Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range

From the Bluff Knoll car park, the track climbs steadily up the western flank of the mountain, on steps much of the way, through heath that is full of wildflowers in spring. It swings round below the summit cliffs and climbs to the broad top, which looks over the whole Stirling Range and the farmland around it. Return the same way.

It is 6.5 km there and back with 599 m of ascent; allow about 4 hours. The grade is Moderate: a well-signed but steep track with numerous steps; the way down is hard on the knees. The park grades it 4.

The weather on the peaks changes quickly and without warning: sudden cold, rain or hail and thick cloud are common, so take warm and waterproof clothes even on a fine day. Keep back from the cliff edges at the top. On days of extreme fire danger the park asks visitors not to walk in the bush. Pets are not allowed.

Stirling Range National Park charges $17 per vehicle ($10 for concession holders). The car park is at the end of Bluff Knoll Road, off Chester Pass Road, about an hour and a half's drive north of Albany.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.