Mount Barker
Mt. Barker is 47km north of Albany along the Albany Highway, is the sleepy gateway to the floral paradise of Porongurup National Park. There are a number of wineries in the area; ask the tourist office about free tastings. The Porongurup Range is the oldest volcanic formation in the world. To get there from town, follow Lowood Rd north and turn right on Albany Hwy, then turn left on Porongurup Road (tourist drive 252). Two of the most popular hikes are the short but very photogenic Castle Rock walk and the slightly longer Tree in the Rock. Both are accessible by right-hand turns from Porongurup Road. Hundreds of varieties of wildflowers, many endemic, have been identified in Porongurup and the nearby Stirling Range National Park. Peak viewing times are September through November.
Most lodging and restaurants are located along the Albany Hwy and the Muir Hwy, which becomes Langton Road as it enters town. The tourist office is in the old train station on the Albany Highway (open M-F 9am-5pm, Sa 9am-3pm, Su 10am-3pm). The hospital is on Langton Rd a few blocks west of the Albany Hwy, and the police are at the corner of Montem and Mt. Barker St. Westrail buses run to Perth and Albany once daily; ask the tourist office for schedules and fares.
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SOUTHEAST OF THE MURRAY RIVER
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