Mt Toolbrunup offers uninterrupted views across Western Australia’s Stirling Ranges. Though less popular than its taller counterpart, Bluff Knoll, this challenging hike is for those looking to ditch the steps for a rock scramble, with the promise of an unforgettable view at the peak (without the crowds).

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Goreng and Meneng peoples who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

The Mt Toolbrunup summit is a Grade 5 hike, located in the Stirling Ranges of Western Australia. This challenging 4km out-and-back hike suits experienced hikers with high levels of fitness and takes 3-4 hours to complete.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Mt Toolbrunup Facts

Distance: 4km (out and back)
Duration: 3-4 hours return
Elevation gain: 541m (Mt Toolbrunup’s peak is 1052m above sea level)
Nearest town: Gnowerangerup (50km north)

About the Stirling Ranges

If you’re stopping in the Stirling Ranges, there’s no doubt you’ve lined up a summit on one of its famous peaks. The Traditional Owners, the Goreng and Menang People, call the Stirling Ranges Koi Kyenunu-ruff, meaning ‘mist rolling around the mountains’, which is a frequent sight around these parts, being the only major mountain range in South West Australia.

 

 

Although it’s the second-highest peak in the Stirling Range National Park, Mt Toolbrunup stands taller than all of the other western peaks, so you’ll have sweeping 360-degree views of the ranges at the summit. I stopped there overnight on my road trip to Albany and Denmark, but you can easily stay a few days and tick off other hikes in the park.

How to Get to Mt Toolbrunup

From Perth, take Albany Highway/State Route 30 for 325km and turn off to Cranbrook. Follow Salt River Road and then Fornby Road for 71km until you reach Stirling Ranges National Park. Then take the 4km unsealed road to the Mt Toolbrunup parking area from Chester Pass Road at Moingup Springs.

Nearby Accommodation

Tiny Matilda – Into The Wild Escapes

 @ 25060 S Western Hwy, Bridgetown WA 6255, Australia
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Where to Stay in the Stirling Ranges

1. Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park

As the closest spot to the Mt Toolbrunup trailhead, this is perfect for those wanting to be on the peak at sunrise. This camp is surrounded by a natural bush setting on an operational farm, and with hundreds of sites, you’re almost certain to get a spot.

With everything from hot showers, a camp kitchen, and a camp lounge to trade stories with other travellers, you’ll have everything you need after a day on the move.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Guided Wildflower Orchid Walks, which run daily during September and October!

2. Stirling Range Retreat

Stirling Range Retreat offers accommodation options to cater to all types of travellers, from campsites to chalets. This retreat boasts a range of amenities, including a community kitchen and a swimming pool, which opens seasonally from November to April for anyone recovering from scaling one of the peaks in the park.

There are two walks that start and finish from camp, and the park also hosts dawn and dusk bird walks from 20th August to 19th October 2025, led by volunteers from BirdLife Australia.

Skill Level

Advanced

This is a Grade 5 hike and only suitable for hikers with a good level of physical fitness and basic navigation skills. There are sections of steep scree and uneven loose surfaces that require hikers to have confidence in rock scrambling. The track isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Essential Gear for Mt Toolbrunup

  • PLB
  • Camera
  • Water
  • Layers and warm clothing
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • First aid kit
  • Hat
  • Headtorch – useful if you’re planning to hit the summit for sunrise/sunset
  • Hiking boots with suitable grip

What it’s Like to Hike Mt Toolbrunup

Rise and Shine

Only true hikers know the love/hate relationship with a sunrise hike alarm, but as we drove to the trailhead in the dark, I could feel the caffeine from my morning coffee coursing through my veins.

 

 

With the sun scheduled to rise at 6:45am, we set off from the car park an hour before with our head torches lit.

The first section follows alongside the banks of a creek through woodlands, with the trail gradually becoming steeper as the track slowly transitions into large boulders and loose rock.

Ready for the Rock Scramble

As we emerged from the cover of the woodlands, we were faced with what looked like remnants of a landslide down the face of Mt Toolbrunup, and to reach the top, we had to navigate this rocky terrain.

 

 

This section begins with large rocks and boulders before turning into steep scree, requiring both hands and feet to scramble up the side of the mountain.  It was right about then that I appreciated the extra light from the sun, as it started to illuminate the landscape around me. Keep an eye out for the marker poles dotted along the ascent to ensure you’re heading the right way.

 

That Magical Moment

Once we reached the saddle, we were just a short climb from the summit. Although the clouds and mist were still hanging around and threatened to ruin any chance of us seeing sunrise, we pushed on.

Read more: 7 Tips for Rainy Day Hiking

 

 

Climbing over the final rock and out onto the rocky plateau on the edge of Mt Toolbrunup was exhilarating. The moisture of the mist was being rapidly blown up the side of the ridge and almost took our hats off as we shuffled towards the edge. Looking out to the horizon, it was clear the sun had already risen, but the sky was still obscured by clouds hanging around the peaks. Had we really come this far to miss the sun engulfing the Stirling Range?

Just as that thought entered my mind, the clouds parted on the horizon, and the sun’s rays pierced through, illuminating the curves of the rolling peaks into the distance.

 

 

A silence fell on the summit as we tried to absorb the beauty unfolding in front of us. For five minutes, we had a perfect viewing window, and as the first car in the car park, we had the peak all to ourselves. If you’re coming during the daytime, this is the perfect place to pull out your map and identify the peaks in every direction!

 

 

Once you’re satisfied with your time spent at the summit, it’s time to retrace your steps back down the mountain. Watch your footing as you make the descent over the scree and boulders near the summit, and you’ll be back in the car park in no time.

Tips For Hiking Mt Toolbrunup

  • Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions: Bluff Knoll, also located in the Stirling Range National Park, is one of the only places known to snow in Western Australia. Ensure to pack warm layers and a first aid kit
  • Plan your hike during spring for a wildflower show. This region is home to 1,500 plant species, 90 of which can be found nowhere else in the world. Be on the lookout for Mountain Bells and Southern Cross flowers towards the summit!
  • Take your time on the way down: Descending on some of the steep scree and rocks can be tricky; exercise extra caution during wet conditions as rock surfaces will become slippery
  • Don’t forget to pay for your park entry fees for Stirling Range National Park ($17 per vehicle) or buy a Parks Pass

Nearby Adventures in Stirling Range National Park

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.