3 days ago
Snow falls on Bluff Knoll in WA's Stirling Range National Park
The prospect of a light dusting of snow on one of Western Australia's highest peaks has drawn hikers from hundreds of kilometres away.
Visitors from as far as Perth made the hike up Bluff Knoll in WA's Great Southern region on Monday, the only location in the state to routinely see snow.
While the mercury did not dip as low as predicted, near-freezing temperatures allowed for a slight covering of snow, rewarding hikers who made the 1,100-metre climb.
"We timed it really well ... when we got up there, the cloud closed around us a little bit and then it started snowing on us, which was awesome," hiker Jamie Titmuss said.
"For what we experienced up there, even having a drink at some of the waterfalls that are coming down in various spots up there, that was sensational as well."
Bunbury hikers Finn and Mia were among those who woke in the early hours to trek to the peak, starting their ascent at about 4am.
Braving icy cold temperatures and strong winds, the hikers were delighted with their experience at the top.
"It's massive ... we could nearly go skiing. We made a snowman," Finn said.
At Mt Trio Bush Camp at the base of the peak, operator John Byrne told the ABC he was looking forward to an influx of hikers dropping in to the "ski lodge" to pick up their Bluff Knoll Ski Club membership.
Entry to the tongue-in-cheek club is simple — all they need to do is touch powder during their climb.
"Apparently, there are flurries of snow up there," Mr Byrne said.
"Nobody has come back to the ski lodge this morning yet, but there is a lady who wants to pack a thermos of snow and bring it back to the lodge as proof that she's touched the powder and she's going to be a member."
The Bureau of Meteorology said another cold front in the coming days should create ideal snow conditions on Thursday.
"This also looks like it's got a decent cold pool behind it and the timing looks a little more user-friendly as well, perhaps, the coldest temperatures at some time during Thursday daytime," meteorologist Jessica Lingard said.
