The Porongurup Ranges are approximately a 15 minute drive east of Mount Barker and well worth a visit. More than 1,100 million years have passed since the formation of this distinct landform. The Ranges have a number of fantastic walk trails that provide the hiker with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside ... on a clear day you can see Albany in the south and to the north, across the valley, the Stirling Ranges.

ATTRACTIONS
This area has so many attractions it is hard to list them all. Firstly, there are the lovely bushwalks through the Ranges. These range from a short 200m stroll through to the longest trek which crosses Devil's Slide, Nancy's Peak and Hayward Peak.  If you like heights then try the Castle Rock Walk. Once you reach the top you climb up a ladder and you can walk across a bridge which sits atop large granite boulders. The view is outstanding and well worth the walk. Visit the Tourist Bureau, Porongurup Shop or CALM Ranger for more details. Click this link to download a map, bushwalks and drives around and through the Porongurup Ranges.

Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve has been purchased by the community in an effort to retain remnant bushland and a corridor for the native wildlife. This Reserve has beautiful wildflowers and allows the visitor to view the bush as it has been for thousands of years.

The scenic drive around the Ranges is also worth doing. You can take the Porongurups Road, at the end turn right into Chester Pass Road, then take the next left (Millinup Road), when you reach Woodlands Road turn right and head back over the Porongurups. Once again the views are outstanding.

Unique Jarrah Products, located on Spring Road, sells beautiful works of art, as well as functional pieces. Ring the Gallery on 9853 1047 to check for opening times.

Lothlorien Studio houses a craftsman who specialises in blacksmithing and woodworking. The gallery is housed in a straw-bale studio, build by the artist. The artist also produces works of art and functional pieces. Ring the Gallery on 9854 3009 to check opening times.

Maleeya's Thai Cafe & Bamboo Nursery is a beautiful nursery specialising in bamboo and a small number of other plants. The nursery is open every day by appointment. At the Thai Cafe, lunch and dinners can be ordered Friday to Sunday 11.30am to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm. It is recommended you book a table as this is a very popular local restaurant. Take-aways welcome.

Woodlands Retreat