Landscape Photography guide

GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHY IN STIRLING RANGE NATIONAL PARK

Stirling Range National Park is one of my favourite places in the Southwest when I want to get away from the bustle of the city and do some landscape photography. A relatively simple drive from Perth ( although I constantly underestimate just how long it takes to get from Cranbrook to Bluff Knoll - it's a big Park! ) brings you to some of the most dramatic landscape that the state has to offer.

There is a lot to appreciate here, and due to the geology, flora and fauna there are plenty of different photography pursuits that could be enjoyed. The wildflowers are bountiful and diverse during the flowering season with local tours available, and I've seen bird-watchers happily set up their equipment and wait patiently for their quarry. However, I'm all about the grand views that the Stirling Ranges have to offer, so my article will concentrate on that.

Unable to climb? Some suggestions on the ground level.

I think it would be prudent to first discuss what can be seen from the ground - and there is opportunity here! The issue is that much of the bushland on the plains consists of mature trees that tend to block any good views, so it is often difficult to gain a good view of the mountains as well as the plains below them. I often climb up on top of my car which helps to gain a bit of height, but there is a natural advantage to a bit of altitude.

The view west from the car park access road

The first and most obvious location is the car park at Bluff Knoll. Here you get good views to the west toward Mt Trio and Mt Toolbrunup, as well as seeing Bluff Knoll tower above you to the southeast. Due to the distance, I don't really favour the views west, as the

expansive plains mean a lot of negative space between the mountains. The views of Bluff Knoll, Mt Success and the Eastern Ranges are quite good, if you can find a spot where the trees are not obstructing the view. I have found that the grid-mesh walkway that leads to the toilets is a good spot ( as long as you can stop your tripod feet from disappearing through the grid-mesh ), and the southern end of the car park is also good if you can find a gap between the trees there.

View of Bluff Knoll from car park

There is a dedicated viewing platform at the start of the walking track to the summit, however I have always found that the view has been badly spoiled by trees there, and cannot recall personally seeing any great potential. The two other prominent viewing areas are the Western

and Central Lookouts, located along Stirling Range Drive. As the name suggests, the Western Lookout is in the western side of the Park, but has an eastward view toward Mt Magog and Toolbrunup. I have climbed up on top of my car to maximize the vantage point here and improve the view over the small trees, but it again suffers to everything being quite distant, so wider-angles can be a bit dull with little in the foreground.

Looking east, a sunrise from mid-March through to early April would be best with the sun rising behind the peaks. The other issue of course is the distance, as the lookout is quite a drive through kangaroo-infested areas from

The full view from the Western Lookout

the nearest campgrounds. Otherwise, the only other reason why I would go would be if I was arriving late in the afternoon and knew I would have the time to drive to any of the other peaks for sunset. I have made one sunrise here, and I actually took the photo from

Pre-dawn from Western Lookout

the road beside the lookout with a longer focal length.

I have visited the Central Lookout on a couple of ocassions, but I have not made any sunrise or sunset attempts here. I have little recollection of finding any composition of interest, but I suspect the winter months would be the best time due to the southern location of the Lookout itself.

In regard to other places to view the mountains from the roadside, there are a few options. There is a dedicated pull-off spot just west of the Chester Pass Road and Formby Road South junction where you can look across to Bluff Knoll and at Mt Trio

in the opposite direction. I climbed on top of my car again and have had some minor success here, mostly due to the bushland being badly burnt during the 2020 fires. Still, it would make a good sunrise spot with the sun coming up behind Bluff Knoll.

Looking east toward Bluff Knoll from Chester Pass Road

There are also a number of spots along Stirling Range Drive, with the most memorable one for me being between the Western and Central Lookouts. A straight stretch of road gently rises and falls through several troughs and valleys, and the landscape to the south of the road drops away gently, enabling views to the west over some of the smaller peaks. Small trees on the edge of the road still obscure the view, but if you can find a clear spot you can get a reasonably clear composition looking west.

Everybody views potential through different eyes, so going for a drive would be the best option to pick up any different spots.

Red Gum Pass Road also offers some interesting spots, with the first hill after driving south off

Looking west from Stirling Range Drive Road

Salt River Road offering views out to the east, and some of the patches of white gumtrees can provide some good photos of the bushland itself.

Red Gum Pass Road

BLUFF KNOLL

The main event. I have made a number of ascents up Bluff Knoll, and I intend to make more in the future. It has expansive views to the western peaks, a relatively open view to the eastern peaks, and the fact that the trail ascends along the western edge of the bluff means that there is plenty of opporunity to find a good vantage point further down the slope. The view to the north is out across the farming plains, while to the south is down the long sloping back of the bluff toward the coast.

