Hike at a glance

10,376

Quick overview: Take on the thrilling challenge of the Stirling Ridge Walk, a tough 19.5km hike in Western Australia's Stirling Range National Park. Rated as Grade 5, this three-day trek features rugged mountain terrain and breathtaking views from Bluff Knoll to Ellen Peak. Navigate steep rock scrambles and embrace potential weather changes as you traverse landmarks like Baker's Knob, the Arrows, and St James Peak. Not for the faint-hearted, this hike demands excellent navigation skills and endurance.

Hike length

19.5km

Average duration

3 days

Trail Difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Hike Type

One Way

Technical details

Max elevation: 1054m
Min elevation: 262m
Total Ascent: 1774m

Start: Ellen Peak or Bluff Knoll

End: Ellen Peak or Bluff Knoll

Location: Stirling Range National Park

State: Western Australia

Nearest town: Mount Barker

State capital distance: 337km

Latitude: -34.367771229461354

Longitude: 118.24219644069673

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

The Stirling Ridge Walk is a highly challenging and dangerous hike, suited only for experienced hikers with strong navigation skills. The ill-defined trail, steep rock scrambles, sharp elevation changes, and unpredictable weather make this trek extremely demanding. Sudden storms, high winds, and temperature drops can occur, and rescue is difficult in this remote area. Hikers must be fully prepared with the necessary gear, water, and emergency supplies. If you lack alpine experience or are unsure of your abilities, do not attempt this hike. Safety is paramount.

Hike summary

The Stirling Ridge Walk is a challenging and spectacular trek over the rugged mountain peaks between Bluff Knoll and Ellen Peak in Western Australia's Stirling Range National Park. The 19.5 km route, classified as a Grade 5 hike, typically takes about three days to complete, giving hikers ample time to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of this unique environment. However, it's not for the faint-hearted—good navigation skills are essential, and hikers should be prepared for steep rock scrambles and potentially severe weather conditions.

Known as the only sub-alpine hike in Western Australia, the Stirling Ridge Walk (SRRW) is more of a climb than a walk. It is regarded as the hardest hike in the state and one of the top six most difficult hikes in Australia. The ridge traverse is both breathtaking and dangerous, offering incredible rewards for those up to the challenge.

The route crosses over Ellen Peak (1,012 meters) and passes under the southern cliff of Pyungoorup Peak, before climbing over several distinct landmarks: Baker's Knob, the First, Second, and Third Arrows, Isongerup, Moongoongoonderup, and St James Peak. It finishes (or starts, depending on direction) with the ascent of Bluff Knoll, the highest peak at 1,073 meters.

The hike is a test of endurance and navigation, as the trail often dips steeply into passes between peaks, some as low as 600 to 800 meters. The path is far from straightforward, with constant changes in direction and elevation. It can feel disorienting at times as you scramble up steep inclines, only to be met with sharp turns and sudden descents, making this an exhilarating but demanding adventure.

Additional Information:

When to Hike: The ideal time to hike the Stirling Ridge Walk is in late spring or early autumn. Spring is especially recommended, as it offers the added bonus of seeing the region's stunning wildflowers in bloom.

Direction: The hike can begin from either Ellen Peak or Bluff Knoll, but starting at Bluff Knoll is generally easier. The steep climb onto the ridge is more manageable at this end, where a well-defined trail leads up.

Exit Points: In addition to the main starting points at Bluff Knoll and Ellen Peak, there are only two other potential exit routes: one from First Arrow down to the North Mirlpunda Track, and another from Moongoongoonderup Ridge to the North Isongerup Track. These are difficult and should only be used in emergencies.

Track difficulty

Grade 5 (difficult) badge

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Remote, unmarked, and high consequence
These are the most challenging walks and are only suited to highly experienced and well-prepared hikers.

Expect very rough, steep, and often unmarked terrain, with limited or no signage. Navigation skills are essential, and you must be self-reliant, including emergency preparedness. Distances may exceed 20km, and conditions can quickly become serious if things go wrong.

Safety note: There is little margin for error. Mistakes in navigation, weather judgement, or preparation can have serious consequences.

