Stirling Ridge

Mountain island in the sea of plains

By World Wild Places

January 9^th, 2017

STIRLING RANGE

Stirling Range rise 800m above the surrounding plain. There a few peaks 1000 m (3280 ft) high. This is the only place in WA (western Australia) where the snow can fall.

There are trails to the summits of Bluff Knoll, Mount Trio, Mount Toolbrunup, Mount Hassell, Talyuberlup Peak and Mount Magog.

Bluff Knoll (1073 m) is the highest and the most popular mountain. The summit is extensive with alpine habitat at the top. From here there is an unmarked route to Ellen Peak. It is challenging and very spectecular.

Starting the day on the top of Pyungoorup Peak after spending the night in the cave under it.

Stirling Range Ridge Walk

I would say that Stirling Range Ridge Walk is the most amazing hike in Western Australia, at least it is very different.

The range is an island in the sea of plains. With an alpine environment at the top, it reminds more of the Tasmania, than WA. And talking about Tasmania, as I've read in a log book at Ellen Peak, I must agree that the trail style reminds of Arthur ranges.

The mountains are exposed to the weather and it can change very quickly. I visited the range 5 times and 3 times I have to turn around as the peaks where covered with clouds even when it was a nice sunny day in the area.

It is possible to start the route from the summit of Bluff Knoll or using North Mirlunda track to Ellen Peak. The distance between those two is 15.5 km, + 3 km to the Bluff Knoll and 11 to Ellen Peak. The guides I saw recommend 2-3 day to do it one way. Because of very steep ascents, narrow ledges, scrambling over rocks and violent weather the difficulty is rang to extreme.

Pyungoorup Peak, view from the top of one of the off trail cliffs

Second Arrow, the trail is going right though

Ellen Peak

Flora and Fauna

Stirling Range is one of the richest areas for flora, with 1530 plant species, many are endemic. The height of the wildflower season continues through September and October, but variety of flowers is going to be found through the year.

The ranges are also very rich with wildlife. Like most Australian animals they are nocturnal. Walking down from the mountain after sunset in the dark would be the best time to spot someone.

Camp and water

Because of its expose, Stirling Ranges get much more rain than the surrounding area, but still there is no permanent water sources, it just flows straight down and dry out. But there is a big barrel in the gully under the 3rd Arrow, and also unreliable canister under the wall of Pyungoorup Peak where the water drops into it from the moss.