Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock

Set in the heart of Porongurup National Park, the Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock is one of WA’s most exhilarating family-friendly hikes, rewarding your efforts with jaw-dropping views, unique granite formations and the thrill of a suspended skywalk wrapped around a massive granite outcrop. It’s a proper adventure for school-aged kids and teens, with a real “we did it!” buzz at the top.

The trail begins from the Castle Rock picnic area in Porongurup National Park, about 45 minutes from Albany and roughly a 4–4.5 hour drive from Perth via Albany Highway. A park entry fee is payable at the ticket booth near the car park. There are basic long-drop toilets at the start – use these before you set off as there are no further toilet stops along the trail. This area is also a good spot to top up water, lather on sunscreen and adjust backpacks before you begin the climb.

From the car park, the walk to the Granite Skywalk is officially around 4.7km return along the Castle Rock Trail, with the gradient steadily climbing most of the way. Families should allow around two hours return with children, more if you like to stop for photos, snacks and playtime on the rocks. The path winds through beautiful jarrah, marri and karri forest, with plenty of birdlife and wildflowers in season. While the trail is well defined, it is uneven, rocky in places and definitely feels like a hike rather than a stroll. Expect some puffing on the way up; there are loads of natural “pull over” spots to catch your breath and soak up the ever-improving views.

Along the way you’ll pass Balancing Rock, an enormous boulder teetering improbably on a smaller base. It’s a great photo stop and a sign that you’re getting close to the main attraction. Kids tend to love clambering around this area and working out how such a huge rock can stay put.

From here, a short final push brings you to the base of Castle Rock and the first viewing platform.

There are two lookouts at the Granite Skywalk, catering to different ages and confidence levels. The lower lookout is the more accessible option, reached via a straightforward walkway with railings and a bench seat. This is a fantastic vantage point if you have younger children, anyone unsure about heights, or family members who have had their fill of climbing for the day. The views already stretch across farmland, out towards Albany on the south coast, and to Mount Gardner, Mount Manypeaks and the Stirling Range on clear days.

The upper Granite Skywalk is where the adventure really cranks up. To reach the suspended walkway, you’ll need to scramble through and over boulders, using steel grab handles drilled into the rock, and then climb a fully enclosed 6m ladder to the platform. This section feels more like basic rock scrambling than a simple bushwalk and suits agile kids and adults who are comfortable with heights and confined spaces. It can be challenging, particularly for younger children or anyone with knee issues or limited mobility, so it’s important to take your time, help one another and be realistic about who in your group attempts it. Those who prefer to opt out can happily relax at the lower lookout and still enjoy sensational views.

Once you’ve made it up the ladder, you’re rewarded with the thrilling sensation of being wrapped around the granite dome on the skywalk itself. The curved steel walkway hugs the rock, giving you panoramic views over the patchwork of farmland, forest and distant peaks. On clear days you can see all the way to the ocean. It’s a brilliant spot for family photos and victory selfies, and kids love spotting landmarks and retracing the line of the trail they’ve just climbed. The engineering and design of the structure are impressive in their own right, and older children might enjoy learning how it was built into the rock without dominating the landscape.

Because this is a proper bushwalk in national park terrain, preparation makes a big difference to how much you enjoy the day. Sturdy, closed-in shoes are essential – it’s a dirt and rock track and you will get dusty. In warmer months, light, breathable clothing, hats and plenty of sunscreen are a must; there’s shade along sections of the track but it can feel hot and still until you reach the breezier outlooks. In cooler or changeable weather, bring a warm layer and a rain jacket as conditions can shift quickly in the ranges. The WA Parks service recommends carrying at least 2–3 litres of drinking water per person for half- to full-day walks and being prepared for sudden weather changes.

Snacks are non-negotiable with kids – think fruit, muesli bars, little treats and maybe a simple packed lunch to enjoy at the lower lookout or back at the Castle Rock picnic area. Hiking poles can be helpful for adults on the steeper, rockier sections, but a sturdy stick picked up along the way often does the trick. As with all WA national parks, dogs and other pets are not allowed in Porongurup National Park, and you’ll need to keep to the marked trails, take all rubbish out with you and be mindful of loose rocks and potential tree-fall, especially on windy days.

The Granite Skywalk is best suited to families with school-aged children who have some walking stamina and a bit of adventurous spirit. Many eight- and older kids thrive on the challenge, particularly if you build in frequent snack breaks and make a game of counting steps or spotting wildlife. The upper skywalk section may be too much for some younger or more cautious children, but the great thing about this trail is that the lower lookout still delivers outstanding views without needing to tackle the ladder and rock scrambles. For many families, that balance of challenge and accessibility makes Granite Skywalk a highlight of a Great Southern holiday.

Whether you’re a regular hiker or a self-confessed “unfit mum or dad” willing to slog it out for the pay-off, conquering Castle Rock together is incredibly satisfying. Between the soaring karri forest, the quirky granite formations and the sweeping panoramas from the top, Granite Skywalk is one of those WA adventures that will stick with your kids long after their legs have recovered.

Address: Castle Rock picnic area, Porongurup National Park, Great Southern, Western Australia
Opening hours: National park is generally open 24/7; day visits recommended. Standard WA Parks entry hours and conditions apply.
Official website: Granite Skywalk – WA Parks