Elisha
The Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park is a completely unique attraction near Albany. This suspended boardwalk wraps around giant boulders at the top of Castle Rock, providing panoramic views over the surrounding area.
It’s one of the most popular day hikes and day trips from Albany and is often combined with a visit to the nearby Stirling Range National Park. I hiked up to the Skywalk on my way to the Stirling Ranges in November and was more impressed than I expected with this fun little excursion.
In this post, I’m going to detail everything you need to know about hiking to the Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock in Porongurup National Park.
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Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock Overview
Distance: 4.5 km return
Time: 2 hours
Total ascent: 274m
Trailhead: Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock Carpark on Porongurup Road
Highest point: 670m
Difficulty: Moderate
Entrance fee: Park entry fees apply
Dogs: No dogs are allowed as it’s a national park
Don’t forget! Fees apply to visit this WA national park. Purchase a Parks Pass in advance.
How to Get There
Perth to Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock: 395 km or 4.5 hour drive
Albany to Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock: 44 km or 35 minute drive
The most direct route from Perth is via the inland Albany Highway to Mount Barker, from where you can turn off onto Porongurup Road. It would take 4.5 hours to reach the trailhead from Perth though.
Coming from Albany, it’s just a 35-minute drive from town on Chester Pass Road. It’s about halfway between Albany and Stirling Range National Park, so it’s common for people to combine a trip to both national parks from Albany over a couple of days.
👉 Prefer a tour? Check out this guided day tour to Granite Skywalk Porongurups with wine tasting and lunch included from Albany.
Where to Stay Near Porongurup National Park
If you want to stay close to the Granite Skywalk, then there are a few accommodation options nearby which make for a nice weekend away.
- The Sleeping Lady Private Retreat | The closest option to the Granite Skywalk, this two bedroom chalet is the perfect retreat for exploring the mountains. It’s a really cosy self-catering cabin that overlooks a vineyard. Check it out here.
- Jasmine at Porongurup Chalets | This two bedroom A frame chalet is very close to Porongurup National Park. It’s a self catering cabin with everything you need for a weekend away amongst nature. Check it out here.
If you’re heading up to Stirling Ranges? Stirling Range Retreat is the most centrally located place to stay in Stirling Range National Park. This caravan park offers powered and unpowered camping sites, as well as, cabins and motel rooms. This is where I stayed in my van.
Best Time to Visit Granite Skywalk
You can visit the Granite Skywalk at any time of year as the south west of WA has a pretty mild climate. However, winter will be cold and rainy, and summers can be very hot.
I would suggest hiking up to the Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock in autumn or spring to get the best weather. Spring in particular is considered the best time to visit overall, as you’ll also get to admire the wildflowers in the park as well.
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How Difficult is the Granite Skywalk?
The Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock is considered a Grade 4 walk which means it’s moderately difficult. Despite the short distance, it is a relentless climb for the entire 2km up to the lookout. However, it is on a well-formed dirt track, so navigation is not a problem.
To reach the skywalk, you’ll need to climb up some boulders using the steel rungs that are in place. Then, after walking through some boulders, you’ll face the final climb up a steel ladder to reach the upper Skywalk platform. This bit of climbing at the end is what makes it a little difficult for people, but the metal rungs and handrails in place help a lot.
I saw lots of different people on the trail, including families with young kids, so it’s quite achievable if you have some fitness and allow enough time for breaks.
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How Long is the Castle Rock Walk?
The Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock hike is 4.5 km return from the carpark. This takes about 2 hours on average, including some time to enjoy the views from both the lookouts.
It would likely take a little more time than that if you have young kids or are in a group, as climbing up and down the metal ladder at the top can be time consuming if the trail is busy.
Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock Trail Notes
The car park for the Granite Skywalk is huge, with toilets and a picnic area. There were only a few cars there when I arrived in the afternoon during the week on my way up to the Stirling Ranges. I headed off up the trail to Castle Rock, which began the ascent almost immediately.
The trail was a nice dirt path leading up through the jarrah, marri and karri forest, with plenty of opportunities to admire the large trees and wildflowers along the way. After about 2km of walking, you’ll pass the balancing rock (a large boulder that is perfectly balancing and standing upright) and then come to an intersection where both lookouts can be accessed.
The lower lookout is to the left, which offers a nice view over the rocky outcrops and forest of Castle Rock. Turning around, you’ll see the Granite Skywalk wrapping around the boulders above. I headed back to the main trail and then began the scramble up to the skywalk. The first section has steel rungs to help you clamber up the rocks.
From there, you’ll have a bit of a view on the other side of Castle Rock and you’ll also be able to see the final climb through the impressively large boulders at the summit. You’ll walk through to the steel ladder leading to the skywalk, as rock walls tower upwards on both sides of you.
If there’s other people coming down the ladder you’ll have to wait, but it’s worth it as once you get to the elevated boardwalk, you can walk out to the upper lookout with panoramic views over the Porongurups.
The skywalk has a metal grated floor which you can see through and plastic sides with guardrails. It’s pretty safe, even for kids, and is a completely unique way to explore the summit.
It can be a bit windy up the top, but the views are beautiful. I spent some time admiring the rocky landscape before descending the same way. It would’ve been a really nice place to be for sunset, but I was on a mission to make it to the Stirling Ranges before then. But, I’m so glad I made the effort to stop at the Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock on my way, as it’s stunning!
What to Pack for Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock
Is It Safe to Hike Granite Skywalk Alone?
The Granite Skywalk is a very popular day hike near Albany, and there’s almost always someone on the trail with you. So, yes, the Granite Skywalk is a very safe hike to do solo. However, be careful with the scrambling sections if you’re alone and carry the safety essentials with you like a first aid kit and PLB.
I felt completely safe hiking the Granite Skywalk solo!
Other Hikes to Do Nearby
- Stirling Range National Park: Best Hikes in Stirling Ranges, WA
- Bluff Knoll: Guide to Bluff Knoll Hike in Stirling Ranges
- Albany: 20 Best Things to Do in Albany
- South West: 12 Best Hikes in South West WA
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I did this a couple of years ago and I loved it! Such amazing views up on the top. This region is a special spot in Western Australia for sure!
Agree! This is one of my favourite areas in Australia
[…] located just beyond Porongurup National Park, another rocky, elevated area that is also worth visiting en route to the Stirling Ranges, if […]