PORONGURUP | Mount Barker Visitor Centre

Porongurup, a locality just 15 minutes east of Mount Barker, is home to the Porongurup Village, a host of local wineries, vineyards, cellar doors, dining and accommodation experiences, a quaint village shop, craft outlets and of course the annual Porongurup Wine Festival. The varying landscape includes expansive pasture, natural bush land, rare Karri trees groves, fern covered undulating glades and the Porongurup Range National Park (commonly referred to as the Porongurups).

For those visiting Mount Barker, Porongurup is a must see location and tourists are advised to allow plenty of time (at least a few days) to experience what this locality has to offer.

Blessed with a laid back atmosphere, the range of activities on offer caters for every tourist and experience - wining, dining, caravanning and camping, wildflowers, romantic getaways, leisurely bbqs and bush walks, hiking, and mountain climbing and the areas crowning glory, the Granite Skywalk.

Nestled in a lovely rolling glade is the unspoilt and quaint Porongurup Village with the Porongurup general store and tea rooms at its centre, run by affable and well-known local personalities, Scott and Di Drummond. Established in 1937, with its characteristic local iron stone walls, the general store has everything you need, including, fuel, basic groceries, ice creams and drinks, collectables, local arts and crafts, newspapers and magazines, fresh bread daily and tourism information

The tea rooms seats 40 and is the perfect place to start your day with a hearty breakfast or a welcome break between activities for a hot or cold refreshment, a warm fire in winter and a pleasant outdoor seating area.

The village is a hub for the vibrant and very social local community and with major and local event, social and craft activities occurring throughout the year, including the Porongurup Festival, July Snow Ball and Art In The Park.

Make sure you contact or call in to our Mount Barker Visitor Centre before you go to maximise your experience of this totally unspoilt and natural location and ensure you do not miss out on all that is on offer.

Backbone to the Porongurup locality is the ancient and unique Porongurup Range (Porongurups) located within the Porongurup National Park. So make sure you have your National Park pass available at the Mount Barker Visitor Centre.

Porongurups is the oldest mountain range in the world, formed from rocks that are over one billion years old. This ancient forest island is home to towering granite peaks, majestic strands of karri trees, numerous walks and climbs of various grades, breath taking views and a rich diversity of fauna and flora, with over 750 species of plants, including 55 species of orchids.

Raising to 670 meters above sea level, the Porongurup National Park covers an area of 2,511 hectares (6,204 acres).

The name Porongurup is derived from "Purringorep", the local Noongar Aboriginal name for meeting place.

Walks in the Porongurups

Preparation and Survival - The walks are of varying grades, the weather can change quickly and park passes are required. Make sure you assess the walks and pace yourself in accordance with your fitness and health, wear and take appropriate clothing, footwear and sunscreen, don't overload yourself and take plenty of water. Please DO NOT rely on mobile phones for communication as coverage is scarce at best in this area.

The Pass - easy walk from the Tree in the Rock car park; 2km return - allow 1 hr.

Hayward Peak - medium difficulty; 3km return - allow 2 hrs.

Devils Slide - elevation 600 - 650m; moderate, slippery in wet weather; 2km return - allow 2 hrs; side trail from tree in the rock circuit; intriguing rock faces, huge granite formations, splendid views; views to both north and south and a marvellous place to have a picnic lunch.

Marmabup Rock - via Devils slide; for experienced walkers only ; 5km return - allow 5 hrs.

Tree in the Rock Circuit - elevation 600 - 650m; medium walk; allow 2-3 hrs; spectacular views, picnic area, barbeques; takes in Hayward Peak, Nancy Peak and Morgan's Views. Start at the picnic area at end of Bolganup Rd.

Castle Rock - elevation 500m; moderate hike - not for the faint hearted; 1.5km - allow 2-3 hours. Start at picnic area at eastern end of ranges. Head up steep hill through Karri trees. Descend before climbing next hill to Balancing Rock. Here is a wonderful photo opportunity. The next part is not easy. Climb over rocks, through a crevice, up a ladder then along a catwalk to the summit for magnificent views. Other trees are red gum, jarrah.

Wansborough Walk - hard ; 4km - allow 2-4 hrs. From Millinup Road turn onto Wansborough Walk. Where the road divides turn left to the picnic area. The start of walk is up a steep hill and the trail divides to Devils Slide or Nancy Peak.

Scenic Drive 1 - Turn off Porongurup Road onto Woodlands Road then left onto Rangeview Road. Turn left onto Bolganup Road then back onto Porongurup Road.

Scenic Drive 2 - Follow Porongurup Road onto Chesterpass Road, then turn right . At 1.5km turn right onto Millinup Road. At Woodlands Road turn right . Either travel back to Porongurup Road or turn right onto Rangeview Road then left into Bolganup Road and back onto Porongurup Road.