Last year my son Michael and I climbed a number of local mountains. One of those climbs was the walk to the top of Bluff Knoll, the highest point in the southern half of Western Australia.

To the east of Bluff Knoll lies a mountainous wilderness known colloquially as “the ridge walk”. Requiring serious bush-walking, navigation and climbing skills it is, by all accounts, a magnificently hellish place to experience.

It’s on our list.

It’s not near the top of the list, however.

For now, I have to console myself with photos of the region, taken from the ground or from Bluff Knoll.

This painting, showing the view to Ellen Peak at the eastern end of the ridge, is based on photos I took from the top of Bluff Knoll.

Eastern Stirlings. Oil painting by Andy DolphinEastern Stirlings
34x20cm oil on board.
© Andy Dolphin

The photo references were taken mid-afternoon last September. I hope to take another look once the cooler weather settles in later this year. Early morning or late evening should be spectacular.