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Great Southern Highlights - Duke — Image credit: Australia's South West

Agritourism

Flavours of the Porongurup Range Trail

The Flavours of the Porongurup Range Trail is located in one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Here, karri trees and ancient granite boulders signify all that is unique to this beautiful part of Western Australia. While this National Park may be small in size, the Porongurup Range is mighty in its offerings! Enjoy a day trip or stay for a night or two while you experience the many flavours from the local enterprises that capture the essence of the Porongurup region. You can enjoy their award-winning wines, refreshing beers, home-cooked food and tantalising cuisine, while taking in the beauty of this majestic tree-covered range with sweeping views to the Stirling Ranges in the distance. Take this opportunity to meet the locals who have forged the character of this village-like community. They look forward to making your journey through the Porongurup Range a truly memorable experience.

Mount Barker WA

0.9 km away

Mount Barker Hill lookout — Image credit: Australia's South West

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Pwakkenbak (Mount Barker Hill)

A visit to the Mount Barker Lookout, a short three-kilometre drive from the Mount Barker Visitor Centre, is a great way for tourists and visitors to geographically orient themselves. Mount Barker (aboriginal name Pwakkenbak) rises to about 147 meters above sea level and is strikingly adorned with the Mount Barker broadcast tower, one of the tallest unsupported structures in the Southern Hemisphere. Step onto the Rotary Club of Mount Barker Lookout and you can take in views forever. To the north is the Mount Barker wind farm. Turn to the northeast and the green shadowy long undulating ridges of the Stirling Range disappear into the horizon. With your back to the tower, gazing directly east, you can take in the western ridge of the Porongurups. The southern view rolls across expansive lowlands interspersed with various low mountains, with clear days affording glimpses of our amazing south coast. It is a great spot to sit down with a hot drink or picnic lunch and absorb the sheer beauty of the view. Don't forget to bring along a set of binoculars and a camera to get the most out of your visit.

Mount Barker WA

3.9 km away

Nancy Peak, Porongurup National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Nancy Peak, Porongurup National Park

Commencing from the Porongurup carpark, the trail passes by Karri boya-k (Tree in the Rock) before climbing to the top of the mountain's ridge. On the way, the trail passes through different ecosystems such as karri forest and moist glades of mosses. Emerging from the forest on the granite outcrops you will see the views to the Stirling Ranges and the Southern Ocean. Across the outcrops, the trail continues over a few peaks before descending into a pass between Nancy Peak and Devils Slide. Once on the main track between the two, it's a fairly simple karri forest ramble back to the car park. This is one of many trails in the Porongurup area. Other trails range from the Bolganup Heritage Trail, which is an easy 600 metre circuit, to a three-hour return hike to Marmabup Rock which is recommended for experienced bushwalkers only. The Castle Rock trail takes you past the famous balancing rock and up to stand on Castle Rock.

Porongurup WA

20 km away

Porongurup National Park — Image credit: Tourism WA

National Parks and Reserves

Porongurup National Park

Porongurup National Park, within the Mount Barker sub-region of The Amazing South Coast, overflows with local flora and fauna and offers excellent bushwalking with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding plain. Home to the amazing Castle Rock Granite Skywalk, a walking gantry mounted high out from the magnificent Castle Rock affording breathtaking views in all directions. The park is one of the best places in the south for wildflowers - visit during spring and early summer for colourful displays. The ancient granite domes that rise 670m into the air are popular with rock climbers, while birdwatchers flock to see brilliantly coloured scarlet and yellow robins as well as rufous treecreepers. You might also spot western grey kangaroos and brush wallabies.

Porongurup WA

22 km away

Granite Skywalk, Porongurup National Park — Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

Natural Attractions

Granite Skywalk

Over 1,100 million years in the making, the striking granite outcrop of Castle Rock invites you to walk its 670-metre peak and take in a truly exhilarating view from the suspended Granite Skywalk or scale the last few metres to reach the summit. This unique granite range of 12 peaks sits in the heart of Porongurup National Park, just 45 45-minute drive north of Albany. From Perth, you can reach the Granite Skywalk in 4.25 hours via Albany Highway. Allow at least 2 hours to complete the steep three-kilometre return walk and stop to get a closer look at the incredible variety of plant and animal life that makes this region one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. As you ascend the peak, meandering through tall karri and marri trees, you're likely to encounter some of the 78 species of birds and 700 flowering plants, including many rare and extraordinary orchids and lichen varieties. On reaching Balancing Rock, you can access the lower and upper platforms of this remote engineering marvel and take in the views of Albany, Mount Gardner and Mount Manypeaks.

