Mount Magog - Stirling Range

We recognise and acknowledge the Goreng and Menang people as the traditional owners of Stirling Range National Park

hiker sitting on rock looking across at expansive view across the tops of mountain peaks in the Stirling Range

Atop Mt Magog with glorious views to Mt Talyuberlup and beyond.

Mt Magog is a 7km (4.4mi) Grade 5 return hike that begins gently on the surrounding plain before climbing ever more steeply to the peak of 856m (2808ft), with spectacular 360 degree views.

Recommended time is 3-4 hours return, and faster hikers may prefer to add the nearby Mt Talyuberlup (2.6 km return, Grade 5) to their day, but we suggest leisurely hikers spend longer, with lunch on the peak to enjoy the scenery… and the wildflowers. The Trail Head off 2WD Stirling Range Drive is a 35 minute drive from the Stirling Range Retreat or 45 minutes from Mt Trio Bush Camp.

Bluff Knoll is the most famous peak in the Stirling Range, and this is often the only one people visit but, if you prefer solitude, Mt Trio, Mt Talyuberlup, Mt Toolbrunup and this one, Mt Magog are better. Many of them have wider views than Bluff Knoll due to their topography.

There are approximately 1500 different plant species in the Stirling Range, about 90 of which occur nowhere else. For botanists, every peak is noticeably different, with rare species occuring only on individual ones: I couldn’t believe the variation in terrain and vegetation on adjacent peaks. Don’t think that if you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all, as is the case in less speciated mountain ranges. Visit as many as your timetable permits!

satellite map showing location of Stirling Range in south west of Western Australia

Stirling Range and Mt Magog Hike Location Maps

aerial image map showign location of six hikes in the Stirling Range
elevation gain map 600 metres over 7 kilometres

Mt Magog hike details

The hike from the trailhead has a 600m elevation gain over 3.5 km, but most of it is in the last 25% of the distance. There is some minor scrambling that requires both hands, but these scrambles are neither exposed nor long.

hiker with day pack walking along snady track with scrubby vegetation either side

You begin through tall wandoo woodland and, in spring, the wildflowers are immediately fantastic.

close up of spider orchid

Caladenia longiclavata in the understorey.

hiker walking on gently sloping trail through scrub tall mountain peak is ahead of him other peaks to the left and right

Then you meander northeast through beautiful scrub. The peak directly ahead for some time is actually Mt Talyuberlup; Mt Magog is far left in this picture.

small pink flowers on low shrub

So many wildflowers! Here, pink Stylidium scandens

bright pink peas flowers

… and, in almost the same shade, Gompholobium scabrum

k=hike ron side of single foot track through scrub looking at Mt Talyuberlup peak ahead partially in cloud

On many days, timing is important with these peaks. All the tops had been in low mist on the drive here but, just a little later in the morning, cloud is coming and going and beginning to lift. It will likely drop again late afternoon.

small shrub with bright yellow and burgundy flowers

Botanists will travel slowly even though the terrain is initially flat: there is just so much to see! Here, Pultenaea ericifolia

blue flowers on small shrub

… and the stunning blue Conospermum caeruleum

single snady foot track trough low scrub lined by masses of different shades of yellow white and cream wildflowers

Sandy sections host different wildflowers. It’s easy walking so far.

close up of zebra orchid

Zebra orchid, Caladenia cairnsiana

close up of King in his Carriage orchid

And King in his Carriage, Drakaea glyptodon

masses of white and red wild flowers line single gravelly foot track

In other places, the track is gravelly and stony underfoot as here, with entirely different wildflowers. So much variety!

close up of small blue orchid flower

A partly open Thelymitra cornicina that we catch on the way back

close up of sundew with orange flower

And the tiny orange Drosera glanduligera

view of Mt Magog peak from singe foot track lined with masses of white flowers

That’s Magog on the left; the peak is actually the rounded bit, just left of the rocky outcrop. Talyuberlup is again shrouded in mist far right.

view of Mt Talyuberlup from Mt MMagog trail th etrail is lined by many white and yellow wildflowers

As the track meanders, at times it seems as if you’re heading right for Talyuberlup instead of Magog.

hiker walkign up very steep section of track past a small shrub with masses of white flowers

It’s getting ever steeper but there are flowers like this Sphenotoma dracophylloides to entertain you all the way. If you are climbing this peak, the incline continues to increase so, if you find the terrain challenging, don’t expect it to get easier.

Isopogon cuneatus has pale pink tussock like flowers

Beautiful Isopogon cuneatus

view of Mt Talyuberlup and STiling Range from Mt Magog trail nearing the top trail

Out of the dense trees fringing the foot of the mountain for a moment, and there is Mt Talyuberlup peeping over the ridge with views further along the Stirling Range. Talyuberlup is close enough that you can hear sounds of hikers and climbers there echoing on the rock.

close up of tussocky yellow flower

Golden Banksia formosa

close up of s,mall green hood shaped orchid

Pterostylis crispula tucked amongst the rocks

close up Hypocalymma myrtifolia flowers they have white petals with red centre

And this beautiful Hypocalymma myrtifolia. The vegetation changes quickly as you climb because it’s so steep you rapidly pass through different microclimates.

expansive views towards Mt Toolbrunup the second highest peak in the Stirling Range

Fantastic views across the plain to Mt Toolbrunup

hiker scrambling up rocks on steep section of track through scrub

And steeper still! It’s worth tucking your poles into the side pocket of your pack when scrambling like this because they just get in the way when you’re using both hands.

Acacia drummondii has pale yellow flowers along flower stalk

Acacia drummondii

hiker climbing up short section of rock using his feet and hands to climb

A bit more scrambling here and there, but it’s not exposed or difficult.

view of Mt Talyuberlup

Wow. You’ll soon climb higher than Mt Talyuberlup (783m)

hiker picking his way along rocky spine between two peaks

When you reach the outcrop, there’s just a bit further to go along a narrow, rocky ridge. It’s scrambly but yet again not excessively exposed. Take your time to pick your way along the ridge, staying close to the top.

slowers hikers helen and geoff atop Mt Magog

The top is a great place to stop for lunch and also get a rare portrait shot, thanks to the group that followed us up. You can see the first rocky outcrop behind us and, behind that, Talyuberlup.

It has been a fantastic hike. Faster hikers will combine Magog and Talyuberlup in one day, but we are content to spend longer at this peak to enjoy the views from here rather than rushing back down to complete a second climb. After all, why not save a few peaks for the next time you return to Western Australia!


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Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range

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Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia