The 30 Most Stunning & Epic Hikes in Western Australia

July 05, 2022 21 min read

The 30 Most Stunning & Epic Hikes in Western Australia

30 Most Stunning & Epic Hikes in Western Australia

Written for Auski by Pink Lemonade Social

The 30 Best Walks & Hikes in WA

Western Australia is home to an impressive array of natural wonders. Fantastic uncharted natural areas abound in this sparsely populated region because of the vast stretches of undeveloped land that stretch far into the distance, and with this comes a wealth of walks and hikes. With so many trails and National Parks (there are 46 trails in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, 30 in Kalamunda National Park, and 29 in Beelu National Park), we’ve done the hard work and narrowed it down for you.

But if you're under the impression that you need to travel interstate or abroad to find a truly challenging climb, you'd be wrong. Though WA is not particularly mountainous, there are still great hikes to be had here that will get your heart pumping and reward you with stunning vistas. At the end of a strenuous hike, nothing beats the reward of a breathtaking panorama.

From Margaret River to the Porongorups, we've scouted the best hikes in south Western Australia so you don't have to.

Pack some snacks, figure out when you want to leave, and pick one. Grab a pair of sturdy shoes and some thick socks because you're about to head off on an adventure.


Bluff Knoll / Putaar Miial - Stirling Range National Park

The third highest peak in Western Australia is one of the most beautiful mountains to climb.Bluff Knoll is a must-do for any outdoor enthusiast in Western Australia and Stirling Range National Park's crown jewel. Starting at 500 metres above sea level at the parking lot, this challenging but rewarding hike offers stunning views of the mountain's imposing profile on a clear day. When the weather is clear, the views from the top of this 1095-meter peak in the South West of Western Australia extend all the way to the Porongurups and even Albany. There are many famous pictures of a snowy peak because it is one of the few places in Western Australia that regularly receives snow during the winter. The trail has been repaired with a brand-new metal bridge and plenty of new steps after being damaged by two devastating bushfires in 2018 and 2019. If you're a morning person, one of the best ways to enjoy Bluff Knoll is to hike up in the dark and catch the sunrise from the peak. Bring warm clothing, a rain jacket, and at least two litres of water per person because the weather in the Stirling Range is notoriously unpredictable. If you hike in the spring, you'll get to see an abundance of native wildflowers carpeting the ground below you, in addition to the expansive views over the Stirling Ranges that you'll get from the top. Bluff Knoll may only be 6 kilometres long, but it climbs to an elevation of about 1000 metres above sea level, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Length:  6.3km (Return), 3-4 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round

Bluff Knoll / Putaar Miial - Stirling Range National Park, Western Australia

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Wadjemup Bidi - Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, Most Beautiful Walks in Western Australia

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Wadjemup Bidi - Rottnest Island/Wadjemup

Located just 20 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle, is Perth's island playground. One of the best ways to see the Rottnest Island is on foot via a network of trails known as the Wadjemup Bidi. There are five different trails to explore on foot, and they are all clearly marked from the island's hub. These trails take you to some of the island's most beautiful and remote spots. Simply pick and choose the ones you want because they are all easily accessible from bus stops all around the island. There are many great places to go snorkelling around the island, so bring your gear, or just lay out your towel on a quiet beach and soak up the rays.

Length: 6-9.5km (One Way)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit:  All Year Round


Cape-to-Cape Track – Margaret River

No matter how much time you devote to Cape to Cape, whether it's an hour in thongs or eight days (yes, it's that long), you'll come away feeling refreshed in every way. This breathtaking walk begins at Cape Naturaliste and continues all the way down to Cape Leeuwin, displaying the best of the WA coastline (and providing an excellent vantage point for watching surfers, to boot). It has beautiful forest and beach landscapes, interesting cliffs, caves, headlands, and rock formations, and a constantly shifting carpet of wildflowers.

