Most of this website is freely available and explains how to use the Stirling Ridge Walk Map.
However, the detailed Critical Navigation Points are reserved for map purchasers. To demonstrate the level of detail provided within this section, Critical Navigation Point 1 has been made publicly available as an example.
Access to the remaining fourteen Critical Navigation Points is available using the password supplied with each purchased map.
The journey begins among fields shaped by people, before continuing into mountains shaped only by time
Navigation Point 1. North East Track turnoff to Ellen Peak
Navigation Point 1 is shown on the map and in the accompanying photographs. It is the first numbered navigation point on the Stirling Ridge Walk and marks the point where the route leaves the North East Track and turns south towards Ellen Peak. For walkers starting from the Ellen Peak Trailhead, this is the first major turn that must not be missed.
Up to this point, the route has been tracking generally west from the trailhead along the North East Track. At approximately the 6 kilometre mark, Navigation Point 1 marks the turn south towards Ellen Peak. The map clearly shows this change in direction. The yellow Stirling Ridge Walk route turns south at Navigation Point 1, while the red dotted track continues west towards the North Mirlpunda Track.
Some parties choose to approach Navigation Point 1 via the North Boundary Track/Fence, which is also shown on the map. If using this approach, you will cross over the North East Track at Navigation Point 1 and continue straight ahead towards Ellen Peak. You are not taking a left or right turn at this point. The instruction to turn left only applies to walkers approaching from the North East Track.
The North Boundary Track/Fence approach can be more confusing near Navigation Point 1 because several minor tracks occur in this area. After leaving the North Boundary Track/Fence and moving towards the North East Track, it is possible to be drawn onto small false trails before reaching the correct line. This is one of the advantages of staying on the North East Track from the start. If you approach along the North East Track, Navigation Point 1 is a left turn towards Ellen Peak with much less opportunity for confusion.
From a navigation perspective, Navigation Point 1 serves two important purposes. First, it is a major progress benchmark, confirming that you have completed the long western approach from the trailhead. Second, it acts as a guardrail, ensuring that you leave the broad valley track system and begin the more committed journey towards Ellen Peak and the ridge beyond.
Used together, the map and photographs provide a clear picture of this location. The map shows where the yellow route turns south and where the red dotted track continues west, the photograph looking east shows the approach along the North East Track, and the photograph looking south shows Ellen Peak itself rising beyond the junction. Together they make it much easier to recognise this important transition point and avoid continuing west towards the North Mirlpunda Track when you should be turning south towards Ellen Peak.
Looking south from Navigation Point 1
This photograph shows the start of the Stirling Ridge Walk as it heads towards Ellen Peak. The Parks and Wildlife trail marker beside Navigation Point 1 provides a clear reference confirming the location of the junction.
From here, the track heads south through low heath towards Ellen Peak. The walkers in the photograph are following the Stirling Ridge Walk towards Ellen Peak, illustrating the correct direction of travel from Navigation Point 1.
In clear conditions, Ellen Peak rises ahead beyond the forest, although it may be partially or completely obscured by cloud, as shown in this photograph.
Looking south from Navigation Point 1
This photograph was taken from the same location as the previous image, but in clear conditions. Compare the two photographs to appreciate how dramatically visibility can change on the Stirling Range.
In clear weather, Ellen Peak is easily identified ahead, together with the surrounding ridgeline, providing excellent visual reference points for maintaining orientation. The Parks and Wildlife "Leave No Trace" sign also provides a clear confirmation that you are at Navigation Point 1.
When cloud and mist reduce visibility, as shown in the previous photograph, these distant landmarks may disappear completely. This comparison demonstrates why navigation should always rely on the map and terrain together, rather than expecting prominent landmarks to remain visible throughout the walk.
Looking east from Navigation Point 1
This photograph shows the North East Track continuing towards the Ellen Peak Trailhead. As shown on Map 2, the trailhead is approximately 6 kilometres further east along the North East Track.
Moir Hill, with its distinctive communications tower, is visible to the south of the North East Track and provides a prominent landmark for orientating yourself. The North Mirlpunda Track lies behind you to the west and is not visible from this location.
Looking north from Navigation Point 1
This photograph shows the track leading towards the North Boundary Track/Fence, where the “Leave No Trace” sign is located.
Navigation Point 1 sits on the North East Track. From this point, the Ellen Peak Trailhead is approximately 6 kilometres to the east, while the direction towards the North Mirlpunda Track is west along the North East Track.
Walkers beginning the Stirling Ridge Walk towards Ellen Peak leave the North East Track here and turn south. The northern track shown in this photograph is not the route to Ellen Peak.
Looking west from Navigation Point 1
This photograph shows the direction of travel towards the North Mirlpunda Track. The route ahead follows the North East Track, which continues for approximately 1.5 kilometres before reaching the North Mirlpunda Track junction.
Walkers intending to complete the Half Ridge Circuit continue along the North East Track to the North Mirlpunda Track junction, where they leave the North East Track and begin the ascent towards the ridge.
The North Mirlpunda Track is also the principal exit route from the Stirling Ridge Walk. Walkers completing the Half Ridge Circuit will eventually return via this track before rejoining the North East Track and returning to the Ellen Peak Trailhead.
"The journey begins among fields shaped by people, before continuing into mountains shaped only by time"
“Leave No Trace” sign
Although the "Leave No Trace" sign is not a numbered navigation point shown on the map, it marks an important location on the North Boundary Track/Fence. As shown on Map 2, walkers leaving the Ellen Peak Trailhead travel approximately 6 kilometres along the North East Track, which runs almost parallel to the North Boundary Track/Fence. The “Leave No Trace” sign is approximately ** metres north of Navigation Point 1:
From the sign, the route heads south to Navigation Point 1, where the turnoff to Ellen Peak from the North East Track is located. This photograph helps place Navigation Point 1 into the broader context of the approach shown on Map 2.
The sign is also a good place to check your equipment, review your map, and read the Parks and Wildlife information before continuing onto the ridge.
"The journey begins among fields shaped by people, before continuing into mountains shaped only by time"
Boggy Start on North Boundary Track
This photograph is looking west near the Ellen Peak Trailhead along North Boundary Track. During winter and after periods of heavy rain, this section can become waterlogged, with large areas of standing water and muddy ground. While your boots may still get wet, most walkers find this section easier to negotiate than the often muddier conditions encountered on the North East Track, 180 metres south .
From this point, it is approximately 6 km west along North Boundary Track to the Leave No Trace sign, where you turn south towards Navigation Point 1 and begin the ascent to Ellen Peak. Waterproof footwear or gaiters are recommended during the wetter months, and allowing a little extra time through this section will make for a more comfortable start to the walk.
Video: 360° panorama from Navigation Point 1
This 360° panorama is taken from Navigation Point 1, where the North East Track turns south towards Ellen Peak. Together with the map, it provides an excellent overview of the tracks approaching and leaving this important navigation point.
The panorama begins by looking south along the track towards Ellen Peak. It then pans west, following the North East Track towards its junction with the North Mirlpunda Track.
Continuing around, the panorama shows the track heading north towards the North Boundary Track, where the Leave No Trace sign is located. The pan then continues to reveal the track approaching from the Ellen Peak Trailhead.
Viewed together with the map, this panorama clearly shows that Navigation Point 1 is the point where you leave the North East Track and turn south towards Ellen Peak. It also helps distinguish the track leading north to the North Boundary Track and Leave No Trace sign from the track approaching from the Ellen Peak Trailhead, making it much easier to orientate yourself before continuing your journey.
Navigation Point 1: Turnoff from North east Track to Ellen Peak