Bluff Knoll — Local services in Stirling Range National Park

Bluff Knoll is a challenging hike - a test of one’s stamina but it’s highly doable, one just need lots of determination. When they saw the mountain from afar, my 62 year old husband and 25 year old son had some doubts if they could really make it to the top - taking into account that we’d also just walked up to Castle Rock that morning itself. Those doubts quickly dissipated when we met another family at the base… the two children younger than 10 years had just ‘conquered’ the mountain. Mid way up, we met another family with young children coming down in high spirits. Having said that, walking (I say ‘walking’ bec technically it’s not a climb…) up the seemingly endless steps can be arduous and is not for those with mobility issues, fear of heights, medical conditions and infant children who need to be carried (unless you’re Hercules). If possible, choose to go on a sunny day so that you can see the panoramic views that stretches as far as the eyes can see. On the day we went, the weather was erratic… cloudy, heavy rain, sunny, windy… luckily during our actual hike itself, it was just sunny and windy… it would be difficult and perhaps dangerous to walk when it’s raining bec it can get slippery. Best to wear sturdy hiking boots with a good grip. A hiking stick would help too. No hiking stick? No worries, just pick up a long solid fallen branch like what my husband did. It is very windy up at the summit so you’ll be thankful for wearing a wind breaker. The total time we took to go up and down including a 20/30mins break on the summit is around 3 hrs 45mins. Remember - this is not a race. And it’s not all about the destination as well. It’ll be good to stop once in a while to enjoy the views. If you’re there in Spring, there’re plenty of pretty wildflowers along the way to admire too. To fuel up before our hike, we had intended to have lunch at the Bluff Knoll cafe that is located at the corner of the road. But it was not open (even though Google says it was). Stranded on seemingly no man’s land, our stomachs growling, we decided to try our luck at a petrol station some way down the road. Amelup Service Station. It saved our day. Thank God it was open! A petrol station in the middle of nowhere, frozen in time, looking like it popped out from the 70’s, served very very delicious burgers… it turned out to be an unforgettable experience like our walk up and down...

Do yourself a favor and bring a walking stick, if you don't own one then try and find a nice sturdy stick to bring before coming here! You'll be leaning on it a lot. The entire walk up is stairs, some dirt and wood, some stone slabs, and some just broken, slippery rocks. I visited early morning in June, the first half of the walk had no wind at all and I wondered if I had overdressed, it was so warm. The rest of the walk was dramatically different - crazy strong winds that almost knocked me off balance, wet mist, and absolutely freezing. Strangely enough, the summit was completely calm with no wind at all, despite gale force winds just 50m away. Didn't manage to see views from the top as it was fully clouded over, but the walk down yielded some lovely views as the mist cleared. Walking at a careful pace so as to not slip on the steps, it took about 2 hours to get up and 2 hours to get down. There is basically no shade here, so unless it's a cloudy day be prepared to be beamed on. Around the afternoon, flies made an appearance so try to leave before then! Bring a packed lunch to eat at...

Climb it when you're young. Hahaha It's only 6km but it's 3 up and 3 down. Don't attempt if you've got bad knees or poor physical health. The stairs built to fit with nature can be a challenge. Pick a nice day as the last leg you may have to turn back. There is a point where a sign requests you check the weather before you go any further. 20 years ago I did, it was a warm day and quite hot from the climb came to this point turned the corner into fog and a prevailing wind that sliced straight through whatever you are wearing. And going foward was not inviting. NB people have died on this trail, and many injured so treat with mountain with respect. Enough of the Debbie downer. My last attempt was 100% success. Magnificent views, perfect weather, picnic lunch at the top. And a proud pat on the back that I could meet the challenge, an ex smoker so all that up had me feeling my age. Took us just short of 4 hours return including photo stops. Not including a 3/4 hour lunch sit and absorb to miles of...