Nunijup is said to mean “place of many snakes” – a descriptive name back when this was a special meeting place for the Kaneang people of the Noongar nation.
Lakes, wetlands and rivers are a window into the health of the broader landscape, and Lake Poorrarecup is no exception, it has seen many changes in fortune over the past century.
At 404m above sea level, this lookout provides a commanding view over the entire region, including both the Stirling and Porongurup mountain ranges.
Porongurup Rd takes you to the base of the spectacular and ancient Porongurup Range, which is mostly protected in a National Park, also with beautiful views of the Stirling Range.
From Sukey Hill you’ll find a spectacular view of the western end of Koi-Kyeunu-ruff (or the Stirling Ranges). But the hill itself is actually a remnant of the original, ancient mountain range.
Balijup Farm has been farmed by the Hordacre family since 1923.
The Castle Rock Granite Skywalk and ground level Walitj Meil walk trail are in the Porongurup National Park.
This is just a small gravel roadside stop with views of Koi-Kyenuruff (Stirling Ranges) and across farmland.
Located 18km east of Katanning on the Nyabing Rd is a treasured recreation site for the local community, as well as a haven for birds.
Nestled between the Porongurups and Stirling Ranges, Twin Creeks is a community owned conservation reserve - purchased and managed by the Friends of the Porongurup Range.
Known to the Noongar community as Dwangup, this is a very significant cultural site and a registered Aboriginal heritage site.
Within a beautiful stand of mature wandoo woodland is the Warrenup wetland, within the Warrenup Reserve. Kenny’s Tank is an old well next to the wetland that is just a short walk off the road.
This drive from Pwakkenbak and Mt Barker takes you out into some very scenic farm land, with the Stirling Ranges as your ever-present backdrop.
This scenic drive option takes you off the bitumen onto a good quality gravel road that takes you up close to the southern side of the Stirling Ranges.
Lake Bryde is a rarity - an ephemeral wetland in the Wheatbelt that has not turned saline. It also hosts some rare plant communities.
This is a remarkable place to witness the effect on the landscape of natural forces and human intervention over time.
Small but picturesque pink lake next to the road - there's nowhere to stop so admire it as you drive past on Great Southern Highway.
The Chinocup Lake system is at the tail end of an ancient Amazon scale river system that once flowed through the Wheatbelt.
Nowanup is a special place. A centrepiece of ecological restoration in the Gondwana Link, it is also a centre for the Noongar community for healing country and healing people.
The intersection on South Coast Highway that leads to the Fitz-Stirling area.
This first stretch of road will take you into the heart of one of Australia’s most important ecological restoration areas.
All the brooks and creeks in this area are tributaries of the Pallinup River, the largest river system on the South Coast.
Just to the north of Chingarrup Creek is Chingarrup Sanctuary the very first property purchased for ecological restoration as part of the Gondwana Link program, back in 2002.
Like nearby Chingarrup Creek, Corackerup Creek is also deeply incised into the surrounding landscape, and is part of a substantial sub-catchment of the Pallinup River.
This property was purchased and replanted for ‘Carbon sequestration, biodiversity and habitat restoration.’
The pullover area adjoins the now privately-owned conservation property that was initially restored by Carbon Neutral. The Corackerup Nature Reserve is over the road.
Many vegetation types, wildflowers and orchids to find here - with signposted walk trails to guide you.
Open woodland makes it easy to wander through this reserve in search of wildflowers and orchids.
Diverse ecosystems abound in this healthy nature reserve.
Queerearup lake has significant historical value for Woodanilling and was once a centre of recreation for the local community.
Twonkwillingup was an important meeting place for Noongar people and is now a chain of wetlands - a haven for birds.
Take this 1.7km walk through predominantly wandoo woodland in spring and be rewarded by many beautiful flowers and a number of spectacular orchids.
Visit this small reserve just south of Broomehill in spring for wildflowers and orchids.
Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre is a wonderful multi-purpose facility dedicated to Malleefowl conservation and to local community development.
Ngowanjerindj is the Goreng Noongar name for Gnowangerup and means place of Malleefowl. The Cultural Heritage Centre is run by the Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation and opened in 2013.
The Gondwana Link Sculpture is on Knights Rd, on the Twin Creek Conservation Reserve. It is part of a broader Genestreams Songlines Sculptures Project.
Tootanellup is a property near Rocky Gully purchased for conservation by Green Skills, to contribute to the Gondwana Link vision.