Last Updated on 14 February 2026 by Ariana Svenson
We hope you enjoy these things to do in Mount Barker, Western Australia! Mt. Barker – Pwakkenbak is a small country town that has a few interesting attractions that are worth a day’s visit. In addition, it is the closest town to the iconic Western Australia Castle Rock Granite Skywalk, so a great jumping-off point for a visit to the Porongurup National Park.
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 a commitment to the amplification of their voices.
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The other most important of the Mt Barker WA attractions are the wineries. There are some excellent wineries in the area and they can make a great place to stop during the road trip to either Denmark or Albany.
You can pass through Mt. Barker on a day trip to the Stirling Ranges or you could make it a base if you are planning to do a couple of hikes up Bluff Knoll and one of the other peaks!
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.
Apparently, way back in the settler days, someone wanted to recognize one of the powerful and wealthy families of England and named the Shire after the Plantagenet Kings. Just to get you oriented the first Plantagenet King was Henry the 2nd.
Things to do in Mt. Barker WA
1. Old Mount Barker Police Station/ Police Station Museum
The old police station in Mt. Barker WA is the 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 as well as 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 are a range of other buildings on the site including a relocated classroom, and stables.
It is interesting for kids of all ages to see the old equipment, kitchen, the bedrooms, tools, and basically how people lived in the olden days. Older 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 the collection of the different items collected 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.
2. Mt. Barker WA Lookout
If you want to get oriented to Mount Barker it is worth going up to the Mt Barker lookout as the views going on forever. 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 Lookout. For example, the first European climbing of the mound by Dr. Thomas Braidwood Wilson and party in 1829 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. Once the tallest unsupported structure in the southern hemisphere and opened in 1966 to so that the rural folk could receive ABC Television Broadcasts.
3. St. Werbergh’s Church
If you like historical places, then St Werbergh’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 Werbugh’s.
The winding gravel road to St.Werburgh’s Church is very scenic and also off the beaten track. (Its 5km 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. The children were surprised and shocked 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 assist in financing ongoing upkeep and restoration.
4. Mt. Barker Murals
A new addition to the town of Mt. Barker is a series of Murals that were added in late 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 7 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!
5. Mt. Barker Visitor Centre
If you are looking for inside information regarding what there is to do and see around Mt Barker you might like to drop into the Mt.Barker Visitor Centre.
You could ask them about the hours for the Mt. Barker Old Police Station (Museum) or you could ask them for a map of the Mt.Barker Murals!
6. Mt. Barker Country Bakery
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.
7. Mt. Barker Playground
My son absolutely loves the big red tractor at the Mt Barker playground. In addition, there is a fun fairy garden and 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.
8. Visit the Granite Skywalk Castle Rock Western Australia
The Granite Skywalk is by far the most visited place in Mt. Barker WA and with good reason. It is breathtaking. Not only are the views insanely 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 Hike To Granite Skywalk Castle Rock Western Australia. Some of the many topics we cover are:
- What Will I See At The Top Of The Granite Skywalk?
- Tips For visiting the Granite Skywalk Castle Rock Western Australia.
- Is The Castle Rock Granite Skywalk Suitable For Kids?
I should add that we have hiked the Granite Skywalk not once, but twice with kids, and so have different experiences each time. The Granite Skywalk is one of the top things to do in Mt Barker WA
9. Porongurup National Park
Immense granite outcrops, the Porongorups, are visible for many kilometers and are a physical landmark of both size and beauty. The Porongurup subregion’s cooler climate ensures that Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir have an excellent reputation.
It is true that that Porongurup National Park is most well known as the home to the Granite Skywalk – but there is actually more to do around than just that walk!
10. 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. As well as the beauty of the moss-covered granite rocks and the lush forest, the views are magnificent with 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 – its 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 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 and 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 was invigorating joy of a hike to the top of a mountain, with soltitude and spectacular views.
This is one of many trails in the Porongurup National Park. Another is the the three-hour return hike to Marmabup Rock, recommended for experienced bushwalkers.
11. Wildflowers In Porongurup National Park
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.