Porongurup WA

26 km away

Sukey Hill Lookout — Image credit: Australia's South West

Natural Attractions

Sukey Hill Lookout

Sukey Hill Lookout offers spectacular views of the Stirling Ranges on the outskirts of Cranbrook. Drive to Sukey Hill, park the car and walk the short distance to the lookout to capture the dramatic landscape on camera. Observe the vast land that stretches beyond the horizon. You will be impressed by the views of the remarkable Stirling Ranges, picturesque salt lakes and thriving farm land. Don’t forget your binoculars, to get the most out of the experience. Located at the Telecommunication Relay Station, the scenic lookout is a 10 minute drive from Cranbrook and four hours southeast of Perth. Head just 5 minutes drive further east from the lookout, where you can explore the Stirling Ranges National Park. Alternatively visit the charming town of Cranbook with its historic buildings, museums and a delightful craft shop.

Cranbrook WA

36 km away

Museum building and surrounds. — Image credit: Recollections of War

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Recollections of War

Step back in time with Recollections of War. More than a collection of objects, it is a museum of stories and a library of living history. Call in and engage with voices from the past, where their loves, losses, hopes and dreams are all laid out for you. Touch, listen and feel. This is a collection of the stories of ordinary people living through war. Find a story or character that resonates with you in the galleries, libraries and displays, or share one of your own. No matter where you come from or what you have experienced, owners John and Kathryn invite you to visit this war memorabilia.

Albany WA

42 km away

Stirling Ranges, Mount Barker — Image credit: Tourism WA

National Parks and Reserves

Stirling Range National Park

The Stirling Range, also known as Koi Kyeunu-ruff to the Noongar people, is one of Western Australia’s mountain wildernesses. The range stretches 65 kilometres from east to west and the tallest peak Bluff Knoll stands at 1059 metres above sea level. At 2500 – 2900 million years old the bedrock of the Stirling Range is composed of metamorphosed sandstones and shales, believed to have originated from an ancient sea. The height and south coast proximity of the range produce a unique climate giving rise to a location that is famous for rare West Australian snowfalls. The Stirling Range is also renowned for its unusual, and sometimes spectacular cloud formations. The unusual climate and soils give rise to a range of wildflowers that are staggering in both their number and beauty. The park is one of the world’s most important areas for flora, with 1,500 species (many of which grow nowhere else) packed within its boundaries and 123 Orchid species. The Stirling Range National Park is a mecca for sightseers, flora lovers, bushwalkers, trekkers and rock climbers alike. Anyone attempting any of the trails should read all safety information before heading out https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/stirling-range-national-park Know before you go and check for alerts, emergency incidents and road/park closures www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au.

Stirling Range National Park WA

43 km away

King River

Natural Attractions

King River

Go fishing and birdwatching at King River in Albany. This scenic river flows into Oyster Harbour at its northern end. Special reserves by the river offer the best chance to see native birds including red-capped parrots, western rosellas, scarlet robins, as well as splendid and red-winged fairy-wrens. King River is a popular place to go swimming and canoeing. Throw in a fishing line and you’re likely to catch black bream, herring or skippy. King River stretches over 27 kilometres and is joined by the large tributary of Mill Brook. The river flows past picturesque scenery including rocky outcrops, high sandy banks and farmland fringed by paperbark trees. Small boats can be launched into the river at the upper and lower bridges. Albany is about a 4.5-hour drive south of Perth or you can fly there in just over an hour.

