A hikers paradise with unrivalled scenic, mountainous views of sheer cliff faces, protected gullies, and rugged cliff peaks that rise up to 1000m above sea level. The park homes the only major mountain range in southern Western Australia, and a unique display of fauna and flora, with over 1500 wildflower species alone.
The Aboriginal name for the range is Koi Kyenunu-ruff, meaning 'mist rolling around the mountains' which paints a beautiful image in the mind of the sights you can experience whilst in the national park. The Stirling Range is also one of the only places in Western Australia where if you’re lucky, you can experience one of the very special occasional snowfalls.
Stirling Range National Park is located 405 kilometres south of Perth, around a 4-and-a-half-hour drive. The Stirling Range drive with its stunning views of mountain tops will take you through to the heart of the park, and along the way you can stop at the Western, Central and Eastern Lookouts to enjoy the sweeping vistas.
The park hosts one of Western Australia’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll. If you’re up for an adventure you can hike more than a kilometre into the air and be rewarded with magnificent views of the park. This is best done incredibly early in the morning so you can enjoy the best sunrise of your life from the summit.
Bluff Knoll - Image by Tourism WA
The best way to explore the Stirling Ranges is via walking, with established walks available up Mt Trio, Mt Toolbrunup, Mt Hassell, Mt Magog, Talyuberup Peak and Bluff Knoll. Ensure you have enough water with you for the duration of the hike, along with enclosed footwear, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. Each of the walks is steep and at times the surface is uneven, so take extra care and time.
Stirling Range National Park is renowned for its range of wildflowers, hosting more than 1500 species including Queen Sheba Orchids, Mountain Bells and Dryandras. In Spring you will find yourself immersed in colour and birdlife enjoying the blooming wildflowers. You could also find yourself spotting wallabies and kangaroos.
It is important to know that the peaks of the Stirling Range are subject to rapid and unpredictable weather changes. Please be prepared with warm clothing if there is a sudden cold change during your hike. Visitors are also advised to not enter the bush on extreme fire risk days.
Please register your details at the picnic area shelter across the road from Bluff Knoll Road entry station if you are planning to hike off the marked trails, rock climb or abseil.
Region: - South West
Nearest town: - Cranbrook, 66.5km
Established: - 1913
Area: - 1159.2km2
Highlights: - Bluff Knoll, Toolbrunup Peak, Talyuberlup Peak
Experiences: - Walking and Hiking Trails, Climbing, Abseiling, Wildflowers