Mount Hassell
Area: Western peaks
Guide updated · verify live track status with Explore Parks WA / DBCA
Trail to 847 m, 430 m of climbing over about 1.5 km up. Starts gentler, then scree, then a rocky scramble. Superb views, especially of Toolbrunup. Not walked.
Do not pair: Do not stack Hassell and Toolbrunup on the same first clock.
Turnaround: Out-and-back. Reverse before the scramble if needed.
- Wet scree
- Late start on the unsealed Drive
- 3 km return to 847 m — 430 m ascent, scree, then a rocky scramble. Toolbrunup in the view
- Allow 2–3 hours return (longer if the scramble is slow)
- 3 km return · 847 m summit · 430 m ascent
- Effort: hard
- Best for: Walkers who want Toolbrunup in the view without climbing Toolbrunup today
Distance, grade, time, vehicle rules and open/closed status change — always verify with Explore Parks WA / DBCA (exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au) and alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au before you go.
Official DBCA info (verify status)
Mount Hassell — Stirling Range near Bluff Knoll
BriMiDra · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Where you start
Mount Hassell trailhead, Stirling Range Drive
On Stirling Range Drive (mostly unsealed, graded 2WD in the dry; high-clearance after rain). Confirm live road condition on alerts.
How to get there
- Stirling Range Drive from Chester Pass Road. Pay or display vehicle entry. No dogs.
- Drive is about 42 km through the park — budget time for corrugations and lookout stops, not only the walk clock.
How to do it (step by step)
- Gentle start, then scree, then scramble. Out-and-back. Turn around if the scramble is the wrong product for the group.
- The view of Toolbrunup is the point for many people. Photograph it. Do not invent a connecting traverse.
Scree, scramble, Toolbrunup in the frame
Official trail note: 3 km, peak 847 m, 430 m ascent over 1.5 km up. Starts gently, scree, then a rocky scramble. Views especially of Toolbrunup a couple of kilometres west. Not walked. Confirm live on Explore Parks WA / alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au.
Map (orientation)
Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on Explore Parks WA / DBCA before you drive.
Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.
Extra tips
- Pairs with a Drive lookout, not with Toolbrunup the same afternoon.
- Scree is slower on the way down.
Often paired with Mount Trio— only if energy and weather allow.
Area guide: Western peaks
Nearby stays (optional)
After the walk plan is solid: Albany or Mount Barker beds if you still need them. Kit searches live on the gear hub. Official Park Stay camping, park fees and government bookings are never affiliated. Guided tours live on the Tours hub.
Nearby stays
Albany (primary) · Mount Barker · Porongurup
- Hotels & stays in AlbanyPrimary last-town base — fuel, food, medical; ~1–1.5 hrs to Bluff Knoll
- Mount Barker accommodationCloser inland staging than Albany for a dawn start
- Porongurup staysSouthern neighbour range — useful on a two-park loop, not a Bluff Knoll dawn default
- Cranbrook accommodationNorthern approach town on Chester Pass Road
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Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. All Booking.com links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park entry fees, official day passes and official camping are never affiliated. Disclosure · Tours hub