Stirling Range gets app to make exploring the national park easier and safer

Main Image: Cameron Bostock with Deon Wild Credit: Picture: Cameron Bostock

Tom ShanahanGreat Southern Herald

A new app designed to draw visitors to the stunning Stirling Range National Park has been launched by a local tourism operator.

The Stirling Range Trail App is designed to make exploring the park easier and safer with interactive driving and trail maps linked to GPS points, photos, accommodation and other information.

The app, launched earlier this month, also provides information about the plants and animals that can be found throughout the biodiversity hotspot.

There are walk trails for Bluff Knoll, Mt Trio, Mt Hassell, Mt Talyuberlup, Mt Toolbrunup and Mt Magog, as well as scenic route maps along the Horsepower Highway.

Stirling Range Trail App creator and owner of the Mt Trio Bush Camp Margot Bryne said the idea for the app came after bushfires tore through the park and closed Bluff Knoll in late 2019.

After being evacuated during the fires and witnessing the devastation, she knew that local tourism businesses needed something to bring people back to the area.

“Western Australians are exploring their State more than ever and generally people are familiar with the iconic Bluff Knoll, but are unaware the Stirling Range has far more to offer,” she said.

“The most anticipated feature on the app includes the walking trails for the seven Stirling Range mountains including one of WA’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll. People can match trails from a variety of difficulty levels and their ability.

“Importantly by downloading the app on to your phone, we can also pinpoint where you are on the trail as it works on GPS points.

“We want to make the region more accessible and raise awareness of the range of graded trails from gentle family walks, through to more advanced hikes.”

Visit stirlingrangetrails.com.au.