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A sample itinerary for
the East to West
Half-Ridge Walk is as follows:
DAY 1:
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If departing from Perth leave very early.
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Arrive at Stirling Range Caravan Park approx noon.
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Unpack, have lunch and prepare for optional warm-up
climb up Toolbrunup Peak.
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Those who wish to may scale Toolbrunup Peak (3rd highest
in range at 1052m) in 5 hour round trip involving some moderate walking and
'easy' (see note above) rock-climbs.
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Return to Stirling Range Caravan Park for BBQ and drinks
round the camp-fire.
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Get a good night sleep in a shared cabin at approx. $30
each or camping at $9 per person per night.
DAY 2:
- We set off early on the 'Half Ridge Walk'.
Starting at the east end, we make our way towards Ellen Peak, the first
peak on the east end of the ridge and at 1012m high. With an almost 800m
altitude rise from the start point of the walk, the climb to the summit
of Ellen Peak is the longest continuous ascent in the Stirling range.
The higher we go, the steeper it gets. Finally a series of 'moderately
hard' rock-climbs puts us on the summit of Ellen Peak.
- After adding our names to the list of heroes in the visitor's book (in a metal
box on the summit cairn), we'll descend to the other side of the ridge (a 'moderately
hard' but exciting decent).
- Leaving our packs on the trail, we then make a detour to summit of Pyungoorup
peak (an easy but time-consuming walk) where the view from the top makes it
worth the effort.
- Returning to our packs we then follow the only safe pedestrian route towards
the west, a precarious high level traverse, with slippery and with exposed sections
around the sheer cliffs of the south face of Pyungoorup Peak.
- Having completed the traverse, we pause to rest and examine the unassailable
west face of Pyungoorup Peak (at 1061m the second highest in the range) before
continuing the walk over or around Baker's Knob 930m (an easy walk).
- Following the ridge we head towards 'Mirlpunda'- the Aboriginal name for the
3 jagged peaks otherwise known as 'The Arrows'.
- When we arrive at 3rd Arrow, a 'moderately hard' rock-climb is required to
reach to the spacious and comfortable camping cave, where we unpack, collect
firewood and rest.
- Those who wish to can do the 'hard' (see note above) rock-climb up the gully
between the central buttress & main peak to get to water barrel.
- Those who want to may also scale 3rd Arrow's main peak - a 'moderate-hard'
rock-climb with excellent views from the top.
- We then make ourselves comfortable for an overnight in the cave at the 3rd
Arrow (with lots of hot drinks and food).
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DAY 3:
DAY 4:
- Leave Stirling range for Perth at 10.00am.
- Arrive back in Perth by approx. 3.30pm.
Notes:
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Some things
are 'may' or 'maybe' because it depends on conditions and how much time and
energy we have.
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'Hard
rock-climb' is hard for mountain walkers but is actually rated as 'easy' by rock
climbers - requires the use of both hands and maybe ropes for safety if wet.
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'Moderately
hard rock-climb' is moderately hard for mountain walkers but is just a steep
uphill walk by rock climbing standards - requires the use of both hands
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'Easy
rock-climb' involves steep sections that requires the use of one hand for
balance.
- 5. Walking sections rated as a 'hard walk'
do involve hard walking!
- Don't worry, we'll take it easy!
Next
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View from the top of Toonbrunup Peak
View from the top of Toonbrunup Peak
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