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Castle Rock, Porongurup NP Castle Rock, Porongurup NP

Bush Walk  in South West

Part of Porongurup National Park network
  • 1-3 hours
  • 4.7 km
    • Bush Walk Grade 5

      Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.

The 4.7 km (return) Castle Rock Trail in Porongurup NP starts at the Castle Rock picnic area and climbs through jarrah, marri and karri forest, past the fascinating Balancing Rock to the base of Castle Rock and the lower lookout.

A further steep and challenging climb, scrambling over rocks and climbing a 6m ladder brings you to the Granite Skywalk; an amazing steel structure that winds its way around the massive granite dome, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

 

 

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The massive ancient granite domes of Porongurup National Park rise 670 metres, giving exhilarating views of the landscape, especially from the Granite Skywalk suspended from Castle Rock.

The first part of the trail steadily climbs through the forest to the base of Castle Rock with numerous stone steps along the way and large flat slabs of granite to sit and take in the views or rest a while before ascending further. 

The fascinating Balancing Rock is a massive round granite boulder that balances precariusly on another rounded rock leaving you wondering how long it has sat there and when it may decide to roll away down the hill.

Granite Skywalk is a suspended walkway that spirals around the huge granite outcrop of Castle Rock to the summit. 

The Skywalk has two lookouts, a lower and upper one. The lower lookout is easy to access with amazing views. The upper lookout perches over the side of Castle Rock and requires scrambling over rocks and climbing a 6m enclosed ladder, but the spectacular views are so worth the effort to get there.

Look out over the Porongurup NP, across undulating farmland to Albany on the south coast, the Stirling Ranges to the north and Mt Gardner and Mt Manypeaks to the south-east.

To view a video of the walk and lookouts click here.

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Be trail ready for Castle Rock, Porongurup NP

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

2 .5 hours

Length

4.7 km return

What To Pack

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Castle Rock picnic area on the Mt Barker - Porongorups Road, 40km north of Albany

Get directions

Trail End

Bush Walk

Grade 5

Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

The trail is steep. Reaching the upper lookout at the summit requires scrambling over and under granite rocks and ascending a ladder to the walkway. It is not for those that fear heights as the suspended walkway spirals around Castle Rock to the summit. Wet rocks can be very slippery. Granite surfaces cause serious scrapes to skin. Beware uneven, sloping surfaces. The most difficult part of the trail is the final climb to the Granite Skywalk. Access to the lower lookout is easier and you do not need to climb over rock or up ladders.

Hazards & Warnings

There are slippery, rough and uneven surfaces throughout the park. Be prepared for sudden weather changes. Wear boots or sturdy footwear, weatherproof clothing and sun protection. Notify someone of your expected time of return.

Facilities

Wheelchair access is limited to the trail head picnic area
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Car Park
  • Coach Parking
  • Lookouts
  • All accessible parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • All accessible toilet facilities
  • View Platform

Best time of year

All year round

Fees

National Park fees apply

Trail Access

By road from Albany, Kojonup or Mt Barker

Prohibited Items

No Pets
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18 trail goers have rated Castle Rock, Porongurup NP as 4.5 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Rachael I’Anson

Reviewed 26 Sep 2023, 9:13pm

Amazing. Loved the first 2kms then the change of challenge of climbing up rocks and ladder to get to the skywalk. On the skywalk it was very cold.
The rocks / balancing rock / were astounding.
Marsha Mariasusay

Reviewed 14 Aug 2023, 2:23pm

Lots of steps, beautiful view up the top, definitely worth it.
Jeanette Scanlan

Reviewed 7 May 2023, 8:54am

Loved this. Beautiful walk to the Sky Walk. I was a bit apprehensive about climbing over the rocks to get to the sky walk but watched others and realized it was doable. Just take time and ensure 3 points of contact. Great views.
Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 2 Jun 2022, 8:42pm

Probably the best walk in the park although not a walk in the park. Its challenging for many, especially the rock scramble and ladder climb at the end but I enjoy it every time.
Ahmed Asif

Reviewed 9 Sep 2021, 2:25pm

Though the trail is only 3km, continuous ascend makes it a good workout. The view on top of the skywalk on a clear day is bound to make you speechless, however it would test your spider-man skill to get up to the skywalk. Take plenty of water with you, have a sturdy pair of shoe and be ready to be amazed by the view - on a clear day it's as good as it gets. I will do this every time go near Albany.
Nicole Murray

