Duration: Multi-day, 4 nights
Dates: 14–17 October
Location: Great Southern, Western Australia
Cost: $3,300 (including GST)
Group Size: Minimum 5, Maximum 7 participants
Tour Operator: South Peak
Embark on a challenging 4-day adventure through the Stirling Ranges, traversing rugged ridgelines, steep peaks, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Highlights include the climbs of Ellen Peak, the jagged Arrows, and the summit of Bluff Knoll, along with cultural experiences and overnight camping under the stars. Expert guides will support you every step of the way, ensuring safety and an unforgettable experience.
Note that this itinerary is a sample only. Every Ridge Walk is unique and your final itinerary is subject to the constraints of weather, fitness and safety.
Example Itinerary
Note that this itinerary is a sample only. Every Ridge Walk is unique and your final itinerary is subject to the constraints of weather, fitness and safety.
Day 1.
Travel from Perth to Stirling Ranges
Meet at accommodation for introductions to the team and gear check. Rental equipment will be issued as required.
In the afternoon there will be a Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony from a local Noongar Elder followed by dinner and a safety briefing from your guides. Your guides will then outline a general plan for day 2 followed by an informal Q&A. The remainder of the evening will be spent preparing and packing for the hike with your guides being available to advise and oversee.
Day 2.
Ellen Peak to First Arrow and the She-Oak Col Campsite (8-12 hrs).
This is a long and physically demanding day due to pack weight, height gained and technically challenging terrain. Route finding can also be difficult in bad weather and extra care should be taken in some sections if conditions are wet. Bear in mind that under a blanket of cloud the Ridge Walk is in a whole different league. Once on the ridge it’s very difficult to down climb or pull the plug with few escape routes making retreat a serious prospect. You will need a good level of fitness, fresh legs and a strong head for heights!
Starting at sunrise the hike sets off from the junction of Gnowellen Road and the North Boundary Track with a 6 km stretch of fire trail before entering the National Park and onto the base of Ellen Peak. From here it’s a steep, grinding 800m ascent up onto the exposed ridgeline and saddle of Pyungoorup Peak.
Remember it’s not a race. The first climb of the day is a dress rehearsal for what’s to come so try to avoid gassing yourself and save your legs for the rest of the hike!
Next up is the imposing and awe-inspiring ‘Arrows’ (Mirlpunda). With the summit of Bluff Knoll a constant presence in the distance this is perhaps the toughest and most rewarding section of the hike. So named as they resemble the quivers of arrows sunk deep into the ridge. This is where route finding and technical difficulty intensifies for the next few hours.
Traversing the jagged peaks of the Arrows is a blend of hiking and rock climbing with steep scrambles and almost vertical descents, sketchy exposed sections and tight switchbacks that contour the ridge’s rugged spine. Drained by a heavy pack and nervous energy it’s important to take your time through this section and be respectful of other hikers in the group who may be more or less competent than you.
Descending to the base of the first Arrow saddle is the She Oak Col and our overnight camp under the stars. This is one of the more popular informal campsites on the ridge that isn’t a cave with enough room to accommodate a few tents and a bigger group. If the site is occupied your guide may choose to push on and continue to an alternative campsite.
Day 3.
She-Oak Col Campsite to Bluff Knoll Summit (5-8 hrs)
After traversing the Arrows, the start of Day 3 will feel like a holiday. Setting off at first light, unless you’ve woken up in a blanket of cloud the route is relatively straight forward with a leisurely climb up to the broad exposed ridgeline and 3 peaks of Isongerup. From here you can really appreciate the epic scale of the landscape with wrap-around views of wide-open plains south towards Albany, the Porongurup’s and the western peaks of the Stirling Ranges. Retracing your steps and looking back at the three Arrows and Ellen Peak provides a stunning backdrop for you to appreciate what you’ve achieved.
With a lighter pack and open ground, you can expect to move at a quicker pace through this section although it’s important to make a conscious effort to stay focused when tackling the rocky downhill sections that can be very tricky underfoot.
By the time you’ve completed the long winding descent down Moongoongoonderup Hill to the Eucalyptus Col campsite you’re ready for obligatory coffee and cake and a quick game of Uno. This will be our last big break before the start of the infamous climb up the ‘false summit’ of East Peak. Fatigue, elevation and steep gradient make this a long and taxing climb.
The summit of Bluff Knoll is deceptive and the final push can be a real twist of the knife for tired hikers. The track follows the ridge to East Bluff before dipping down again to skirt around the aptly named Chasm. From here the track rises one last time up the gentle slope to the summit of Bluff Knoll and the highest mountain in the Stirling Ranges.
Standing atop the summit of Bluff Knoll (Bular Mial) on a sunny day you’re greeted with mind-blowing views of the surrounding landscapes and a proud sense of accomplishment. Make sure you soak up the moment! The summit celebration is a time for reflection on the challenges overcome and the personal growth achieved during the journey.
After high-fives and photos with your new smelly friends it’s back down the mountain to the carpark and the creature comforts of civilisation. The 3.5km long knee jarring descent down the rocky staircase is a slog that varies in frequency and height. Trekking poles are a game changer if you want to preserve whatever knee cartilage you have left.
From the carpark there’ll be a quick debrief with your guide before loading up the vehicles for the short drive (or helicopter flight!) to your luxury accommodation in Denmark where hot showers to clean sheets await. Once here you’ll have an opportunity to relax, hydrate and share stories with your guides and fellow teammates at the team celebration dinner. A fitting conclusion to an epic adventure!
Day 4. Stirling Ranges to Perth
Back to Perth and back to reality – but first breakfast is on us.
As you return to your fast paced world and busy schedule make time to celebrate the achievement. With a proud sense of accomplishment and a new perspective on what’s possible this is the time to set new goals. Build on all the hard work you’ve put in to get here and set the bar high!
