Gibraltar Rock (Western Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gibraltar Rock |
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Gibraltar Rock, Porongurups
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,100 ft (640 m) |
| Geography | |
| Parent range | Porongurups Range |
Gibraltar Rock is a huge granite rock formation. You can find it in the Porongurup National Park in Western Australia. This park is located south of the city of Perth.
From the top of Gibraltar Rock, which stands about 2,100 feet (640 meters) high, you can see amazing views. You might spot the city of Albany and the vast Great Southern Ocean. Since the 1970s, Gibraltar Rock has become a popular spot for people who love rock climbing.
Where is Gibraltar Rock Located?
Gibraltar Rock is about 355 kilometers (220 miles) south of Perth. It is part of the Porongorups Range. This mountain range has thirteen named peaks. Some of these include Twin Peaks, The Devils Slide, Nancy Peak, Castle Rock, and Elephant Rock.
When you reach the top of Gibraltar Rock, you can enjoy views of Albany. You can also see the wide Great Southern Ocean. To get to the rock, you can use Bolganup Road and Scenic Drive.
What Makes Gibraltar Rock Special?
Gibraltar Rock stands tall at 2,100 feet (640 meters). It is made of rough granite rock. Its unique shape has led some people to compare it to the famous Rock of Gibraltar.
This rock is known as a great place for rock climbing. It offers some of the longest and most challenging "slab climbing" in Western Australia. Slab climbing means climbing on a rock face that is not very steep.
The first organized climb by the Climbers Association of Western Australia happened in 1974. One part of the rock is even called Dockyard Wall. It was first rated as a "grade 17 crux climb". This means it was quite difficult.
Over the years, many different climbing paths have been created on Gibraltar Rock. Some of these exciting routes have names like Second Anniversary Waltz, Crime of Passion, Dinosaur, and Zeppelin.
A Bit of History
In 1928, an artist named C. S. Bardwell Clarke showed his watercolor paintings in Perth. One of his artworks featured Gibraltar Rock. Today, there is even a winery that is named after this famous rock.
