Mount Magog: Everything You Need to Know

mount magog summit

Nestled in the Stirling Range National Park, Mount Magog is a breathtaking destination and a must-do trail for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike who are looking for a challenge. Standing at 856 metres tall, Mount Magog is the third highest mountain in the range (equal in height to Mount Trio), offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape from the summit.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the Mount Magog trail, including how long the Mount Magog trail is, how hard the Mount Magog trail is, the best time to complete the Mount Magog trail, how much entry fees to Mount Magog are and more.

How Long is the Mount Magog Trail?

The Mount Magog trail is approximately 7km return.

How Long does it Take to Hike Mount Magog?

The Mount Magog hike takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The exact time will vary depending on your fitness levels, how often you stop to rest and how long you spend at the summit.

How High is Mount Magog?

Mount Magog has a height of 856 metres above sea level.

mount magog hike trail information sign

What Grade is the Mount Magog Hike?

The Mount Magog trail is a grade 5 hike. Grade 5 hikes are only recommend for very experienced bushwalkers as the trails are likely very rough, very steep and may be unmarked. They may also require rock scrambling (which Mount Magog did).

How Hard is it to Hike Mount Magog?

The Mount Magog trail is classified as a challenging hike and is seen as one of the more difficult hikes in the Stirling Range. After the easier start on flat path the trail is very steep, rough and rugged. Near the summit you’ll also need to do steep rock scrambling which is particularly demanding on your calves and joints.

In the right conditions and with a can-do attitude, Mount Magog is a very achievable hike and a fun challenge for experienced hikers and adventurers.

Can Anyone Hike Mount Magog?

Yes, despite being a difficult hike anyone can do it, as long as you have a decent level of fitness and agility and no major knee or leg issues. Just make sure to take your time and be aware of your own limits.

Can Kids Hike Mount Magog?

Yes, kids can take on the Mount Magog hike. It is a challenging trail however, with a rough and rugged path and areas of difficult rock scrambling. Therefore, we would only recommend it for older kids who have experience hiking on difficult mountain trails and who will be supervised by an experienced adult.

Can Elderly People Hike Mount Magog?

Yes, older people can hike Mount Magog however the trail is rough and rugged with areas of intense rock scrambling. Listen to your own body and know your own limits, only take on the trail if you have a decent level of fitness and agility and don’t have any knee or leg issues.

The rock scrambling near the summit requires you to use multiple points of contact to lift yourself up so you will also need to be comfortable supporting your body weight.

Can you do the Mount Magog Hike Solo?

Yes, the Mount Magog hike can be done solo. Just be careful and make sure to inform someone else that you’re taking on the trail and your expected return time.

When is the Best Time of Year to Hike Mount Magog?

While you can do the Mount Magog hike at any time of year we would recommend doing the trail during Spring (September-November). The Stirling Range National Park is vibrant with wildflowers in Spring, making the Mount Magog trail all the more beautiful. Spring is also when you can avoid the extreme heat of summer and the harsh weather conditions of winter.

We did the Mount Magog trail during summer and struggled with the heat. The trail provided little shade and coverage which made it worse. To combat this we’d usually start a hike early in the morning but unfortunately we were completing a ‘4 mountains in 48 hours’ challenge for our YouTube channel so weren’t able to wait for better conditions and had to do the trail mid-afternoon. Even though we did the trail during summer we still saw some beautiful wildflowers on the trail.

What is the Best Time to Hike Mount Magog?

You can choose to do the Mount Magog hike at any time, the most suitable starting time however depends on the month of your visit and the weather conditions. We’d recommend starting the hike when the weather is cooler and when you have good visibility. This is typically just after sunrise in the morning.

As the Stirling Range is known for sudden weather changes we’d recommend closely monitoring the weather forecast prior to your visit. If you do the Mount Magog hike on a cloudy day you will have little visibility at the summit.

What Should I Expect on the Mount Magog Hike?

Expect a challenging and varied hike to the third highest peak in the Stirling Range. The trail dips down slightly at the start before becoming a flat walk on a dirt path through woodland (consisting mostly of Eucalyptus Wandoo trees). We spotted the most wildflowers in this woodland section of the trail.

This woodland only makes up a small portion of the trail and soon the trail feels quite open as you’re only surrounded by low-lying bushland. There are multiple sections where the dirt path is exceptionally sandy.

This open, flat part of the trail lasts a couple of kilometres. Overtime you’ll reach the base of Mount Magog which is when the terrain transforms. The trail gets narrower, the surrounding bushland gets thicker making the trail feel more enclosed and the incline begins (starting gradually but getting increasingly difficult).

The trail soon has a rugged and rocky path with a decent incline. Besides the flat walk at the start of the trail it now feels pretty similar to Talyuberlup Peak which includes steep inclines to cover a lot of vertical climbing in such a short distance. Make sure to stop for frequent rests and while you do turn around and appreciate the scenery behind you. With areas of sparse vegetation and short bushland you’ll get decent views of the rest of the Stirling Range and how far you’ve come.

After what feels like forever you’ll reach the ridge between Mount Magog and Talyuberlup Peak. From here it’s a steep scramble to the summit, crossing various rocky outcrops.

Once reaching the summit you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the other Stirling Range peaks. Mount Magog is far to the west of the range, away from the other popular mountain trails so the Mount Magog summit is a fantastic vantage point to look back on all the other trails. The summit is quite small and enclosed by bushland so there’s not much to explore but it does feature a small rock cairn. Take some time to appreciate the incredible view before making your way back down.

