About this place
Central Lookout is a great place to stop for a picnic or a short hike to admire the views along Stirling Range Drive.
A trail leads to the top of a knoll with views of Talyuberlup Peak, Monderup Peak, and the Porongurup Range 40km to the south. Information at the start of the trail gives insights into the ancient origins of landforms in WA’s south-west.
Although the Stirling Range and Porongurup Range are quite close, they are very different geologically. The rounded domes of the Porongurups are made of granite, born from molten rock (magma) deep in the Earth’s crust. The jagged, tilted peaks of the Stirling Range consist of sandstone and quartzite (altered sandstone) that began as layers of sand, silt and clay in ancient rivers and shallow seas. These sediments were slowly compacted and turned to rock that was then tilted and thrust upwards, then finally sculpted and softened over a very long time.
Safety information
Plan when to visit. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!
The peaks of the Stirling Range are subject to rapid, unpredictable changes in the weather. Hikers should be prepared for sudden cool changes that cause the temperature to drop and rain or hail to set in.
All visitors are strongly advised not to enter the bush or use footpaths on days of extreme fire danger. If you are planning to hike off marked trails, abseil or rock climb, please register your details at the shelter in the picnic area across the road from Bluff Knoll Road entry station. If you plan to hike on an established walk, no registration is required.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions undertakes 1080 baiting at this location to reduce the impacts of feral cats and foxes on native wildlife.
Meat baits containing 1080 poison are laid in or around this area on an ongoing basis. 1080 is poisonous to humans and will kill domestic cats and dogs. Pets are not permitted in this park.
For further information contact your local Parks and Wildlife Service office or visit Western Shield.
Gallery
Facilities
Picnic table
Activities
Bushwalking
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of Central Lookout.
Traditional Owners
We recognise and acknowledge Goreng and Menang people as the Traditional Owners of Stirling Range National Park.