Western Australia does things differently. Bigger landscapes, bigger distances, and trails that make you feel properly remote. From coastal cliffs and turquoise bays to rugged gorges and towering karri forests, WA has no shortage of hikes worth adding to your list.

For this week’s Trail Tuesdays, we’re heading west and rounding up some of the best single and multi-day hikes across Western Australia.

Single-day Hikes

Bald Head Walk Trail (Torndirrup National Park)

The Bald Head Walk is easily one of the most scenic coastal hikes in WA. Just a 10 minute drive from Albany, this moderate trail will take most hikers between 4-6 hours. Following a narrow ridgeline through Torndirrup National Park, the trail delivers endless ocean views, rugged granite cliffs, and plenty of opportunities to stop and take it all in. It’s exposed for most of the walk, so bring plenty of water and avoid the middle of the day during the warmer months.

Photo by Sarawana Peramalu on Unsplash

Sources: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/western-australia/bald-head-hike

https://trailswa.com.au/trails/trail/bald-head-walk-trail

Castle Rock Granite Skywalk

Spanning 4.4km, The Castle Rock hike winds through towering forest before reaching the famous granite summit and suspended skywalk overlooking the Porongurups, and will take roughly 2-3 hours. This trail is best to visit during Autumn and Spring, but can be enjoyed all year round.

There’s a bit of scrambling near the top, but the panoramic views across the ranges make the climb worth every step. Short, sharp, and absolutely worth it.

Photo by Pauline R on AllTrails

Sources: https://westernaustraliaexpert.com/castle-rock-granite-skywalk/

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/western-australia/castle-rock-granite-skywalk

Nature’s Window & The Loop Trail

Located within Kalbarri National Park, this trail combines one of WA’s most iconic viewpoints with dramatic gorge scenery and rocky river crossings. This 9km loop is great for intermediate to experienced hikers, but beginner hikers can certainly take on this trail with the right preparation.

The Loop Trail itself is challenging in the heat, so it’s recommended to go in the cooler months, Red cliffs and winding Murchison River scenery make it truly unforgettable. Drinking water is not available in Kalbarri National Park, so be sure to bring your own supply.

Photo by westernaustralia.com.au

Sources: https://www.westernaustralia.com/au/attraction/nature's-window/61fcb5521104b65f76a072c4

Mount Toolbrunup

For hikers chasing a proper summit mission in a day, Mount Toolbrunup is one of WA’s best day hikes. The trail climbs steadily through rocky terrain before opening up to sweeping views across the Stirling Range. While this return trail is only 4kms, it can be quite challenging due to it’s 564m total elevation gain, and can take between 3.5-5 hours to complete. Expect steep sections and a decent leg burn on the way up (and a few days after).

Photo by Paul Lynch on AllTrails

Source: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/western-australia/mount-toolbrunup-peak-walk-trail

Multi-day Hikes

Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River

Just under 3 hours from Perth you’ll find the Margaret River Region, home to the Cape to Cape Track, which features Western Australia’s stunning coastline alongside this 130km multi day trail. Estimated to take between 5-8 days, you’ll start at the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and finish up at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. There’s several options for fully-guided walks, with plenty of camping spots along the track, as well as many types of accommodation close by.

If you’re after something shorter but still want to experience the stunning WA coastline, there’s plenty of day hikes to take on including Smiths Point to Injidup Beach (5.8km) and Redgate Beach to Bobs Hollow (2.7km).

Photo by Jake Allison on Unsplash

Sources: https://trailswa.com.au/trails/trail/cape-to-cape-track

https://www.westernaustralia.com/au/things-to-do/hikes-and-trails/cape-to-cape-track

Stirling Ridge Walk

The Stirling Ridge Walk is considered by many as the most difficult multi day hike in Western Australia, but also one of the most rewarding and fulfilling. This alpine-style ridgeline hike links together several peaks within Stirling Range National Park and delivers some of the best mountain scenery in WA. A total of 25.6km, depending on your experience level and overall fitness, this trail can take anywhere between 2-4 days.

Weather conditions can change quickly here, particularly during winter, so prepare accordingly. It’s also strongly recommended to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

Photo by Oliver Rowland on AllTrails

Sources: https://www.thelifeofpy.com/stirling-ridge-walk?srsltid=AfmBOop70YF_90l-YBShaiwhESk_D1YG0QovISGaIBu5wBjdoMfWiS4M

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/western-australia/stirling-range-ridge-walk

Bibbulmun Track

One of Australia’s most iconic long-distance trails, the Bibbulmun Track stretches from Kalamunda to Albany through forests, farmland, and coastal landscapes. Broken up into 9 sections, there’s plenty of options for any level of experience.

Most hikers complete smaller sections rather than the full route as the total track spans over 1000km, but even a few days out here is enough to understand why it’s considered one of the country’s best thru-hikes.

Photo by Debbie Ducic on Unsplash

Sources: https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/

https://www.thelifeofpy.com/bibbulmun-track

Preparing for a multi-day hike? Grab all the gear you need here.

From rugged coastlines to towering forests and remote ridgelines, Western Australia delivers some seriously unforgettable hiking. We’ll be back next Tuesday with trails and tracks from Queensland.