Last Updated on 12 August 2026 by Ariana Svenson
Looking for the best things to do in Mount Barker, Australia? This guide covers 20+ attractions, wineries, local businesses and nearby day trips to help you decide what to see and how long to stay.
Mt. Barker is a small country town in Western Australia with enough interesting attractions to fill a day or a relaxed overnight stay. It’s also the closest town to the famous Castle Rock Granite Skywalk, so a great jumping-off point for a visit to Porongurup National Park.
Mount Barker is particularly worth considering if you enjoy wine, hiking or slower-paced country towns. There are some excellent wineries in the area along with cafés, murals, heritage attractions and independent shops in the town itself.
Not typically considered a stop on many tourist itineraries, Mt. Barker makes a great base to explore some of the amazing biodiversity and plant life of the surrounding areas.
You can also make it a base for visiting Bluff Knoll and the other peaks of the Stirling Range, or a stop while travelling between Perth and Albany or onwards from Albany to Denmark or vice versa.
Whether you have a few hours or a few days in the area, this guide will help you choose the Mount Barker attractions and nearby experiences that are most worthwhile.
Pwakkenbak is the Noongar word for Mt. Barker Hill. The people of Noongar Boodja (Noongar People’s Country) are the traditional owners of the South West of Western Australia, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present and continue our commitment to amplifying their voices.
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History of Mt. Barker Western Australia
When I was a kid, we’d drive through the “Shire of Plantagenet” and I honestly never knew why the area around Mt. Barker was called that. The European name Mount Barker was given in 1829 in honour of Captain Collett Barker.
The wider district later became known as the Shire of Plantagenet, named after the powerful royal family that ruled England during the Middle Ages. Just to get you oriented, the first Plantagenet King was Henry II.
Mount Barker’s economy was based around pastoral farming before apple growing became an important local industry when the arrival of the railway made it easier for farmers to transport their produce. For many years, apples were a big part of Mount Barker’s identity, with the local co-operative handling packing and cold storage before the industry began to decline in the 1960s.
The cool climate is ideal for growing grapes, with the first commercial vines planted in the late 1960s. Today, Mount Barker is best known for its wineries, but its local shops, public art and location near the Porongurup and Stirling ranges are also putting the town on the map.
Location and Getting There
Mount Barker is around 360 kilometres south-east of Perth, with the drive along Albany Highway taking just over four hours. It’s an easy road trip, although you’ll probably want to allow extra time for at least a coffee stop along the way.
From Albany-Kinjarling, Mount Barker is much closer – around 50 kilometres north, or roughly 35 to 40 minutes by car. Driving is definitely the easiest option, especially if you want to visit the wineries, Porongurup National Park or the Stirling Range.
If you’re not driving, Transwa’s coaches connect East Perth with Mount Barker. Albany Airport is the nearest airport, around 40 kilometres away, with flights from Perth.
Things to Do in Mount Barker Town
When I found myself with a random morning “free” in Mount Barker, Western Australia, I thought, “Oh no, what will I do?” But instead, I had a fun and completely unexpected morning exploring the town. There are, in fact, plenty of things to do.
1. Mount Barker Visitor Centre
Location: 622/6 Albany Highway
The Mount Barker Visitor Centre is a useful first stop, especially if you’re planning a visit to multiple attractions and sights.
The team can provide local maps, advice on scenic drives and walking trails, as well as information on wineries, places to eat and other things to do in the surrounding area.
It’s also worth stopping by for recommendations if you have limited time and want to make the most of a day in and around Mount Barker. There’s also a great selection of brochures, maps and locally made gifts.
2. Old Mount Barker Police Station Museum
Location: 31748 Albany Highway, Mount Barker
The old police station in Mt. Barker WA is an old-fashioned building located on the right-hand side as you arrive in Mt Barker from the north on the Albany Highway.
It was built in 1868 by convicts and at first housed both the family of the police constable and those in the lockup! Our guide showed us the bars on the windows of the kitchen, as prisoners were locked in the kitchen at night, after eating first with the family.
There is a range of other buildings on the site, including a relocated classroom, a reconstructed slab cottage, an apple packing shed, and other heritage buildings and stables. It is interesting for kids of all ages to see the old equipment, kitchen, bedrooms, tools, and basically how people lived in the olden days. The children will have an appreciation of how a prison used to be- very small and cold!
The old Mount Barker police station is manned by volunteers of the Plantagenet Historical Society who give a very insightful guided tour. They are very passionate about their topic and involved in collecting the different items there. We thought that we would be able to wander around the rooms ourselves, but this was not the case; you will be accompanied by one of the volunteers.