Reviewed 10 May 2021, 9:39am

I didn't realise this was a Grade 5 walk when I started so I was unprepared for how steep it would be. Still managed it with lots of little breaks.
Loved the signposts counting down the distance left. Despite the difficulty, I really enjoyed the walk. I thought my knees would complain on the way down but it was much smoother than expected. All in all a great walk but be prepared and bring plenty of water!
Mel Shaw

Reviewed 7 Jan 2021, 11:03am

I've had bilateral knee replacements and my son an above knee amputee both did this walk
It was hard but very worth it
I couldn't get to the top and was OK with that
My son went right up and said it was amazing
Well worth the 4 hours it took us to complete
Mel Shaw

Reviewed 7 Jan 2021, 11:02am

I've had bilateral knee replacements and my son an above knee amputee both did this walk
It was hard but very worth it
I couldn't get to the top and was OK with that
My son went right up and said it was amazing
Well worth the 4 hours it took us to complete
Carol Gaby

Reviewed 8 Nov 2020, 8:27pm

Hard track all uphill but when you get near the top the huge granite rocks are stunning and the views are awesome on a clear day. I don't think it's a Grade 5. Grade 4 most of the way with maybe 5 at the very top where you have to squeeze through a rock crack and ascend a ladder. Well worth the climb
Mark Robson

Reviewed 4 Feb 2018, 8:36am

Awesome for a leisurely pace or hike hard to get a cardio hit. You can see the Stirling range inc. sleeping lady.
Mel Wilkinson

Reviewed 12 Apr 2017, 8:47am

A fantastic hike but we under estimated our fitness but if you take it steady and have a break when your tired you will get there. I feel as though the access to the ladder could be made easier? Maybe more climbing handles? I managed it but it wasn't easy and there were some disappointed hikers there who didn't realise the agility required to gain access to the amazing skywalk lookout. Absolutely worth it!!
Jess Kneale

Reviewed 5 Jan 2017, 8:37pm

Absolutely brilliant! Water is a must, as are good shoes, we loved it!
Lauren McCabe

Reviewed 4 May 2016, 7:49pm

This was awesome! If you have a moderate level of fitness, proper shoes and bring water you will have no difficulty with this trail. It is 4.4km and 2-3h return. There is a beautiful lookout at the top if you don't want to do the 'scramble', but note that the short rock climb with steady hand holds is well worth the effort; the view at the very top of Castle Rock is amazing! When driving down Porongurup Rd it is labelled as "Granite Skywalk".
Murray Shiels

Reviewed 31 Dec 2015, 11:12am

Firstly - a correction. This trail is 2.2km each way, not 1.5km each way.
My wife and I did this walk on 28-Dec-15 which was a 40 degree day and it pushed us to our limits. Many people who did not have adequate water or footwear had to turn around. The trail is quite steep and some of the exposed dark red earth or granite boulders were VERY hot. That said, the shade, views and breezes available at the top were DELIGHTFUL. If you are reasonably fit and string and not scared of heights, climbing to the top platform at the end is a breeze.

In summary - well worth it, but don't take it lightly. Wear proper shoes, hat, sunscreen and take plenty of fluids.
Michelle Mulholland

Reviewed 20 Sep 2015, 9:52pm

A beautiful half day walk and explore. Take your time at this place. No rush, many natural delights to see. I came across the place when a local Mount Barker Photographer said I should check it out. The view of Albany and the Southern Ocean , once you climb to the top, is splendid. There was a father and mother with young kids who managed the whole trip, including the rockery pass through, so it is do able for all if you are up for a bit of a small rock climb challenge on the last leg.
Denis Bannan

Reviewed 8 Aug 2015, 10:53am

Arrived early to make the most of the fine weather. Very pleasant stroll but soon breathless due to recent illness and out of condition. But as with Bluff Knoll on a previous trip found that a short rest looking at wild flowers and views north to the Stirling Range restored my system for the steady walk and climb. Great use of trail markers counting down from 2.2kms at the start every 500m . Beautiful coolness and serenity along the frail flanked by flowering shrubs, and mossy rocks and trees. Thoughtful preparation and maintenance of the trail. Views of and from Castle Rock are memorable. Felt refreshed and jubilant on the return journey which was not as jarring on ankles and knees as are many other and steeper trails.
Maureen Cremin

Reviewed 2 Aug 2014, 4:28pm

A steep bush walk up to Castle Rock Skywalk, not for the faint hearted but worth the effort, take a hiking stick grey nomads. The sky walk is impressive with panoramic views of surrounding countryside.
Amy Cowdell

Reviewed 19 Jan 2014, 8:19pm

Lovely hike which kids can manage. Beautiful views from top.

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