Length: 123km
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit:  All Year Round

Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River, Western Australia

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Wadandi Track – Margaret River, Best Hikes in WA

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Wadandi Track – Margaret River

The Wadandi Track, formerly known as "Rails to Trails," celebrates the history of the defunct Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway along a path open to walkers and cyclists. This 23-kilometer hike, which begins in the Cowaramup area and ends in Witchcliffe, is a flat, easy walk making it ideal for those who want to set a cracking pace, take the dog or pram, or simply set up shop for a little afternoon picnic while you marvel at the birdlife. Located three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River region is home to some of Australia's most stunning natural bush, farmland, and vineyards, all of which can be viewed from the trail.

Length: 23km
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Visit:  All Year Round


Mt. Bruce / Punurrunha (Karijini) - Karijini National Park

Not for the faint of heart is the ascent of Karijini, the state of Western Australia's second highest peak. Karijini, in the Pilbara region 1,400 kilometres north of Perth, is well-known for the beautiful gorges, waterfalls, and natural pools that have been carved into the landscape. The Hamersley Range is Western Australia's highest point, and it is a lot of fun to hike through its ancient red earth valleys. Mount Bruce is the second-highest point in Western Australia, at 1227 metres above sea level and a respectable hike from the nearest parking lot. The trail ascends three distinct tiers, offering increasingly breathtaking panoramas before reaching an expansive summit with a couple of spur trails branching off in different directions. In the middle of the ascent, there is a chain shuffle that leads to a short scramble that is followed by the final ascent. Remember to bring plenty of water, and if at all possible, hike in the early morning or late afternoon, as temperatures in the dry season range from the mid-20s to the early 30s, making this a warm hike year-round. Because of the rocky terrain, hikers should be in good physical shape and have some prior hiking experience; however, the payoff is among WA’s highest. The incredible landscape of the area can be appreciated fully once you reach the peak. In addition, the long crescent shape of the summit provides numerous vantage points from which to take in the scenery, snap photos, and give your weary legs a rest.

Length: 10.8km (Return), 6-7hrs
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Best Time to Visit: Winter/Dry Season (April – September)

Mt. Bruce / Punurrunha (Karijini) - Karijini National Park, Best Hikes in WA

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Weano Gorge and Hancock Gorges - Karijini National Park (Karijini), Best Hikes in WA

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Weano and Hancock Gorges - Karijini National Park (Karijini)

Karijini's narrow and impressive gorges are the park's most recognisable feature, and they formed over millions of years. If you combine the two that are right there in the park, you'll have an adventure you'll never forget. Both gorges can be accessed from the Weano Day Use area, so once you get there, you can prioritise your exploration. While we covered Mt. Bruce / Punurrunha above, Weano Gorge is a great way to warm up because it takes you along the gorge's rim through spinifex plains before dropping you down into the gorge's narrow heart and bringing you back the way you came. You can admire the rock pools and the red cliffs, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can hike the out and back to Handrail Pool (if the rangers have deemed it safe). Get out of the gorge and head to Junction Pool or Oxer Lookout for breathtaking aerial views of the narrow passageways. From there, it's not far to Hancock Gorge, where there are some narrow ledges, pools you can wade through, and the famous Spider Walk that leads down to Kermits Pool. It's a tonne of fun and perfect for adrenaline junkies.

Length: 4.7km (Loop)
Difficulty: Hard
Best Time to Visit: April to August


Bald Head Walk Trail – Albany, Torndirrup National Park

The best hike in Albany is undoubtedly Bald Head, which boasts not only beautiful scenery but also a healthy dose of wilderness and a satisfying sense of personal achievement. The first part of the limestone ridge, which extends out into the Southern Ocean from the Flinders Peninsula, is the most well-known because of the picture-perfect views it provides. Continue on through the coastal heath dotted with wildflowers, and you'll eventually come to the fun-to-explore granite platforms and domes. This hike is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who takes the time to complete it due to the incredible variety of landscapes they will be exposed to, the sense of isolation they will experience once they leave the limestone peaks, and the fantastic destination that is Bald Head. The trail passes through Torndirrup National Park and there are some challenging sections, but the breathtaking views of the Great Southern Ocean and the surrounding granite cliffs are well worth the effort.

