Stirling Range National Park Bluff Knoll

Stirling Range National Park

Bluff Knoll Stirling Range National Park with peaks reaching over 1000 meters, the only significant mountain range in southern Western Australia is found in Stirling Range National Park. It’s a great spot for hiking, with rugged trails and amazing views. The range’s Aboriginal name, Koi Kyenunu-ruff, means “mist rolling around the mountains”—something you’ll often see early in the day.

In spring and early summer, the park really comes alive with colourful wildflowers and lots of birdlife. You can enjoy it all from the walking trails, lookouts, or picnic areas throughout the park. Not into hiking? No worries—there’s a 42 km scenic drive that winds through the middle of the park, mostly on unsealed but well-maintained roads, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the views.

If you want to stay overnight, check out Stirling Range Retreat or Mount Trio Bush Camping and Caravan Park, both located on the park’s northern edge.

Bluff Knoll, also known as Bular Mial, is an important cultural site for the Minang and Goreng people. You can learn more about its stories and significance from the signs at the Eastern Lookout.

Bluff Knoll

Bluff Knoll is the standout peak of the Stirling Range and hands down its most popular hike. With stunning 360-degree views from the top, it’s no surprise that both hikers and sightseers flock here year-round.

But you don’t have to hike all the way up to enjoy it. The lookouts near the car park offer incredible views of Bluff Knoll and the nearby peaks—and they’re fully accessible, with sheltered picnic areas and toilets that are wheelchair-friendly. It’s a great spot to take a break and soak in the scenery.

Trails

The trail starts on the southern side of the car park with a smooth, easy path. Pretty soon, though, the real climb begins. At first, it follows a creek up the slope, then levels out a bit as it crosses the mountain. When you reach the saddle, you’ll get your first big glimpse of the coastline to the south. From there, the track follows a ridgeline all the way to the summit.

Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful eucalypt forests, banksia, and classic Aussie grass trees. The higher you go, the more rugged it gets, with rocky outcrops showing off layers of ancient stone—once the floor of a shallow sea millions of years ago.

The return hike to the summit is 6.8 km and classified as a Grade 4 trail due to its steep incline and numerous steps. The trail is well marked and leads to the summit at 1,098 meters, the highest point in southern Western Australia.

Whether you’re chasing the summit or just taking in the views, Bluff Knoll is a must-see slice of Western Australia’s natural beauty. The summit offers wide-ranging views of the Stirling Range and, in clear conditions, the south coast.

How to get there?

Bluff Knoll is located in Stirling Range National Park, approximately 4.5 hours south of Perth Western Australia and 1.5 hours from Albany Western Australia.

Places nearby

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