Less than half an hour’s drive east from Mount Barker, or 45 minutes south of Stirling Range National Park, brings you to the unique granite peaks of Porongurup National Park. Around 1,100 million years in the making, the range rises high above marri, jarrah and karri tree forests that are home to some 78 species of birds, including the rare red-eared firetail finch, and 700 flowering plants, such as vibrant yellow acacias and purple hovea. A two-hour return walk via the trail to Castle Rock and the Granite Skywalk will take you to some of the park’s most spectacular vantage points. Next, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, or take your pick from the Great Southern Wine Region’s cellar door restaurants for a leisurely lunch overlooking the vineyards and rolling pastures. Just three kilometres from the Porongurup Shop and Tearooms, on Knight Road, you’ll find another flora and fauna hotspot at Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve. Against the dramatic backdrop of the Stirling and Porongurup ranges, this 511 hectare reserve showcases a stunning and diverse array of orchids in the springtime. You may even spot the majestic wedge-tailed eagle. If you choose to head back to Mount Barker early, pay a visit to the Banksia Farm Botanic Gardens, home to the world's only complete collection of banksias. Overnight in Mount Barker.