07 Feb Hiking Bluff Knoll, Stirling Ranges

DISTANCE FROM PERTH: 400km approx 4 ½ hrs drive

If you are up for a challenge, bucket list item, site seeing, or a bit of exercise on your trip then 100% recommend hiking Bluff Knoll.

It is the highest peak of WA and just one of the peaks in the Stirling Ranges. It’s not a mountain or anything crazy, but it’s still impressive and still a challenging hike. The view is beautiful and worth the calf and quad aching climb.

For a first time hike/climb definitely enjoy the climb during the day so you can take in the scenery. If you decide to visit again I highly recommend a sunrise or sunset hike.

Here is what to expect…

The drive into the national park is lovely, with the mountainous ranges in the distance and almost always visible.

The Bluff Knoll experience really starts as you drive up to the main car park. The road snakes and winds its way through the bush to the elevated car park with the knoll towering over you. 

The hike starts in the car park (make sure to take a toilet break before you hike). The path leads you through the bush where the trees are nice and tall which provide some shade and you get the occasional glimpses of what lays ahead. As you get higher the terrain becomes a little more arid and the trees thin out. Towards the top it is quite rocky so be sure to watch your step but also stop occasionally to look around at the changing views. 

Seeing the Stirling ranges from all directions is a treat. Once you get closer to the top the vegetation thins out even more to leave you with some really rugged looking vegetation. You can imagine it would be quite harsh at certain times of the year with heat, wind and at times snow!!

The good news is, there is no way you can get lost! There is a clear path but it does get tough at times with fatigue. Be sure to bring a snack and plenty of water.

Simon and I are probably above average level of fitness. We allowed 2 hrs return which was enough time to get up, enjoy some time at the top and also the hike down. Allow 3hrs incase u need a break on the way up or to spend some extra time at the top.

The hike up is challenging because it’s basically a vertical hike 4kms to the tippy top with uneven surfaces, steps, rocks etc. In saying that, there are plenty of places to rest so if you feel the need to stop for a short break when your quads are burning. Being relatively fit it we still found it tough at times, if you are average level of fitness or below average then just take it at the pace for your fitness level. The calves will burn a bit the next day though no matter the level of fitness. 

There are a few places to camp close to the knoll if that’s your thing otherwise you have to stay in Albany which is only about 1 hr away. We opted for the overnight bush side camp Moingup Springs.  This was surprisingly a really nice camp. The campsite was nestled in the bush, with flushing toilets which was a total surprise. 

The Stirling ranges consists of a few other peaks that you can hike too. There is Mt Trio and Mt Toolbrunup I believe are definitely worth a look. If you are an avid hiker you probably already know you can do a 3-4 day hike and do all 3 summits. However, that is not for the faint hearted and requires a bit of gear and a lot of experience. If you are interested there is more info about it HERE from Life of Py and his amazing hiking blog. 

WHERE WE STAYED:

• Moingup Springs Campground

OTHER PLACES TO STAY:

• Stirling Range Retreat
• Mt Trio Bush Camping and Caravan Park

ROAD TRIP IDEAS:

Rainbow Coast:

• Perth to Moingup Camp
• Bluff Knoll to Bremer Bay
• Bremer Bay to Albany
• Albany to Denmark
• Denmark to Pemberton
• Pemberton to Perth.