Porongurup Range National Park was a pleasant surprise despite unfriendly weather over the long weekend in September (2022). Considered as the oldest mountain range in Australia, Porongurup is over 1 billion years old. It is located 15km east of Mount Barker in the South West region of WA. Staying for only 2 days there was definitely not enough to see and experience everything this beautiful place has to offer. So we missed on the famous Granite Skywalk (due to some mishaps and unfavorable weather). But we did climb Devils Slide, which is the highest peak in Porongurup (670 meters).
Devils Slide
It was a challenging and lengthy hike for someone of just average level of fitness. The trail starts from the Tree-in-the-Rock carpark. The first part of the trail (Wansbrough walk) is a relatively easy uphill path. It is 1600 meters in length and goes through majestic karri forest.
It is a beautiful trail with towering trees, lush vegetation, rich in colours, patterns, shapes and textures. The forest is full of sounds of the birds and scent of the plants.
Arriving at the intersection (at the end of Wansbrough walk) we turned right to follow 2,5km one way steep and slippery (due to wet weather) Devils Slide trail to the summit.
The views on the way up were magnificent.
As we reached the summit, the weather changed from sunny to a thick cloud enveloping us with nearly zero visibility This was followed by rain – all within a few minutes. It was quite an experience 😊.
Tree in the rock
Tree in the rock is a unique tree growing through the crack in a rock in Porongurup National Park. It does not stand out as an attraction by itself, but a short walk from the carpark towards it through the forest is nice.
Walitj Meil walk
Walitj Meil trail in Porongurup Range National Park is a short and pleasant hiking trail (only 1km return). It is a great alternative for those who are not fit enough to climb nearby Castle Rock or don’t have enough time for it. Walitj is an Aboriginal name for a wedge-tailed eagle, which is a Noongar totem. Eagles mostly seen flying high in the sky, above the mountain peaks where they nestle.
Walitj Meil trail is best enjoyed if you like to take your time and enjoy noticing little (as well as big) things around you. First, it is the textures of the trunks of the trees. Second, it is the patterns of the leaves. Third, it is the colours of the flowers. And lastly, it is the shapes of the plants. The majestic karri forest through which the trail goes, is full of sounds – birds’ song, rustling of the leaves and grass, squeaking of the tree branches, howling of the wind. Forest in Porongurup Range is very much alive and rich, waiting to be discovered and appreciated in its natural beauty.
It was a relaxing holiday to Porongurup. And while we did not see (and climb) everything we wanted, we did see some interesting things, including plenty of blooming wildflowers (here is a separate post about the flowers).
