Top 10 Places To Explore In Australia’s South West Region by Hiking

You’ll discover some of Australia’s most remarkable hiking trails in the South West region, where ancient forests meet dramatic coastlines. From the challenging ascent of Bluff Knoll to the serene walks through wine country, each trail offers unique perspectives of this diverse landscape. While some trails require permits or fees, many are accessible year-round at no cost. Let’s explore these top-rated paths that showcase the region’s natural wonders, from granite peaks to towering tingle trees.

Take Aways

• The Bibbulmun Track offers a spectacular 1000km journey from Perth to Albany through diverse landscapes including karri forests and coastal heathlands.
• Bluff Knoll Trail provides a challenging 6.8km hike to Western Australia’s third-highest peak with stunning 360-degree views at 1098 meters.
• Cape to Cape Track stretches 123km along pristine coastline between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin with varied accommodation options.
• Valley of the Giants features ancient tingle trees and a 40-meter-high Tree Top Walk through 6,000 hectares of forest.
• Castle Rock Granite Skywalk delivers panoramic views after a 4.4km Grade 5 hike through impressive granite formations in Porongurup.

The Majestic Bluff Knoll Trail: Conquering the Stirling Ranges

While many hiking trails dot Western Australia’s landscape, Bluff Knoll serves as the crown jewel of the Stirling Range National Park. At 1098 meters high, this challenging 6.8 km return trail rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree views from its summit.

Standing tall at 1098 meters, Bluff Knoll offers Western Australia’s finest hiking experience and unmatched panoramic views from its majestic peak.

The lower slopes showcase the diverse flora of the region with eucalypt and banksia dominating the landscape. You’ll need 3-4 hours to complete this Grade 4 hike, which features well-maintained steps and clear signage throughout. Don’t forget your Parks Pass for entry.

Pack layers, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. Spring and autumn offer the best hiking conditions, treating you to spectacular wildflower displays along the path.

For budget-conscious hikers, the trail’s accessible lookouts near the car park and free picnic facilities make it an excellent day trip destination, just an hour’s drive from Albany.

Cape to Cape Track: A Coastal Journey Through Time

Moving from the heights of Bluff Knoll to the coastal splendor of Western Australia, the Cape to Cape Track offers an entirely different hiking experience.

You’ll traverse 123 kilometers between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses, enjoying the stunning views of the Indian Ocean and Ngari Capes Marine Park.

The track’s moderate 4.1% grade makes it accessible, though you’ll need good fitness to handle the 2,800-meter total elevation gain. The trail features pristine beach stretches and sweeping cliff-top views that showcase the region’s natural beauty.

Plan for a 5-7 day journey, carrying sufficient water and supplies as services are limited.

While you won’t need permits for the track itself, some campsites require booking.

You’ll find accommodation options ranging from basic campsites to luxury stays, letting you tailor the experience to your budget.

Valley of the Giants: Walking Among Ancient Tingle Trees

Deep within Walpole-Nornalup National Park stands a remarkable forest of red tingle trees, where you’ll discover some of Western Australia’s most ancient living giants. These majestic eucalyptus trees, with bases up to 16 meters wide, have survived over 400 years and developed impressive buttress systems to support their massive size. Among them, the famous Giant Tingle Tree stands as a hollowed-out tourist attraction with the largest girth of any living eucalypt. Relaxing wilderness camping can be an excellent way to learn about this unique ecosystem. You can explore this unique ecosystem via the Tree Top Walk, a 600-meter elevated steel walkway that rises 40 meters above the forest floor. The well-maintained structure offers both stunning canopy views and a chance to spot local wildlife. For budget travelers, ground-level trails provide an equally enriching experience, allowing you to examine the trees’ enormous girths up close. The forest covers just 6,000 hectares, making it a concentrated area of natural wonder that’s easy to navigate in a single visit.

The Bibbulmun Track: Perth to Albany’s Natural Wonders

A masterpiece of Australian hiking trails, the Bibbulmun Track stretches an impressive 1000 kilometers from Perth’s Kalamunda hills to the coastal town of Albany. Named after the indigenous Bibbulmun Noongar people, the track serves as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

You’ll find well-maintained campsites and shelters strategically placed along the route, making it perfect for both day trips and extended adventures.

• Navigate through diverse landscapes from towering karri forests to coastal heathlands
• Access water supplies every 10-12km near Perth and Albany, and 18km apart in middle sections
• Choose from nine distinct sections, each offering unique natural attractions
• Plan your trek using the Foundation’s free online distance calculator and trail updates
• Explore local towns along the way to stock up on supplies and experience regional culture

Whether you’re tackling the full six-week journey or selecting shorter segments, you’ll discover some of Western Australia’s most breathtaking wilderness at your own pace.

Castle Rock Granite Skywalk: Panoramic Views of Porongurup

Perched 570 meters above sea level, the Castle Rock Granite Skywalk offers Western Australia’s most exhilarating viewpoint experience.

You’ll find this remarkable trail in Porongurup National Park, just 40 minutes from Albany, where a 4.4 km return hike leads you to breathtaking 360-degree panoramas. From the summit, visitors can spot Mt Gardner and Manypeaks on a clear day.

The Grade 5 trail climbs 269 meters through ancient granite formations, including the iconic Balancing Rock.

You’ll encounter stone steps and granite slabs before reaching two lookout options. While the lower lookout is easily accessible, adventurous hikers can tackle a 6-meter enclosed ladder to reach the upper skywalk.

