Albany (Emu Point) to Stirling Ranges (Bluff Knoll), WA, approx. 90kms
October 25th 2006 01:59
Using the Albany AndiMap available from the tourist information centre or at http://www.andimaps.com.au/, it is possible to cycle along a bike path beside the beach to Emu Point and beyond all the way to Lower King Road.
This is a hassle-free way to leave Albany's busy streets behind. We stayed at Emu Point so got a head start. Follow the bike path along Lower King Road till it ends then continue on Lower King Road turning left up Norwood Rd to Chester Pass Road. At Bakers Junction, your last chance for a feed for many miles, take the left hand fork to the Stirling Ranges.
Considering the road passes the Porongurups on the left hand side and then heads straight into the Stirling Ranges, it is remarkably easy and untaxing. Views of the Porongurups start soon after leaving Bakers Junction.
At Kambellup Roadhouse, the only place for refreshments between Bakers Junction and the General Store at Bluff Knoll, we relished our cold drinks after hot weather on unshaded roads. (Late April/Early May) Our entertainment consisted of a large contingent of caterpillars hurrying bum to bum between the petrol pumps and the roadhouse garden.
From Kambellup, the peaks of the Stirling Ranges are dead ahead. It is hard to believe you are heading between those hills rather than right over the top.
As you get closer, the roadside scrub begins to look prehistoric with golden stony ground and spiky grasses eventually giving way to peeling eucalypts with tired looking leaves. The road is rolling but not difficult.
There is a national park campsite on the left hand side not far after you enter the ranges and a few kilometres further there is a general store and an Eco Caravan Park, the Stirling Range Retreat near the base of Bluff Knoll.
Sites were $20AUS/2pax/night. The best ones are near the back fence where you can enjoy the sunset over the ranges. Kangaroos often gather in the evening and it is where the odd paraglider lands. The owners can help with night walks and info about bush walking in the area.
When we stayed, we met a crowd of karate kids in the enormous outdoor camp kitchen. They were having a big feed before heading up Bluff Knoll to spend the night on the mountain fasting in garbage bags. Each to his/her own!
It is well worth getting out and about on foot here. Bluff Knoll is South-West WA's highest peak at over 1000m above sea level and Toolbrunup is worth climbing too.
This is a hassle-free way to leave Albany's busy streets behind. We stayed at Emu Point so got a head start. Follow the bike path along Lower King Road till it ends then continue on Lower King Road turning left up Norwood Rd to Chester Pass Road. At Bakers Junction, your last chance for a feed for many miles, take the left hand fork to the Stirling Ranges.
Guido eating baked goods at Bakers Junction, WA
Considering the road passes the Porongurups on the left hand side and then heads straight into the Stirling Ranges, it is remarkably easy and untaxing. Views of the Porongurups start soon after leaving Bakers Junction.
At Kambellup Roadhouse, the only place for refreshments between Bakers Junction and the General Store at Bluff Knoll, we relished our cold drinks after hot weather on unshaded roads. (Late April/Early May) Our entertainment consisted of a large contingent of caterpillars hurrying bum to bum between the petrol pumps and the roadhouse garden.
From Kambellup, the peaks of the Stirling Ranges are dead ahead. It is hard to believe you are heading between those hills rather than right over the top.
Cycling to the Stirling Ranges in Western Australia
As you get closer, the roadside scrub begins to look prehistoric with golden stony ground and spiky grasses eventually giving way to peeling eucalypts with tired looking leaves. The road is rolling but not difficult.
There is a national park campsite on the left hand side not far after you enter the ranges and a few kilometres further there is a general store and an Eco Caravan Park, the Stirling Range Retreat near the base of Bluff Knoll.
Sites were $20AUS/2pax/night. The best ones are near the back fence where you can enjoy the sunset over the ranges. Kangaroos often gather in the evening and it is where the odd paraglider lands. The owners can help with night walks and info about bush walking in the area.
When we stayed, we met a crowd of karate kids in the enormous outdoor camp kitchen. They were having a big feed before heading up Bluff Knoll to spend the night on the mountain fasting in garbage bags. Each to his/her own!
It is well worth getting out and about on foot here. Bluff Knoll is South-West WA's highest peak at over 1000m above sea level and Toolbrunup is worth climbing too.
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Comment by TonyK
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I used to live on a farm at the Porongurups, you would have ridden right passed it, there is a dairy there now.
I also used to love stopping at Bakers Junction on the way home from Albany for an ice cream!
I've been to the Stirlings and climbed Bluff Knoll a few times. I've also stayed at the camp site. The only time I've ever been in the snow was at Bluff Knoll October 1992 - that's still the last time there’s been decent snow there.
FYI - Bluff Knoll isn't WA's highest peak, that's Mount Meharry, followed by Mount Augustus. It is the highest in the south of the state however.
Comment by Anonymous
Did you have horses on your farm? When passing the Porongurups we had a pair of equines captivated by my partner's peeing technique. He said he felt like he was being compared to a horse and was found wanting.
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I'm an eagles fan too btw.
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