when fire riskishigh. visiting thepark, be awareofthunderstormsand hotwindydays Lightning strikes are thecauseofmostfiresin park. When post-fire ages. prescribed burningistocreateamosaic ofvegetationdiffering conserve biodiversityandreducethe riskofbushfire.Thegoal Prescribed firemanagementisnecessary intheStirlingRangeto and banksia,relyonfiretorelease seeds andstimulatenewgrowth. others takedecades.Plantspecieswith woodyseedcapsules, likehakea Plants andanimalsresponddifferentlytofire;somerecoverquickly, large-scale bushfirescandestroyhabitatandwholeecosystems. continent’s remarkablebiodiversity. However, toofrequentintense environment. Fireisanaturalforcethathelpedtoforgethe The StirlingRange,likemuchofAustralia,isafire-prone Fire erode therangeintojaggedshapeyouseetoday. The weatheringforcesofwind,rain,heatandcoldsteadilyworked to south duringtheearlystagesofrange’s formation. Chester Pass andRedGumPass showthecourseofriversthatflowed against othercontinentseventuallycausedtherockstobuckleandrise. Massive forcescreatedbythe slow grindingoftheAustraliancontinent exposed rocklayersonthepeaks. created fromtheirownweight.Ripplemarkscanstillbeseenon of sedimentweretransformedintolayersrockbythepressure After theseareceded,overaeonsofgeologicaltime,layers down throughthewatertoformlayeruponofsediment. Minerals, soil,sandandthebonesoftinyseacreaturesslowlydrifted More than1000 millionyearsago,ashallowseacoveredthearea. Geology • • • • • Available inalternative formats on request. Information currentatMarch 2016. Ph (08)9219 9000 17 DickPerry Avenue,Kensington WA 6151 Parks andWildlifeStateOperational Headquarters Ph (08)98424500 120 AlbanyHighway, AlbanyWA 6330 South CoastRegionalOffice Ph (08)98279230or9278 7371 ChesterPass Road,BordenWA 6338 Stirling RangeNationalPark Don’t hesitatetocontactthem. Parks andWildlifeofficersarealwayswillingtohelp. For more information • • • Caring forStirlingRangeNationalPark • • • • • • Plan aheadandprepare that isweatherproofandscratchproof. per personday. Carry anddrinkplentyofdrinkingwater–threetofourlitres due totheriskofbushfire. Bushwalking isnotrecommendedinhotandwindyconditions display theDANGERsymbol. Please heedwarningsshownonsignsthat but yourresponsibility. Your safetyinnaturalareasisourconcern buried to15cmdeep. including foodscrapsandtoiletpaper. Makesuretoiletwasteis Bins arenotprovidedsopleasetakeyourrubbishoutwithyou, No campingorcookingfiresareallowedinthepark. undisturbed. Donotbringpetsintothepark. Protect habitatandwildlifebyleavingrocksplants of driedmeatorpinksausagesthatshouldnotbehandled. hand andaircraftdrop.Thesepoisonousbaitsaresmallchunks Fox baitsarespreadthroughouttheparkfourtimesayearby Check parks.dpaw.wa.gov and whenyouexpecttoreturn. Let someoneknowwhereyouaregoing,whatdoing warning orbeveryslippery. Take extracarenearrockedgesastheycancrumblewithout Sloping, roughandunevensurfacesexistthroughoutthepark. Be preparedforunexpectedchangesintheweather. Wear sunprotection,bootsorsturdyfootwear .au/alerts foranyparkortrailclosures. , andclothing DANGER

20150391 0316 3M RECYCLE Stirling Range

Please return unwanted brochures todistribution points Visitor guide National Park Numbat Dibbler Biodiversity Animals Stirling Range is a species-rich area within south-western Australia, a region that is recognised internationally as one of the world’s top Nearly 150 bird species have been sighted in the park including the 35 hotspots for biodiversity. western rosella, red-capped parrot, golden whistler, splendid wren, wedge-tailed eagle and western spinebill. Stirling Range National Park Stirling Range received Australia’s highest heritage honour in 2006 when, in recognition of its outstanding biodiversity, it was Reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates are plentiful. Ancient species About 80km north of Albany, the rugged peaks of the Stirling Range added to the National Heritage List. of spiders, snails and earthworms survive in cool moist refuges abruptly rise from a surrounding landscape of lowlands, most of between the peaks. Venomous snakes such as tiger snakes, dugites which has been cleared for agriculture. The range stretches east- Plants and death adders are present but rarely seen. west for more than 65km and is characterised by stark cliff faces, Thirty-nine species of mammals were identified in the region by magnificent views and abundant, vibrantly coloured flowering The cloud-touched peaks, sheltered valleys, exposed rock faces, early European collectors. Only half of these species have been plants. No matter what time of year