19th March 2025

Bluff Knoll: A Complete Guide to Western Australia’s Most Iconic Peak

If you’re looking for WA’s most legendary hike, Bluff Knoll is the one. Towering 1,099 metres above sea level, it’s the highest peak in southern WA, tucked away in the rugged beauty of Stirling Range National Park. But this isn’t just any hike—it’s a wild, soul-stirring adventure, packed with jaw-dropping views, an ever-changing climate, and, if you time it right, even a rare dusting of snow.

Bluff Knoll is where early risers chase sunrises above the clouds, where mist weaves through the cliffs like something out of a dream, and where you’ll feel the burn in your legs and the thrill in your heart as you climb to the top. It’s a place of ancient stories, rare wildflowers, and raw, untouched wilderness—a true connection to the land and the elements.

Whether you’re tackling it for the challenge, the scenery, or just to say you’ve conquered WA’s most iconic peak, we’ve got everything you need to know for your adventure. Let’s hit the trail!

Cultural Significance: The Many Eyes of Bluff Knoll

Bluff Knoll is known as Boola Miyel or Pualaar Miial to the Mineng and Goreng (Koreng) sub-groups of the Noongar Nation, meaning “great many-faced hill” or “many eyes”. This name comes from the rock formations near the summit, which resemble eyes gazing across the valley. For the traditional custodians, the Stirling Range, including Bluff Knoll, is a sacred place filled with ancestral stories and spiritual connections.

Bluff Knoll’s Unique & Rare Environment

Bluff Knoll isn’t just a pretty hike—it’s a living, breathing time capsule of ancient landscapes and some of the rarest plants and animals on Earth. Tucked inside the Stirling Range National Park, this place is so biodiverse, it’s been compared to the Amazon Rainforest (yep, seriously).

With over 1,500 plant species, including wild orchids, mountain bells, and carnivorous pitcher plants, the trail feels like walking through a botanical wonderland. Some of these species exist nowhere else on the planet—which means every step is a step through something truly special.

And it’s not just the plants—Bluff Knoll is teeming with wildlife. You might spot a Western Grey Kangaroo watching from the scrub, hear the distinct call of an endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, or—if you’re really lucky—catch a glimpse of a tiny pygmy possum hidden in the trees.

It’s a place where ancient landscapes meet delicate ecosystems, where the air is thick with the scent of wildflowers, and where every visit reveals something new and unexpected. Whether you’re here for the challenge or just to soak up the raw beauty, Bluff Knoll’s unique environment is the kind of wild that stays with you.

Rare & Unique Plants

Queen of Sheba Orchid (Thelymitra variegata) – One of WA’s rarest orchids, known for its bright purple and gold flowers.
Mountain Bells (Darwinia lejostyla & Darwinia collina) – Striking red, yellow, and green bell-shaped flowers, unique to the Stirling Range.
Albany Pitcher Plant (Cephalotus follicularis) – A carnivorous plant that traps insects in its modified leaves.

Wildlife on the Trail

Hikers might encounter:

Western Grey Kangaroos – Often spotted near the base of the trail in the early morning.
Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo – A threatened species, frequently seen flying over the range.
Pygmy Possums & Bandicoots – Small, nocturnal creatures that are rarely seen but present in the area.

Bluff Knoll’s Unpredictable Climate & Snowfall

If there’s one thing you can count on at Bluff Knoll, it’s that the weather does whatever it wants. One minute, you’re basking in the sun, and the next, you’re hiking through thick mist with the wind howling around you. It’s all part of the magic of this place—unpredictable, untamed, and full of surprises.

But the real bucket-list moment? Snow. In Western Australia. Yep, Bluff Knoll is one of the only places in WA where you can witness snowfall, usually in the heart of winter (June to August) when an Antarctic cold front rolls through. It doesn’t happen every year, and when it does, it’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it rare—a dusting of white transforming the summit into something out of a dream.

If you’re lucky enough to be there when it happens, soak it up—because hiking through a winter wonderland in WA is an experience few get to tick off their adventure list. But whether there’s snow or not, the shifting skies, rolling clouds, and ever-changing light make every hike up Bluff Knoll a new experience. No two summits are ever the same—and that’s what keeps us coming back

When Does Bluff Knoll Get Snow?

