Stirling Ranges

The Stirling Ranges are a range of mountains and hills in the South West region of Western Australia, 337 kilometres south-east of Perth. It is over 60 kilometres wide from west to east, stretching from the highway between Mount Barker and Cranbrook in the west, eastward past Gnowangerup. Notable features include Toolbrunup, Bluff Knoll (the tallest peak for a thousand kilometers or more in any direction and most popular tourist attraction), and a silhouette called The Sleeping Lady which is visible from the Porongurup Range.

The Stirling Ranges are one of the richest areas for flora in the world. Ninety families, 384 genera, and over 1500 plant species occur in the Stirling Ranges, 87 of which are found nowhere else. This represents more than a third of the known flora of the South West. Unfortunately many of these species are very sensitive to Phytophthora root rot fungus that can be spread on walkers boots and shoes. Please be extra careful to stay on the trails and keep your footwear clean when walking in the Stirlings.

The Stirling Ranges are protected by the Stirling Range National Park, which was gazetted in 1913, and has an area of 1159 kilometres squared. Popular recreational activities in the park include bushwalking and climbing. There is a camping area on Chester Pass Rd near the turn-off to Toolbrunup.

Bluff Knoll (1073 metres), the park’s highest and most popular ascent, has a well-built path involving a three-hour-return slog. The weather can often surprise you from the unseen, southeast side: no matter how hot you may feel in the car park before beginning the climb, take a sweater with you. There are better views looking onto the park’s eastern summits from the west: Talyuberup, halfway along the scenic drive and around 800 metres high, is a short, steep ascent to magnificent views, while Toolbrunup (1052 metres) is among the harder climbs in the park, with some exposed scrambling – allow a tough half-day to get there and back.

There are opportunities for overnight walks given favourable weather and conditions. Before heading off, discuss your plans with a Department of Eenvironment and Conservation ranger (Phone (08) 9827 9230 or 9827 9278) whose residence is at Park Headquarters, near Moingup Springs by the park campsite off Chester Pass Road. There is another ranger at the turn-off to Bluff Knoll.

Walkers should always carry water and be prepared for sudden weather change. Mountain mists, wind chill and rain can occur on the mountains at any time and there are even snow falls most winters on the peaks.

For other walks look up the Stirling Range National Park web pages on Naturebase.

Bluff Knoll, Stirling Ranges
Storm Clouds over the Stirling Ranges
Vineyard, Porongugup Range

	Walking Bibbulmun Track Cape to Cape Track Coastal Plains Walk Trail O Connor Walk Trail Weir Walk Trail Dryandra Woodlands Jarrahdale Mount Frankland Railway Reserve Heritage Trail Stirling Ranges Yanchep National Park Search Advanced	Stirling Ranges The Stirling Ranges are a range of mountains and hills in the South West region of Western Australia, 337 kilometres south-east of Perth. It is over 60 kilometres wide from west to east, stretching from the highway between Mount Barker and Cranbrook in the west, eastward past Gnowangerup. Notable features include Toolbrunup, Bluff Knoll (the tallest peak for a thousand kilometers or more in any direction and most popular tourist attraction), and a silhouette called The Sleeping Lady which is visible from the Porongurup Range. The Stirling Ranges are one of the richest areas for flora in the world. Ninety families, 384 genera, and over 1500 plant species occur in the Stirling Ranges, 87 of which are found nowhere else. This represents more than a third of the known flora of the South West. Unfortunately many of these species are very sensitive to Phytophthora root rot fungus that can be spread on walkers boots and shoes. Please be extra careful to stay on the trails and keep your footwear clean when walking in the Stirlings. The Stirling Ranges are protected by the Stirling Range National Park, which was gazetted in 1913, and has an area of 1159 kilometres squared. Popular recreational activities in the park include bushwalking and climbing. There is a camping area on Chester Pass Rd near the turn-off to Toolbrunup. Bluff Knoll (1073 metres), the park’s highest and most popular ascent, has a well-built path involving a three-hour-return slog. The weather can often surprise you from the unseen, southeast side: no matter how hot you may feel in the car park before beginning the climb, take a sweater with you. There are better views looking onto the park’s eastern summits from the west: Talyuberup, halfway along the scenic drive and around 800 metres high, is a short, steep ascent to magnificent views, while Toolbrunup (1052 metres) is among the harder climbs in the park, with some exposed scrambling – allow a tough half-day to get there and back. There are opportunities for overnight walks given favourable weather and conditions. Before heading off, discuss your plans with a Department of Eenvironment and Conservation ranger (Phone (08) 9827 9230 or 9827 9278) whose residence is at Park Headquarters, near Moingup Springs by the park campsite off Chester Pass Road. There is another ranger at the turn-off to Bluff Knoll. Walkers should always carry water and be prepared for sudden weather change. Mountain mists, wind chill and rain can occur on the mountains at any time and there are even snow falls most winters on the peaks. For other walks look up the Stirling Range National Park web pages on Naturebase. Bluff Knoll, Stirling Ranges Storm Clouds over the Stirling Ranges Vineyard, Porongugup Range
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Stirling Ranges