We spent an hour going through several buildings – but you could spend much, much longer! Our kids enjoyed the Old Police Station itself, the stables, and the school room where they got to teach a class!
The price is $10 per adult and all funds go into the restoration of the many exhibits – in our opinion $10 very well spent.
3. Mount Barker Murals
One of the newer attractions in Mount Barker is a series of murals painted in 2019. The Mt Barker murals were the idea of the local police officer in charge, who invited the Walldogs, a collective of sign painters and mural artists from the United States whose speciality is to capture the history of an area in large-scale public art murals.
There are now seven murals in the centre of Mt. Barker, and each has a different meaning. You can walk up the main street (and hint, over to the playground!) to discover them all!
The must-see is the colourful mural on the Sobrane’s Gallery building. There are plenty more to be found around town!
4. Sobrane’s Gallery
Location: 21 Lowood Rd
Sue Brain, the mural artist, has got a gorgeous building, which was the Westpac Bank, and has been restored, and you can’t miss it. As well as many other murals along the street.
I’ve long admired West Australian street artist Sobrane’s murals around the Denmark area, and the way she captures native flora and fauna. So what a treat to visit her Gallery in Mt Barker, especially finding out that it’s closing down…
5. Spend a Morning Exploring Mount Barker’s Main Street
Mount Barker’s main street, Lowood Road, is well worth a wander if you have a spare morning. There are a handful of cafés, vintage and antique shops, local businesses and places to stop for a coffee or something to eat.
- Two Birds Vintage: 6 Lowood Rd, lots of nice things!
- Little Bit of Barker 11 Lowood Rd: A lovely cafe and restaurant with very friendly service, and I really enjoyed my coffee!
- George’s Bookshop 17 Lowood Road: Closed during my visit but one of the locals’ favourite spots. Set in a lovely heritage building that was once an ANZ Bank, it’s well-worth popping into.
- The Grocery Store Café– 43 Lowood Rd: I had a delicious cake and coffee there. Really chill vibe
- Stranded in Barker Antiques: One of a couple of very cool vintage shops. Also closed during my visit but comes highly recommended by locals.
- Pubs: There are two pubs on the main street – Mt Barker Hotel & Bistro, and the Plantagenet Hotel. Both historic pubs are a great spot for lunch after exploring the main street.
6. Strike Me Pink and Art Chatter
Location: 4 Langton Rd
Another morning, I spent a glorious hour in the nursery, knick-knack and garden shop. Really cute gift shop, garden centre and coffee shop.
Within the Strike Me Pink building, there’s also an art gallery called Art Chatter Mount Barker, which has some fabulous local artists.
7. Mount Barker Country Bakery
Location: 18 Mondurup St
When I mentioned to a friend that we were heading to Mt. Barker WA, they were clear, “You have to stop at the bakery, and it’s the BEST”! Apparently, the Mt. Barker WA Country Bakery has got quite a reputation in country areas for having some delicious pies and cakes.
Inside you’ll also find a huge selection of freshly baked sausage rolls, pastries, slices and artisan breads, alongside quality coffee
8. Mount Barker Playground
Location: Wilson Park, Lowood Road
My son absolutely loves the big red tractor at the Mt Barker playground. In addition, there is a fun fairy garden, a slide, and tunnels. This is not one of Perth’s mega playgrounds, but that doesn’t matter. The kids have had a lot of fun here during numerous visits.
Looking for other amazing playgrounds in WA? Make sure you also read our guides to the best playgrounds in Perth and parks in Albany.
Things to Do Nearby Mr Barker Town
9. Mount Barker WA Lookout
Location: 80 Tower Road, Mount Barker
Distance from Mount Barker Town: 5.4km / 8-minute drive
If you want to get oriented to Mount Barker, it is worth going up to the Mt Barker lookout. Pwakkenbak (Mount Barker Hill) is home to one of the best lookouts in WA, with views across to the nearby farmland, mountain ranges and forests.
If you have binoculars, you can see the Albany Wind Farm, the Stirling Ranges, the Porongorups, the farms, and much more.
There are lots of interesting panels and historical information at the Mt Barker Western Australia Lookout. For example, they explain how Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson and his party became some of the first Europeans to climb the hill during an expedition from Albany – the same expedition that “discovered” nearby Denmark. Another plaque erected by the Plantagenet Historical Society commemorates the pioneer women of the Plantagenet District.
A fun fact: Nearby is the telecommunications tower standing 184m high. was once the tallest unsupported structure in the Southern Hemisphere and opened in 1966 so that the rural folk could receive ABC Television Broadcasts.