Sunrise from Bluff Knoll summit

Discussing the eastern views first, I have found that the best spot has been the peak of Bluff Knoll, or just down from it along the bluff's edge. The rocks and shrubbery add to foreground interest, while the Eastern Ranges peel away in the distance. It's not a view that is necessarily suited to a panorama, as the peaks are in a thin line, rather than spread out. Still, the cliffs are dramatic, and I intend to locate and scout along the walkway that is part of the Eastern Ridge Walk, which may give alternatives for different compositions. If you enjoy shooting sunrises, the peak is a good spot. I would expect that the months of April through

The view east from Bluff Knoll

Sunrise from Bluff Knoll

May would be best suited for this, as the sun would rise behind, or just either side of the Eastern Ranges.

For sunsets, wider angles to include the breadth of the Western Ranges becomes more appealing. The location is flexible as well, as with the way the peaks curve away there is a wealth of different composition opportunities.

During the summer months, the sun sets down behind Mt Success and to the south of the other peaks- cutting rays through the hills - whilst during the depths of winter, the sun will set to the north of Mt Trio - casting its golden light across the plains. Shooting further down the slope will include Mt Success as a stronger compositional subject, and you may be able to include some of the western cliffs from the bluff on a sweeping panorama.

Sunset further down the track during Winter

Sunset from the summit during Summer

Lastely, it would be necessary to make mention of the weather conditions that can occur in the park, and especially on Bluff Knoll. Low cloud can sweep in without warning and obscure the view nearly down to the level of the car park, while a cool, calm morning may also bring a cloud inversion. The dramatic weather can be both a blessing and a severe inconvenience, and it not only pays to be prepared to endure any extreme conditions but also to take advantage of them. I tend to focus heavily on sunrise and sunsets, but there is always other opportunity. Bluff Knoll also offers something unique amongst the Stirling Ranges - regular snowfall during winter. I have not had the privelege of witnessing this, but I intend to make the effort if the opportunity arises.

Early morning, looking east from the summit of Bluff Knoll

MT TOOLBRUNUP

I have made fewer ascents of Mt Toolbrunup than I have of Bluff Knoll, but it is still a fantastic peak to climb. The views at the top are panoramic; however this does not necessarily make it more suited for photography.

The view east is dramatic, and with a clear day you can see Bluff Knoll and the Eastern Ranges, along with Mt Trio and Mt Toll beside it. I have been a bit conflicted about this view. The issue I have is the distance between these peaks, and that they are rather spread out. The height of Mt Toolbrunup as a vantage point adds to the negative space between the subjects, but despite this they can still be fit neatly in one exposure with a 24mm equivalent lens and would be a fantastic view for a summer sunrise. The view to the west is fantastic, and the western peaks are spread out on the plains below with Stirling Ranges Road winding its way between them. The rocks and ridges of Toolbrunup's peak also give opportunity to include some foreground, however I have found that longer focal lengths have also

Looking south-west from Toolbrunup before the low cloud rolls in

suited the views. I would recommend a sunset here, and I would suggest the months of March through to April would be best as the sun would set centrally behind the peaks, with it's light cutting through them as it drops.

The view west from Mt Toolbrunup in a late summer afternoon

Being the second-highest peak, Mt Toolbrunup also offers the opportunity of a cloud inversion with 360 degree views, however I have not had the opporunity to experience this. Typically being a taller peak, it's head is often obscured by low cloud instead!

MT TRIO

I think I have ascended this peak twice, and have no real interest in doing so again. As I write, I'm even wracking my brains trying to think of all the details of the views - it obviously left that little of an impression on me. I was very excited to experience the views to the west, as it has clear views over towards Mt Hassell, Mt Toolbrunup, and the smaller peaks extending to the north-west. However, I found the distance to be too great, and there was simply not enough in the foreground to especially interest me. The silhouettes of the western ranges are interesting, but I feel that there is simply more to offer from other peaks in the park.

View west from Mt Trio, just before sunset

I don't recall the view to the east very well. I was there for the sunset, but again I think that although the view across to Bluff Knoll and the Eastern Ranges is expansive, the distance is too great with little pay-off in the foreground. However, I may revisit Mt Trio at some point and re-evaluate; who knows, maybe I'm missing out!

Silhouettes from Mt Trio after sunset

MT HASSELL

In regard to reward vs effort, Mt Hassell is probably the best peak in the Park, and a definite favourite of mine. It is the location of not only my single most-favourite photo from the park, but also probably the bulk of my better shots - and this due to it being so accessible.

