Bluff Knoll is the crown-jewel of the Stirling Range – the highest peak in southern WA.

Stunning views from summit of Bluff Knoll.

In the Stirling Range alone, more than 1500 native flowering plants have been identified, such as bladderwort (Utricularia multifida), pictured. 

The Stirling Range and its smaller neighbour, the Porongurup Range, were uplifted about 100 million years ago when the supercontinent of Gondwana broke up and Australia separated from Antarctica.

Bluff Knoll was one of Western Australia’s first major climbing areas. At about 250m high, its north face is WA’s largest rock face and a premier climbing zone.

With six peaks more than 780m high, the Stirling Range offers a number of hikes.

The walk up Talyuberlup Peak starts with a gentle uphill stroll, quickly progressing to a steep slippery scramble up the mountain until you arrive at the base of the cliff face.

The entire region comes alive in spring, with orchids, peas, banksias and feather flowers dotting the landscape in myriad vibrant colours.

Crablipped spider orchid (Caladenia plicata).

Kings skink (Egernia kingii), native to south-western Australia.

A major attraction in the Porongurups is the Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock.

The aptly named Balancing Rock astounds hikers making their way to Castle Rock’s peak.

Look out for the spotted-thighed frog (Litoria cyclorhynchus) near swamps and permanent water.

Coneflower (Isopogon latifolius).

Friends of Porongurup are a tight-knit group committed to the park. The group has about 100 members who volunteer to conserve native vegetation. Pictured is Friend of Porongurup Lisa Klaus Braun at Castle Rock. Lisa coordinated a major project to identify, locate and eradicate 113 weed species.