you arrive, there will always be moist gullies, windswept lowlands and protected crevices of the found in recent years. Land clearing, frequent bushfires and feral some plants in bloom. The range is also home to the highest peak in range provide countless combinations of altitude, soil, rainfall, the southern half of Western Australia – the 1095m Bluff Knoll. sunlight and exposure. The multitude of conditions enables more animals such as the cat and fox have adversely affected native fauna in the Stirling Range and across Australia. An ideal time to visit is late spring and early summer (October- than 1,500 species of flowering plants to exist here. Eighty species December) when the days become warmer and wildflowers are are found only in the range. The park is particularly rich in banksias, The most commonly spotted native mammals are the western grey at their peak. Winter (June-August) is often cold and wet but eucalypts, orchids and verticordias (feather flowers). kangaroo and western brush wallaby. With luck, you may see a can also offer beautiful crisp sunny days. The landscape displays a mosaic of thicket, mallee-heath, woodland quenda (southern brown bandicoot) or a quokka. Visitors should come prepared for changes in weather during all and wetland habitats plus a unique and threatened ‘montane’ plant Other mammals found in the range include the ash-grey mouse, seasons. Sudden cold changes may cause the temperature to drop community found only on the tops of the high peaks. bush rat, common brushtail possum, fat-tailed and white-tailed and rain, fog or hail to set in. The Stirling Range is one of the few Among the most beautiful and iconic of the plants are the dunnarts, honey possum, mardo (antechinus), short-beaked echidna, places in WA where snow occasionally falls. darwinias, or mountain bells. Ten species of mountain bells have tammar wallaby, western pygmy possum plus the King River little been identified in the park and only one of these is found outside bat and lesser long-eared bat. Cultural significance Stirling Range. Numbats (WA’s official mammal emblem) and dibblers (once thought to be extinct) have been reintroduced into areas of the The Aboriginal name for the range, Koi Kyenunu-ruff, means ‘mist Mountain bells are usually found above the 300m contour level on park. This has been possible due to a captive breeding program moving around the mountains’ – a frequently seen occurrence. acid sandy clay soil. Each species occurs in a well- defined area, either on particular peaks or in the valleys between them. conducted in conjunction with Perth Zoo and Western Shield, a The lowlands surrounding the peaks were important sources of wildlife conservation program that aims to recover native animal food for Noongar (Nyoongar) people. Women gathered roots, seeds populations through control of foxes and feral cats. and fruit while men hunted kangaroos, wallabies and other animals. Cranbrook bell Yellow mountain bell Common mountain bell European settlers arrived and took up land, creating farms and raising livestock. Cattle, sheep, wool and sandalwood were transported through the range to the port in Albany. Displaced from their traditional land, many Noongar people worked on farms and lived on settlements or in missions. Bluff Knoll (Bular Mial) continues to be of great spiritual significance to traditional Aboriginal people of the south-west as it is home to a powerful ancestral being. Scenic drive and lookouts Bushwalk trail classifications Stirling Range Drive – 42km The scenic drive travels through the heart of the national park and offers remarkable views when travelled in either direction. Eastern Lookout (Bluff Knoll car park) Discover ‘many eyes’ and ‘many faces’ on the craggy cliffs of Bluff Bluff Knoll – height: 1095m, distance: 6km return. Knoll, a place of great significance to the traditional Aboriginal Allow three to four hours. Bluff Knoll is the highest peak in custodians of the range, the Noongar (Nyoongar) people. southern half of WA and has the most popular trail in the park. Scale its heights to take in outstanding 360-degree Central Lookout (mid-point on Stirling Range Drive) Fighting dieback views. Take a short somewhat steep walk to the top of a small knoll to Phytophthora dieback is a major problem in the Stirling Range. Mount Trio – height: 856m, distance: 3.5km return. enjoy impressive views of surrounding peaks and the Porongurup Caused by a microscopic water mould that dwells in the soil, this Allow three hours. This walk includes three peaks linked by a Range to the south. plant