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Stirling Ridge Walk overview

The Stirling Ridge Walk in Stirling Range National Park in WA’s South West has a justifiable reputation as WA’s toughest, but most rewarding multi-day hike. Though the walk takes only 2-3 days one-way (20-26km depending on the starting point), the traverse along the largely unmarked route across mountainous terrain offers a superb adventure for experienced, self-reliant walkers who have planned well; are comfortable with rock scrambling; and have good navigation skills. WalkGPS provides GPX and KML files for the walk, including GPS ‘track’ and waypoints. But for detailed information and advice see ‘Other info’ tab as WalkGPS’ main focus is on circuit walks and lesser known walk opportunities that have not previously been well documented elsewhere.

  • Main features / Highlights

    Refer to the detailed Stirling Ridge Walk information available elsewhere online and in print which is not repeated here (see ‘Other info.’ tab).

  • Route notes

    Refer to guidebook “Mountain Walks in the Stirling Range, Part 2” (A.T. Morphet) if available, or other, more current online resources. (See also ‘Other info. tab).

  • Access / Directions

    These directions assume the walk is to start from the western, Bluff Knoll end, rather than from alternative, eastern end start points, past Ellen Peak.

    The Bluff Knoll carpark starting point is accessed via Bluff Knoll Road, which branches off Chester Pass Road:  ~400km (4.5 hr drive) south of Perth city.

    As this is a point-to-point hike, a vehicle drop or a shuffle is needed. Local providers in the area offer transfer services (e.g. Stirling Range Retreat and Bluff Knoll Cafe).

    Google Map

  • Nearest campsite/s

    The walk route has no managed campsites or facilities. Favoured campsite locations are very limited. Refer to the available online or printed information for details. (See ‘Other info’ tab.)

  • Escape route/s

    Between the western (Bluff Knoll end) and eastern (Ellen Peak end) starting points, there are only two other potential escape routes; both are challenging and should only be used in emergencies. :

    • from First Arrow down to the North Mirlpunda Track
    • from Moongoongoonderup Ridge to the North Isongerup Track.

     

  • Other Info.

    A Taste of the Stirling Ridge Walk – Bluff Knoll to Moongoongoonderup Hill,  blog by The Long Way’s Better

    “Mountain Walks in the Stirling Range, Part 2, The peaks to the east of Chester Pass”, A.T. Morphet, 1996, Torridon Publications, Capel, W.A.; ISBN 0 646 29139 4 (Out of print but likely available through secondhand bookshops.)

    Stirling Range National Park, on Explore Parks WA by DBCA Parks & Wildlife Service.

    Stirling Range Ridge Traverse Hike, Trail Hiking Australia.

    Stirling Ridge Walk,  blog by The LIfe of Py – includes an extensive photographic record.

    Stirling Ridge Walk, on haere.net.

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