Elisha
The incredible Stirling Range National Park (Koikyennuruff) is home to some of Western Australia’s highest peaks. Despite most of the state being relatively flat compared to the east coast, the Stirling Ranges is a complete surprise to most who visit. The rugged range rises from the farmland inland from Albany, with wonderful wildflowers in spring and challenging hikes to many of the peaks.
It’s the only place in Western Australia that experiences an alpine climate, with the ever-changing weather around the Stirling Ranges even bringing snow on the rare occasion. I recently spent almost a week exploring the park in late spring, ticking off each of the day hikes.
In this post, I’m going to detail the best hikes in the Stirling Range National Park, including the most famous and highest peak, Bluff Knoll. Keep reading if you’re planning a trip to this exhilarating national park in the south west of WA.
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Where is Stirling Range National Park?
Stirling Range National Park is an hours drive north of Albany on the south coast of Western Australia. From Perth, it’s a longer 400 km drive south east of the city centre. The national park seems a bit of an anomaly, rising up from the otherwise quite flat farmland inland from the coast.
It’s located just beyond Porongurup National Park, another rocky, elevated area that is also worth visiting en route to the Stirling Ranges, if coming from Albany.
The Noongar, Traditional Owners, know the range as Koi Kyenunu-ruff which means “mist moving around the mountains” because of the low hanging clouds that often rest on the peaks.
How to Get There
Perth to Stirling Range National Park: 400 km or 4.5 hour drive
Albany to Stirling Range National Park: 78 km or 1 hour drive
The most direct route from Perth is the inland Albany Highway/State Route 30, which cuts diagonally from the city towards Albany. However, if you’re taking a longer road trip around the south west, you may be coming from Albany.
From Albany, it’s a very straightforward drive north on Chester Pass Road, which leads directly to and through the national park.
This road splits the park into two distinct parts. Bluff Knoll is on the eastern half, while the other peaks I’ll mention in this blog are on the western side of the road. The Stirling Range Drive (a dirt road) is the main scenic drive that takes in the western half of the park and is how most of the hikes are accessed. This road is kept in good condition for 2WD vehicles.
Prefer a tour? Check out this 3 day tour of the Stirling Ranges, including guided hikes to multiple peaks, lunch, accommodation and transport to/from Perth.
Don’t forget! Fees apply to visit this WA national park. Purchase a Parks Pass in advance.
When to Visit Stirling Ranges
The Stirling Range has more of an alpine climate than other parts of Western Australia. This means that it’s cold in winter, with quite a bit of rain (and sometimes even snow!) and moody clouds. In summer, it can get unbearably hot, with some rain as well.
I would suggest visiting Stirling Range National Park in autumn or spring to get the best weather for hiking. However, spring is considered the best time to visit overall, as you’ll also get to admire the wildflowers in the park.
The weather can be volatile at any time of year though, so check the forecast before you plan your trip and always pack warm layers (it can get cold on top of Bluff Knoll at anytime of the year).
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Where to Stay Near Stirling Range National Park
If you want to be as close to the national park as possible, then I recommend staying at:
- Stirling Range Retreat: This is where I stayed and is the most central location to both halves of the park. They offer a camping area with powered and unpowered sites, plus cabins and motel rooms. They have a great view from the campground looking towards the range. Check it out here.
- Mt Trio Bush Camp and Caravan Park: Another good option, this caravan park is closer to the western half of the park, but still within easy distance of Bluff Knoll. They offer powered and unpowered camping sites amongst a rustic setting near Mt Trio. Check it out here.
Other options nearby for a more comfortable stay include:
The Sleeping Lady Private Retreat | Close to Porongurup National Park and just off the road to the Stirling Ranges, this two bedroom chalet is the perfect retreat for exploring the mountains. It’s a really cosy self-catering cabin that overlooks a vineyard. Check it out here.
Cranbrook Railway Carriage | For something unique and remote, this property offers a railway carriage that has been converted into a unique stay. Located on the western side of the Stirling Range National Park, it’s a secluded country escape a bit of a drive from the main hikes. Check it out here.
Where to Eat and Get Supplies
The Bluff Knoll Cafe on the corner of Chester Pass Rd and Bluff Knoll Rd is a great place for a coffee, meal or drink while exploring the area. It’s just across from the Stirling Range Retreat as well.
This is also the best place to get any supplies you need, although it’s limited. There’s no major town nearby, so bring everything you need from Albany if you can.
Hiking Essentials for Stirling Ranges
Best Hikes in Stirling Range National Park
There are six day hikes to do in Stirling Range National Park. I ticked off all of them during my time there and will take you through each one here.
They’re all out and back hikes, so you return that same way on each one. Another thing to note is that there are not many trail markers around. Generally, the trails are pretty obvious but pay close attention to where you’re going or download AllTrails before setting off.