Porongurup National Park is very close (20 minutes’ drive) and a beautiful option. Alternatively, the Stirling Range National Park is (60 minutes’ drive) and considered one of Australia’s premier locations to view orchids and other spectacular flowers.
Along the way, you may even spot orchids along the edge of the roadside. For general advice about the Western Australian wildlife season, check out our Wildflowers guide.
- Porongurup National Park, covered here The Spectacular Hike to Granite Skywalk Castle Rock WA
- Stirling Range National Park, covered here Bluff Knoll Accommodation & The Stirling Rang
- Twin Creeks Nature Reserve – Knights Road, Porongurup – several walk trails available.
- Mondurup Reserve – Mount Barker –look out for information signs and tracks through the reserve.
- O’Neill Road Nature Reserve – You’ll find it on the outskirts of Barker Town a secret little wildflower hotspot!
12. Stirling Range National Park
While the Stirling Range National Park is just under an hour’s drive from Mt. Barker and therefore isn’t exactly “IN” Mt. Barker WA. I decided to include it in this list of things do in Mt Barker WA as there aren’t really any other towns nearby. From Mt. Barker to the Bluff Knoll Carpark is about 55 minutes drive, and similar to the carpark of Mt. Hassell.
We’d highly recommend making Mt. Barker WA your base for a Stirling Range National Park day trip!
Mt. Barker WA Wineries
The Great Southern Wine Region is considered a very large wine region, even by Australian standards. It touches the southwest Coast and then heads north for almost 100 kilometers (60 miles). Within that area, there are five wine-producing sub-regions within the Great Southern: Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker, and the Porongorups.
Most visitors to Western Australia associate either Margaret River or the Swan Valley with wine production. They are usually surprised to learn that the Great Southern produces around 37% of wine grapes grown in WA.
Due to the unique and varied climates for grape growing from the coast in Denmark and Albany to the drier hinterland in Frankland and Mt. Barker, the area is becoming well known for its Riesling, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, amongst other wines.
We’ve explored things to do in Albany, Denmark, and the Porongorups in these posts:
The Porongorups are covered in this post: Hike to Granite Skywalk Castle Rock Western Australia
13. Plantagenet Wines
Not only are Plantagenet Wines one of the oldest vineyards in the great southern Wine Region– they might actually be the oldest! Their marketing slogan describes the Plantagenet Wines as “wines of provenance and distinction that truly reflect the outstanding Great Southern Wine Region”.
They have a cellar door and restaurant, including a pizza and wine deal for only $20. That is a great filler if you are on your way back to Perth! 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.
14. West Cape Howe Wines
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 WA town itself. While the big metallic vats that you see as you approach West Cape Howe strikes 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. Very 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.
15. Windrush Wines
On our list for our next trip to Mt. Barker WA is Windrush Wines which gets absolutely rave reviews for its interesting, seasonal menu described as fine cuisine.
The family-owned and run restaurant also specialize in Gluten-Free options. We are excited to visit Windrush Wines ourselves and evaluate if it is as good as the reviews indicate!
Accommodation Mt. Barker WA
There are not a lot of options for accommodation Mount Barker Western Australia. Many 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.
In Mt Barker itself, there is Valley Views Motel, with 20 modern units, including family accommodation, chalets, and disabled facilities.
Mt Barker Caravan Park has caravan & camping sites, single rooms to fully self-contained family cabins.
Big Bird and Wolf Chalets, Kendenup
We love the fact that the Big Bird and Wolf Chalets have fully fenced yards so your dogs can run around.
This Frankland Winery has three self-contained chalets with vineyard views.
The Verdict – Interesting Things to do in Mt. Barker WA
So you may never have heard of Mt. Barker WA, and that’s cool. Most people drive right on through as they head to either Denmark WA or Albany, both on the coast.
However, we hope that we’ve given you enough reasons to consider why spending a day – or even a night. 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!
If you are traveling around the area and looking for things to do around the Mt. Barker area, Esperance is a must-see destination. Read all about it in our Esperance guide.
[…] 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.