Cranbrook WA 6321 (Pop 350)

Cranbrook is an Albany region service centre located 330 km s-e of Perth. European pastoralists settled the area from 1860s followed by the all-important railway 20 years later. Settlement proved successful due to the region’s good rainfall and mild temperatures and today Cranbrook is still surrounded by prosperous sheep and cattle farms and also proudly sells itself as the ‘Gateway to the StirlingRanges’. Cranbrook Show (Apr), Wildflower Display (Sept), Art Show (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Station House Museum, Gathorne St.

Nearby: 
Sukey Hill Lookout (5 km east) magnificent district views. Stirling Range NP spectacular park containing 15 peaks over 900 m and 50 peaks over 600 m and about 1 500 flora species. There are numerous truly scenic bushwalks throughout the park including Mt Magog (8 km return - hard); Mt Talyuberlup (3 km return - moderate); Mt Toolbrunup (4 km return - hard); Mt Hassell (4 km return - moderate). Lake Poorrarecup (40 km s-w) water sports. Frankland (46 km west) small pretty settlement with some excellent wineries.

Accommodation:
Cranbrook has a hotel, B&B and caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Council offices, Gathorne St. Tel (08) 9826 1008.

Airport:
Albany Airport (ALH), Albany Hwy. Tel 0418 945 489. (80 km south).

Hospital:
Plantagenet Hospital, Langton Rd, Mount Barker. Tel (08) 9892 1222. (41 km south).