10. Werburgh’s Church
Location: St Werburgh’s Road, Mount Barker
Distance from Mount Barker Town: 10.8km / 13-minute drive
If you like historical places, then St Werburgh’s Church might be a lovely detour for you. The road is very near to West Cape Howe, and we had a coffee after our visit to St Werburgh’s.
The winding gravel road to St.Werburgh’s Church is very scenic and also off the beaten track. (It’s 5 km from the main road to the chapel). One of the most beautiful things about Mt Barker, WA is the wide-open spaces, and you certainly feel it during this scenic drive.
There is a real mystery and romance in visiting this small chapel on a windswept hill in the middle of farming lands. It’s a historic landmark that was built using local materials in 1872. The children were surprised by the number of children in the small graveyard who died during infancy or when they were very young.
St. Werburgh’s Church is located on a farm, so remember to close the door and gates as you leave. Donations are gratefully received to help fund ongoing upkeep and restoration.
Day Trips from Mount Barker WA
11. Stirling Range National Park
Distance from Mount Barker: 62km / 45-minute drive (55 min to the Bluff Knoll Car Park)
Mount Barker is a gateway to Stirling Range National Park, which is known for its incredible botanical diversity. It’s home to Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in southern Western Australia, along with many other impressive mountains, scenic lookouts and walking trails. You can park in the Bluff Knoll car park, which is a similar distance from Mt Barker town as the carpark of Mt. Hassell.
If you’re visiting in spring, you’re also in for a treat, with hundreds of WA wildflowers to spot.
We’d highly recommend making Mt. Barker your base for a Stirling Range National Park day trip!
12. Porongurup National Park Day Trip
Location: Porongurup Rd, Porongurup WA 6324
Distance from Mount Barker: 30km / 25-minute drive
As immense granite outcrops, the Porongorups, are visible for many kilometres and are a physical landmark of both size (12km long) and beauty. The Porongurup subregion’s cooler climate ensures that Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir have an excellent reputation.
Indeed, Porongurup National Park is most well known as the home to the Granite Skywalk – but there is actually more to do!
Granite Skywalk and Castle Rock
Not only are the views remarkably good, but it’s also a decent hike up the Castle Rock!
There is a lot to know when you are climbing up to Castle Rock and Granite Skywalk, so we have written a whole post about it which includes plenty of tips, view info, and family-friendly advice. The Castle Rock trail is a 2.2km hike to the skywalk.
I should add that we have hiked the Granite Skywalk not once, but twice with kids, and so have different experiences each time.
Hike Nancy’s Peak
Nancy Peak hike is an excellent circuit walk for people looking for a 2-hour walk that takes you over the main peak of the Porongurup Ranges. Along with the beauty of the moss-covered granite rocks and the lush forest, the views are magnificent: the Stirling Ranges visible to the north, and on a clear day, you can see the Southern Ocean.
Tree in the Rock is only 100m into the Nancy Peak walk and defies all odds – it’s growing in a large granite boulder, its roots going down into a crack.
Earlier this year I left the younger kids with a babysitter, my oldest went on a horse-riding camp, and Mum and I headed off to do the Nancy Peak hike. This was our third attempt; the others with the kids crashing and burning on the uphill section… though they should have been able to do it!
Mum is 78, so while the hike is not long (5.5km), there was always the chance it was too steep and difficult, and we would turn back again. But we didn’t…It’s what the invigorating joy of a hike to the top of a mountain is, with solitude and spectacular views.
This is one of many trails in the Porongurup National Park. Another is the three-hour return hike to Marmabup Rock, recommended for experienced bushwalkers.
13. Spot the Wildflowers of Mount Barker and Around
If you’re visiting Mount Barker between late August and November, you’re in for a real treat. The areas around Mount Barker are some of the top spots in WA for spotting wildflowers, and the phenomenon attracts many tourists to Mount Barker each year. The season officially begins in September, but it varies each year.
Driving nearby, you may even spot orchids along the edge of the roadside.
Some of the top spots include:
- Porongurup National Park – Some unique flora species can be found here. Top wildflowers to spot include Common native wisteria, Candlestick Banksias, purple Enamel Orchids and Cowslip Orchids.
- Banksia Farm – See the world’s only complete collection of Banksias
- Stirling Range National Park – Famous for its incredible botanical diversity
- Twin Creeks Nature Reserve – Knights Road, Porongurup – several walking trails available.
- Mondurup Reserve – Wildflowers to spot throughout the year
- O’Neill Road Nature Reserve – You’ll find it on the outskirts of Barker Town, a secret little wildflower hotspot!
