The Porongurup Range rises from the landscape like an island surrounded by a sea of giant Karri trees. The 12km long range is 670 metres high, formed of solid granite and is 1.1 billion years old, making it one of the oldest granite ranges the world. A 1.5km walk trail leads you through spectacular forests on your way to the Granite Skywalk.
Enjoy the breathtaking, panoramic views from the 38 metres, upper and lower lookouts atop Castle Rock, just 15 minutes from Mount Barker. Numerous bushwalking tracks cater to different skill levels. Bolganup Heritage Trail is an easy 600 metre stroll and Marmabup Rock Trail is a three-hour walk.
The park also attracts rock climbers and bird watchers and is considered a mecca for botanists, wildflower enthusiasts and photographers with its unique flora (over 700 native species) and prolific bird life. Surrounding the national park are boutique wineries producing cool climate wines and accommodation offering lovely views over the range.
A 15-minute drive east of Mount Barker brings you to the oldest mountain range in the world – the unique Porongurup. Over 1 billion years old, this ancient forest island is home to towering granite peaks, majestic stands of Karri trees and is surrounded by some excellent wineries. Renowned for its awesome natural beauty, wildflowers, colourful local characters and a huge variety of natural sightseeing attractions, the Porongurup is the complete tourism destination.
Hiking and Walking Trails
The Porongurup Range rises from the landscape like an island surrounded by a sea of giant Karri trees. The 12km long range is 670 metres high, formed of solid granite and is 1.1 million years old, making it one of the oldest in the world.
A 1.5km walk trail leads you through spectacular forests on your way to the Granite Skywalk. Here, you can embrace your inner adventurous spirit with a hike to the top of Castle Rock via The Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park. This rewarding hike, involving a final scramble to get to the top, will grant you sweeping views of the stunning landscape including undulating farmland to Albany, huge peaks to the east and mountainous Stirling Ranges to the north.
Food and Wine Trails
Those after a tipple or two will be pleased to hear that the Great Southern is the largest wine producing region by area in Australia. Made up of five wine sub-regions – Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup and Albany – it is renowned for producing a variety of wine styles, including cool climate wines. The Porongurup Wine region, while small, offers stunning scenic landscapes and boutique wineries where you can meet the winemakers and sip on stunning cool climate wines with excellent views. Check out the Porongurup Range Food and Wine Trail.
The Porongurups is also part of The Great Southern Treasures.