Albany WA

44 km away

Luke Pen Walk, Albany

Natural Attractions

Luke Pen Walk, Albany

The Luke Pen Walk trail, located 20 kilometres from Albany in Western Australia's Great Southern region, is a beautiful meandering walk trail, closely following the Kalgan River. It offers a lovely mix of vegetation from large marri trees and conifers to farming pastures. Gorgeous views are present all the way along the trail. This easy, well-formed nine-kilometre Top Trail takes approximately four hours to complete and commences at a well-marked trailhead. After a short distance, you arrive at a wonderful shelter shaped like a flying kookaburra. From here, the return walk provides constantly changing views of the river, along with a mixture of vineyards, green pastures with grazing cattle and eucalypt bushland. Ideally, the time to complete this trail is on a sunny day when the countryside is green from winter and spring rains. During summer, there are various places where the trail gently descends to river level so a cooling dip is possible. A great family walk, ideal for strolling (although some sections have a slight incline) and for a picnic lunch. Remember to keep an eye on children as the trail closely follows the river.

Albany WA

44 km away

Oyster Harbour

Natural Attractions

Oyster Harbour

Oyster Harbour is a permanently open estuary covering an area of 15.6 square kilometres. It is used to shelter a fishing fleet carrying out commercial fishing and farming oysters and mussels. The harbour is used by thousands of waterbirds for feeding. Mainly boat fishing takes place in Oyster Harbour but there is some jetty fishing. Likely catches include herring, skippy, whiting, squid, flathead and rock species. Good swimming beaches and picnic areas make Oyster Harbour a great place for a family outing. Experience one of the boat cruises that operate in the harbour and venture up the Kalgan River to explore the natural scenery.

Albany WA

45 km away

Denmark River

Natural Attractions

Denmark River

Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon relaxing by the tranquil Denmark River near the town of Denmark. Grassy lawns and shady trees make this a charming area for picnicking and for children to play. Take a walk along the Mokare Heritage Trail which is an easy three-kilometre circuit around the bridges and along the banks of the Denmark River. Stands of karri and peppermint trees make the trail particularly scenic. The Aboriginal name for the Denmark River is Koorabup, which means place of the black swan – so keep an eye out for these elegant water birds. Denmark River is just a few minute's drive from the town. Denmark is a four to five-hour drive south of Perth.

Denmark WA

47 km away

Scotsdale Tourist Drive

Natural Attractions

Scotsdale Tourist Drive

The Scotsdale Tourist Drive is a magnificent half-day tour of Denmark’s picturesque countryside and spectacular coastline. Enjoy a stroll along the Harewood Forest walk trail to get close to nature and witness native animals and birdlife at home in the forest. Stop at one of many wineries and art galleries along the drive to experience the local wares. The tourist drive takes you along the scenic southern coastline to the serene Greens Pool where you can enjoy a pleasant swim or snorkel in the calm sheltered waters of the Southern Ocean. Relax on the pristine white sand or take a walk along the beach to Elephant Rocks or neighbouring Madfish Bay. The drive commences in the charming coastal town of Denmark, which is a five-hour drive south of Perth. Take advantage of the magnificent coastal location and explore the beaches or alternatively savour Denmark’s culinary delights and award-winning wines. Whilst in the area, allow time to visit the Tree Top Walk which provides you with a unique opportunity to walk amongst the treetops, 40 metres off the ground.

Denmark WA

47 km away

Wilson Inlet Heritage Walk Trail

Natural Attractions

Wilson Inlet Heritage Walk Trail

Enjoy the beautiful views and fascinating changing landscape along the Wilson Inlet Heritage Walk Trail. The walk takes you around the inlet and across the Old Railway Bridge at the mouth of the river. Along the way, you will find many perfect photo opportunities and interesting lookouts. Walk or cycle along the 12-kilometre trail and be sure to deviate down to the beach if time permits. Breathtaking Wilson Inlet is one of the biggest estuaries on the south coast with a sandbar at the mouth that isolates it from the ocean for much of the year. For the water lover the inlet is popular for windsurfing and water-skiing and the avid fisherman will be thrilled with the variety of fish living in the waters. Bird watchers will be amazed at the 240 species of birds that visit the area throughout the year. Wilson Inlet is a short drive from the town of Denmark and five hour's drive southeast of Perth. Allow a full day to explore this stunning setting or stay in Denmark to discover the multitude of attractions the region has to offer.

Denmark WA

47 km away

Valley of the Giants, Tree Top Walk — Image credit: Tourism WA

Agritourism

A Taste of the Valley of the Giants Trail

This trail takes you through the heart of Tingle and Karri environment where you will discover a vast array of local wines, fresh produce, home-cooked gourmet delights. Immerse your senses in the natural environment of Denmark Western Australia and the Walpole Wilderness as you experience cool climate wines and food amongst the ancient forest empire of the Amazing South Coast.

