Sullivan Rock sunset & stargazing hike

About this experience

Sullivan Rock is a broad, low granite dome in Monadnocks Conservation Park, about 35 km past Armadale on Albany Highway in the Perth Hills. The hike runs from Sullivan Rock to the granite top of Mount Vincent, per the listing. The Bibbulmun Track runs right past it. It is a long way from Wave Rock, and this tour does not go there, but the rock is the same kind of ancient Western Australian granite, and you get it at sunset.

The listing's operator, Off The Beaten Track WA, sends a lead guide and a support guide on a 5 km hike from Sullivan Rock to Mount Vincent, through jarrah and banksia forest and out onto open granite slopes. At the top you eat a gourmet antipasto spread while the light goes from day to dusk to dark. Back at Sullivan Rock, astronomer Jacob Einam uses a green laser to trace constellations and planets, then you look through a large telescope.

It runs about 4 hours and costs less than any other tour on this site. The catch is transport: there isn't any. You meet the guides at the Sullivan Rock car park on Albany Highway, so you need a car. The terrain is uneven with a steep climb and descent, though the listing calls it achievable for most people. It has one five-star rating so far, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before helps if the forecast turns.

• A 5 km guided hike from Sullivan Rock to Mount Vincent
• Sunset from open granite slopes above the jarrah forest
• A gourmet antipasto spread on top
• An astronomer with a green laser and a large telescope
• Hiking poles, sunscreen and insect repellent supplied
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

How the day runs

1. Late afternoonMeet at Sullivan Rock

   Drive yourself to the Sullivan Rock car park on Albany Highway near Jarrahdale and meet the lead and support guides.

2. Golden hourHike to Mount Vincent

   Walk through jarrah and banksia forest, then climb out onto the granite. The listing warns of a steep ascent, so take the poles if offered.

3. SunsetAntipasto on the summit

   Settle on the rock for a gourmet antipasto spread as the sky turns from daylight to dusk to darkness.

4. After darkWalk back by torchlight

   Head back down to Sullivan Rock with a head torch. The guides have spares if you do not own one.

5. NightStargazing with an astronomer

   Jacob Einam points out constellations and planets with a green laser, then you view them through a large telescope.

What's included

Who it suits

Tips before you book

• Pack 2 litres of water, as the listing asks. Parks and Wildlife Service says there are no toilets or drinking water at Sullivan Rock.
• Bring a warm layer and a raincoat even after a hot day. Granite tops cool fast once the sun goes.
• Wear sturdy shoes with good grip for the steep, uneven sections. A head torch with a red light helps, or borrow one from the guides.
• Leave the dog at home. Parks and Wildlife Service does not allow pets at Sullivan Rock.
• Curious how granite domes like this form? The Wave Rock geology guide explains the process.

Read next:

• Wave Rock geology and story
• Is Wave Rock worth it?

Frequently asked questions

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