Stirling
Range National Park: is situated in the southwest of Western Australia and
has an area of 116,00 hectares (286,00 acres). This magnificent area is one of
the jewels in the Australian National Park system.
The jagged peaks of the Stirling Range stretch for 65 kilometres from east to
west. Matthew Flinders first recorded the range in 1802 but of course
Aboriginal people knew and lived in the area for centuries before the European
discovery.
Apart from magnificent mountain scenery Stirling Range National Park is a
wonderland of wildflowers. At least 1500 species have been recorded from the
Park; of these 87 species grow nowhere else. Ground orchids are also a feature
with 123 species native to the area.
Spring is the prime time to visit the Park when many plants will be blooming
bounteously. Of course at other times there will always be something in
flower. Winter can be extremely cold whilst the middle of summer is quite the
opposite.
The image shows the forbidding face of Bluff Knoll and at an altitude of 1,095
metres is the highest peak in southwest Western Australia.
There is a walking track to the summit. The track is five kilometres
return and takes about 4 to 5 hours to walk. There are some steep sections. Be
advised: A few years ago we walked to the summit. When we arrived the summit
was covered in cloud so there was no view. Also the flora along the track was
nothing to write home to mother about. If it is interesting plants that you
are looking for then confine your activities to the lower walks in the Park.
The flora is more interesting and you will save your muscles.
Stirling Range National Park is 100 kilometres
northeast of Albany.