All of the hikes in the Stirling Ranges are quite challenging, so I recommend a decent level of fitness before undertaking any of the trails here. Most require some rock scrambling too, so it’s best to read my detailed overview of each hike below to decide which ones are right for you (Bluff Knoll and Mt Trio are the only two that don’t require some scrambling).
Read next: Ultimate Day Hike Packing List
Mt Magog
- Distance: 7 km return
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation gain: 595m
- Difficulty: Hard
This is the most remote of the day hikes in Stirling Range National Park. The trailhead is just off Stirling Range Drive, about 26km from Chester Pass Road (the main road). That means its a 26km drive on a dirt road, but it’s in good condition for all vehicles.
There’s a small carpark at the trailhead for a handful of cars. From there, the trail begins with a deceivingly gentle stroll for just over 2 km through beautiful woodland as it slowly makes its way towards the range.
You’ll be able to see Mount Magog rising up ahead of you. At the base, the trail becomes incredibly steep and rugged for the last kilometre, with some loose rock making it a slow ascent for the final climb up to the ridgeline.
There are a few old markers along the way. Once you hit the saddle, you need to turn sharp left towards the summit for the last 500m. This is where you’ll have to scramble a little to get to the top.
It’s a bit of a false summit though, as you can enjoy the view above the trees before dipping down and back up again to the true summit, marked with a rock cairn. The panoramic views are really beautiful, including over to Talyuberlup Peak (another great hike described below).
You have to return the same way, which is just as slow getting down the first steep section and then a nice relaxing last 2.5km to the carpark.
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Talyuberlup Peak
- Distance: 2.6 km officially (my Garmin watch claimed it was 3.2 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation gain: 431m
- Difficulty: Hard
This fun little peak is a rock scrambling party! Taking much longer than the distance suggests, you can see the near vertical trail heading straight up the peak when standing below at the small carpark on Stirling Range Drive.
Most of the trail starts from the road and goes straight up through the scrub. It can be a little scratchy because it’s a skinny trail, but the footpad is very obvious. Once you emerge above the scrub, you’ll find a rock gully that you must pick your way through.
Near the top, you can either go straight ahead and climb through a cave or head left around the outside of the cave. The cave overhang can be dangerous (there is a warning sign in place), so if you’re nervous, I suggest going around. But in saying that, the cave is pretty cool!
When you think you’re nearly there, you’ll see the last steep rock climb up to the summit (pictured above). It’s still an achievable scramble, but will definitely have you sweating. Once you pop out on top though, it’s one of the best views in the entire park, including an awesome view of Toolbrunup Peak (arguably the best hike in the park, outlined below).
You must climb back down the same way, so be careful with your footwork! If it’s been raining or wet, the rock will be slippery and it would not be a very safe descent. Definitely plan to do this one in dry weather.
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Mt Toolbrunup
- Distance: 4.4 km return
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation gain: 580m
- Difficulty: Hard
Mt Toolbrunup is arguably the best day hike in the Stirling Ranges. Most people agree it’s more challenging, fun, and has better views than Bluff Knoll! In fact, it’s almost as tall as Bluff Knoll, at just 40m shorter in overall altitude.
I had a blast climbing up to this peak, though it’s definitely a slog, taking me 3 hours in total to cover the 4.4km return hike.
The carpark and trailhead is located at the end of Toolbrunup Road, a 4km stretch of dirt road off Chester Pass Road that is in good condition. You’ll find a small carpark there enough for about 6 cars or so.
The trail heads off directly from the carpark and the ascent begins almost immediately. However, the first kilometre is quite gentle and on a good track, although uphill. The last kilometre is much more challenging.
You’ll come to a boulder field covering the slope of Toolbrunup, which you’ll need to pick your way through as you head upwards. There are several markers on this section which you should look out for because otherwise the trail is hard to see.
Then, the final few hundred metres is a real scramble using hands and feet on occasion up to the summit. Once you clamber to the top though, you’ll have a flat-ish peak to explore with some of the best panoramic views you’ll get in Western Australia.
I spent over an hour enjoying the view, before making my way back down. Take your time climbing back down, as it can be more difficult going down on tired legs.
Bluff Knoll
- Distance: 6 km return
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation gain: 670m
- Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
The iconic Bluff Knoll is the highest mountain in the south west of Western Australia. It stands at 1,095m high and is the standout peak in the range. It’s often shrouded in cloud, with the weather patterns around the mountain a little unpredictable. Still, it’s definitely the most popular hike in the Stirling Ranges with most visitors aiming to tackle this mountain on their visit.
The trailhead is accessed at the end of Bluff Knoll Road (sealed road) after about 8km of driving from Chester Pass Road, where you’ll find a large carpark with toilets and a viewing platform of the mountain.
