Porongurup National Park — Attraction in Porongurup

The Porongurup National Park is situated around 50 km north of Albany and makes for a fun day of hiking through mature Karri tree forests and up mountain sides dotted with huge ancient granite boulders. Entry is AUD$17 per standard vehicle or with a Park Pass.

We visited two sections on the NP on the same day, starting early at the Castle Rock section in the east. From the Castle Rock carpark, there is a popular and fairly easy trail leading up to the Granite SkyWalk platform. Some impressive Karri trees on this trail, a unique Balancing Rock and then the skywalk platform which is free to access for panoramic views of the forests below and landscapes in the distance.

We then made way to the western side of the NP later in the morning and completed the Devil's Slide trail from The Tree In The Rock carpark. This was a challenging yet very rewarding hike with stunning views easily rivalling those at Granite SkyWalk. Liked the look of the Nancy's Peak trail as well and would aim to tackle this one next time around. These trails require more time, fitness, proper walking shoes and are more exposed to the elements.

After completing our morning hikes, we stopped by a couple of the wineries that had open Cellar Doors back on Castle Rock Road to pick up a couple bottles of wine to enjoy at our apartment rental back in Albany. This completed a very rewarding day out hiking in Porongurup NP, a great day trip option for those staying in Albany or within convenient driving range...

I love the Porongurups! I came here as a tiny child in 1957 and knew it felt special. That was 64 years ago. I have lived on our family property in the Porongurups for the last 20 years running our accommodation called Thorns Mountain Retreats. Every day I kiss the ground and say thank you for being able to live in this amazing place and to share it with others. There is magic in the forest, rocks and peaks here. Its a place to be free! We are right next to the National Park so it means our guests can walk just 50 metres and then wander and climb to many of the peaks from here. Pretty special. Look us up! Here are some pics of our property and some secret...

4.4km hike return. Amazing view.

You do have to hike up the mountain to get to the lookout and to the very top. There is no stairs. It is quite a bit of effort so wear comfortable sports/hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water. All levels of fitness will be able to do this just take your time.

It takes about an hour to get to the top so roughly 2 hours in total (there and back, not including the time to take it all in).

It’s only a short skywalk but it is breathtaking. Really worth the workout. You will have to climb up some handles affixed to some stones and then climb up a ladder to the skywalk. But there is a lookout for those who choose not to...