Length: 12.5km (Return), approx. 6-8hrs
Difficulty: Hard
Best Time to Visit: Late Summer through Late Spring

Bald Head Walk Trail – Albany, Torndirrup National Park, Best Hikes in Western Australia

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Castle Rock Granite Skywalk - Albany, Porongurup National Park, Western Australia

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Castle Rock Granite Skywalk - Albany, Porongurup National Park

The Castle Rock Granite Skywalk, a stainless-steel walkway that offers spectacular views of the Porongurups, is a notable South Western landmark. The 2.2-kilometer trek through the Karri forest to reach the famous lookout is not without its challenges, but the journey itself is worth it for the breathtaking views. You can find a magical world to explore before you reach the summit of the Porongurups, a small area of Karri that has managed to survive thanks to runoff from the large granite domes that line the ridge. Near the peak, visitors can take in views of the defiant Balancing Rock before making their way up the 7-meter-tall ladder to the Granite Skywalk. Overall, a great time and a must-do for anyone travelling through the Albany area.

Length – 4.7km (Return)
Difficulty – Moderate
Best Time to Visit – All Year Round


Nancy Peak - Porongurup National Park

Nancy Peak is the highest point in the Porongurup Ranges, and a great starting point for a hike around the range. You'll see a karri tree clinging to a granite boulder, known as the "tree in the rock," on the way, and then hike through mossy glades and more karri trees before emerging into sweeping views of the Stirling Ranges and the Southern Ocean.

Length – 5.5km loop (Return), 3-4hrs
Difficulty – Moderate
Best Time to Visit – All Year Round

Nancy Peak - Porongurup National Park, Western Australia

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Stirling Ridge Walk - Stirling Ranges, Western Australia

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Stirling Ridge Walk - Stirling Ranges

You have successfully completed Bluff Knoll and are now wondering what to do. See Ellen Peak if you look eastward? That's where you'll end up. This is one of the best multi-day hikes in Western Australia, and it goes by the name of the Stirling Ridge Walk (or the Stirling Ridge Traverse). This is a challenging and arduous off-trail, cross-country bushwalk through a Wilderness Area. However, you should know that if you want to experience the wilderness in its purest form, you will have to endure three days of calf-burning exercise and use no facilities (other than a few rough, unofficial campgrounds). Stay at the Stirling Range Retreat, and the staff will assist you in setting up your logistics. Don't forget to bring along a copy of A.T. Morphet's guide to the area.

Length – 25km one way, 3 days
Difficulty – Moderate - Hard
Best Time to Visit – All Year Round


Meelup Reserve Trail - Dunsborough

If nature and wildlife are what you're after, stop right here. Dolphins, seals, kangaroos, birds, and maybe even a snake or two (we do live in 'Straya, after all) are all possible sightings while hiking along the coast. The Meelup Reserve Trail runs along the north side of Geographe Bay for a total distance of seven kilometres and is known for its tranquilly and scenic beauty. This beautiful bush track is a moderately easy hike that winds through pristine bushland, turquoise bays, and white sand. You can begin this journey from any point along Old Dunsborough's beach and end up in either Meelup or Eagle Bay.

Length – 7km, 2-3hrs
Difficulty – Easy - Moderate
Best Time to Visit – All Year Round

Meelup Reserve Trail - Dunsborough, WA

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Hakea Trail  - Fitzgerald River National Park, Most Beautiful Walks in Western Australia

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Hakea Trail - Fitzgerald River National Park

Tucked away between Albany and Esperance, Fitzgerald River National Park is a UNESCO biosphere and home to dozens of plant species found nowhere else on Earth. The brightly coloured Royal Hakea is the park's most recognisable of these birds, and the 23.5 km long Hakea Trail that runs through the park's eastern side is named after. It begins on the eastern side of the park at Cave Point and winds its way along the cliffs before plunging down to the beaches below. A good 4WD is necessary at the Quion Head end and if you want to do the full trail, but the walk is still enjoyable if you do it in segments. There will be beautiful vistas of the coast, fascinating geology and flora, and plenty of clean air. In the months of July through October, whales can be spotted travelling along the coast.