From here, you’ll have a good view of the impressive mountain that you’re about to climb. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, I recommend hiking Bluff Knoll at either sunrise or sunset. Although, check the forecast because the peak can be clouded over at dawn and dusk.
I was staying at the Stirling Range Retreat so I decided to hike Bluff Knoll at sunset. I was mostly completely alone on the mountain except for another solo hiker who joined me at the summit closer to sunset.
The trail begins from the carpark on a sealed footpath for a short while. It starts ascending almost immediately, with a more gentle climb at first. Then, the trail becomes dirt and you’ll find steps cut all the way to the top as it crosses the mountain slope on a diagonal through the woodland.
After heavy rain, there is a stream about 1/5 of the way into the hike up, which was completely dry when I was there in spring.
Once you reach the top of the ridge, the trail swings around to the left as it continues to ascend to the highest point. This is above the tree line, so you’ll likely get hit by turbulent wind and cooler temperatures as it’s very exposed.
The trail markers along the way alert you to how much further you have to go. Then, finally you’ll come up to the highest point of the ridge. You’ll see there’s plenty of tracks everywhere to different viewpoints, offering a complete panorama of the Stirling Ranges. On a clear day, you can even see down to the ocean at Albany!
We waited until after the sun had set before beginning our descent. Considering the trail is in such good condition, we went at a pretty quick pace with our headtorches only required for the last half.
While it’s certainly a great hike, the well-constructed path makes it feel less wild than the other hikes in the park. Still, it’s an incredible experience to see the sunset (or sunrise) from the top.
Read more: Complete Guide to the Bluff Knoll Hike
Mt Trio
- Distance: 3.5 km return
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation gain: 391m
- Difficulty: Moderate
This is the easiest hike in the Stirling Ranges, but that doesn’t mean that it’s overly easy. Still, Mt Trio is a great option for families or those unsure of the rock scrambling required for most of the other peaks.
However, from the carpark and trailhead off Formby Road South, the trail climbs steeply for the first kilometre on stairs similar to those found on Bluff Knoll. The good news is that once you reach the top of the stairs, it’s much gentler from there as it turns sharply right and heads for the summit.
It’s only about 800m or so along the ridge to the rock cairn marking the top. The view from Mt Trio is really beautiful and you can get a particularly good view of Mt Toolbrunup. Return the same way.
Mt Hassell
- Distance: 3.2 km return
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation gain: 386m
- Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
This can be a deceivingly tough hike. While most people say this is more of a moderate trail, there’s a bit of scrambling at the end. I really enjoyed this mountain, with its unique tiered slope that takes longer to conquer than you think.
The trailhead and small carpark are just off Stirling Range Drive, a short drive in off the main road. The trail becomes quite gently compared to Mt Trio, with a well-formed dirt track leading up the slope to the upper sections of the mountain.
There’s a couple of false summits, with the real peak looming above each time. There’s some rock scrambling in the final climb and you’ll have to pick the best way to get to the top. Once you have clambered up the rock face, you’ll reach the flat top of the peak.
It offers yet another panoramic view of the national park and close up view of Toolbrunup and Mt Trio. Return the same way, admiring the view of the park as you descend through the wild flowers.
Overnight Hike in Stirling Ranges: Stirling Range Ridge Walk
- Distance: 25 km
- Time: 2-3 days
- Elevation gain: 1,647m
For those looking for more of a challenge, you can take in the ridge between Bluff Knoll and Ellen Peak on an overnight hike. This is a difficult task and should only be reserved for fit and experienced hikers who can navigate in rocky terrain and are confident with rock scrambling on exposed ridges.
There’s limited navigational arrows along the way, so you must be comfortable navigating yourself across rough territory. You’ll also find limited water if any at all and most people carry enough for a couple of days from the start. Wild camping is also limited, with a couple of caves that are utilised for overnight stays on the way (no facilities).
I recommend reading the write up from The Life of Py for a detailed account of the trek and ensure you have the trail downloaded on AllTrails for offline use, plus ensure you have an idea where to find the caves for camping before setting off. This is definitely not for beginners!
HAPPY HIKING!
Exploring More of South West WA? Read These:
- Cape to Cape Track: A Complete Guide to the Cape to Cape Track
- Bibbulmun Track: A Complete Guide to Thru Hiking the Bibbulmun Track
- Porongurup National Park: Guide to the Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock
- Albany: 20 Best Things to Do in Albany
- Perth to Esperance Itinerary: Ultimate 10-Day South West Road Trip
- Camping in South West: 15 Best Campgrounds in South West WA
- Hiking: 12 Best Day Hikes in South West WA
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[…] you have left to get to the top. For those reasons, it’s not as difficult as some of the other hikes in the Stirling Ranges, which are more rugged and not well signposted, with most also requiring rock […]
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