Tag 47: Stirling Range National Park (Bluff Knoll) - Porongurup National Park

The hike to Mount Trio yesterday still has us feeling a bit tired, so we're taking it slow today. Originally, we planned to climb Bluff Knoll (the highest peak in the National Park), but after yesterday's hike, it seems too strenuous. The hike up Bluff Knoll is very steep and long, and we would have to carry all 3 kids, which we're just not up for after the past few days of hiking.

We have a leisurely breakfast, Michi plays a round of cards with the kids, and I take care of some chores. Then we drive to the parking lot for Bluff Knoll. We set up our camping chairs and enjoy the amazing view while having a second small breakfast - without the effort of reaching the summit.

In the afternoon, we continue on to Porongurup National Park. The drive there is beautiful and diverse. Everything is lush and lovely, reminding us of our tour through southern England. The Porongurup Range Tourist Park campground also has an English touch. It feels like we're standing in someone's garden.

We enjoy the beautiful weather and the great lawn. Michi plays soccer with the kids ... and Elija can finally crawl around without any worries. We make Kaiserschmarrn and once again eat inside the camper because the flies outside are unbearable. We do some laundry and then head to the national park.

Our first stop is the Castle Rock parking lot. The directions in the various brochures are a bit contradictory, so we want to see for ourselves. The entire hike is over 4 km long (round trip), and since it's already 4 pm, we decide to do it tomorrow. We drive to the second parking lot in the national park - Rock in the tree. First, we visit the tree on the rock (which is not particularly spectacular), and then we do the short and easy Bolganup Trail loop hike. We really like it here. The forest is simply dreamy. There should be a campground here. On the way back to the campground, we see many kangaroos.

28.10.2018

Accommodation: Porongurup Range Tourist Park / (1 night 35 AUD without electricity, very nice small campground with lots of greenery)

Weather: sunny, 22 degrees Celsius

97 kilometers driven today, total of 7,851 km