Length – 23.5km (one way)
Difficulty – Hard
Best Time to Visit – All Year Round


Warren River Loop Trail - Pemberton

Outside of Pemberton, in the stunning Karri forests of the South West, is a mystical hike along the Warren River Loop Trail. Beginning at the base of the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree, one of the last remaining fire lookouts that can be climbed, you can take in the fresh, clean air as you make your way through the towering trees of the forest. The best part of this hike is getting to the river's edge and discovering a whole new world of mosses, fungi, and lichen. The Warren River, with its waters stained with tannin, and the towering trees in the valley create a sense of seclusion. Wind your way past rotting logs and a rainbow of vegetation to a vantage point where you can take in the breathtaking river valley below.

Length – 11.8km (Loop)
Difficulty – Moderate
Best Time to Visit – All Year Round

Warren River Loop Trail  - Pemberton, WA

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Beedelup Falls - Pemberton, Best Hikes in WA

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Beedelup Falls - Pemberton

In the South West of Western Australia, visitors have a plethora of options for pleasant hikes, but the Beedelup Falls Walk Trail near Pemberton stands out as a top pick. Beedelup Falls is a 4.5-kilometer loop trail that includes more than just the main waterfall and is a part of the Karri Explorer loop that can be accessed from town. Lake Beedelup is surrounded by stunning Karri forest, and a full circuit of the lake takes you through a popular WA resort, the Karri Valley. Spend your last few minutes at Beedelup Falls exploring the boardwalks and having fun on the suspension bridge that offers the best view of the waterfall.

Length: 4.5km (Loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round


Mount Lindesay Walk - Mount Lindesay National Park, Denmark

Although Denmark, on the state's southern coast is known for its beaches, wineries, and breweries, the area immediately to the north of the city is a veritable paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. This 10 km out-and-back trail to the top of Mount Lindesay (385 m above sea level) is a great way to take in the scenery of the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges and the Walpole Wilderness in all seasons, but especially in spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Beginning in the verdant forests that line the banks of the Denmark River, the 5 km ascent to the peak is followed by a gradual descent through the forest. There is a wide variety of wildflowers and orchids that bloom along this trail from winter to late spring. As you ascend, the forest gives way to granite slopes, and the vistas expand. On the relatively flat summit, there is a short 300-meter loop from which you can take in breathtaking views of the Walpole Wilderness, the Stirling Range, the Porongurups, and the Southern Ocean.

Length: 10km (Return)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: – All Year Round

Mount Lindesay Walk -  Mount Lindesay National Park, Western Australia

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Bibbulmun Track - Walpole, Hikes in Western Australia

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Bibbulmun Track - Walpole

Western Australia is home to a long-distance walking trail known as the Bibbulmun Track, named after the original indigenous people of the south-west. It's 1,000 kilometres long and stretches from Kalamunda, east of Perth, to Albany. Many people choose to walk on the Track for much shorter periods of time than the average of six to eight weeks required to cover the the complete trail. We're not suggesting you hike the entire Bibbulmun Track from Kalamunda to Albany (that'd be crazy), but the section of the trail between Walpole and Peaceful Bay is fantastic. If the five or six hours required isn't enough for you, the Valley of the Giants is only a short drive away. Every traveller and outdoor enthusiast should put this on their list of must-dos if they are serious about getting their steps in every day.

Length: 1000km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: – All Year Round


Rocky Pool Walk - Kalamunda National Park

A stroll through the valleys of Kalamunda National Park is a relaxing way to spend the day. The Rocky Pool Walk in Kalamunda National Park is a pleasant 5-kilometer circuit that takes in the picturesque Rocky Pool and its accompanying wildflowers and wildlife. It's a challenging, rewarding bush walk with spectacular valley views, and it includes a section of the Bibbulmun Track. It's a short walk to a picturesque swimming hole with granite boulders and a turquoise clay pit for diving in. Trail junctions are not clearly marked, and there are many of them, and some sections are steep and difficult.  

