Porongurup National Park viewed from the south side:
Manyat Peak, Bates Peak, Marmabup Rock, Devil's Slide, Morgan's View, Nancy Peak, Twin Peaks, Collier Peak  Photo courtesy Maggie Shanklin

The Friends of the Porongurup Range is a volunteer organisation of active and dynamic members who share a common interest in protecting the Porongurup National Park and surrounding area by assisting in its upkeep and conservation. Friends include people from all backgrounds and ages: primary producers, hobby farmers, tourist operators, artists, teachers, engineers, and town planners to name but a few. Most members reside locally; some are based in Perth, Albany or further afield and only occasionally visit. Others have family connections or may see a move to the area as a long-term goal.  We are proud to say there is great wealth and diversity of experience within our membership.

Left: Panorama from the viewpoint past smooth rock towers of Twin Peaks to Nancy Peak and Devils Slide in the distance. Right: Castle Rock.  Photos courtesy Rob Olver

Ancient range The Porongurup National Park, a relic of an ancient pre-cambrian mountain range, is estimated to have been formed over 1200 million years ago. Imposing granite domes rise dramatically from plains and feature an outlier of the iconic karri forests. The karri forests are confined to a small area in the southwest corner of Australia which includes Denmark, Pemberton, Manjimup and Walpole. The Porongurup outlier has survived due to favourable soil and moisture conditions; however, as the climate changes these majestic trees may not reach their full growth potential in future generations. Among the giants Karri trees (Eucalyptus diversicolor) rank in height and stature with Australia’s tallest hardwood trees. While the mountain ash, blue gum, and tingle red, commonly record higher, the karri stands proud amongst them. www.nationalregisterofbigtrees.com.au Photos courtesy Maggie Shanklin

Australian National Heritage Listed Park

The Park, recognised for its natural history, ecological significance and exceptional conservation value, has been set aside to be preserved as a national treasure. The Porongurup National Park was placed on Australia’s Heritage List on 4 August 2009. www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/index.html

Biodiversity hotspot

The unique ecosystem and habitat of the Park and environs are recognised as a biodiversity hotpot with over 700 flora including the rare and endangered Ornduffia calthifolia and fine leaved Apium prostratum subsp, Porongurup Range,  300 macro-fungi, and 15 lichen species.  The Park provides habitat for threatened cockatoos: the endangered short beaked Carnaby,  Calyptorhynchus latirostris, the long beaked Baudin C. baudinii and the vulnerable Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo C. banksia nasoo.  http://dpaw.wa.gov.au/plants-and-animals/threatened-species-and-communities/84-listing-of-species-and-ecological-communities. The granite outcrops create a damp refuge for Gondwanan relict species; Porongurup National Park is nationally recognized for a variety of arachnida, in particular, primitive trapdoor spiders.

Integrity of the Park

The Friends work with state and local governments to protect the biodiversity and ecosystems of the Porongurup Range and surrounding areas. We help with conservation and restoration of threatened areas and work to preserve the Park’s heritage and recreational features. We have developed effective partnerships with agencies such as Oyster Harbour Catchment Group, South Coast Natural Resource Management, Gondwana Link and the Department of Parks and Wildlife. Our aim is to ensure the integrity of the Range will be conserved and enjoyed by future generations.

Left: Porongurup sunset from the summit of Devils Slide. Right: Castle Rock. Photos courtesy Rob Olver.

Thank you to the following contributors:

Logo design: Lucia Quearry & Rob Olver

Tree in the background: Lucia Quearry

Local native flora sketches along the bottom of pages: Lorna Long

Website design: Kelly Jones for her creativity and inspiration in the graphic interpretation of our words, pictures and art