Improved access to the Granite Skywalk

The 4.7km return Castle Rock Trail in Porongurup National Park 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.

Work commenced in June to upgrade the lower part of the trail where there were some slippery steep sections and water failed to drain away creating pools.

Using locally sourced granite, local stone mason Kim Taylor of KMT Contracting has constructed steps on the trail to facilitate rainfall runoff from the trail surface and to modify the gradient to make the trail more accessible.

Over 415 stone steps are to be constructed to ensure wear and tear of the trail surface is reduced and that the trail complies with sustainable trail-building standards. Erosion and drainage works will also be undertaken while building the stone steps.

Care has been taken to avoid damaging the root systems of adjacent marri and karri trees.

Signage has been installed to inform visitors of site works and guide trail-users so that they can find their way to the upper portion of the trail and get out onto the spectacular Granite Skywalk.

During June, July and August the lower portion of the trail was diverted along an alternative path to avoid construction works. In the coming months, as modifications move higher up the trail, walkers will still be able to manoeuvre past the works to ascend Castle Rock.

Please check the signage in the Castle Rock car park before undertaking this walk.