Porongorup views from new Granite Skywalk

• $1.5million Castle Rock structure replaces old lookout
• Part of Liberal-National Government's Rediscover Parks program 

Visitors to the Albany area can now enjoy a spectacular new sight-seeing experience following a revamp of the Castle Rock lookout.

The new structure, known as the Granite Skywalk, is located 48km north of Albany in Porongurup National Park.  Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the stunning panoramic views from Castle Rock were a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

"The $1.5million skywalk includes an upper lookout to replace the old one which was past its use-by-date, along with a lower lookout to provide easier access for people to enjoy the panorama," Mr Marmion said.

"Several handholds have also been installed to help people reach a ladder to climb to the upper lookout."

The Castle Rock day-use site has picnic tables, barbecues and toilets, and meets accessibility guidelines for people with disabilities.  The Minister said Porongurup National Park was one of most distinctive parks in the State.

"The park features numerous walks and picnic areas and has an area of karri forest which is approximately 70km from the main karri belt between Manjimup and Denmark," he said.

"The karri understorey includes some of the very colourful and diverse shrubbery associated with this forest type."

For more information on the Granite Skywalk, call the Department of Environment and Conservation's Albany office on 9842 4500.

      Fact File

• The granite domes of Porongurup National Park rise to 670m above sea level
• The 2,600ha park contains 750 native plant species
• In 2010-11, Porongurup National Park received more than 33,000

Minister's office - 6552 6800

Photo courtesy of DEC