Walking or hiking is a great way to experience the natural landscapes of an area and there is no shortage of walking trails in Australia's South West that pass through some of the region's most striking landscapes. Whether you are after a short stroll or a hiking adventure, there’s a trail to suit your interests and ability.
Below are some of the most popular walking trails in the region, however for a comprehensive list of walking trails in Australia’s South West, visit the TrailsWA website. To ensure you enjoy the region’s many walking trails without impacting on the natural environment, see Leave No Trace Australia for helpful hints and tips.
Bibbulmun Track, Perth to Albany
One of the most recognised walks in the region is the Bibbulmun Track, which stretches for nearly 1,000 kilometres between Kalamunda in Perth and Albany on the south coast. Opened on the 13th of September 1998 the award-winning Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walk trails. The track runs through or near the towns of Collie, Balingup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole and Denmark before finishing in Albany. Along its path are areas of old growth forest, pretty farmland, rugged coastal cliffs and remote beaches. It even passes near some of the region’s most popular attractions like the Gloucester Tree in Pemberton and the Tree Top Walk near Walpole.
Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River Region
Spanning 135 kilometres between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the Margaret River region, the Cape to Cape Track offers beautiful coastal scenery, much of which is inaccessible by car. Between June and December, walkers can spot whales migrating off the coast, and wildflower season between August and November adds another attraction for walkers. Companies offer end-to-end services, transfers and everything in between. All guests to the region can access the track easily enough for a gentle walk or an afternoon of adventure.
Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range National Park
The highest peak in southern WA, located in Stirling Range National Park. A new upgraded walk trail here will take you to the summit, 1099m above sea level. Allow three to four hours (return) to conquer. From the peaks of mountainous range, the views are vast and breath-taking. Our tip: This is a great spot to watch the sun rise over the ancient range.
Granite Skywalk, Porongurup
Granite Skywalk. A steep 3km-return walk trail leads you through the spectacular forests of the Porongurup National Park to the Granite Skywalk. Enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views from the 38m upper and lower lookouts atop Castle Rock, just 15 minutes from Mount Barker.
Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, near Denmark
Located between Walpole and Denmark, this disabled access 600m-long tree top walk rises 40m above the forest floor. Walk along the forest canopy then, down below, visit the Ancient Empire – a grove of massive, 400-year old tingle trees.
Bald Head Walk Trail, Torndirrup National Park near Albany
A strenuous 12.5km return walk over Isthmus Hill and Limestone Head, finishing at Bald Head, the most eastern point of the park. This hike offers great coastal views and is a good place for spotting whales from May - October.
Mount Frankland, Walpole
Head to the disabled access Wilderness View Lookout at Mount Frankland, or take the difficult 1km trail to the peak of Mount Frankland for stunning views of karri, jarrah and tingle forests, abseil down a 150m drop (permit required) or take one of the walk trails around the base of this 411m-high granite outcrop.
Other walking trails in Australia's South West
Mangrove Cove, Bunbury
In the Leschenault Inlet, the southern-most mangroves in Western Australia are home to over 60 species of water bird. Follow the easy, 5km trail along the edge of the inlet, where you can read about the adventures and mishaps of early explorers.
Crooked Brook Forest Wildflower Walk near Dardanup
Short sealed walk trail that is wheelchair accessible and ideal for viewing wildflowers in spring.
Jabitj Trail, Wellington National Park near Collie
The 12km return walk trail begins at Wellington Dam and follows the Collie River to Honeymoon Pool, passing through old-growth jarrah forest and over steep granite outcrops, offering wonderful views of the rapids and the tranquil pools of the Collie River.
Kondil Park Wildflower Walk, Nannup
The wildflower walk in Kondil Park on the Blackwood River offers spectacular views in spring when the forest floor becomes a carpet of colour.
Greenbushes Loop Walk
A lovely 15km walk with a 5km walk through waterways, heritage, nature and rehabilitation sites, which joins the Bibbulmun Track for 5km finishing with a 5km return to Greenbushes.
Meelup Reserve Trail, near Dunsborough
Starting in Old Dunsborough, the 14.8km return trail takes you on an adventure past rustic beach shacks, rugged coastline and through shady peppermint forest before reaching what is arguably one of WA’s best beaches - Meelup Beach. The areas you pass are only accessible on foot.
Wadandi Track, Margaret River
A dual purpose, 23km trail from Margaret River takes you on a gentle, flat walk through forest, pines and farmland.
Great Forest Trees Walk, Shannon National Park near Pemberton
A medium 8 km return walk that follows old forestry track. The trail is steep in places, particularly where it crosses the Shannon River.
Point D'Entrecasteaux Cliff Top Walk, Windy Harbour
A 1.3km (one way) marked walking trail follows the cliff tops around Point D'Entrecasteaux, and has four lookouts with dramatic views over the ocean. Whales can be spotted from here in season.
Karri Walk, Denmark
A pleasant walk winding through a reserve of paperbark, yate and karri, to the inlet. It can be walked one way, or in conjunction with the Mokare Trail. Take your picnic basket and enjoy peace among the trees.
Monkey Rock Denmark
A walk that leads to Monkey Rock, a spectacular granite outcrop on the southern slope of Mt Hallowell. Offers 270 degree views over the surrounding karri forest, southern coastline and Wilson Inlet.
Ellen Cove to Albany Port
A medium 6km return walk. This walk trail includes Middleton Beach and is great for whale watching.
Start planning your visit to Australia's South West Region today!
