Stirling Range

Mountains Mountain range in Western Australia known for biodiversity

Western Australia’s Stirling Range, home to Bluff Knoll, draws hikers for alpine trails and a renowned wildflower season; roads and camps support access to the parks.

Main image

Stirling Range is a rugged mountain range in southwestern Western Australia notable for its rocky summits and botanical diversity. The range includes several peaks that rise above 1,000 meters and forms a visually prominent ridge in the landscape.

Visitors come for hiking, panoramic views and wildflower displays; the range supports many endemic plant species and is a major wildflower area in spring. Bluff Knoll, the range’s best-known summit, is a specific draw for walkers and photographers.

The ranges are part of protected lands managed as a national park, conserving endemic flora and natural habitats while providing walking tracks and basic visitor facilities. Traditional owners have long-standing connections to the landscape.

Located in the southwest corner of Western Australia, the Stirling Range sits inland from the southern coast and is accessed via regional roads from nearby towns and park entry points.

  • Peaks and flora: Contains multiple peaks exceeding 1,000 meters and supports a high diversity of native wildflowers and endemic plant species, especially visible during spring.
  • Winter snow: Some peaks occasionally receive snow in winter, making them a rare snow venue in southwestern Western Australia.

What to See #

  • Bluff Knoll: The highest and most frequented peak in the range, rising to about 1,095 meters and popular for day hikes; it is known for panoramic views and occasional winter snow.
Stirling Range
Stirling Range National Park, Porongurup-Stirling Range region, Western Australia
-34.3980, 117.8245
Free to enter the national park areas; fees apply for some trails and campsites managed by local parks

How to Get to Stirling Range #

From Albany, take Frenchman Bay Road then the Stirling Range Road (approximately 85-100 km northwest depending on route). The main park entrance and Bluff Knoll carpark are signposted; some smaller trailheads require higher-clearance roads. Regional buses are infrequent-driving is the practical option.

Tips for Visiting Stirling Range #

  • Drive the Stirling Range National Park roads early in the morning to catch the light on Bluff Knoll.
  • Bluff Knoll can be snowcapped in winter-check conditions and park advisories before attempting summit hikes.
  • The wildflower season (usually August-October) is short but spectacular; plan flexible dates if that's the goal.

Best Time to Visit Stirling Range #

Late winter-spring for wildflowers; shoulder seasons for cooler hiking conditions.

Spring (wildflower season)
August-October · 8-22°C (46-72°F)
Best time for spectacular wildflowers across the range; many walking routes are open.
Summer
December-February · 18-35°C (64-95°F)
Hot and dry in exposed areas-early starts recommended; some higher trails provide cool relief.
Winter
June-August · 2-15°C (36-59°F)
Possibility of frost or snow on the highest peaks like Bluff Knoll; crisp air and clear vistas.

Weather & Climate near Stirling Range #

Climate

Stirling Range's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 26°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 26°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 26°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 16 mm.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
11° 24°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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