Camel Hump: A Hiker's Delight in Mt Kaputar National Park
Camel Hump is one of the many striking rock formations in Mt Kaputar National Park, and it's well worth the effort to visit.
The hike is a 14 km round trip from the Coryah Gap car park-add an extra 2 km if you want to conquer the hump itself. Trust me, the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth the leg burn.
Navigating the trail was a bit of an adventure. Without proper maps or trail markers, it took some creative guesswork to stay on course. The tall bushes added a touch of mystery but were mercifully not too dense-no machetes required! For those with some bushwalking experience and a GPS logger in hand, there was never a serious risk of getting lost.
On the way back, I veered west onto the lava field next to Camel Hump, where I stumbled upon jaw-dropping views above Mt Yulludunida. From there, I took the “short cut” (debatable!) along the eastern cliff edge between Mt Mitchel and Mt Coryah. This route offers dazzling vistas of the surrounding peaks, including Mt Kaputar, Sinclair, and Governor Peaks.
After returning to Mt Coryah, I completed the Coryah Gap Loop track along the northern side. This cliff-side trail is full of surprises-think spiky spinifex-like plants (note to self: become a botanist) and dramatic rock faces that would make any geologist swoon.
Pro tip: Start your journey down Kaputar Road early in the morning. This steep, narrow road is best tackled without the stress of dodging oncoming cars. As a bonus, you’ll be treated to golden sunrise views of Mt Ningadhun (aka Castle Rock) and the surrounding landscape-a perfect epilog to an unforgettable adventure.