Stirling Range and Southern Peaks Walking Tour

TOUR OVERVIEW

Our Stirling Range and Southern Peaks Walking Package takes you on a journey of exploration in the rugged mountains of Stirling Range National Park, the Porongurup National Park and Mt Lindesay National Park. This package is designed for experienced walkers looking for challenging day hikes. Most walks are short in length but physically demanding and require agility and a willingness to scramble to reach mountain peaks. Included in this package is the iconic Bluff Knoll walk to the highest peak in the south west offering the only alpine walking experience in Western Australia.

The Stirling Range is a recognised biodiversity hotspot and listed on the National Heritage Register. The number and beauty of the wildflowers is staggering, with 1,500 species (many of which grow nowhere else) packed within its boundaries. 87 plant species found in the Stirling Range occur nowhere else on earth. This tally includes the famous mountain bells of the genus Darwinia which are profuse in the valleys in spring (September to October), and from November to January the higher altitudes reveal a surprising diversity of flowers.

We cater to small groups so that each participant has the opportunity to interact with their Guide. Our expert Guides are extremely knowledgeable about the fauna, flora, and geology of the area and provide interpretive commentary throughout the tour. Each evening you will return to your accommodation in the peaceful forest surroundings of Karma Chalets located a short distance from Denmark. There’s nothing better than soaking in your hot tub and sinking into a warm soft bed after an exhilarating day’s hike. Come with us and experience the wonders of Australia’s wilderness.

SOUTH WEST WILDERNESS

The South West Wilderness is internationally recognized as one of only 34 bio-diversity hotspots in the world and the only hotspot listed in Australia. Stretching from D’Entrecasteux National Park in the west, to the Walpole Wilderness, the Stirling Range National Park, and the Fitzgerald River National Park in the east, the South West Wilderness is an area of exceptional beauty. It is host to a multitude of smaller national parks and nature reserves strung like a jewelled necklace along the southern coastline.

The area is home to unique flora and fauna. Though only covering 5% of the Australian land mass, this area has an estimated 8,000 plant species - more than one-third of Australia’s known flowering plants. Of these, 75% of the plants discovered so far are endemic to the south-west and around 20% are yet to be scientifically described. It is also home to a diverse array of animals, birds and fungi species.

Getting off the beaten track into the Australian bush is the best way to experience a close encounter with our native animals and birds. The South West Wilderness of Western Australia has so much to offer – hidden gems and iconic landscapes. Wilderness Getaways will get you off the beaten track to experience them for yourself.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrive in Denmark

Day 2 – Devil’s Slide and Porongurup Loop (12km challenging)

A lovely walk through the giant karri forest of the Porongurup National Park ends with a challenging hike up the granite face of Devils Slide.

Wedgetail eagles soar over the peaks, which afford amazing views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 3 – Mt Lindesay Granite Trek (9km moderately challenging)

Mt Lindesay’s gentle slopes are deceptive from a distance. The hike starts at a gentle pace as you walk through forest and scrubland. This soon gives way to sheets of smooth granite as step by step you climb the mountain, keeping a look out for small stone cairns that mark the path.

Stunning wildflowers and plants bloom all year round. The views from the top are breathtaking – 360 degrees across the Walpole Wilderness, Denmark and Wilson Inlet, and the Stirling Ranges.

Day 4 – Bluff Knoll (6km challenging)

Drive to the Stirling Ranges and the popular trek up Bluff Knoll (1,073m).

Bluff Knoll which is listed as one of Australia's 25 best hikes, is the highest peak in the Stirling Range and indeed the whole southwest of Western Australia. With 360° views at the summit it offers ocean glimpses on a clear day.

The track around the western side of Bluff Knoll offers impressive views across the craggy bluffs of neighbouring Coyanerup Peak and the mountains of the western Stirlings.

Day 5 – Toolbrunup Peak Walk (4km challenging)

Toolbrunup Peak (1,052m). Go where eagles only dare to fly. The scramble to the summit of Toolbrunup is regarded as one of the most challenging in the Stirling Range National Park. The views from the summit are spectacular with many dramatic rocky outcrops on the way.

Toolbrunup is made from sediments deposited during the Ediacaran Period and later metamorphosed to quartzites and shales. These rocks were later folded during basement rock movement. This is a walk that is not for the faint-hearted …





The itinerary should be used as a guide only as it can vary due to weather, track conditions, and unforeseen circumstances. Wilderness Getaways reserves the right to cancel, delay or alter any tour due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to dangerous weather conditions, dangerous track conditions, or the inability of a contractor to fulfil any obligations. Our experienced guides will seek out the best alternatives where necessary.

ACCOMMODATION

Tour price is inclusive of twin-share rooms in shared chalet accommodation at Karma Chalets…. nestled in the hillside under a canopy of eucalyptus. Ten exclusive chalets, each with a well-equipped kitchen, cosy living area, balcony and BBQ are available. There are different chalet configurations to choose from, including bedrooms with ensuite spa bathrooms. Karma Chalets offers the perfect country retreat to complement your Walking Tour. Karma’s panoramic outlook provides the ideal backdrop for you to relax with the quiet of nature at your doorstep as beautiful parrots, finches and wrens dart through the branches. Enjoy a superb local wine from one of the many wineries which surround Karma, whilst cooking on your barbeque and soaking in the spectacular views from your balcony.

