Hike Sullivan's Rock to Monadnocks

Sullivan Rock to Monadnocks is a tricky one to find initially, but once you've worked out where to start and you've got the start of the trail sorted, it's easy from there. Start by pinning the corner of Albany Highway and Jarrahdale Road in your GPS. It's the easiest point from which to locate the Sullivan Rock Picnic Area - the best place to park if you're going to take on the 3 peak hike.

Once you've reach the Jarrahdale Road turnoff on Albany Highway - punch your odometer and drive another 6-7km south - on the right hand side you'll see a small parking area with signs (not easy to spot in the dark). Pull into the first parking area (Herold Rd) and follow the small dirt track right. When facing the highway another small track will appear - this leads to the parking area facing the highway. Once you're parked, cross the highway (watching for trucks) to begin the first part of the hike - you'll see a makeshift bridge and sign that lets you know you're about to enter Sullivans Rock.

Sullivans Rock is an easy ascent - once you're at the top head north (keeping the highway to your left) to find the start of the trail. At the fork turn left, ascending slightly before turning right onto the Bibbulman track. If the trail remains 4WD sized for more than 5 minutes, you've missed the trail turnoff onto the Bubbulman track. In low light it can be easy to miss. If you're going the right way, you'll very soon pass a Dieback Disease wash station (super creepy looking in the dark) - read up and take note.

The first mountain you'll be ascending (and descending) will be Mount Vincent, the summit of which will give you your first view over the eastern bushland and north towards Mt Cuthbert. The way is marked by small rock pyramids - if you find yourself doubting your route keep an eye out for the rock pyramids that friendly hikers have maintained along the way.

Soon you'll be ascending Mt Cuthbert, the summit of which has exposed rock and uninterrupted views of the east. The rock pools reflect sunrise beautifully if you're lucky enough to be up there early enough.

Continuing north on the new Bibbulman Track, you'll soon find yourself at the Monadnocks Campsite. Situated on a hill that has an impressive view, it's not a bad spot to camp. The campsite has 2 water refill tanks, but day walkers are encouraged to bring enough water so that the tanks can be reserved for long haul Bibbulman Track walkers.

The trail will start to loop around back towards the highway quickly, with a much smaller ascent over Mt Randall. Follow the trail back to meet the highway and walk along the highway to the Sullivans Rock picnic spot.

Alternatively, take the old Bibbulman Track (now a 4WD track) back to Sullivan Rock to avoid Mt Randall and walking along the Highway. The walk along the 4WD track is flat and easy, and a nice reprieve after climbing Mt Vincent and Mt Cuthbert.

Highly recommend purchasing a copy of the Bibbulman track maps for this section of the track - or alternatively the waypoint listing for GPS here.

**EDIT - Recent controlled burnouts through this area have made the start of this trail even more difficult to find, please use GPS. This area is often closed for hiking during the Australian summer due to bushfire risk.