How Much does it Cost to Climb Mount Magog?

The Mount Magog trail is within the Stirling Range National Park which has an entry fee. At the time of writing this (March 2023) the fee is $15 per vehicle (with 12 or fewer occupants).

If you’re visiting multiple national parks during your trip we would recommend getting a holiday pass or an annual all parks pass as these will be better value for money. Holiday passes are available for 5 days, 14 days or 4 weeks and annual all parks passes are available for a full year. You can buy these online (here) on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions website.

Are there Toilets at Mount Magog?

There are no toilets at Mount Magog. The closest toilets can be found at the Bluff Knoll car park, which is approximately a 40-60 minute drive away.

Are there Any Other Facilities at Mount Magog?

There are no facilities at Mount Magog except a single picnic bench where you can stop for a picnic before or after your hike.

Do you Need a Map for Mount Magog?

No, you do not require a map for the Mount Magog hike. The trail is typically easy to navigate through as you’re surrounded by dense bushland so the path is obvious. The path becomes less obvious closer to the summit but there are several trail markers here to help you navigate your way to the top.

Is Mount Magog Dog Friendly?

No, unfortunately the Stirling Range National Park (which Mount Magog is within) has a no pets policy. If you plan on taking on the Mount Magog trail you’ll need to leave your dogs (and any other pets) at home.

Is there Phone Reception at Mount Magog?

Yes, we had Telstra reception on the Mount Magog trail and at the summit. The reception was patchy and kept dropping in and out at the car park.

Is the Road to Mount Magog Sealed?

No the road that leads up to the Mount Magog car park (Stirling Range Drive) is an unsealed dirt road. The car park itself is also unsealed. We were totally fine driving on it in our 2WD Mercedes Sprinter van, we just went slowly over the sections that were particularly rough and corrugated.

stirling range drive unsealed dirt road

Is there Parking at Mount Magog?

Yes, Mount Magog has a small unsealed dirt car park at the start of the trail which would fit less than 10 cars. The small car park is accessed via a small one way road off Stirling Range Drive.

There aren’t any designated longer bay parking areas but the area was long enough to park our LWB Mercedes Sprinter van just fine. We were also fine accessing the car park via the small one way road, we did have to go slowly down the road and do multiple point turns to manoeuvre around some of the tighter turns.

Where is Mount Magog?

Mount Magog is located in the Stirling Range National Park within the Great Southern region of Western Australia.

stirling range mountains

How do you Get to Mount Magog?

You will need to drive to get to the Mount Magog trail as there is no public transport available nearby. Make sure to navigate to the ‘Mount Magog’ hiking area in Google Maps (link is here).

How Far is Mount Magog from Perth?

Mount Magog is approximately 380km from Perth, which is about a 4-5 hour drive away (depending on traffic and which route you take).

How Far is Mount Magog from Albany?

Mount Magog is approximately 104km from Albany, which is about a 1-1.5 hour drive away (depending on traffic and which route you take).

Where does the Mount Magog Trail Start?

The Mount Magog trail starts from the car park which is a couple of kilometres away from the base of the mountain. Upon arriving at the Mount Magog car park you’ll notice the trail information sign and the start of the trail in a small clearing amongst the surrounding bushland.

What Should you Wear When Hiking Mount Magog?

You should wear clothes that you are comfortable hiking in. We’d suggest wearing multiple layers that can be adjusted throughout the hike according to the weather conditions as the Stirling Range is known for sudden weather changes. Parts of the Mount Magog trail also have overgrown vegetation so layering up with longer clothing will help prevent scratches and discomfort.

Sturdy and comfortable footwear is also crucial for taking on the Mount Magog hike. Wear trainers or hiking boots that are grippy to help you remain stable while hiking up the rugged path. They also need to be comfortable so you don’t end up with sore feet the next day.

As always, make sure to be sun smart; cover up, wear a hat and apply sunscreen.

What Should you Pack When Hiking Mount Magog?

We’d recommend packing the following items for the Mount Magog trail:

  • Water – bring lots of water to stay hydrated.
  • Snacks – pack snacks to enjoy along the trail.
  • First aid kit – always pack a small first aid kit with basic supplies.
  • Sun protection – including sunscreen and a hat.
  • Camera – photograph the fantastic views with your camera or phone.

Are there any Other Trails near Mount Magog?

Yes, there are lots of incredible trails in the Stirling Range National Park and surrounding area if you’re eager to go on another hiking adventure.

The Stirling Range National Park has five other mountain trails; Bluff Knoll, Talyuberlup Peak, Toolbrunup Peak, Mount Hassell and Mount Trio. If you have the time we’d definitely recommend taking on a couple of the trails as they’re each unique and remarkable in their own way.

If you’re looking for a hike outside the Stirling Range, look no further than the Porongurup Range. The Porongurup Range has many extraordinary hikes including the Castle Rock Granite Skywalk trail and the Nancy Peak and Devils Slide hike.

Enjoy the Mount Magog Hike!

That’s the end of our guide on everything you need to know about Mount Magog. We hope you enjoy the hike and the spectacular views at the summit!

Watch Our Experience Doing the Mount Magog Hike

If you’re interested you can watch our experience doing the Mount Magog hike in our YouTube video below when we took on the Mount Magog hike and the Talyuberlup Peak hike as part of our ‘hiking 4 mountains in 48 hours’ challenge.

Lydia
Lydia

Hey! I’m Lydia.

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