Southwestern WA is full of amazing beaches and jaw-dropping coastline. But head away from the coast and you’ll discover atmospheric forests and impressive mountain views – especially in the Stirling Ranges National Park! Bluff Knoll is the highest peak in the Stirling Ranges, at 1099 meters high. If you’re exploring this part of WA and like hiking, it’s definitely one you need to do. Here’s what to know about hiking Bluff Knoll!

Starting the Bluff Knoll Hike

There is a car park at the start of the Bluff Knoll summit trail – the road there is sealed and in great condition. The hike is listed as 6.8km (4.22 miles), but my Strava read 7.11km (4.42 miles). There’s 661 meters (2170ft) of elevation gain, and it took me 3 hours and 15 minutes altogether. I’d estimate 3-5 hours to do this hike. Bluff Knoll is in Stirling Ranges National Park, which has a vehicle entry charge for visitors. Fees are currently $17 AUD per vehicle, but I recommend buying a WA parks pass – either a one-month pass for $70 AUD or an annual pass for $130 AUD.

The hike up Bluff Knoll is difficult and very steep. If the weather is bad and there is limited visibility when you reach the saddle, consider whether it’s safe to continue! In hot weather, start the hike in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. I recommend sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for this walk, and hiking poles will be a lifesaver on the descent. As always, bring plenty of snacks and water. Some parts of the trail are shaded, but a lot of it isn’t – so make sure you have sunscreen, too.

The Steep Trek Up to Bluff Knoll

The trail starts out at a relatively easy gradient. After you pass the first kilometer, it gets pretty brutal – a steep ascent without much break. The hardest part of the hike is between kilometers 1 and 2! I was apparently sweating so much and working so hard I didn’t take any pictures of the actual trail. The trail is easy to navigate though, and there are rocks/steps to get you up.

You’ll eventually reach the saddle, where there are fantastic views over the rest of the area. If the weather is bad (raining, heavy cloud cover, and/or low visibility), you might want to reconsider the summit push. From here, the final stretch is a meandering path to the actual summit. It’s not that steep so it feels way easier than what you’ve already done!

Summiting Bluff Knoll

This is a popular hike in the Stirling Ranges, so you’ll likely be sharing the trail with others if the weather is good. The summit area is a wide plateau, with plenty of space. The views are phenomenal: mountain peaks, forests, and fields as far as the eye can see. I spent at least 20 minutes here, taking pictures, soaking up the view, and eating my snacks.

The return journey is to go back down the same way you came. I recommend taking it easy and slow, as the steep descent can be hard on your knees – this is why hiking poles are so great! I felt completely exhausted by the time I reached my car, but so proud of what I did.

Stats for the Bluff Knoll Hike

Here’s a quick view of my stats for hiking Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Ranges National Park.

Time: 3-5 hours

Distance: 7.1km (4.4 miles)

Elevation Gain: 661 meters (2170ft)

The official information on the hike has it listed as 6.8km, but my Strava recorded it as 7.11km. The time is listed as half a day online, and the sign at the car park says 3-4 hours. I definitely think it’s doable in 3-4 hours, depending on your fitness level.

Planning Your Trip to Bluff Knoll

There is no public transportation to get to Bluff Knoll, so you’ll need your own vehicle to do this hike. Albany is the nearest airport for getting to this hike – I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Want to stay around Bluff Knoll on your trip to the Stirling Ranges? Two of the best options are Stirling Ranges Retreat, and Mt. Trio Bush Camp and Caravan Park. They have options for accommodation as well as powered and unpowered camping sites. I started the drive towards Esperance after hiking Bluff Knoll, and stayed at a free camp about two hours away.

Bluff Knoll was such a fantastic hike – tough as it is – and I loved getting to experience the beauty of the Stirling Ranges. I wish I’d had more time to do more hikes around here! If you’re planning a trip around Denmark and Albany in Western Australia, don’t miss a hike up here. I hope this post helps planning your hike up Bluff Knoll!

Have you hiked Bluff Knoll or been to the Stirling Ranges?

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