pathogen kills plants by rotting their roots. plateau. The first third of the path is steep but the remainder Western Lookout (Baby Barnett Hill) is easy. It takes in sweeping views of Toolbrunup and other More than 2300 plant species in south-western Australia are Enjoy striking views of the range stretching to the east. peaks to the south-west. susceptible to dieback. Hundreds of vulnerable species and susceptible plant communities are found in the Stirling Range, some Mount Hassell – height: 827m, distance: 3km return. of which are threatened with extinction. Picnic spots and barbecues Allow three hours. This popular walk offers excellent views Gas barbecues are provided for your use free of charge. See the map of Toolbrunup Peak. The steep slopes and moist conditions in the range create perfect conditions for the spread of dieback. Machinery, humans and for locations. Cooking fires are not allowed. Toolbrunup Peak – height: 1052m, distance: 4km return. animals spread the disease by moving infested soil to healthy areas. Allow three to four hours. This is the second highest peak in Camping the park, with steep rocky sections near the top. It requires Once present in the landscape, the dieback water mould can move in fitness and agility and provides magnificent views. soil and water or by root-to-root contact between plants. Camping is permitted at Moingup Spring campground. Camping fees apply and are collected by the ranger. Mount Magog – height: 856m, distance: 7km return. Dieback threatens biodiversity by not only killing plants but also by Allow three to four hours. This trail starts in tall wandoo destroying wildlife habitat, placing the health and survival of whole Caravans are allowed but sites are limited and no showers or power woodland and leads through open country and thick bush to ecosystems at risk. facilities exist. No fires are permitted. provide excellent views. No cure has been found for Phytophthora dieback. Susceptible rare Private campgrounds and caravan parks are located on the park’s Talyuberlup – height: 783m, distance: 2.6km return. plant communities are sprayed with phosphite, a non-toxic chemical northern boundary as well as near Porongurup National Park. Allow two hours. You’ll cross increasingly steep terrain that temporarily strengthens plant defence. Respraying must occur through varied vegetation to a rocky crag at the summit every one to two years. Park fees where you can take in extensive views of the Stirling and Visitors are required to pay a fee at the entry station on the road to Porongurup ranges. You can help to prevent the Bluff Knoll. Display your pass on your vehicle dashboard. further spread of dieback: Current Holiday, Annual All Parks, Annual Local or Gold Star Passes Backcountry and adventure • Stay on designated tracks and trails. can also be used (available at Parks and Wildlife offices and many Careful planning and preparation is essential for adventure activities • Avoid walking in wet soil conditions. tourist and visitor centres in WA). in remote areas of the park. Please contact the ranger for more • Abide by management signs and do not enter Your fees help to protect the park and improve visitor facilities. detailed information on appropriate sites for abseiling, rock climbing, restricted areas. or if you are considering the Stirling Range Ridge Walk or other cross-country walk. • Clean soil from footwear at the start and finish Mountain bushwalks of any walks you do in natural areas. Bushwalking is the ideal way to discover the scenic beauty and To assist with response in case of an emergency, please register your • For regular bushwalkers, a small spray bottle amazing wildflowers of the park. All walks are steep and have details at the shelter in the picnic area across the road from the of 100 per cent methylated spirits is ideal for uneven surfaces. Allow plenty of time to pause, enjoy the views and Bluff Knoll Road entry station. cleaning footwear. catch your breath. Distances and times shown to the right are for a If you plan to hike on an established bushwalk and will not camp • Clean vehicle tyres before entering national parks. return trip. Plan your walk based on forecast weather conditions and overnight in a remote area, no registration is required. However, it is be aware of changing conditions. Bushwalking is not recommended Signs in the park will help you avoid spreading always wise to let someone know of your plans, including when you dieback. Look for these symbols. in hot and windy conditions due to the risk of bushfire. expect to return.