Having been born and bred in Western Australia, and staying on my Uncle and Auntie’s farm near the foot of the Stirling Ranges, I would often look up and marvel at this lovely peak called Bluff Knoll (1,095m/3,592ft). ‘One day I will climb that peak’, I said quietly to myself – well it only took me some 50 years. Better late, than never!
Bluff Knoll is Western Australia’s second highest peak – the highest is Mt. Meharry, 1,249m.
While small by our standards, it’s still a challenging climb due to the inclement weather that often blows in off the Southern Ocean, with snow often found at the top. So I chose to do it in winter! On this day, while it was literally ‘hosing’ down several kilometres away, it was dry at the start of the track and sunny. The spectacular peak, which you often encounter 360 degree views of the countryside below, was this day clouded in mist which added to the eerie atmosphere of the day.
The climb up for the first hour is relatively easy, utilising steps. After that, you head up through an old river bed then a zig zag across a saddle and on a well made trail to the top. I say the top, but due to all the mist and clouds around us, the only way of telling that you were at the top was that there was ‘no more up’ to climb. Just make sure you follow the markers as we encountered a few hikers that had gotten lost.
Anyway, it was nice to grab a rock for a seat, dangle our legs over a ledge and marvel at the ‘so called scenery’ below, eat our sandwich and contemplate life. Then it was time to head back down the same way we came up.
Unfortunately, while the views from the top were not forthcoming, I will always hold dear to my heart and marvel at the gorgeous views from my early childhood which will remain with me forever.
Onwards and upwards!
Trevor
Insights
- Before heading out, download the local forecasts – Bureau of Meteorology and Mountain Weather.
- Bluff Knoll is located within the Stirling Range National Park. A small fee is payable at the entrance to the National Park – AUD13.
- Pack a warm fleece and rain jacket as the weather can change very dramatically at the top.
- Bluff Knoll is a 6km round trip from the car park trail head. Approximately, 2 hours up and 1 1/2 hours down.
- The Stirling Range is renowned for its unusual, and sometimes spectacular cloud formations. The Aboriginal name for the range, Koi Kyenunu-ruff, means ‘mist rolling around the mountains’ – obviously, a frequently seen occurrence. The range is also one of few places in Western Australia where snow occasionally falls.
- For further information, go to the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