Denmark WA

47 km away

Boston Brewing Co., near Denmark — Image credit: Tourism WA

Agritourism

Denmark Food and Wine Trail

Denmark offers award-winning cool climate wines, quality handcrafted beer and some of the freshest produce in the State. Come experience the authenticity of this region within the Great Southern and the Amazing South Coast. The gentle summer temperatures and higher winter rainfall in Denmark produce some of the finest Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Sample a range of local wines with their distinctive cool climate characteristics and collect a box of your favourites in a Denmark Dozen. Enjoy seasonal locally sourced ingredients over breakfast, lunch or dinner at a choice of restaurants and indulge in locally produced chocolate, gelato, coffee and cake or a craft beer. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the forest and the sea, with tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of busy life. Taste the Denmark experience and you'll be sure to enjoy their local flavour.

Denmark WA

47 km away

Kalgan River

Natural Attractions

Kalgan River

Kalgan River in Albany is a popular place for boat cruises, fishing and birdwatching. The river is 140 kilometres long and passes through steep hillsides of lush forest and rolling farmland before reaching Oyster Harbour. Throw in a fishing line and you might catch black bream, skipper, herring and whiting. Boat cruises regularly explore the Kalgan River and its tranquil waterways are also popular for water skiing and canoeing. Picturesque walk trails along the banks of the river offer some great birdwatching opportunities. Bird species you might see include ducks, cormorants, thornbills, splendid and red-capped fairy wren, grey currawong and the western yellow robin. Albany is about a 4.5 hour drive south of Perth or you can fly there in just over an hour.

Albany WA

48 km away

Wilson Inlet

Natural Attractions

Wilson Inlet

One of the South Coast’s largest estuaries, the Wilson Inlet is a picturesque natural sanctuary and sheltered water playground that’s home to abundant wildlife. The inlet is about two kilometres south east of the country town of Denmark, a five-hour drive south of Perth, or 45 minutes by car from Albany. More than 240 bird species grace the water and shore, including pelicans and Western Australia’s emblem, the black swan - the inlet is called Koorabup (The Place of the Black Swan) by the Nyoongar Aboriginal people. An equally diverse variety of fish are found in the estuary’s waters. Book a fishing charter, or cast a line from your own boat or the shore in search of sand whiting, King George whiting, silver trevally, small snapper, tarwhine, herring and more. Hike or cycle the 12-kilometre Wilson Inlet Heritage Trail - part of the epic Munda Biddi Bike Trail - and discover photo opportunities around every corner, including secluded Crusoe Beach. Hop aboard a river and inlet cruise, hire a kayak or canoe, or bring your own boat, paddle board, windsurfing gear or water ski. You’ll find boat ramps dotted around the inlet, along with a dedicated water skiing area.

Denmark WA

48 km away

Fitzgerald Biosphere

Natural Attractions

Fitzgerald Biosphere

Almost a fifth of all Western Australia's plant species thrive in the diverse landscapes of the Fitzgerald Biosphere, many of these are found nowhere else on Earth. Little wonder this flora hotspot is internationally recognised as one of the world's most botanically significant regions, with a listing in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Fitzgerald River National Park is the centre of the Biosphere and covers more than 300,000 hectares on the south coast of Western Australia, between Bremer Bay and Hopetoun. Only a two-hour drive east of Albany, a 4.5-hour drive west of Esperance, or a 6.5-hour drive southeast of Perth. Take the unsealed road (suitable for two-wheel drives) and walk trails into the heart of the southern wilderness, exploring dramatic peaks, breakaways and plains. Or follow the sealed coastal road, passing a string of untouched beaches to Point Ann - one of just three special locations in Australia where southern right whales calve in large numbers. Between July and October, you can get a front-row seat at this spectacular show. Two camping grounds in the park offer the full wilderness experience.

