The Bolganup Heritage Trail is a short and easy 600-meter loop trail perfect for families in Porongurup National Park, Western Australia. Classified as a grade 2 trail, it takes about 30 minutes to complete and winds beneath towering Karri trees.
The trail leads you to Bolganup Creek and back to the Tree-in-the-Rock picnic area. This aptly named area feels like a natural cathedral with the majestic Karris forming a canopy overhead. Just a short walk away, you can see the namesake Tree-in-the-Rock, a mature Karri clinging to a granite boulder.
The forest around the picnic area boasts a diverse range of flora. Karri and Marri trees dominate the landscape, with karri hazel, wattle, and tassel bush forming the understory. Look for the Australian Bluebell, with its delicate mauve flowers blooming between October and February.
The 2007 fire significantly impacted the Porongurup Ranges, but nature's resilience is evident. Wildflowers, particularly orchids, often flourish in the years following a fire. You'll also see eucalyptus trees reshooting and new moss and grasses emerging. This trail offers a beautiful spot to relax and witness the park's ongoing post-fire regeneration.
Beyond the Bolganup Trail, the Tree-in-the-Rock picnic area serves as a starting point for various hikes, ranging from short 30-minute walks to more challenging treks exceeding five hours.
- Be prepared: Carry 2-3 litres of water per person for half-day walks, and 3-4 litres for full-day hikes. Wear sturdy footwear, weatherproof clothing, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).
- Be aware of conditions: Bushwalking is not recommended during hot and windy conditions due to the increased risk of bushfires. Be cautious of uneven surfaces, slippery rocks, and falling branches (especially karri trees) on windy days.
- Plan ahead: Let someone know your planned route, activity, and estimated return time. Check park alerts for closures.
- Leave No Trace: Bins are not provided. Please take all rubbish with you, including food scraps and properly disposed toilet paper (buried at least 15cm deep). Protect the park's habitat by leaving plants and rocks undisturbed. No pets are allowed.
- Enjoy responsibly: Campfires and open fires are not permitted.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Porongurup National Park is located 23 kilometers from Mount Barker in Western Australia's Great Southern region. For reference, Mount Barker is about 360 kilometers (a 4-hour drive) south of Perth. The 12km long Porongurup Range sits conveniently halfway between Albany (48km north) and the Stirling Ranges.
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Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
We acknowledge the Menang people as the traditional custodians of the land for Porongurup National Park.
Porongurup National Park is a 26.21 square kilometer park nestled in Western Australia's Great Southern region. The park's heart lies in the Porongurup Range, the ancient core of a mountain range formed over 1.2 billion years ago. This range is part of the Southwest Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the world's most diverse ecological zones.
The Porongurup Range is a sight to behold. Massive granite domes rise 670 meters, with Devils Slide standing as the highest peak. Castle Rock (558 meters) offers breathtaking panoramic views from the thrilling Granite Skywalk, a steel viewing platform jutting out from the rock face.
Hikers will find plenty to explore in Porongurup National Park. Trails lead to various peaks and traverse the range, offering stunning scenery, diverse flora, and abundant birdlife. The park boasts incredible biodiversity. Over 750 native plant species thrive in this compact area, making it a wildflower haven in spring and early summer. Look for vibrant displays of Bluebells, Wattles, and orchids. The towering Karri trees are another magnificent sight. Animal life includes colorful robins, shy treecreepers, kangaroos, and wallabies. Rock climbers will also find a challenge in the park's ancient granite domes.
Overall, Porongurup National Park offers a unique blend of history, geology, scenic beauty, and diverse flora and fauna. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Porongurup National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