The entire journey typically takes 2-3 hours.

Remember to budget for park entry fees, and plan your visit around clear weather for the best views of the 1,100-million-year-old landscape.

Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks Circuit: Denmark’s Coastal Gems

Nestled within William Bay National Park, the Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks Circuit showcases Denmark’s most stunning coastal formations.

You’ll find this 1.5km loop trail just a 20-minute drive from Denmark along the South Coast Highway, making it an easily accessible day trip destination.

The 30-minute return walk makes this trail perfect for families and casual hikers.

• Clear green waters and white sandy shores at Greens Pool offer perfect swimming conditions
• Well-constructed paths with clear signage make navigation straightforward
• Striking granite formations, including the elephant-shaped boulders, provide excellent photo opportunities
• Protected bays and coves create ideal spots for picnicking and snorkeling
• Optional scrambling routes add adventure for more experienced hikers

Don’t forget to check weather conditions before you go, and bring water and a first aid kit.

The trail’s gentle gradient suits most fitness levels, though some steep sections exist on alternative routes.

Warren River Loop: Pemberton’s Forest Adventure

Moving from Denmark’s coastal wonders, you’ll find an entirely different natural spectacle in Pemberton’s Warren National Park.

The Warren River Loop, a 10.5-kilometer circuit, starts at the historic Bicentennial Tree and takes you through some of Western Australia’s most majestic karri forests. The trail’s starting point features this remarkable 65-metre tall tree, which served as a bushfire lookout.

You’ll need about 3 hours to complete this moderate Grade 2 trail, which winds past towering karri giants and alongside the serene Warren River.

The trail offers strategic rest spots, including the Maidenbush picnic area with its riverside boardwalk. Don’t miss the Warren Lookout’s panoramic valley views, and keep your eyes peeled for native birds throughout your journey.

Access requires a day pass for the park, and you’ll find well-maintained facilities, clear signage, and ample parking at the trailhead.

Margaret River Wine Country Trails: Nature Meets Gourmet

The renowned Margaret River region brilliantly combines world-class wines with scenic nature trails, offering visitors a unique dual experience.

Experience Margaret River’s perfect pairing: world-class wines meet stunning nature trails in this remarkable Western Australian destination.

You’ll find expertly mapped trails that connect nature walks with wine tasting opportunities, making it easy to plan your adventure. These hiking paths are especially popular among trail runners looking to combine fitness with leisure.

• Start at Cape Naturaliste Track for coastal views, then visit nearby family-owned wineries on the Small Family Winery Trail.
• Explore the 3.4km Big Brook Walk in the morning, followed by organic wine tastings at Flow.
• Combine the Ten Mile Brook Trail with stops along the Chardonnay Trail for an active day out.
• Take the sustainable approach with the Certified Organic & Biodynamic Wine Trail paired with Bush Walks.
• Save money by self-driving the wine trails and packing your own hiking snacks.

Best times to visit are spring and autumn when you’ll catch wildflowers and perfect hiking weather.

Bald Head Walk Trail: Albany’s Dramatic Coastal Experience

While Margaret River entices with its wine trails, adventurous hikers seeking dramatic coastal views will find their ultimate challenge on the Bald Head Walk Trail near Albany.

This 12.5 km return trek through Torndirrup National Park demands high fitness levels as you’ll navigate steep climbs and rugged granite surfaces.

You’ll need 4-7 hours to complete this Grade 4 bushwalk, which rewards your efforts with breathtaking vistas of the Southern Ocean and King George Sound.

The trail combines boardwalks, limestone paths, and exposed granite sections, culminating at the impressive Bald Head formation. Hikers should exercise caution near the hazardous cliff edges while taking in the stunning coastal scenery.

Don’t underestimate this trail’s challenges. Pack plenty of water and snacks, check weather conditions, and start early.

Recent upgrades have improved safety, but you’ll still need solid navigation skills and hiking experience to tackle this remarkable coastal adventure.

Meelup Reserve Coastal Walk: Dunsborough’s Hidden Treasure

Nestled along Western Australia’s stunning Geographe Bay, Meelup Reserve‘s 7-kilometer coastal trail offers budget-conscious travelers an accessible adventure between Dunsborough and Eagle Bay.

Experience a stunning coastal journey along Meelup Reserve’s scenic trail, where natural beauty meets accessibility in Western Australia’s breathtaking Geographe Bay.

Shaded sections of the path meander through groves of peppermint and Christmas trees. As you traverse this free Grade 3 trail, you’ll experience breathtaking coastal vistas and unique granite formations like Castle Rock. The moderate 3-4 hour hike features:

• Multiple access points with parking at Gypsy Street and Hurford Street
• Prime whale watching opportunities from September to December
• Spectacular spring wildflower displays against coastal heath backdrops
• Swimming spots at Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay
• Traditional Wardandi territory with limestone and granite landscapes

Plan your visit during autumn or spring for ideal conditions, and remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection, as there aren’t any water sources along the trail.

The Last Word

As you’ve explored these nine incredible trails, you’re probably wondering about the tenth hidden gem. Here it is: the Mount Frankland Wilderness Trek, where you’ll discover secluded lookouts without spending a fortune. This free trail offers heart-racing climbs, rare wildlife sightings, and jaw-dropping views that’ll make your Southwest hiking adventure complete. Pack your own supplies, start early, and you’ll experience one of Australia’s best-kept hiking secrets.