Centennial Park WA

48 km away

Denmark-Nornalup Heritage Trail

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Denmark-Nornalup Heritage Trail

The Denmark-Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail takes you on a breathtaking journey along the south coast, offering views of some of the most spectacular coastline in Australia. Most of the track is suitable for walking, mountain bike riding or even horse riding. Depending on the time you have available and your fitness, you can choose between trails ranging from 12-33 kilometres in length. The more athletic can complete all three sections or join up with the Bibbulmun Track, which passes through on its way up to Kalamunda, just east of Perth. Following the path of an unused rail track that closed in 1957, the heritage trail deviates inland to meander through the beautiful surrounding forest in parts. The picturesque coastal town of Denmark is located five hours' drive south of Perth. The region offers a number of driving trails and walking tracks for visitors to explore and enjoy the spectacular countryside.

Denmark WA

48 km away

Dog Rock

Natural Attractions

Dog Rock

Named Dog Rock, this huge granite outcrop near the town centre of Albany has an unmistakable likeness to the head of a bloodhound sniffing the air. Dog Rock is a must-do stop on any trip to Albany and is a popular place for that great holiday photograph. There’s even a dog collar painted around this iconic Albany tourism attraction. Dock Rock is located on Middleton Beach Road, and a two-minute walk from the town centre. Albany is a four and a half hour drive from Perth or you can fly there in an hour and a half.

Albany WA

49 km away

PUBLIC Silo Trail Albany, 2018 — Image credit: Photograph by Bewley Shaylor

Landmarks and Buildings

FORM's PUBLIC Silo Trail: Albany

In 2018, the dynamic duo The Yok and Sheryo took on the CBH Group grain silos and referenced Albany’s pristine environment and sea life with one very happy-looking marine creature (and local resident), the ruby sea dragon. The artwork is a playful representation of the real animal, in keeping with the urban aesthetic of both artists, which has been honed across a number of high-profile commissions around the world and countless walls sprayed for street art’s sake. But the ruby sea dragon is one of many art stops in Western Australia’s southernmost port city. A cultural takeover began in April 2016 with urban artists from Europe, Tunisia, Australia and the States getting together with local talent to give buildings and alleyways around York Street a makeover as part of FORM’s annual PUBLIC festival of urban art. Don't miss these out as you explore the historic streets of Albany.

Mount Melville WA

49 km away

The Albany Town Hall

Entertainment Venues

The Albany Town Hall

The Albany Town Hall is one of Western Australia's oldest and grandest historic buildings. Converted into a charming 310-seat regional theatre in 1983, it hosts a number of performances throughout the year. Located on the main street of Albany, four-and-a-half hours southeast of Perth, the theatre is renowned as the best venue of its type in Western Australia Be sure to check out the upcoming performances before arriving in Albany. The theatre offers an extremely enjoyable experience thanks to the comfortable plush velvet seating, state-of-the-art sound and the closeness to the stage. Watch out for the theatre's resident ghost! The coastal town of Albany offers a great selection of attractions for all tastes. Catch a glimpse of the humpback whales passing by on their migration south or visit the Brig Amity replica ship. If you have time, take a drive to the Stirling Ranges and climb Bluff Knoll or join one of the numerous walking trails in and around Albany including the Bibbulmun Track which travels 900 kilometres north to Kalamunda in the Perth foothills.

Albany WA

49 km away

Visitor Hub — Image credit: The National Trust of Western Australia

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Strawberry Hill at Barmup

Strawberry Hill at Barmup sits on Menang Noongar Country at a place called Barmup, meaning ‘place of tall trees’. For many thousands of years, Barmup was an important campsite and place of shelter for Menang people, situated along a well-worn walking track with a ready supply of fresh water. It was on this site in 1826 when the British established a military outpost at King George Sound (later Albany) that the first farm in Western Australia was established, and likely the state’s first fences. In 1833 the new Government Resident at King George Sound, Sir Richard Spencer, purchased the Government Farm, then known as Strawberry Hill. He lived here with his wife, Lady Anne, and their ten children. After a period of neglect, in 1889 Francis and Augusta Maud Bird purchased and restored the house and farmed the land. Transferred to the National Trust in 1964, the place is being conserved to appropriately reflect its significance. The owners have been working hard over recent years to undertake consultation with the Menang people to tell the shared history of this cultural landscape. Start your visit in the award-winning Visitor Hub, explore the new interpretation in the 1836 house and take one of the self-guided tours of the grounds to appreciate the surrounding cultural landscape.

Albany WA

49 km away

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