Stirling Range National Park, Western Australia

Stirling Range National Park, Western AustraliaThe first ship known to visit the coast was the Dutch ship "Guilden Seepaart," in 1627. 195 years later it was English Captain Matthew Flinders on HMS Investigator who recorded the first sighting of the inland mountain range on 5 January 1802, calling them "Mount Rugged". The Stirling Range National Park was named by John Septimus Roe on 4 November 1835 after Captain James Stirling, the first Governor of Western Australia.

The Stirling Range can be accessed easily by car via Chester Pass Road from Albany, Formby South Road from Gnowangerup or east from Albany Highway via Salt River Road or Redgum Pass.

This National Heritage listed National Park protects Western Australia's only mountain range and its unique flora and fauna, with a range of over 1500 recorded species of wildflowers and terrestrial orchids which flower in Spring.

Some rare mammals are common in the Range and birding is excellent.

The highest and most popular peak is Bluff Knoll (1,073 metres, 3-4 hour return). If you're lucky, you may even see snow on the summit!

The challenging wilderness walk to the summit of Toolbrunup Peak (1,052 metres, 4-5 hours return) rewards with magnificent 360 degree views.

In spring, Mt Trio (857 metres, 2 hours return) is a beautiful walk for wildflower enthusiasts.

Ellen Peak (1012 metres, 8 hours return), is a popular starting point for the Stirling Ridge Walk - the only alpine walk in Western Australia. You must register with the rangers for this three day experience.

Accommodation is available at Stirling Range Retreat opposite the Bluff Knoll turnoff. All budgets are considered in their range from hostel dorms to fully self-contained two bedroom chalets. Stirling Range Retreat has powered and unpowered camp and caravan sites.

Within the National Park, camping is permitted at Moingup Springs.

Articles

Many-faced hill

Many-faced hill

Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the south-west of Western Australia at 1,095 metres above sea level, is a challenge to climbers, taking three to four hours to complete the six-kilometre return trip.  Its Aboriginal name, Pualaar Miial, means many-faced hill.


Wildflowers galore

Wildflowers galore

The variety and beauty of the flowering plants of the Stirling Range – about 1,500 species – and the rare karri forests of the Porongurups draw visitors from around the world. You can see an astonishing 123 orchid species, for example.  more


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