Granite Skywalk Porongorups

Well, you over 50 year old adventurers, here’s something you can challenge yourself with while in the beautiful Porongurups in the South West. I’m sure many of you would have visited the wineries around this region, they do produce some delightful rieslings, so before you head off to lunch consider visiting The Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock in the Porongurup National Park.When you arrive you will find ample parking and some well set out picnic tables with BBQ’s and toilets nearby. There is a day pass entry fee, a ticket machine for visitors (card only) $12 per vehicle or $7 for concession card holders. Read carefully the information displayed at the start point, it will give you a good idea of the fitness level required, it is a 4.4 km round trip and the first half to the top of Castle Rock is all uphill, medium to good fitness level is required to safely complete the walk. The hike trail is a dirt and rock track through the bush with many steps, good walking shoes is a must and walking poles can be of help and be prepared on the hotter days, you will need 2 or more litres of water.The information at the start says you will need 2 hours to go up and back, if your fitness is not so good I would definitely allow extra time. Now the good bit when you get to the top, firstly you will see The Balancing Rock, quite a remarkable sight, it looks like the wind would just blow it over. There are two platforms, the first one is for the less agile, but still offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The other platform needs considerably more effort to get to. You need to climb over rocks and through a narrow gap where grab handles have been drilled into the rock. Then up an enclosed fairly vertical ladder of 20 rungs to the platform sitting on top of Castle Rock, where you will have such a wonderful view, you will no doubt be pleased you took on the challenge.While on the platform have a look and try to imagine the engineering and construction challenges, simply “clever”. Of course don’t forget the camera.

Where: Porongurup Road, Porongurup National Park, Western Australia, Australia

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About Chris & Wayne Bullard

Retirees Chris and Wayne Bullard have 2 kids and 6 grandkids. They love the "grey nomad" lifestyle having been around Australia a couple of times and are going around again!