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The Stirling Ranges and the Porongurups Ranges are some 40km north of Albany and are both part of the Stirling Range National Park. These ancient rocks are among the oldest in the world and are home an extremely impressive variety of both flora and fauna. The unusual rocky peaks and brilliant displays of wildflowers of the National Park afford visitors some of the best scenery in the Australias south west.
| Stirling Range Hotels Cars Tour Specials | |
| Stirling Range National Park | |
The Stirling Range National Park covers 2401ha of diverse land; the most striking feature is the mountain ranges. This chain of high, craggy peaks stands out against rolling hills and forest covered valleys running 65km east to west. The granite formations of the Stirling Range and Porongurups were formed 1100 million years ago.
The Porongurups are internationally recognized for the diverse wildlife they supports, many species are exclusive to this ancient area. They home to vast forests of beautiful karri trees that require karri loam and a great deal of rainfall to grow.
| Stirling Ranges Wildflowers | |
Over 1530 species of wildflowers can be found throughout the National Park, many of which are endemic to this area. From the 123 different varieties of delicate ground orchids such as the Jug, Donkey and Spider to the yellow wattles, deep blues of Australian Bluebells, purple flowers of the hovea tree, dryandra, cone bushes, purple calytrix, feather flowers, scarlet banksias and cats paws the Porongurups spectacular displays attract many visitors each year late winter through spring.
| Stirling Ranges Bush Walks | |
There are a number of excellent walking trails throughout the park, varying in difficulty. One of the most popular leads up to Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the range standing 1073m high. There are barbecue and picnic areas and toilet facilities.
Nearby, is the town of Mount Barker with its mixed farming and ever-growing world-class wineries and vineyards including the famous Goundrey Estate; Mount Barker is considered the gateway to the Porongurups.
Central Stirling Range South West WA - Western Australia
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Western Australia - Map of Stirling Range Australia
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