Porongurup National Park

We visited Porongurup National Park on a travel day. We were driving from Esperance to Denmark and chose this park to stop at on the way. And oh boy are we glad we did.

I had seen a few reviews of this hike but none really led me to expect how epic it would be. The views, the terrain, just the sheer joy of climbing up this, frankly, bloody huge rock all added to the thrill of this hike. 

Now hiking isn’t always my favourite activity. Sometimes, just the thought of it really makes me dread the thigh burn. However, when there is a purpose to the hike, I definitely get a bit more eager to get going. Usually, that means there is some sort of swimming hole where I can take a dip, however, this particular one, there was just an incredible feat of engineering and yet another weird Australian rock formation. 

FYI – there is also a picnic area and toilets by the car park so make the most of it and enjoy your lunch there. 

I would definitely recommend this one to anyone traveling between Esperance and Denmark. 

The Hike

So how long is it? There are a couple of options for walks in Porongurup National Park but we went with the 4.7km (return) Castle Rock walk to the Granite Skywalk. It was clearly signposted throughout and the pathway clear, so you shouldn’t need to download the route for this one. 

The route is mainly uphill – some parts steeper than others – and is mainly gravel / dirt track. You’ll be climbing over roots, rocks and boulders on this route which does unfortunately mean it is not suitable for those with mobility issues. 

The landscape is typical Australian bush terrain for the area, the silver tint to the green of the trees was really emphasized here, especially when you reached the summit and had the view of the Jarrah, Marri and Karri forests compared to the extensive farmland below. 

As an FYI for the area (not only the Porongurup National Park), there were a lot of flies (we visited at the end of November) but the weather was in the low 20s so at least we weren’t melting from the heat.

If you’re a big fan of bushwalking, this would be a great walk for you to do. The hike there and back only took us just under two hours. Although the guide does say 1-3 hours, with a reasonable level of fitness, it should only take two hours.

The Summit

Once you reach the top of the walk (sort of) you’ll witness an incredible balancing rock. I noted after seeing this that Australia really should be more famous for its weird and wonderful rocks as I can’t believe this one isn’t more famous.

Moving up through the granite rocks, you’ll move over one set and be faced with two options (we did both). One is an easy viewing platform that you can get to in about 30 seconds. No more climbing over boulders, you can take a relaxed stroll and enjoy the view. 

We took option 2 to begin with, scrambling up humongous boulders that had luckily been fitted with some steel handles and step assistants. We had a quick photo op and then continued onto another rock scramble before heading up the 6m ladder to the summit of the highest rock. 

This is where the spectacular engineering really does come into play. How did they create this steel walkway so high up in – frankly – the middle of nowhere? I’m sure I could google it and find out but honestly, I love the magic of not knowing. The walk way takes you around the gray dome and provides spectacular 360 degree views of the forest. It is truly a cracking view and well worth the exertion of getting up there. 

The Descent

I always think coming back down is just as hard as coming up – for different reasons. The way up, you’ve got your heart and lungs racing and having to pretend like you’re not absolutely dying every time someone walks past you. But the way down, you’ve got achey knees and sore feet and you’re probably ready to get back to the car for a well deserved snack. 

Well… this route is not different I’m afraid. At least the hardest bit is done first by climbing back down the ladder and scrambling down the boulders. But once you make it, you’re done and the rest of the trail is relatively easy to complete.

It’s a really fun and exhilarating hike. 100% would recommend this hike and why not tick off the Porongurup national park whilst you’re driving through anyway?

Things to remember for Porongurup National Park:

• Sensible clothing and shoes – this is the bush
• Water Water Water
• Suncream
• Don’t forget your camera

If you’re looking for other things to do on your WA travel days, check out my post on exactly that, here.