Mount Barker Wineries
Most visitors to Western Australia associate Margaret River or the Swan Valley with wine production. They are usually surprised to learn that the Great Southern produces around 37% of Western Australia’s grapes.
It’s a very large wine region, even by Australian standards, stretching from the south coast inland for almost 100 kilometres. Within that area are five wine-producing sub-regions including:
- Albany
- Denmark
- Frankland River
- Mount Barker
- Porongurups.
Mount Barker is one of the core inland sub-regions of the Great Southern wine region with a cool climate that is ideal for producing premium wines. Vines were first planted in the late 1960s, followed by the neighbouring Frankland River region in the early 1970s. The Mount Barker area now has nine wineries.
Thanks to the varied climates across the five regions, from the cooler coastal areas of Albany and Denmark to the drier inland regions of Mount Barker and Frankland River, the region has earned a reputation for producing outstanding Riesling, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s particularly famous for its crisp dry Rieslings, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and complex Shiraz.
Here are the top Mount Barker wineries to add to your itinerary:
14. Plantagenet Wines
Location: 45 Albany Highway
Distance from Mount Barker: 4 km (5-minute drive)
Plantagenet Wines is one of the oldest vineyards in the Great Southern Wine Region, with vines first planted in 1968.
Their marketing slogan describes Plantagenet Wines as “wines of provenance and distinction that truly reflect the outstanding Great Southern Wine Region”.
I’ve also heard that if you are into history, the royal lineage charts alone are worth the time to browse, and their wines are very good quality and value for money.
The cellar door is open daily for wine tastings, and the restaurant overlooks the vineyards. It’s a great spot for lunch, especially on the drive back to Perth.
15. West Cape Howe Wines
Location: 14923 Muir Highway
Distance from Mount Barker: 11 km (10 minutes west of town)
We visited West Cape Howe Wines en route from Denmark to Perth, as the quickest route goes right past their door! If not, it’s a short detour from Mt. Barker, and it’s home to the historic Langton Vineyard, established in 1978
While the big metallic vats that you see as you approach West Cape Howe strike you as rather industrial, this is a wonderful winery and good for families. A few couples with young children came during our visit, and the kids enjoyed playing on the expansive lawns. It’s family-friendly with reasonable wine prices.
While we have heard that the West Cape Howe platters are delicious, we have only had a coffee. It was very tasty, and the coffee is roasted on-site. They also serve Asian-inspired lunch daily at the Messy Fingers kitchen,
16. Galafrey Wines
Location: 432 Quangellup Road
Distance from Mount Barker: 9.2km / 9-minute drive
Galafrey Wines is a pioneer family-owned estate famous for its uncompromising dry-grown vineyards, cool-climate intensity, and rare grape varieties like Müller-Thurgau. Established in 1977, it is proudly run by the mother-and-daughter team Linda and Kim Tyrer.
The winery is famous for its dry-grown vineyards, where the vines rely on natural rainfall rather than irrigation. The winery is also one of the few places in Australia still producing Müller-Thurgau, a rare white grape variety that has become something of a Galafrey speciality.
You can sample a range of wines while chatting with the knowledgeable staff. Alongside its famous Müller-Thurgau, Galafrey is also well known for its Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
17. Gilbert Wines
Location: 6772 Albany Highway, Kendenup
Distance from Mount Barker: 17km / 12 minutes
Family-owned and operated since 1978, Gilbert Wines has a welcoming atmosphere. The cellar door is in a beautiful country-style building where you can try a range of cool-climate wines.
If you’re visiting around lunchtime, make sure you stay for a meal at Gilbert’s Shed. The menu focuses on fresh local produce, with share platters, wood-fired pizzas and seasonal specials.
Here are some fantastic Frankland River wineries to add to your itinerary:
18. Frankland Estate
Location: 530 Frankland-Rocky Gully Rd
Distance from Mount Barker: 72 km / 47 minutes
Established in 1988, this family-owned winery has a reputation for producing premium cool-climate wines, particularly its award-winning cool-climate Riesling and Syrah. The second generation of the Smith family continues to run the estate today with a focus on sustainable and organic winemaking.
You can enjoy a personalised tasting experience by appointment overlooking the vineyards as well as learning more about the vineyard and the Frankland River area. You must notify them 24 hours before visiting.
19. Alkoomi Wines
Location: 1141 Wingebellup Rd
Distance from Mount Barker: 80km / 51 minutes
Alkoomi Wines is another top Frankland River winery, and they also have a cellar door in Albany. The name ‘Alkoomi’ means the place we choose, and the winery was one of the first in the region, now owned by 3rd and 4th generations of the family.
