Stirling Ranges 2008

These are images from a 4-day solo ridge traverse from Ellen Peak to Bluff Knoll in early September 2008. This 19km alpine walk (plus additional 6km approach walk) is known as the Stirling Ridge walk and is perhaps the most spectacular mountain walk in Western Australia.

Towards the eastern end of Stirling Range National Park, the singular peaks rising from the plains are replaced by a distinct mountain ridge. It starts at Yungemere Peak and dips and twists, gaining momentum as it heads eastward. It rises to Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the range, and narrows to a magnificent crescendo of sheer sided peaks including the Arrows, Pyungoorup Peak and Ellen Peak.

Although not particularly long, the full ridge walk can be surprisingly challenging. Aside from the precipitous terrain there are other factors that can conspire to increase the degree of difficulty. The track is often indistinct and even non-existent in places. Even where it appears well worn it often branches off into false leads created by walkers who have become lost, resulting in inevitable periods of scrub-bashing to get back on the correct route. The ridge is often covered in cloud which can make compass navigation difficult or impossible. Water is available only in a few places, and even these sources can be unreliable. Weather is subject to sudden change and walkers must be prepared for cold, wet and misty conditions at any time.

With 6 litres of water and 8.5kg of camera equipment loaded my pack weight was around 35kg - nearly as much as the starting load for a 10 day walk in SW Tasmania.

Not far from the Stirling Ridge is "The Lily", a full size working replica of a 16th century Dutch windmill built single-handedly by local resident Pleun Hitzert. For outstanding holiday accommodation and hospitality second to none you need look no further than "The Lily" and its owners Pleun and Hennie Hitzert.