SELECTING YOUR ITINERARY

4 Day/5 Night Tour Price: $2995 (twin-share)

We always include an extra night so that you can settle in to your accommodation the day before your first tour and relax in comfort on the evening of your last walking day.

Having the adventure of a lifetime doesn’t mean roughing it. We recognise that after a day’s adventure packed with new and exciting experiences, you want to relax in comfort. That’s why we choose to stay in deluxe chalets with multiple guest rooms, private bathroom facilities (most with spa baths to rejuvenate your whole body) and the choice of shared kitchen and living areas. Our guests have the privacy of their own rooms (twin share), and get to enjoy the company of others for their evening meal.

Eating scrumptious healthy meals is one of the highlights of all our packages. We supply all the ingredients for a cooked and/or continental breakfast including home-made muffins. On our walking packages, you enjoy freshly made rolls and a selection of healthy snacks to keep the energy levels up. All packages include one evening meal at a superb local restaurant so you can enjoy the cuisine of the area. We aim to cater for all dietary needs and that’s why we always ask you for information about your dietary preferences.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Lunch and snacks for each walking day
• Shared chalet accommodation with breakfast
• Restaurant Dinner voucher for one night (on the other nights you may choose to eat in one of Denmark’s many restaurants or self-cater in your fully-equipped chalet kitchen)
• All transfers to and from accommodation in Denmark to the Track
• Entrance fees and permits to national parks
• An expert track guide

TOUR EXCLUSIONS

• Items of a personal nature
• Alcoholic beverages
• Optional excursions
• Personal travel insurance

GEAR REQUIREMENTS

Walkers will need to carry a small day-pack and water for their use on the walk. We recommend that you also bring the following items with you: a hat, windproof jacket, and consider the need for a jumper or vest if the day is cool. You will need to wear hiking boots or other sturdy footwear - definitely no sandals or joggers. The coastline can get very windy even on a clear day, so the jacket is important. We also recommend sunscreen, sunglasses, fly-nets (in the warmer months) and trekking poles.

CLIMATE

The south-western sections of the Bibbulmun Track are greatly influenced by the cold Southern Ocean. It is always best to be prepared for cooler days and nights at any time of the year.

WALKING GRADE: 4

This package involves walks which are graded 4 (Challenging Trekking). Keep in mind that environmental factors such as rainfall or high temperatures on the day may mean that a walk graded as easy could be experienced as moderate or even challenging.

These adventures involve trekking up to 6 hours per day in challenging terrains. May involve rough tracks, steep ascents/descents, rock scrambling with exposure to height, and boulder hopping. You will need an excellent level of fitness and be prepared to trek on unmarked trails and over difficult terrains. We suggest that you prepare for your walk by undertaking at least one hour of aerobic exercise at least four times per week. Hill walking with a pack is essential preparation.

HOW TO BOOK

1. Review these detailed track notes and check tour departure dates.
2. Send us an email to - bookings@wildernessgetaways.com.au with your preferred tour, package and dates. Please also indicate number of persons who wish to join us. We will do our very best to accommodate you.
3. We will send you a return email with the price, which may include variations if you have any particular requests outside our standard packages. We will also send you a detailed itinerary, medical form and booking form.
4. You return the completed forms to us with the 20% deposit and have your wilderness holiday confirmed.

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

In addition to our package holidays we also offer a dedicated tailor-made service where we apply our knowledge, experience and expertise to deliver a personalised nature-based holiday just for you. You simply select a combination of tours to suit your interests and a chalet and dates that meet your needs. Advise us of your individual requirements and special requests and we will assist you to plan the ultimate wilderness getaway.

OUR CUSTOMER GUARANTEE

Just like you, we love to travel. Between our different team members, we have visited every continent and over 30 different countries. And like you, we want value for money and a genuine experience. We know that when you plan a holiday you want to be assured of quality accommodation and an authentic experience. We too are worried about ‘green-washing’ and we know that although the brochure looks great, there’s always that niggling feeling that maybe the accommodation won’t be as good as it looks, or that the tour won’t be as amazing as the brochure says.

Because we know what it’s like to be in your shoes, we wanted to create a holiday experience that ticks all the boxes – value for money, quality guaranteed, and a fabulous time. We can guarantee the experiences that we offer, because we work in these businesses ourselves. The person who sells the package is the same person who runs the tours and operates the chalets. We know and love our region and only offer products we’ve tested and know will deliver quality every time.

Most importantly, our guests aren’t ‘nameless faces’. We spend time getting to know each person as an individual and treat them with respect and genuine interest. To achieve the high level of service that we demand, we constantly strive to deliver experiences that exceed our customers’ expectations. The amazing feedback we receive is only the start of delivering on our promises. For us, the testament that we are doing things right is the enduring friendships that we have formed with our guests.