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
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.