Guided tastings are available, and if you have time, order a local cheese board. You can book an ‘A Place We Choose Tour’ which takes you on a progressive tasting through the farm and a picnic in the grass.
20. Visit the Wine Festivals and Events
There are a range of wine-themed events and festivals throughout the year including:
- Mount Barker Wine Show – 13th-16th October 2026: A range of prestigious wine competitions that attract wineries from across WA.
- Grapes & Gallops – Usually a day in January: local wine, gourmet food and country racing at the Mount Barker Racecourse each summer.
- Taste Great Southern festival – Usually 3 days between February and April: long lunches, wine tastings and produce showcases.
Mount Barker Wine Tours from Albany
If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, these guided day tours from Albany are an excellent way to experience the Mount Barker wine region.
Here are my top recommendations:
- Mt Barker Grape Escape– This full-day small-group tour visits four wineries, including Gilbert Wines, Plantagenet Wines, Galafrey Wines and West Cape Howe. Your day includes guided wine tastings, a shared platter lunch and a knowledgeable local guide.
- Mount Barker Wine Tasting Day Tour– Tastings at four family-owned wineries, a shared platter lunch and a guide.
Nearby Denmark Wine Tours from Albany
If you’re staying in Albany but would prefer to explore the Denmark wine region, these full-day tours are excellent alternatives.
- Tastes of the Great South– This full-day tour takes you through the best of the Denmark region with visits to boutique wineries, a local brewery and artisan food producers. You’ll enjoy wine tastings, a locally sourced lunch and spectacular scenery.
- Full-Day Tasting Tour with Lunch in Denmark– Spend the day discovering Denmark’s cool-climate wineries, tasting local wines, cheeses and gourmet produce with an experienced local guide.
Accommodation in Mount Barker Australia
There are not a lot of accommodation options in Mount Barker, Western Australia. Some people prefer to travel a little further and either stay in the little-known Porongorups or even head to the coast and stay in Denmark or Albany.
- Valley Views Motel – 31751 Albany Hwy. Located in the centre of Mount Barker, this motel has 20 modern units, including family accommodation, chalets, and disabled facilities
- Mt Barker Holiday Park – 31720 Albany Hwy: Set on 10 acres of bushland within walking distance of the town centre, the park offers caravan & camping sites, single rooms to fully self-contained family cabins.
Accommodation Near Mount Barker, WA
- Big Bird and Wolf Chalets, Kendenup – Just a short drive from Mount Barker, these self-contained chalets are perfect for couples, families and anyone travelling with a dog. We love the fact that the Big Bird and Wolf Chalets have fully fenced yards so your dogs can run around.
- Kendenup Lodge – LOT 836 Newdegate Rd, Kendenup: Set on a working farm at the foot of the Porongurup Range, Kendenup Lodge offers comfortable country accommodation with beautiful views and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. It’s one of the top farmstays in WA.
- Ferngrove Wines, Frankland River – Stay amongst the vines at Ferngrove Wines, where three self-contained chalets overlook the vineyard in the heart of the Frankland River wine region.
- Porongurup Range Tourist Park – 7 Box Hill Road, Porongurup. – Located just 15 minutes from Mount Barker, this peaceful tourist park offers cabins, powered sites and camping at the base of the spectacular Porongurup Range.
Road Trips in The Area
Western Australia is made for road trips. Whether you’re following the Coast, exploring the South West or heading across the Wheatbelt, our detailed itineraries help you plan the journey.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Mount Barker, Western Australia
So you may never have heard of Mount Barker, Australia, and that’s cool. Most people drive right on through as they head to either Denmark WA or Albany, both on the coast.
We hope that we’ve given you enough reasons to consider spending a day – or even a night – in Mt. Barker WA. Mt.Barker gives you a look into a small rural town, with some famous connections, and some fabulous wines!
If you have any other top Mount Barker WA things to do suggestions, leave us a comment below!
[…] While not as well-known as the other towns on the Amazing South Coast, Mt Barker is part of this area and offers interesting historical insight into the area if you are traveling Perth to Albany (or vice versa). We particularly like the Mt Barker Police Station, and it is definitely worth a stop while traveling through. Take a full look at our Things To Do In Mt. Barker WA. […]
[…] You could also make a detour to Mt Barker if tasting some wines takes your fancy. The Plantagenet wine region is well known amongst wine lovers. We’ve covered everything there is to do at Things to do in Mt. Barker WA. […]
We will be creating the final murals to complete the mural trail 16th-20tg November 2022, during our second Mountains & Murals Festival. If you would like any information, please follow our Facebook page – Mountains & Murals Mount Barker WA.