The Stirling Range looks unremarkable from a distance. Low, blue grey, nothing like the mountains you'd picture from photos of New Zealand or the Victorian Alps. Then you get closer and the scale of it hits you. Bluff Knoll rises sharply out of flat farmland, and the whole range has a presence that doesn't come across in pictures.
It's about an hour's drive south of Kojonup, which makes it a genuinely easy day trip if you're staying at Cornwall House. Here's how to plan the day, rather than just turning up and hoping.
Getting there
From Kojonup, head south on Albany Highway toward Cranbrook, then pick up Chester Pass Road into the park. The whole drive is well under an hour and a half, even with a stop for fuel or coffee in Cranbrook on the way.
There's an entry fee. A standard vehicle day pass is $17, payable by card at self-service machines located at the main entry points. There's no fuel and nowhere to buy food once you're inside the park, so sort both of those out before you turn off the highway.
Pick your walk based on fitness, not ego
This is where most day visitors get it wrong. The Stirling Range has six main day walks, and they range from genuinely manageable to properly demanding. Worth being honest with yourself about which one suits your group.
Bluff Knoll is the one everyone's heard of, and for good reason. At 1,095 metres it's the highest peak in the southwest, and the trail to the top is well marked with around 6 kilometres return. Expect 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace, with a steep, mostly stepped climb and a short rocky scramble about a kilometre in. It's graded medium difficulty if you take it slowly, and the 360-degree summit views are the real drawcard. Rangers do have to rescue people from this trail most years, usually because someone underestimated it or got caught out by changing weather. Take it seriously even though it's the "easy" option by reputation.
Mount Trio is genuinely the gentler choice. Around 3.5 kilometres return with stairs and boardwalks paving parts of the climb, taking 2 to 3 hours. Three linked peaks on one plateau, and it's known locally as the wildflower mountain for good reason in spring.
Talyuberlup Peak is shorter on paper at 2.6 kilometres return, but don't let that fool you. It involves real scrambling over rock ledges near the summit and is rated strenuous. Allow 2 to 3 hours and skip it entirely if the weather's wet, windy, or very hot.
Toolbrunup Peak, at 4 kilometres return, has a reputation among regular hikers as offering better views than Bluff Knoll, but it's harder to get there. A large scree field of loose rock leads to a genuine hands-and-knees scramble at the top. Sturdy boots are non-negotiable here, and it's not a walk for kids or anyone unsteady on uneven ground.
Mount Hassell is the shortest climb in the park and a reasonable option if your group has mixed fitness levels and you want something achievable in under 2 hours.
For a single day trip from Kojonup, Bluff Knoll or Mount Trio are the realistic options. Trying to fit two big climbs into one day from a Kojonup base is possible but tight, and you'll spend most of the afternoon either rushing or driving back in the dark.
What to bring
The Stirling Range has its own weather system, separate from the surrounding farmland, and it changes fast. A clear morning can turn into wind, cloud, and a noticeable temperature drop by the time you reach a summit.
Bring at least 2 litres of water per person, sturdy closed shoes (not sandals, not worn-out joggers), a hat, sunscreen, and a jacket even if the forecast looks mild. None of the day walks have water refill points along the way.
If you're tackling Bluff Knoll or Toolbrunup, don't start after 1pm. Both take long enough that afternoon starts risk finishing the descent as the light fades, and the trails aren't easy to navigate in low light.
Make the most of the drive
The approach along Chester Pass Road is part of the experience. As you head south the range fills the windscreen, and you'll see most of the peak options laid out ahead before you've even chosen which one to climb. In spring, the lowland sections around the park produce some genuinely good wildflower displays, so it's worth slowing down rather than driving straight through.
Heading back to Kojonup
Allow time to get back. If you've done Bluff Knoll properly, including a decent break at the summit, you'll likely be looking at a mid-to-late afternoon finish. The drive back to Kojonup is straightforward, and you'll be back in plenty of time for dinner at the Royal Hotel, just across the road from Cornwall House.
A day in the Stirling Range followed by a hot shower and a proper bed makes for one of the better combinations going around in the Great Southern. Camping near Bluff Knoll is an option too, but for most visitors, a comfortable room back in Kojonup is the better end to the day. If you have more time, the Stirling Range is one of several day trips from Kojonup worth building a stay around.
Planning your stay
Cornwall House Accommodation puts you about an hour from the Stirling Range trailheads, with reverse cycle air conditioning to warm up in after a cold morning on the mountain and free on-site parking for an early start.
Our 12 air-conditioned rooms (queen, twin and family configurations) each have an ensuite, free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, a microwave and refrigerator, with a shared camp kitchen for guests. Contactless check-in from 2pm means an early start on the trail is easy to organise. See our accommodation page for room details and what is included.
Check availability and book Call us (08) 9831 0214
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Stirling Range from Kojonup?
About an hour's drive south. Head down Albany Highway toward Cranbrook, then pick up Chester Pass Road into the park, well under an hour and a half all up.
Is there an entry fee for Stirling Range National Park?
Yes, a standard vehicle day pass is $17, payable by card at self-service machines at the main entry points. There is no fuel or food inside the park, so sort both out before you turn off the highway.
Which walk suits a single day trip?
Bluff Knoll or Mount Trio. Bluff Knoll is the famous one at around 6 kilometres return and 3 to 4 hours; Mount Trio is the gentler choice at about 3.5 kilometres return. Fitting two big climbs into one day from Kojonup is tight.
What should I bring?
At least 2 litres of water per person, sturdy closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a jacket even if the forecast looks mild. The range makes its own weather and none of the day walks have water refill points.
When should I start a summit walk?
Do not start Bluff Knoll or Toolbrunup after 1pm. Both take long enough that an afternoon start risks finishing the descent as the light fades.
