Cranbrook, Western Australia | Great Southern Treasures

Set against the striking backdrop of Western Australia’s only mountain range, Cranbrook is known as the gateway to the rugged beauty and biodiversity of the Stirling Range National Park. But this land has been significant for far longer than the arrival of settlers; it holds deep cultural, spiritual and ecological meaning for the Goreng and Kaneang people of the Noongar nation.

The Stirling Range, or Koi Kyenunu-ruff in Noongar language, meaning “mist moving around the mountains,” is a sacred place of story and spirit. These peaks form part of a powerful Dreaming narrative that stretches across the Great Southern, and the ranges were, and continue to be, a place for ceremony, teaching and connection to Country. Evidence of ancient presence, such as artefacts and sites of cultural importance, are found throughout the area and are respected as part of an enduring cultural legacy.

European settlement in the region began in the late 1800s, and the township of Cranbrook was officially established in 1889 with the arrival of the Great Southern Railway. Early settlers were drawn to the area’s fertile soils and proximity to the Stirling Range, which offered both a scenic landscape and rich grazing land. Cranbrook grew as a service centre for surrounding farms and quickly became a key point along the railway line.

Today, Cranbrook is a peaceful and welcoming community known for its wildflower displays, walking trails and abundant birdlife. There are over 100 species of birds and more than 1,500 varieties of plants including many rare and delicate orchid. It’s an ideal base for adventurers heading into the national park, where peaks like Bluff Knoll offer breathtaking hikes and views.

Download Town Map Download Region Map

Cranbrook Attractions

Sukey Hill Lookout

Located 5km east of the townsite, off Salt River Road, the lookout provides advantageous views to the salt lakes to the north and east, farmlands to the west and panoramic view of the Stirling Range to the south. The area is abundant in wildflowers in spring.

Show MoreShow Less

Bob’s Lake Bird Hide

A rich and diverse range of avian species can be found here, with 160 species having been recorded at the lake so far. It is regarded as one of the most avian rich wetland systems on private lands in south-western Australia. Access from Brickhouse Road northeast of Cranbrook off the Great Southern Highway.

For more information
Gillamii Centre
(08) 9826 1234

Show MoreShow Less

Cranbrook Museum

This was the first brick house built in the town, it is the oldest brick house standing in Cranbrook and served as the stationmaster’s house. It was built soon after the completion of the railway line in 1889.

Located in Gathorne Street it is open by appointment only by contacting Bernie Climie on 0407 261 123.

Show MoreShow Less

Stirling Range National Park

Cranbrook is the “Gateway to the Stirling Range National Park.” Much of the National Park is located within the boundary of the Cranbrook Shire. Many walk tracks exist throughout the park which gives visitors a close view of the abundant and diverseflora and fauna. In 2009, the area was National Heritage Listed as one of the top 10 biodiversity hotspots in the world.

Show MoreShow Less

Trevelen Farm Wines

The Trevelen Farm vineyard began as part of a 3160 acre farming operation and subsequently has been developed into a very successful wine label. The Trevelen Farm vines were established as an extension of farming operations in 1993, starting the most northerly vineyard /wine label in the Great Southern Wine Region.

For more information
(08) 9826 1052
www.trevelenfarm.com.au

Show MoreShow Less

Pink Salt Lakes

Cranbrook’s Pink Lake is apart of a chain of salt lakes north of the Stirling Ranges that sit along the path of an ancient waterway. These lakes are naturally salty – a contrast to the wetlands of the Upper Kent catchment like Nunijup and Poorrarecup, which were once fresh and have become salinized through the removal of original vegetation and the rising watertable bringing salt to the surface. Please note; this lake is on private land

Show MoreShow Less

Wildflower Walk

On Salt River Road, 300m past the “Gateway to the Stirlings” sign, there is a picnic and parking area on the left. The circuit walk is 1.7km long and is fully signposted indicating the flora and fauna to be found in the area. It has impressive native flora including a number of spectacular orchids, and is best in Spring.

Show MoreShow Less

Plan your trip to the Great Southern Treasures