The Castle Rock Granite Skywalk is located in the Porongurup National Park, 44km north of Albany, is definitely a Western Australia bucket list experience. This is a hiking & rock climbing experience that takes you up to the Granite Skywalk for the most breath taking views over the Porongurup Ranges.
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How far is the Castle Rock Granite Skywalk from Albany?
The Castle Rock Granite Skywalk in the Porongurup National Park, is located approximately 44km’s north of Albany.
Do you need a 4WD to access Castle Rock?
No, you don’t need a 4WD to access the Castle Rock picnic area where the walk starts and finishes.
Is there a fee for the Castle Rock Granite Skywalk?
Castle Rock Granite Skywalk is located within the Porongoroup National Park, so fees apply for entry per vehicle. You can find information on DPAW park entry fees here. There is a pay station at the carpark located at the start of the walk trail.
How long is the walk to Castle Rock & the Granite Skywalk?
The walk from the carpark to Castle Rock and the Granite Skywalk is a 4.7 km round walk and takes 1-3 hours depending how much time you spend at the end taking in the magnificent views. This trail is Grade 5 (Suitable for highly experienced self-reliant hikers with specialised skills). The walk to the Castle Rock viewing platform which is at the base of the Granite Skywalk is fairly easy, although it is on a gentle incline the whole way, so you may need to stop for breaks along the way. The trail is well marked and features some rocky sections but is suitable for most fitness levels. The rock scramble and climb up to the Granite Skywalk at the end is what escalates this walk to a Grade 5 walk. Hiking boots/shoes or at least closed in shoes are highly recommended for this walk.
What is there to see on the Castle Rock Walk Trail?
The trail features a steady climb through tall forest and bushland with sections of granite slabs and clearings with amazing elevated views.
You can’t go past getting a photo of you “holding up” Balancing Rock at the base of Castle Rock, just before the lower Castle Rock Lookout.
Is there much climbing to access the Granite Skywalk?
The short answer, Yes! From the base of Castle Rock there is a rock scramble to negotiate your way to the base of the ladder that leads up to the suspended Granite Skywalk. It is quite challenging, however the handles make it possible for those with a moderate level of fitness, without any rock climbing experience necessary.
How high is the Granite Skywalk?
The enclosed ladder up to the Granite Skywalk is 6m tall. On the day we visited it was really windy and some in our party found it too confronting to climb to the top. If you are not good with heights you may also find it’s a bit too much. As an ex mine site operator, climbing tall ladders to open platforms was no problem for me. If you can push past the fear and make the climb, it’s absolutely worth it. I found it exhilarating and the views are absolutely amazing! The platform winds around the outside of Castle Rock and it feels like you are on top of the world.
Is it worth doing the walk if I don’t do the Granite Skywalk?
Absolutely. The 6m climb up the enclosed ladder to the Granite Skywalk is not for the faint hearted or those who aren’t good with heights. If you can do the initial rock scramble, the view here from the granite slab at the base of the ladder is just beautiful. It’s a nice spot to sit and enjoy a drink of water and a packed snack.
If the rock scramble is also a little difficult for you there is a lower platform at the base of Castle Rock that also features stunning views over the Porongurups and is also worth the walk.
Are there any facilities at Castle Rock?
At the carpark, are day use picnic facilities with toilets, BBQs and picnic shelters. There are no facilities at the Castle Rock end however.
Castle Rock Map
Castle Rock Summary
Start: Castle Rock Picnic Area
Distance: 4.4km return
Time: 1 – 3 hrs depending on how long is spend Castle Rock
Grade: Grade 5 (Suitable for highly experienced self-reliant hikers with specialised skills)
Toilets: at the Picnic Area
BBQs: at the Picnic Area
Dogs: Castle Rock is located in the Porongurup National Park so dogs are not permitted
Map: Castle Rock Picnic Area
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Lauren Angove is an adventurous Perth (Western Australia) Mum of two boys who loves to blog about her experiences to inspire other mid-lifers to choose their most adventurous lives now. Keep up to date with her latest adventure inspiration and advice at Always Adventure Ready on facebook.