Western Australia

Following South Coast Highway, the next stop is Stirling Range National Park, some
80 Kms north of Albany. This was done passing a flock of grasshoppers
somewhere on the way through Gnowangerup Shire.
Stirling Range national Park covers some 1.150 square Kms and is known to be one
of the outstanding botanic reserves in Australia. It is known for its rugged scenery
and spectacular wildflowers.

Bluff Knoll is the highest peak in the Stirling Range Ntl Park and South western Australia.
It reaches 1.073 meters above sea level. This peak, as well as the 4 others rising over 1.000 meters, are often shrouded in mist and weather conditions may change rapidly any time
of the year. So you better be prepared for sudden cool change. Fortunately the weather
was great during our hike, which is some 6 Kms return from the car park.
Depending on your fitness, it will take 3 to 4 hours return, but the top
offers such great views that you would not want to return at once.

The Stirling Range Drive offers great views of the park, the road is unsealed and
at various parts becomes rather rough.
On the way down to Albany and the Rainbow coast, another stop worth a
visit is Mt Barker, a centre of a farming and fruit area, which is now also
recognized as a premium wine producing region. You will find a lot of wineries
and you should take the opportunity to take a time out here.

© 2001 Denis Heirendt