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Winter wonderland as snow falls in the Great Southern

Albany Advertiser
VideoThe mercury plunged across the South West, but the Great Southern peak was hardest hit.

The Stirling Range has become renown as one of the few places to received snow in Western Australia and as temperatures plummeted overnight, hikers were not disappointed.

Locals and tourists alike climbed more than 1000m to reach the highest peak Bluff Knoll to experience the rare sight.

Michael Betti atop Bluff Knoll.
Camera IconMichael Betti atop Bluff Knoll. Credit: Michael Betti

Albany man Michael Betti was among those who braved the cold and said it was an experience he would never forget.

“Not many people could say that they have seen snow in WA... it felt like another country,” he said.

“There were a lot of climbers out making little snowmen and my friend and I had a little snow ball fight.

Snowmen at the Stirling Range.
Camera IconSnowmen at the Stirling Range. Credit: supplied

“It was hard to start our decent because of the spectacular views but the chill in the air was literally breathtaking.

“I feel like all the climbers and I have shared something that we will all never forget.”

Camera IconCredit: Clinton Grocott

Clinton Grocott and his family left the warmth of their home at 3am this morning to make it to the peak by 5.30am.

“My wife and son went up two years ago when it last snowed, and I wasn't keen, but this time as soon as she heard it was going to happen she talked me into it,” he said.

“We went with two of ours sons Xavier who is 8 and Raymond who is 14.

“My wife Kate said that the snow started a lot lower down than last time and was much much thicker up to 5 to 10 cm in some drifts, it snowed briefly on our way up which was great.

“Being the first ones up meant the snow was pristine and great for snowballs much to (my son) Xavier's delight.

“It was well worth the early start.”

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