S T I R L I N G    R A N G E Mountains of Mystery

STIRLING RANGE NATIONAL PARK Size: 64km long from east to west and 18km wide north to south. Area : 1100 square kilometre or 116,000 hectare. Rangers: Phone (08) 9827 9230 or (08) 9827 9278

TOURIST INFORMATION Stirling Range Retreat Tel: 9827 9229 Fax: 9827 9224 Bluff Knoll Cafe  Tel/Fax: 9827 9293 Stirling Range National Park  Tel: 9827 9278 or 9827 9230 The Lily - Dutch Windmill Vineyard & Accommodation Tel: 9827 9205 Fax 9827 9206 Glenelg Shearers Quarters Accommodation Tel: 9827 9274 Fax: 9827 9259 Borden Bed and Breakfast Tel/Fax 9828 1148

Clear skies over Bluff Knoll - Keith and Pat Peterson Bluff Knoll in cloud - Keith and Pat Peterson

HISTORY The first ship known to visit the coast was the Dutch ship "Guilden Seepaart," in 1627. 195 years later, it was English Captain Matthew Flinders on HMS "Investigator" who recorded the first sighting of the inland mountain range on January 5th 1802, calling them "Mount Rugged". The Stirling Range National Park was named by John Septimus Roe on 4th November 1835 after Captain James Stirling the first Governor of Western Australia. The Stirling Range National Park offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to explore an entire mountain range still in its natural state. This rugged mountain range rises spectacularly out of the surrounding plains to a height of 1095m above sea level

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Wildflowers. The Stirling Range is world renowned for plant diversity. There are over 1,500 different flowers and plants including 125 orchids and 9 endemic mountain bells. Spring commences late August with the flowering of the Queen of Sheba Orchid, through to December when many flowers bloom on the mountain tops. However, there is always a variety of banksia heath or eucalypt trees flowering at some time of the year. Over 160 different birds have been sighted, including rare and endangered species. This rugged mountain range has something for everyone. The beautiful, ever changing scenery provides wonderful photographic and painting opportunities, and the mountain rock faces challenge the most experienced abseilers and rock climbers.

GEOLOGY According to recent research and fossil finds by Theresa Cruse and Lyal Harris from the Geology Dept. of the University of Western Australia, the Stirling Range formation was between 590-540 million years ago. (2) It is now thought that the sedimentary beds that form the range began to rise in the deformational age within the last 100 million years. (3) Both Red Gum Pass Road and Chester Pass Road which provide easy access to the mountains for motorists are along the courses of ancient rivers which flowed south during the early phases of the uplift. An excellent publication, available from most operators in the region is " Dawn to Dusk - in the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges", by Rob Olver & Stuart Olver. (1) Irene Cunningham, "The Trees That Were Natures Gift," page 25. (2) T Cruse & L Harris, "Ediacaran fossils from the Stirling Range Formation, Western Australia," Precambian Research, vol.67, 1994, pages 1-10. (3) Rob Olver & Stuart Olver. " Dawn to Dusk - in the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges", page 29.

"The Stirling Range burst on our view in great magnificence as we rounded the crest . The whole extent of the conical summits were spread before us." John Septimus Roe. 1835.

MOUNTAIN WALKS The Stirling Range offers some of the best Mountain walking in Western Australia. The popular bush walking season is from Autumn (April) through winter and spring to summer (early December). Bluff Knoll (alt.1096 m) is the highest peak in the Stirling Range. Other favourites are Toolbrunup Peak (alt.1052 m), Ellen Peak (1012m), Mt Trio (alt.856m ), Mt Magog (alt.856m ), Mt Hassell (alt. 847m), and Talyuberlup Peak (alt.783m). Extended walks are also possible. Contact CALM Ranger on (08) 9827 9230. Walkers should always carry water and be prepared for sudden weather change - mountain mists, wind chill and rain - can occur on the mountains at any time. Detailed guide books by Tony Morphet " Mountain Walks in the Stirling Range," and the publication " Dawn to Dusk - in the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges," by Rob Olver & Stuart Olver will provide addtional information.

Hiking, walking in wilderness Extended wilderness hikes are possible. Contact CALM Ranger on (08) 9827 9230. For more information see "Mountain Walks". Guided Wildflower Walks Between 1st September and 31st October, guided tours depart from Stirling Range Retreat at 9am daily. Ph (08) 9827 9229. See Visitors Information Outlet. Slide Evenings Slide evenings depicting orchids and other wildflowers of the Stirling Range are held at Stirling Range Retreat on Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights in September and October. Phone (08) 9827 9229. Bird slide evenings are held at Stirling Range Retreat on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights at 7pm from mid September to 31st October. Bird Watching The National Park is a mecca for bird watchers. Members of Birds Australia have listed over 160 species in the shire since 1977.  Guided Dawn (8am) Bird Walks take place at Stirling Range Retreat from mid September to 31st October. Phone (08) 9827 9229 Scenic Loop Drive In the morning - for best effects of light and shade on the mountains drive west along Stirling Range Drive. The circuit is Chester Pass Rd, (R) Stirling Range Drive, ( R) Red Gum Pass, (R) Salt River Road, ( R) Formby South Road and back to Chester Pass Rd. In the afternoon the suggested circuit is Chester Pass Rd, (R) Formby South Road (L) Salt River Road, (L) Red Gum Pass, (L) Stirling Range Drive, and back to Chester Pass Rd. Call in to Stirling Range Retreat for a mud map of suggested picturesque points to stop along the way. (R) = turn right (L) = turn left Gliding / Airstrip The Stirlings are a popular venue for Wave Camps conducted by Gliding Clubs. Airstrips for guests are located adjacent to Stirling Range Retreat. For information ph (08) 9827 9229 Other activities at Stirling Range. Abseiling. Hang Gliding. Rock Climbing. Ph (08) 9827 9229   The Lily - Stirling Range   SERVICES - RESTAURANTS - FUELS AND SUPPLIES: Amelup Service Station, Chester Pass Rd, 9 km north of Bluff Knoll. Bluff Knoll Cafe, Corner Chester Pass and Bluff Knoll Roads. The Lily - Dutch Windmill, Vineyard & Accommodation Glenelg Shearers Quarters Sandalwood Road Borden Bed and Breakfast Stone St Borden NEAREST TOWN: BORDEN, 30 km north of Bluff Knoll on Chester Pass Road, for post office, church, mechanical repairs, general store, tavern Bed & Breakfast Accommodation. No fuel available. Nearest fuel is Amelup.   Dawn Till Dusk by Rob and Stuart Olver A comprehensive and attractive guide to the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges. Includes stunning photo's, detailed maps and information about the parks. RRP $34.95. Available from most operators around the Stirlings and good bookshops.