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| Visitors |
Much of the Stirling Range National Park lies within the boundary of the Shire and close to the Cranbrook townsite, which is thus ideally placed to service tourists travelling to the Park. Visitor numbers peak during the wildflower season with many coaches from as far afield as the Eastern States making it a regular stopping point on their journeys to the West. The Cranbrook Wildflower Show is renowned for both the quantity and quality of its exhibits and the Centenary of Federation Wildflower Walk on the eastern town boundary provides a leisurely 2km walk for visitors.
There are caravan parks situated in Cranbrook and Frankland River, farm stays, chalets and bed and breakfast establishments to provide a wide range of tourist accommodation.
Frankland River is also an increasing tourist destination with the river, local lakes and plentiful native bushlands providing a varied wildlife and flora habitats. Many species of orchids and fragrant boronias are just some of the delights to be found.
The Frankland River Wine region provides even the most enthusiastic wine taster ample opportunity to test their palate on a large range of medal-winning reds and whites at a large number of wineries.
Historic Attractions
The Old Frankland River Hall site, The Old Post Office, Old School Site, the local horse watering trough, the Race Course, Kenny’s Tank, The Gordon Hall, Haynesdale School Site, Yeriminup Reserve.
Scenic Drives
The Frankland Heritage Trail, a drive of about 160km, highlights the history and development of this mixed farming district. It is an outing recommended for Frankland River locals or those with a strong interest in the history of the Frankland River area, and will take about three hours to complete. Please click here to download a copy of the heritage trail brochure.
Wineries Whilst in the Frankland River area visit some of Australia’s award winning wineries that are renowned for their fresh and fruity whites and full bodied reds. For a list of wineries to visit go to the Local Business Directory for details.
The Stirling Range
The Stirling Range National Park is 64km long, 18km wide and about 1100km² in area. Fifteen peaks are over 1000 metres including the highest Bluff Knoll (1073m) and about 50 over 500metres. Whilst not high by world standards, their sheer ruggedness suggest a far greater height.
The Stirling Range provides the tourist with the opportunity to experience and an entire mountain range maintained in its natural state. It is one of the most outstanding botanical reserves in Australia and is noted for its spectacular wildflowers, some of which are unique to the area and cannot be found growing in their natural state anywhere else in the world.
The Ecology of the Park is very delicately balanced. To ensure its preservation, camping and BBQ’s are permitted only where facilities and provided and picking of wildflowers is strictly prohibited.
Light snow sometimes falls on the higher peaks during winter but rarely lasts more than several hours.
Birds and Animals
Bird life is plentiful with over 130 species being recorded. To name just a few - there are the colourful rosellas, parrots, wrens, honeyeaters, thornbills, robins, wedgetail eagles and emus. Kangaroos and bush wallabies are very common and care should be taken when driving in the early morning or evening. Snakes, some venomous, can be seen in the warmer weather but if left alone are harmless.
Climbing the Peaks
The following peaks are easiest to climb and provide the best views. Average return time is shown in brackets unless otherwise stated.
- Bluff Knoll (3 hrs)
- Toolbrunnup (2½ hrs)
- Mt Hassell (2½ hrs)
- Mondurup (2½ hrs from Stirling Range Drive - no track except on top)
- Mt Magog (2 hrs from Talyuberlup, no tract)
- Talyuberup (2½ hrs)
- Yungermere (3 hrs from Chester Pass Rd, no track)
- Ellen Peak (8 hrs from northern boundary of Park).
Bluff Knoll and Toolbrunnup provide the best views. Many walk tracks now exist throughout the park enabling close viewing of the flora and fauna. Bushwalkers and rockclimbers are asked to register their intention with Park Rangers for safety reasons.
Lakes
Lake Nunijup, approx. 20km from Tenterden, is used for skiing and swimming. BBQ facilities are available.
Lake Poorarecup is the larger of the district lakes and is a popular swimming and skiing area during summer. Change rooms, toilets and BBQ facilities all available. Lake Poorarecup is approx. 40km from Cranbrook, with access from the Frankland Rd.
Wildflowers
The total wildflower species number is almost 1000, of which 100 grow only in The Stirling Ranges. Wildflowers can be seen all year round but are at their best from August to November during which time the Park is a kaleidoscope of colour.
Many species of Banksia, Isopogen, Eucalypts, Smoke Bush, Darwinia (Bell Flowers) and of course, orchids will be flowering at this time.
Walks The Cranbrook Wildflower Walk is something to be experienced. It is located from the parking area on left, 300m from archway on Salt River Rd. This town water reserve abounds with wildflowers in the Spring months, particularly orchids.
Cranbrook Museum
The Old Station Master’s House, Cranbrook Museum, is opposite the Cranbrook Hotel, The Station Master’s House was one of the first houses built in Cranbrook. It is the oldest house still standing in town. The house was built soon after the completion of the Great Southern Railway in 1889.
Recently the Old Station Master’s House was converted into the Cranbrook Museum and is open by appointment. Contact the Shire Office for details.
Sukey Hill Look Out
This scenic lookout, situated at the Telecommunication Relay Station is approximately 5kms east of Cranbrook, off the Salt River Road. From this point, the salt lakes to the north and east, a panoramic view of the Stirling Range and farmlands to the west can be seen.
Recreation
Cranbrook supports a wide range of sporting activities, from water sports available at lakes within the Shire, to the more usual tennis, bowls, cricket, golf, etc. Lakes Nunijup and Poorarecup lie within easy distance to the west of Cranbrook and southeast of Frankland River, while Lake Unicup is close to the far west border of the Shire. They cater for swimming, skiing and sailing. All have toilet and change room facilities.
Cranbrook sports ground was built in 1973 and has facilities for football, cricket, netball and basketball. Toilets, showers, change rooms and a small function area are incorporated in the pavilion.
Currently under development in the centre of town is Frederick Square. The redevelopment will include the provision of Cranbrook’s first fully reticulated grassed oval; cricket pitch and nets; tennis, basketball and netball courts; a change room facility and a children’s playground. Long term planning includes provision of a synthetic bowling green, a skate park and a pavilion/function facility.
All of the previous sporting activities are also catered for at Frankland River which boasts an excellent Country Club servicing the community.
Golf courses are situated at Cranbrook and Frankland River with additional tennis courts within the Tenterden townsite. |
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