Western Gateway to the Stirling Range
Western Gateway to the Stirling Range
Cranbrook, established in the 1880s, is a pleasant friendly rural town just 10 kms west of the Stirling Ranges. It is central to the surrounding grain, sheep and vineyard country including Frankland River wine region. Stukey’s Hill Lookout just out of town offers extensive views. Cranbrook is an ideal base to visit the Stirling Range with accommodation available at the Caravan Park and the Cranbrook Hotel. The area has prolific wildflowers with the Cranbrook Bell of particular interest. Wildflowers are at their best in spring and the Cranbrook Wildflower display is held in September-October each year.
Both the Cranbrook Wildflower Drive and the Cranbrook Wildflower walk are very popular attractions at this time of the year with many species of wildflowers including a number of orchids to be seen. A number of lakes suitable for swimming and water skiing may be found to the west of Cranbrook.
The Stirling Range National Park is an area of rugged diversity and beauty with 15 peaks over 900m and 50 peaks over 500m. The drive through the park is one of the wonders of Western Australia. It is impossible not to be overwhelmed by the richness of the native flora with over 1000 species of wildflowers including orchids, flowering gums, Banksia, blackboys and the unique Cranbrook Bell to catch the eye. The Mountain Bell plant exists nowhere else in the world. Over 130 bird species, some rare and endangered have been identified.
Frankland, the small settlement 47kms west of Cranbrook, overlooks an attractive valley. Chalet style accommodation is available at a number of the wineries and there is a caravan park in the centre of town. Since the 1970’s the name Frankland River has been increasingly associated with premium wine production and the district is experiencing a huge expansion of vineyards. Since 1997 over 3000 acres of new vineyards have been established with more being planted. The olive industry is also making its mark on Frankland with the largest single planting of olives in Western Australiato be found a few kms west of town. With the expanding wine and olive industry and its proximity to the lakes and the Stirling Range, Frankland is popular with working holiday makers looking to enjoy the region’s attractions whilst picking up casual work at one of the many vineyards or olive groves.
For further information see:
Shire of Cranbrook,
Gateway General Store, Cranbrook and
Frankland Telecentre
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