Porongurup National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
- CALM Albany (08) 9842 4500
- Park ranger (08) 9481 7133
Introduction
The Porongurup Range, a 40-minute drive north of Albany, is renowned for its stark granite domes and unusual rock formations that rise up out of the lush karri forests. The views from the peaks are spectacular. Below the karri forest, on the lower slopes of the range, are jarrah and marri woodlands. The park is home to around 500 wildflower species, with brilliant displays in spring and early summer. Western grey kangaroos, western brush wallabies and a variety of birds inhabit the park. Unusual rock formations, such as Castle Rock and Balancing Rock, make the range a wonderful place for bushwalking and rock-climbing. There are a number of walking trails. Bolganup Heritage Trail (600-metre circuit, 30 minutes, easy) and the track to The Pass (2 km return, 1 hour, easy) are the most relaxing. More demanding is the walk to Hayward Peak (3 km return, 2 hours, medium difficulty), starting at the Tree in the Rock picnic area (named for the mature karri whose roots extend down through a crevice in a granite boulder); and Devil’s Slide (4 km return, 2 hours, medium difficulty), which is not recommended in wet conditions due to slippery rocks. The walk to Castle Rock (4 km return, 2 hours, medium difficulty) is via the famous Balancing Rock but the last section is difficult. Only experienced bushwalkers should attempt the walk to Marmabup Rock (5 km return, 3 hours, difficult), which takes in Devil’s Slide; and the walk to Nancy Peak (5.5-km circuit, 3 hours, difficult), which heads up the northern side of the range from the Tree in the Rock picnic area, then up and over Hayward Peak, Nancy Peak and Morgans View.
Fact file
Camping
No camping
Location and access
50 km north of Albany via Chester Pass Rd, Mount Barker–Porongorup Rd and Bolganup Rd
Park Information
Size
2511 ha
Where to Stay
Mount Barker/Porongurup
(08) 9963 4172
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