Photo Gallery:
Stirling Range, Western Australia
The scenery of the southwest of WA is mostly low in altitude and topographically flat, or at best, undulating. That is, until you come across the Stirling Range which rises sharply and jaggedly, like real mountains, above the surrounding flat farmland. A national park protects the whole range, including the more than 1500 species of wildflowers that draw visitors from around the world each spring. I've been drawn to the higher peaks by the great views, and also the interesting weather conditions encountered there - the upper parts of the Stirling Range are the only place in the west half of Australia to regularly recieve snow. Here are images from some of my slides that have been scanned so far.
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The eastern ridge of the Stirling Range, viewed from the north near Amelup. |
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Bluff Knoll, the highest peak, viewed from the airstrip next to the Stirling Range Retreat |
View towards Yungermere Peak from the track up Bluff Knoll |
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Toolbrunup Peak overlooking a canola crop |
Toolbrunup Peak viewed from Mt Trio |
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A rain and hail shower approaching Mt Trio |
Snow covered ledges on Bluff Knoll, just after sunrise |
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Sunrise over Ellen Peak, viewed from Bluff Knoll summit |
Snow on Bluff Knoll summit, looking towards Ellen Peak. One or two light falls settle in most years, but snow of this depth (up to 5cm) is a once in 4 or 5 years event ... and it doesn't usually last the day, so you have to be quick! |
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The east Stirlings ridge viewed from a snowy Bluff Knoll |
Rime formations on Bluff Knoll - the ice is a welcome crunchy snack after the tiring and sweaty climb to the top |
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Many more photos of the Stirling Range with snow can be found in my Snow in WA pages.