Mount Wells (Wourahming Hill)

Mount Wells (Wourahming Hill) Information

On top of Mount Wells, a sleeping shelter for eight to ten people has been converted from an old firetower-keeper's hut, complete with an old wood stove. Here walkers can imagine the lonely life of a tower-keeper who would spend many months away from civilisation, keeping a look-out for bushfires.

The original structure was ironically destroyed by fire in 1961, but rebuilt in 1962. It was renovated by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) and a Karnet Prison crew in 1997 for overnight use by walkers on the 'new' Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia's award-winning walk trail, stretching nearly 1000 kilometres from Perth Hills to Albany.

Although the area today is a centre of sophisticated communication systems, the firetower which stands next to the hut is still used occasionally as a fire-lookout. You can climb the tower to a viewing platform with spectacular views which include evidence of major gold mining operations to the south and south-east of the mountain, started in 1987. From the platform, walkers often enjoy a stunning sunset over the Darling Scarp.

A popular day walk in the area (14 kilometres return) is Albany Highway, near North Bannister to Boonering Hill, a giant granite mound rising above the jarrah forest. In spring its fringes are clothed in a dazzling display of pink and gold feather flowers (Verticordia spp.). The hill provides a panoramic reward for the short, strenuous climb to the top.

For walks in this area use Bibbulmun Track Map: 2 or 'A Guide to the Bibbulmun Track - northern half available by visiting: www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au or emailing:friends@bibbulmuntrack.org.au or telephoning 08 9481 0551.