Length: 5km loop, 1.5hrs
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Best Time to Visit: – All Year Round

Rocky Pool Walk - Kalamunda National Park, Western Australia

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Camel Trail - Chichester Ranges, Millstream-Chichester National Park, Karratha region, Western Australia, Python Pool

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Camel Trail - Chichester Ranges, Millstream-Chichester National Park, Karratha region

The Camel Trail is a fantastic way to see the red dirt and spinifex plains that make the Pilbara so famous. The Camel Trail starts about an hour outside of Karratha at the Python Pool Car Park. Sturt's desert pea, mulla mulla's, and the holly leafed grevillea are just a few of the distinctive Pilbara wildflowers that can be seen along this trail in the early morning hours. From the peak of Mount Herbert, you can take in a breathtaking view of the surrounding Chichester Ranges. Python Pool is a scenic watering hole at the beginning of the Camel Trail, and it is surrounded by towering red rock cliffs, making it an ideal place for a refreshing swim. The path ascends the steep sandstone escarpment of the Chichester Ranges, past large termite mounds and spinifex-covered hills, and on to McKenzie Spring, from where it continues to the foot of Mount Herbert. From Mount Herbert, one can see all the way to the hills in the east, across seemingly endless vistas of green and gold spinifex. Because the path curves around, you'll never see the same views twice. After a hot day of exploring the desert, a refreshing dip in the water of the picturesque watering hole is just what you need. It's in spinifex country, so there are plenty of snappy gums, reptiles, and birdlife to see. The panoramas are breathtaking, and there's a lovely place to swim, Python Pool a great way to start or finish your hike. The one-way hike begins at Mount Herbert and ends at Python Pool, so plan accordingly. If you want to walk back, start at Python Pool.
Length: 8.1km (One Way), 3.5hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to September


Cathedral Gorge - Purnululu National Park

Pictures of red soil, crocodiles, and the Bungle Bungles come to mind when most people think of the Kimberley. People from all over the world travel to see these beehive-like structures, which they believe to be alien in origin. The two-kilometer Cathedral Gorge Walk provides an excellent opportunity to see them up close. You'll be guided through a series of breathtaking gorges to an unbelievable cavern at the end. The thought of the forces at work here for millions of years will leave you gasping. Even though this is just one of many Bungle Bungles trails, Cathedral Gorge is where all the action is.

Length: 2km (Return)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to September

Cathedral Gorge - Purnululu National Park, Most Beautiful Hikes in Western Australia

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Piccaninny Gorge - Bungle Bungles, Best hikes in Western Australia

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Piccaninny Gorge Entrance - Bungle Bungles

Those interested in hiking Piccanninny Gorge can choose from a few different trails, including a multi-day trek for the most avid of hikers. If you don't have much time, however, the hike to the gorge's mouth is impressive in its own right. This sparse, arid region is easily distinguishable by its rugged ranges, dramatic gorges, and expansive savannah, providing hikers with a wealth of breathtaking scenery.

Length: 7km (Return), 6-7hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: May – October


Eagle View Trail - John Forrest National Park

The Eagle View Trail in John Forrest National Park takes hikers past picturesque jarrah and wandoo forests and through scenic valleys. Beautiful waterfalls and panoramic vistas of the Swan Coastal Plain, to Perth, and the ocean in the distance can be found along this route. Hikers who come in the spring will also be treated to beautiful displays of wildflowers along the trail. There's a parking lot, some benches, some bathrooms, some grills, and a little shop right by the trailhead.

Length: 15km (Return), 5-6hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: September to November

Eagle View Trail - John Forrest National Park

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Loop Walk -  Kalbarri National Park, Epic hikes in Western Australia

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Loop Walk - Kalbarri National Park

The Loop Walk is the most popular trail in Kalbarri National Park and a formidable test of physical and mental fortitude because it delves deeply into the distinctive features that make this region so special. A rocky and enjoyable traverse along narrow ledges and sandy river banks awaits you once you descend into the wide gorges from the Instagram-famous Nature's Window. When you follow the Murchison River as it makes a very complex loop, you'll get to see a landscape that has been moulded by years of rain. You can take your pick of picture-perfect settings in the gorge, and the exercise is just a bonus.

