Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 08-9853 1255;
www.tyjarrah.com
; 3 Bolganup Rd; 1-/2-bedroom chalets from $125/145)
Located in a
shady forest setting, these self-contained A-frame chalets are very cosy and comfortable.
Twilight visitors include a menagerie of local marsupials.
THAI
$$
Maleeya's Thai Cafe
( 08-9853 1123;
www.maleeya.com.au
;
1376 Porongurup Rd; mains $25-30; 11.30am-3pm & 6-9pm Fri-Sun)
S
Foodies and chefs venture all the way to Porongorup for some of WA's most authentic
Thai food. Curries, soups and stir-fries all come studded with fresh herbs straight from
Maleeya's garden, and other ingredients are organic and free range. Bookings recommen-
ded.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Stirling Range National Park
Ever seen a Queen of Sheba orchid or a Stirling bell? Here's your chance. Rising abruptly
from the surrounding flat and sandy plains, the Stirling Range's propensity to change col-
our through blues, reds and purples will captivate photographers during the spectacular
wildflower season from late August to early December.
This 1156-sq-km national park consists of a single chain of peaks pushed up by plate
tectonics to form a range 10km wide and 65km long. Running most of its length are isol-
ated summits, some knobbly and some perfect pyramids, towering above broad valleys
covered in shrubs and heath. Bluff Knoll (Bular Mai), at 1095m, is the highest point in the
southwest.
Due to the altitude and climate there are many localised plants in the Stirlings. It is es-
timated that there are more than 1500 species of native plants, 80 of which are endemic.
The most beautiful are the Darwinias or mountain bells, which occur only above 300m;
one species may be seen in season on the Mt Talyuberlup walk.
The range was named after James Stirling, first governor of the Swan River Colony.
For tens of thousands of years before that it was known as Koi Kyenunu-ruff, meaning
'mist moving around the mountains'. It's recognised by Noongar people as a place of spe-
cial significance - a place where the spirits of the dead return. Every summit has an ances-
tral being associated with it, so it's appropriate to show proper respect when visiting here.
Park fees are charged at the start of Bluff Knoll Rd (entry per car/motorcycle $11/5).