Planning essentials

Practical Information:

The trail is unmarked, with no managed campsites or facilities. Be fully self-reliant and respect the environment by leaving no trace.
Proficiency in navigation and the use of navigation equipment is crucial. Basic first aid knowledge is highly recommended.
Minimise your impact on the landscape and take all waste with you, including food scraps.
There are no reliable water sources on the ridge, so carry enough water for the entire hike—around 3 to 4 liters per person per day, or more in hot weather.
Campsites are limited, and the weather can change rapidly.
The trail can be difficult to follow, and emergency exits are hard to find.
Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for emergencies.
Wear appropriate sun protection, sturdy boots, and weatherproof clothing.
Be cautious of rough, uneven terrain and take extra care near rock ledges.

Map and GPX file

Stirling Range Ridge Traverse Hike (19.5km)

Total distance: 19516 m
Max elevation: 1054 m
Min elevation: 262 m
Total climbing: 1774 m
Total descent: -1963 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take, and it only takes two minutes..

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Planning something more serious? The comprehensive trip intentions form is designed for remote, overnight, and off-track trips where your emergency contact needs more detail. Register your advanced plans here →

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Stirling Range National Park

To reach the trailhead for the Stirling Ridge Walk, you can start from either Bluff Knoll or Ellen Peak, both located within Stirling Range National Park, Western Australia. The most popular starting point is Bluff Knoll, accessible via Bluff Knoll Road, which branches off Chester Pass Road. The Bluff Knoll car park serves as a convenient trailhead, sitting at an elevation of 550 meters. From Albany, it's about an hour's drive north, while Perth is approximately a five-hour drive southeast. The Ellen Peak trailhead, on the northern side of the park, is more remote and less frequently used but can be accessed via rougher tracks that require careful navigation. Ensure you have a detailed map and check weather conditions before setting out.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Albany, Bluff Knoll, Borden, Forest Hill, Frankland, Frankland River, Gnowangerup, Katanning, Kendenup, Kojonup, Mount Barker, Mt Barker, Narrikup, Ongerup, Porongurup, Ravensthorpe

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About the region

Stirling Range National Park is home to the only significant mountain range in the southern region of Western Australia, with peaks exceeding 1,000 metres above sea level. This unique landscape provides a challenging and spectacular hiking experience. The Aboriginal name for the range, Koi Kyenunu-ruff, translates to ‘mist rolling around the mountains,’ a phenomenon that frequently occurs in the area.

During spring and early summer, the ranges come alive with an abundance of wildflowers and birdlife, which can be observed from various hiking trails, lookouts, and picnic areas throughout the park. For those who prefer not to hike, a 42-kilometre scenic drive on mostly unsealed, graded roads winds through the heart of the park, offering numerous stops along the way.

Accommodation options include the Stirling Range Retreat and the Mount Trio Bush Camping and Caravan Park, both situated on the northern boundary of the park. Bluff Knoll, known as Bular Mial, holds cultural significance for the Minang and Goreng people, and informative signage at the Eastern Lookout shares valuable insights and stories about the area.

The peaks of the Stirling Range are prone to rapid and unpredictable weather changes, so hikers must be prepared for sudden cool changes that can bring temperature drops, rain, or hail. All visitors are strongly advised to avoid entering the bush or using footpaths during days of extreme fire danger. Those planning to hike off marked trails, as well as those intending to abseil or rock climb, should register their details at the shelter located in the picnic area across from the Bluff Knoll Road entry station. Registration is not required for those hiking established trails.

Recognition and acknowledgement are given to the Goreng and Menang people as the Traditional Owners of Stirling Range National Park.

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Weather on the trail

Stirling Range National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

10 Reviews on “Stirling Range Ridge Traverse Hike (19.5km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

Absolutely stunning hike. Challenging but highly recommended.

31/03/2022, 18:36

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Pranav Bhattad

Angad Singh

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Acknowledgement of Country

Stirling range ridge traverse hike (19. 5km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

January 29, 2026

Hike at a glance

Technical details

Trail details

Hike summary

Track difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Bluff Knoll Summit Hike (6.5km)

Mount Trio Walk (3.5km)

Mount Hassell Walk (3km)

Mount Toolbrunup Summit Hike (4km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

10 Reviews on “Stirling Range Ridge Traverse Hike (19.5km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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