Length: 9km (Loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: May to October


Bigurda Trail - Kalbarri National Park

There are no words to describe the beauty of the Bigurda Trail. The Bigurda Trail in Kalbarri National Park is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Western Australia, as it stretches along the coast for 8 kilometres. Connecting Eagle Gorge and Natural Bridge, this path is moderate in difficulty but offers stunning panoramas of the area's banded cliffs and colourful wildflowers (August through November). This path follows the Coral Coast and provides stunning views of the ocean and its unique rock formations and cliffs of varying colours. Additionally, springtime visitors have a good chance of seeing whales. Bigurda Trail is a one-way trek, so hikers should make plans to be picked up at the trailhead in Natural Bridge. Another option is to turn around and face the wind.

Length: 8km one-way, 2-3hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: All year round

Bigurda Trail -  Kalbarri National Park

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Mount Frankland - Walpole, Western Australia

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Mount Frankland - Walpole

There are endless forests, open plains, rugged coastline, and ancient granite peaks in the Walpole Wilderness, making it a truly unique and special place. Mount Frankland, one of the area's more prominent peaks, is a great place to take in the sights and get a feel for the area's natural splendour. The Walpole Wilderness Lookout is a short out-and-back hike from the Karri forest near the parking lot, and it offers spectacular views of Mount Roe and the dense forests that lie between it and the mountain. The highlight of this attraction is a looping path that circles the base of a massive granite dome before ascending a set of metal stairs to the dome's summit. You can see why this spot was once used as a lookout to keep an eye out for bushfires; the vistas are spectacular.

Length: 1.2km, 1-3hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round


Coastal Trail - Cape Le Grand National Park (Esperance)

Lucky Bay, Australia's finest beaches, and Frenchman Peak's granite cliffs can all be found at Cape Le Grand. The Le Grand Coastal Trail, a 15-kilometer path connecting the granite headlands with the many secluded bays of this rugged landscape, is not advertised in tourist brochures but provides the best way to explore this incredible part of Western Australia. This walk is notable for its exploration of some of the park's most well-known landmarks, such as Rossiter Bay, Lucky Bay, Thistle Cove, and Hellfire Bay, but its connecting segments are where the walk really shines. If 15 kilometres of walking along the coast is not enough for you, then take the challenging hike up Mount Le Grand and take in the sights of Frenchman Peak and Esperance. There is an abundance of breathtaking scenery and countless photogenic locations, making this a natural choice. The Coastal Trail could be completed in a day if you really put your mind to it, but why would you want to? Relax and stay the night at Lucky Bay. In other words, don't try to rush through this.

Length: 17km (One Way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Autumn through Spring

Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail, Coastal Trail, Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia, Most Beautiful Hikes

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Frenchman Peak  - Cape Le Grand National Park

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Frenchman Peak - Cape Le Grand National Park

This is another popular destination for visitors to the Esperance region, and the second hike on this list that departs from Cape Le Grand (Coastal Trail above). An easily accessible hike with more to offer than just a summit, Frenchman Peak is most famous for the large open cave near the peak's summit. One of the reasons people enjoy this hike so much is because of the surreal experience of being inside a cave while gazing out over the spectacular views. Once you make it past the almost sheer granite face that serves as a fun challenge, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Recherche Archipelago and the coasts of Woody Island and Esperance. Even though it's only 3 kilometres long, this is a very challenging hike that's well worth the effort. Outstanding views of the coast and of Cape Le Grand, with its rugged granite peaks, sweeping heathlands, and iconic bays of white sand beaches, await you at the summit of Frenchman Peak, reached via the eastern slope. The rock is deceptively steep, especially on the way down, so stay on the designated path from the parking lot. This hike is not suggested for wet or windy days due to the steep inclines and smooth granite.

