The ecology is delicately balanced and to ensure the flora and fauna are preserved, camping and fires are permitted only where facilities are provided. Five of the peaks rise to over 1000m and are often shrouded in mist. Some times in mid-winter a light fall of snow will cover them.
Less strenuous activities are also catered for: the unsealed 45-kilometre Stirling Range scenic drive winds amid the peaks to Red Gum Pass in the west, where you can turn around and go back the same way (with superior views) or continue down to Mount Barker.
Bluff Knoll (1073m), the park’s highest and most popular ascent, has a well-built path involving a three-hour-return slog. The weather can often surprise you from the unseen, southeast side: no matter how hot you may feel in the car park before beginning the climb, take a sweater with you. There are better views looking onto the park’s eastern summits from the west: Talyuberup, halfway along the scenic drive and around 800m high, is a short, steep ascent to magnificent views, while Toolbrunup (1052m) is among the harder climbs in the park, with some exposed scrambling – allow a tough half-day to get there and back.
Many other trails wander between the peaks and could link up into overnight walks. Before heading off, discuss your plans with the ranger (tel 08/9827 9230 or 9827 9278) at his residence by the park campsite off Chester Pass Road.
There are basic facilities at the campsite, or much better options at the Stirling Range Chalet and Caravan Park (tel 08/9827 9229; on-site vans $31–45, four-bed chalets up to $60), just outside the park’s northern boundary, opposite the Bluff Knoll turn-off.