Mount Wycheproof: Facts About the World’s Smallest Mountain

  • Located in Wycheproof (Victoria, Australia), Mount Wycheproof is the world’s smallest mountain.
  • It stands 148 metres above sea level, and it rises 43 metres above the land surrounding it.
  • Wycheproof is derived from an aboriginal word meaning hill with grass.
  • The settlement of Wycheproof is located on the southern slopes of Mount Wycheproof. It was founded in 1846.
  • A mineral called Wycheproofite (a hydrated sodium aluminium zirconium phosphate) is exclusively found around Mount Wycheproof.
  • Mount Wycheproof is a granite outcrop with a rocky conical peak. It is part of the Terrick Terrick range.
  • At the time of writing, Wycheproof town has a population of less than 800.
  • People have said that fewer people have reached the summit of Mount Wycheproof than have summited Mount Everest.
  • There are numerous tracks leading up Mount Wycheproof. Emus and kangaroos can often be seen in the region.
  • Mount Wycheproof is becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction. The local Post Office provides certificates to prove that visitors have reached the summit.
  • Although in the UK and the US mountains traditionally have summits of at least 1000 feet high, there is no official difference between a mountain and a hill, and different countries have different criteria. Even though it might look like a hill, in Australia, Mount Wycheproof is recognised as a mountain.
  • Up until the late 1980s, a King of the Mountain event used to be held, with competitors racing each other up the slopes while holding a 60kg bag of wheat. Crowds numbering 7000 used to come and watch the event.
  • Mount Wycheproof is about 5 miles lower than Mount Everest.
  • The wildflower Correa Glabra (Wycheproof form) is exclusive to the region.
  • A globe-shaped sculpture made by Jimmy Johnson from recycled metal is located at the top of Mount Wycheproof.