Getting to the Stirling Range National Park
The Stirling Range Entry Station provides a convenient reference point for travelling to the Stirling Range National Park and is where walkers can register for the Stirling Ridge Walk. The maps below show the driving routes from Perth and Albany to the Entry Station.
Use the interactive Google Maps to view the routes, explore alternative routes and obtain current driving directions.
The directions in the following section are for walkers completing the Stirling Ridge Walk from Ellen Peak to Bluff Knoll. From the Stirling Range Entry Station, continue to the Ellen Peak Trailhead on Gnowellen Road, where the walk commences.
If completing the Stirling Ridge Walk in the opposite direction, from Bluff Knoll to Ellen Peak, continue from the Entry Station along Bluff Knoll Road to the Bluff Knoll car park, where the walk commences.
Stirling Range Entry Station to Ellen Peak Trailhead (video)
Total distance: approximately 29.6 km
Driving time: approximately 25 minutes
From the Stirling Range Main Entry Station, travel approximately 37 m to Chester Pass Road (Albany–Lake Grace Road) and turn right.
Continue north along Chester Pass Road for 8.4 km.
Turn right onto Sandalwood Road and continue for approximately 16.9 km.
Turn right onto Gnowellen Road and continue for approximately 4.1 km.
Turn right and continue approximately 220 m to the Ellen Peak Trailhead. The destination will be on your left.
Important: Road and access conditions can change. Check current conditions before travelling and follow current road signage.
Park Entry, Parking and Walk Registration
The Stirling Ridge Walk begins near Gnowellen Road on the eastern boundary of Stirling Range National Park.
If you leave your vehicle on Gnowellen Road outside the National Park boundary and walk into the park, you do not need to pay a vehicle park entry fee.
If you drive beyond the National Park boundary and park inside the park near the start of the walk and the information signage, normal Stirling Range National Park vehicle entry requirements apply. You will need either a valid park pass or to pay the applicable park entry fee. If using a park pass, make sure it is displayed in the vehicle.
Park entry and walk registration are separate requirements.
Even if you park outside the National Park boundary and walk in, you should still register your trip before starting the Stirling Ridge Walk. Sign in at the registration station on Bluff Knoll Road, near ranger station as detailed on the map.
This is particularly important for the Stirling Ridge Walk because it involves remote terrain and may include off track navigation and overnight travel. Registration gives park staff a record of your intended trip and should form part of your normal preparation before heading onto the ridge.
Trip Intentions Form
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) also provides a Trip Intentions Form for people undertaking remote or off track activities.
Before starting the Stirling Ridge Walk, complete the form and leave it with a reliable person who knows your planned route, when you expect to finish and when they should raise the alarm if you have not made contact.
The Trip Intentions Form does not replace registration at the park. For the Stirling Ridge Walk, use both.
Shuttle Service to the Ellen Peak Trailhead
Because the Stirling Ridge Walk is a point to point walk, transport between the two ends needs to be arranged in advance.
The Bluff Knoll Cafe provides a shuttle service for Stirling Ridge Walkers and can transport walkers from the Bluff Knoll area to the Ellen Peak Trailhead at the eastern end of the range. Local walking information also identifies Bluff Knoll Cafe as one of the operators providing transfers for the Ridge Walk.
A practical arrangement is to leave your vehicle at the Bluff Knoll car park and arrange for the shuttle to collect you and take you to the Ellen Peak Trailhead. This leaves your own vehicle waiting at the end of the walk when you arrive at Bluff Knoll.
If leaving your vehicle at Bluff Knoll for the duration of the walk, make sure the appropriate National Park entry fee has been paid or that a valid Parks Pass is displayed. You should also register your walk at the registration shelter near the Bluff Knoll Road entry station before setting out. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions specifically recommends registration for walkers heading off marked trails and for overnight hikers.
It is also worth advising the ranger that your vehicle will remain at Bluff Knoll while you undertake the Ridge Walk, particularly if it will be there for a few days.
Shuttle arrangements need to be made directly with Bluff Knoll Cafe in advance. Contact them to confirm availability, collection arrangements and current pricing.
Bluff Knoll Cafe
8620 Chester Pass Road, Amelup WA 6338
Phone: (08) 9827 9203
Email: bkhomestead1@gmail.com
Staying at Stirling Range Retreat
Stirling Range Retreat can be a convenient base before or after completing the Stirling Ridge Walk. It is located on Chester Pass Road close to Stirling Range National Park and offers a range of accommodation options.
One option is to arrive the day before your walk and stay overnight at the Retreat. This gives you time to organise your gear, complete your walk registration and be ready for an early start the following morning. You can then arrange the Bluff Knoll Cafe shuttle to collect you and take you to the Ellen Peak Trailhead.
Another option is to stay at the Retreat after completing the walk. If you finish at Bluff Knoll after several days on the ridge, having accommodation already arranged nearby can make for a much easier end to the trip.
Accommodation should be booked directly with Stirling Range Retreat and is subject to availability.
Stirling Range Retreat
8639 Chester Pass Rd, Amelup WA
Phone: (08) 9827 9229
Email: info@stirlingrange.com.au