The Stirling Range National Park Was first sighted in 1802 by the explorer Matthew Flinders and named after the State' s first Governor, Captain James Stirling. Some peaks in the Range have been named after members of the Stirling family, other have retained their aboriginal names. The Stirling Range National Park is 64km long, 18km wide and about 1100km² in area. Fifteen peaks are over 1000 metres including the highest Bluff Knoll (1073m) and about 50 over 500metres. Whilst not high by world standards, their sheer ruggedness suggest a far greater height. Climbing the Peaks - The following peaks are easiest to climb and provide the best views. Average return time is shown in brackets unless otherwise stated. Bluff Knoll (3 hrs) - Toolbrunnup (2½ hrs) - Mt Hassell (2½ hrs) - Mondurup (2½ hrs from Stirling Range Drive - no track except on top) - Mt Magog (2 hrs from Talyuberlup, no track) - Talyuberup (2½ hrs) - Yungermere (3 hrs from Chester Pass Rd, no track) - Ellen Peak (8 hrs from northern boundary of Park). Bluff Knoll and Toolbrunnup provide the best views. Many walk tracks now exist throughout the park enabling close viewing of the flora and fauna. Bushwalkers and rockclimbers are asked to register their intention with Park Rangers for safety reasons. Please Note:  Access to Mondurup (by path) and Yungermere (no path) Peaks have been permanently closed by Department of Conservation and Land Management.  The peaks are relatively free of 'Dieback', (a devastating soil dwelling fungus), and access has been closed to prevent walkers spreading infected soil in the vicinity of threatened declared rare flora communities.  80 endermic rare species occur in the park, and are found nowhere else in the whole world.  The Stirling Range provides the tourist with the opportunity to experience and an entire mountain range maintained in its natural state. It is one of the most outstanding botanical reserves in Australia and is noted for its spectacular wildflowers, some of which are unique to the area and cannot be found growing in their natural state anywhere else in the world. The Ecology of the Park is very delicately balanced. To ensure its preservation, camping and BBQ s are permitted only where facilities and provided and picking of wildflowers is strictly prohibited. Climatic conditions - The average rainfall is approx. 480mm occurring mostly between May and September. However, falls are slightly less in surrounding farmland. Light snow sometimes falls on the higher peaks during winter but rarely lasts more than several hours. Frosty nights occur during this period also but in January to March the temperature often exceeds 35º though the nights are invariably cool. The weather in the Park is changeable and hence unpredictable. Birds and Animals - Bird life is plentiful with over 130 species being recorded. To name just a few - there are the colourful rosellas, parrots, wrens, honeyeaters, thornbills, robins, wedgetail eagles and emus. Kangaroos and bush wallabies are very common and care should be taken when driving in the early morning or evening. Snakes, some venomous, can be seen in the warmer weather but if left alone are harmless. Wildflowers - Total wildflower species number almost 1000 of which 100 grow only in the Stirling Range. Wildflowers can be seen all year round but are at their best from August to November during which time the Park is a kaleidoscope of colour. Many species of Banksia, Isopogen, Eucalypts, Smoke Bush, Darwinia (Bell Flowers) and of course, orchids will be flowering at this time. For further information, please contact the Ranger on 08 9827 9230.