Most likely months: June – August
Conditions needed: A strong cold front bringing freezing air from Antarctica
Recent snowfall years: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2016 (heaviest recorded snow)

The Climb, The Views & The Feels

Bluff Knoll is an experience. From the first step to the final push, this trail works your legs, fills your lungs, and rewards you with some of the most insane views in WA. Whether you’re here for the fitness challenge, the summit sunrise, or just to see what all the hype is about, here’s what to expect on the way up.

Trail Stats:

Distance: 6.8 km return
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 metres
Time Required: 3–5 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best Time to Hike: March–November (cooler weather, fewer scorching afternoons)

The Ascent: Finding Your Flow

The trail starts gently, leading you through thick shrubland and native bush with glimpses of the Stirling Range unfolding around you. The steps are solid, well-maintained, and designed to get the heart pumping early.

The Ridgeline: Welcome to the Clouds

As you gain elevation, the trees thin out, the air cools down, and the views explode into vast mountain ridges. This section is steep, exposed, and sometimes wild with wind, but it’s where you really start to feel the scale of the landscape.

The Summit: 1,099 Metres of Pure WA Magic

That final stretch? A grind—but worth every step. Reaching the top of Bluff Knoll is next-level rewarding. On a clear day, you’ll see the entire Stirling Range stretching into the horizon. If the mist rolls in? You’ll feel like you’re floating above the world. And if you time it right for sunrise? Unreal.

This is the kind of hike that pushes you, humbles you, and leaves you grinning ear to ear at the top. Whether you take it slow and steady or power through, Bluff Knoll isn’t just about the summit—it’s about the journey

Rescues & Safety on Bluff Knoll

Bluff Knoll might be one of WA’s most epic hikes, but it’s also one of the most common spots for search and rescue missions. Every year, hikers underestimate the steep climb, unpredictable weather, and sheer physical effort it takes to reach the summit—and that’s when trouble strikes. From twisted ankles and exhaustion to getting caught in thick fog or sudden storms, Bluff Knoll has seen dozens of SES and helicopter rescues over the years.

But here’s the good news: with the right prep, you can avoid becoming a statistic. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned hiker, knowing what to expect—and how to stay safe—can make all the difference between an epic adventure and a call for help. Let’s break it down.

Recent Rescue Statistics:

2023: At least 3 helicopter rescues and multiple SES rescues
2021-2022: Reports suggest over 15 SES rescues per year
2014-2019: Estimated 6-12 rescues per year, depending on weather

Common Reasons for Rescues:

Exhaustion & dehydration
Slips and falls (especially ankle & knee injuries)
Getting lost in thick fog or bad weather

Conquer the summit like a pro

Bluff Knoll is a leg-burning, heart-pumping, weather-changing kind of adventure, and a little preparation goes a long way. From picking the perfect time to hike to packing smart and respecting this sacred land, these essential tips will help you stay safe, hike strong, and soak up every moment of this legendary trail.

Let’s get you summit-ready:

Start early – The trail is popular and gets busy. An early start avoids the crowds and gives you the best chance for clear summit views.

Check the weather – Conditions can change rapidly. Bring warm layers and a rain jacket.

Wear sturdy hiking boots – The trail can be slippery and steep.

Bring enough water – There are no water sources on the trail. Pack at least 2–3 litres per person.

Respect the land – Bluff Knoll is a sacred site to the Mineng and Goreng Noongar people. Follow Leave No Trace principles and be mindful of its cultural significance.

How to Get to Bluff Knoll

Driving Distance:

From Perth: ~4.5 hours
From Albany: ~1.5 hours

Bluff Knoll is located in Stirling Range National Park. The road to the Bluff Knoll car park is sealed and accessible for all vehicles. A national park entry fee applies.

Join The Bluff Knoll Watchlist!

This hike is a rite of passage for WA adventurers. From the sweat and grind of the ascent to the pure magic of the summit, this trail delivers next-level views, rare and wild landscapes, and a serious sense of achievement. Whether you’re chasing a sunrise above the clouds, a glimpse of WA’s rare snowfall, or just the thrill of conquering the highest peak in the south, one thing is for sure—this is an adventure you’ll never forget.

Want to experience Bluff Knoll the best way possible? We run exclusive, special-edition guided tours to Bluff Knoll—taking care of all the logistics so you can focus on the journey. These tours sell out fast, so if you want to be the first to know when the next one is happening, jump on our Bluff Knoll Watchlist now!