Castle Rock - Granite Skywalk
Climbing the Granite Skywalk in the Porongurup National Park
AUSTRALIA
After spending a few days exploring Perth, we decided to continue driving south and stayed a few nights in Albany. While researching the surrounding area I came across the Granite Skywalk, which was a 650 m climb up to a giant granite boulder located in the Porongurup National Park. On the top of the granite boulder is a big metal walkway that wraps around the boulder, where you get views north to The Stirling Range and south towards farmland and the ocean.
The trail starts at the Castle Rock picnic area and through the jarrah, marri and karri forest to the base of Castle Rock and the lower lookout. Continue on the same trail to get to the Granite Skywalk. The Granite Skywalk is marked as a Class 5 by Western Australia Trails. Based on their website this means that it is "an extreme trail with very rough surface, and may have very steep hills, arduous rock hopping or rock scrambling. Limited or no directional signage. For very experienced bushwalkers with navigation and emergency first aid skills, and high level of fitness."
We felt up for the challenge and the weather was beautiful and clear. We made sure to bring extra water to stay hydrated and started up the trail to the lower lookout. We were blown away by the build of the walkway. The steel path was anchored directly in the rock and provided amazing panoramic views.
As we continued up to the Granite Skywalk, we had to climb over some big boulders. Luckily, they had anchored hand and foot holds into the rock to assist with the climb. At the last section of the trail, we had to climb up a 6 meter long ladder to get up to the final panoramic platform. It was a challenging climb but the view was well worth the effort!
After taking in the spectacular views on the top of the granite boulder, the next part was climbing back down to the bottom. It was challenging climbing up, it was even more so climbing down. But we took it nice and steady and made it back down.
The hike up to the Granite Skywalk is so unique, you need experience it yourself. Be sure to bring lots of water and shoes with good grip! Happy exploring!
