiffany Hulm, mountain range, clouds

 

It took us an hour and a half to reach the top – marked by a giant stack of rocks. After you catch your breath be sure to watch the early sun, sharing its rays over the Hamersley Range and beyond. This is an insanely beautiful walk to wake up to and once you have descended there are several breathtaking waterholes nearby!

Be sure to team up this microadventure with an exploration of the rest of Karijini’s beauty.

Essential Gear

  • Water
  • Camera
  • Sun protection
  • Joggers
  • Snacks
  • Head torch or flashlight

How To Get There

Punurrunha (Mt Bruce) is in the Karijini National Park which is located in the Pilbara region of WA, about 1400km north of Perth.

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Photography
  • Picnicking
  • Free campsite nearby
  • An array of magical swimming spots post-climb

Skill Level

Intermediate

Distance Covered / Elevation

The hike to the summit of Punurrunha (Mt Bruce) is a 10km return trip / 1234m