Mount Barker, South West

Mount Barker is a town located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. It was named after a nearby hill, which in turn was named after Captain Collet Barker.

Visitors can participate in the Mount Parker Heritage Trail, which leads them to several interesting and historical sights within and around the town.

One of the town's popular landmarks is the St. Werburghs Chapel, which was built in 1873. It is located within the Egerton-Warburton Estate and continues to serve the community up to the present. One unique feature of this chapel is its lack of electricity, so services and ceremonies are done in candlelight.

The Old Police Station Museum, located along Albany Museum, is another historic attraction worth a visit. This structure was constructed in 1868 by convicts. Open during weekends, the museum contains items and memorabilia related to local history. The museum is also set within a spacious garden with heritage roses.

Other historic buildings in the area include the Mount Barker Post Office and Telegraph Station which was constructed in 1892 and the Plantagenet Hotel which was built in the early part of the 20th century.

Another notable establishment is the Kelly's Cafe Museum, located on Outlands Road. This museum features antiques and collectible items, as well as the unique Dinky Donkey Shop.

The area is also a well-known wine producing region and there are several wineries in Mount Barker that open their cellar doors to allow visitors to sample their wine products. Examples of these are the Fox River Wines along Albany Highway, the Galafrey Wines on Ouangellun Road, Garland Wines on Marmion Street, Goundrey Wines, and the Plantagenet Wines on Albany Highway.

A short drive away from Mount Barker is the Porongurup National Park, which is accessed via the Mount Barker Porongurup Road. This attraction is a popular outdoor destination of the area and provides ample opportunities for bush walking, rock climbing, and animal viewing. There are also numerous bird species that call the forested area home. A lot of wildlife photographers come to this national park for its abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery. Among the highlights in this park are the Marmabup Rock, Devil's Slide, and the Nancy and Hayward Peaks. Visitors also come to the park to view the unusual Balancing Rock formation.

Located north of Porongurup is the Stirling Range National Park, where the spectacular Stirling Ranges is situated. Apart from animal viewing and bird watching, the area is also a suitable destination for those wishing to enjoy the blanket of wildflowers blooming during the warmer months.

There are several celebrations that Mount Barker hosts all throughout the year. One of its most popular events is the Mount Barker D'Vine Wine Festival, which is held every January. During this event, almost all of the area's wine producers come together to showcase their products. The town also comes alive with the Mount Barker Races which is held every November. A visit to the town's visitors center will provide guests with schedule of the racing event. Several racing events are also held every October at the Mount Barker Speedway, which draws visitors far and wide.

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