The views from the peak are great, as are the views from various points on the way up. From the top you get a fantastic view west across to Mt Toolbrunup, with the smaller western peaks leading away from its base. A sunset here from mid-April

Looking west from Mt Hassell toward Toolbrunup

through to mid-May will have the sun setting to the right of Mt Toolbrunup amongst the smaller peaks. The view to the east from the peak is a bit less expansive, owing to the way that Mt Hassell gently slopes away to the south-east, meaning that you may need to walk 50 metres back down to find a point where it drops away and offers a bit more of a vantage-point - of which there are a few, including the first "false peak" on the climb up, as well as some rocky points on the final climb. However, unlike Mt Trio and Toolbrunup

Looking east from the first "false peak" on the walk up Mt Hassell. Mt Trio, Toll, Bluff Knoll, and Mt Success are all included.

this is possibly the only peak that offers a good view and composition of the eastern peaks, such as Mt Trio itself, Bluff Knoll and Mt Success together. The southeastern slope of Mt Hassell adds to the foreground, and the

gentle way the valleys cut between the peaks means that there is less negative space between the peaks - and I love it! Wider angles and panoramas work here, and due to the expansive view a sunrise between the months of late-February through to early April would work nicely.

I mentioned reward vs effort earlier, and if you don't feel like climbing too far, there is a spot about 5 to 10 minutes walk from the base of the hill that looks out to the east over Stirling Range Drive and toward Bluff Knoll. This is a good spot to visit if the morning has the peaks clouded over, and late-February through to early April still work great for capturing the early-morning sun rays.

Looking toward Bluff Knoll shortly after sunrise

MT MAGOG

Truth be told, this is the last of the main peaks that I haven't climbed. Due to its proximity to Mt Talyuberup, I would expect the general views to be similar; however I intend to find out personally at some point.

MT TALYUBERLUP

This is the most recent peak that I have climbed. The summit of the Talyuberlup is dramatic, with rocky outcroppings and steep cliffs. It also offers panoramic views in all directions. I was interested in the view toward the east, and despite the distance the views across the valley to Mt Toolbrunup, Mt Trio and Bluff Knoll are good, with them all sitting in a compact composition. You would require a longer focal length to capture them neatly, however; as I think without any truly dramatic lighting or weather conditions the surrounding plains would create too much negative space for my liking. During the months of late-March through to late-April the sun rises behind the peaks, and it would likely make quite a good sunrise spot.

Looking west while the low cloud closes in

The view to the west is more dramatic, with its sister-peak Mt Magog resting just beyond and leading toward the smaller peaks in the distance. Talyuberlup also offers plenty of handy vantage points to view from on its north-western side, so it is ideal for sunset photos from anywhere between March - where Mt Magog will

catch the late afternoon light - through to late-April where the sun will set more centrally behind the furthest peaks. Later in the year the sun will be setting just beyond Magog itself, but this is less ideal for wider angle photos or panoramas. However the rocky features of Talyuberlup's peak make it ideal for some shots with more foreground or using the rocky outcrops to frame a longer focal length. There is a lot of potential here!

Sunset from Mt Talyuberlup

STIRLING RANGE RIDGE WALK / EASTERN RIDGE WALK

This is another walk that is on the list but I haven't yet attempted. Unfortunately due to the two relatively recent fires it has been closed during the times where I have actually looked into completing it! Undoubtedly there are some amazing photography opportunities here, and I hope to have the privelege of completing it some day.

A FINAL WORD . . .

This article is only intended as a guide for assistance to those who are looking to do some landscape photography in the Stirling Ranges. I hope it has helped in some way and inspired you to further your own photography interests and skills, however consider this to be a work in progress as I revisit the Ranges myself and my own style changes.

I would also like to caution against being complacent with the weather. It seems that a lot of people think that just because it isn't snowing it mustn't be very cold. It can be bitterly cold up on top of the peaks even on summery days - especially once you have left the relative shelter of the bushland and have worked up a sweat - the wind can cut through any thin layers you may have. This may not be a problem for a quick visit, but if you are spending a couple of hours on top of the summit waiting for the perfect light, it could certainly spoil the experience, if not cut it short.

I would also like to give a reminder about water, expecially during the summer months - another worrying habit I have seen a lot of. Hiking up Bluff Knoll is physically demanding, and that 600ml bottle of water or just "winging it" and hoping you're not going to get dehydrated isn't going to cut it - especially if you're carrying a weight of camera gear with you. Again, you may not die of heat stroke, but at best it will make the experience even more unpleasant, and at worse you will be at serious risk of dehydration.

Stay safe, and enjoy the Ranges!