Bluff Knoll is a 6.5km, grade 4 return hike, located in the Stirling Range National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take approximately 2-3hrs to complete.

Main photo courtesy of Pamela Hawkins.

Hike Summary

The Bluff Knoll walk starts at a large trail-head interpretive shelter and the path from there is very easy to follow. The weather can often surprise you: no matter how hot you may feel in the car park before beginning the climb, take a sweater with you. 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.

There are also opportunities for overnight walks given favourable weather and conditions. Discuss options and check current trail conditions with a Department of Parks and Wildlife Ranger (phone 08 9827 9230 or 08 9827 9278) whose office is at Park Headquarters (near Moingup Springs by the park campsite off Chester Pass Road). Walkers must register.

About the region

Located in the Stirling Range National Park, Bluff Knoll is the third highest and one of the most spectacular peaks in Western Australia. The trail features include abundant wildflowers, Bird life, reptiles, exceptional scenery and views of the Stirling Ranges and geological formations.

Formed more than 1000 million years ago, Bluff Knoll reaches 1095m above sea level and is the highest peak in the range.  Due to its height and proximity to the south coast, the climate in the range differs from that of the surrounding district.  As a result of this unique topography and climate, over 1000 species of wildflowers and flowering plants thrive within the park including Mountain Bells and the Queen of Sheba Orchid. Information shelters in the park provide information about the plant and animal life in the area and guide you to sites of interest. The Bluff Knoll walk starts at a large trailhead interpretive shelter and the path from there is very easy to follow.  The weather can often surprise you: no matter how hot you may feel in the Car Park before beginning the climb, take a sweater with you. 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. There are also opportunities for overnight walks given favourable weather and conditions. Discuss options and check current trail conditions with a Department of Parks and Wildlife Ranger (phone 08 9827 9230 or 08 9827 9278) whose office is at Park Headquarters (near Moingup Springs by the park campsite off Chester Pass Road). Walkers must register. Visit the Department of Parks and Wildlife website for details of other walks in the area.

Notes

Start Point: Bluff Knoll Car Park, Stirling Range National Park, 100km (1 Hour) north-east of Albany, which is 400km (5 hours) south of Perth

End Point: Bluff Knoll Car Park, Stirling Range National Park, 100km (1 Hour) north-east of Albany, which is 400km (5 hours) south of Perth

Region: Stirling Range National Park, South West

Getting there

Leave Collie at 6.30 am and travel down the Albany Highway to the Stirling Ranges

Tips

• This is not a dawdle but it€™s also not too difficult if you are prepared and average fitness. You don€™t need to be decked out with the latest hiking gear but you do need water, decent shoes and athletic type clothes. We met a few people on the track who didn€™t seem to understand what they were getting into and were under prepared.
• At the moment (June 2018) there is water running on some parts and every bit is wet and muddy. Doesn€™t make it more difficult just means that your shoes get wet and muddy. Considering what some people were wearing this would be a problem.
• The recent bush fires means that the very top is blackened but this doesn€™t distract from the views.
• Lots of knee bending steps and not much normal gait walking.
• We took just over three hours. It was a sunny day but about ¾ of the way up the wind picked up and the temperature dropped.
• There is very good 4G mobile coverage at the top and a few people were using it to FaceTime their families !!

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For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA. 

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