Length: 3km (Return), 1-3hrs
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Best Time to Visit:  All Year Round, avoid windy or wet conditions


Jabitj Trail - Wellington National Park (Collie region)

The Jabitj Trail in Wellington National Park, to the west of Collie, takes hikers on a relaxing loop along the Collie River, from Wellington Dam to Honeymoon Pool. The Jabitj Trail, named for the Noongar word for "running water," spans 12 kilometres round-trip through Wellington National Park. Its scenery of rapids and pools is beautiful and the Jabitj Trail is the best of Wellington National Park's three ‘day hikes’ due to the beautiful scenery along the river and the high calibre of the Jarrah forest that runs through the area. This hike has a nice variety thanks to its combination of river walking and forest, and it does a great job of showcasing the area's natural beauty. Honeymoon Pool is a great place to cool off after a long hike or run, and a visit here at the end is always a highlight of the journey.

Length: 12km (One Way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Autumn Through Spring

Jabitj Trail - Wellington National Park (Collie region)

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Luke Pen Walk, - Kalgan, (Albany) , Western Australia

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Luke Pen Walk - Kalgan (Albany)

Following the course of the Kalgan River, this lovely walking path winds its way through the forest. The Luke Pen Walk features beautiful vegetation, including large marri trees and farming pastures. Beautiful scenery can be seen at every turn in the path. This easy path follows the Kalgan River as it winds through the forest on its way to Oyster Harbour. Along the way, you'll see small rapids where the Minang people set fish traps. Take your time and look for rare orchids and other wildflowers. When you reach the end of the trail at the historic timber bridge, you can turn around and do it again on the return journey.

Length: 10km (Return), 2.5hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round


Summit Trail - Mount Augustus, Mount Augustus National Park

Mount Augustus is 300 kilometres from Gascoyne Junction, the nearest town, which is located in the north of the state and is therefore far from any significant population centres. The remote location and ancient rock, which is twice the size of Uluru and is billed as the world's largest monolith, are well worth the time and planning required to get there. The summit of Mount Augustus is accessible via the extremely challenging 12.5 km Summit Trail in Mount Augustus National Park. This is an extremely challenging daylong hike that should only be attempted by very fit and experienced bushwalkers. You will be scrambling up rocks on a very steep, unmarked trail with little in the way of markers. The trail climbs more than 650 metres to a summit with panoramic vistas of the lowlands and distant mountain ranges. Although climbing is tiring, descending is even more so. The 12 km summit trail is strenuous, especially in the scorching heat of the desert, but the reward is breathtaking. On the way back down, you have the option of taking the trail through the steep gully, which offers a different perspective of the area's ancient geology. Although Augustus is often referred to as the largest "rock" in the world, it is actually composed of several different rocks. Nonetheless, Augustus is twice as tall as Uluru at 717 metres, so it's still quite a hike up there. At sunrise and sunset, the sky transforms almost instantaneously from a deep indigo to a bright pink, orange, or red, and even occasionally green.

Length: 12km (Return), full day
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time to Visit: April to August

Summit Trail - Mount Augustus, Mount Augustus National Park

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Lesueur Trail - Lesueur National Park, Jurien Bay, Lesueur Walk Trail

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Lesueur Trail - Lesueur National Park, Jurien Bay

Lesueur National Park, found to the north-east of Jurien Bay on the beautiful Coral Coast, is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life that blooms in the spring. Even though the heathland seems to go on forever and look the same, there is actually a rich diversity of plants and animals hiding in the finer details. As you hike to the top of Mount Lesueur, keep an eye out for the beautiful wildflowers that line the trail. At the peak, you can take in panoramic vistas of the national park and the farmland beyond.There are various trails you can access at Lesueur National Park, with the most common two being the general Lesueur Trail or the Gardener Trail Loop. At 3.5 kilometres round-trip, the Lesueur Trail leads hikers to the top of Mt. Lesueur, where they can take in the surrounding scenery. In the spring, this trail is awash with wildflowers, many of which are found nowhere else. The views from the trail's peak extend all the way to the Indian Ocean, so the effort is well worth it. The Gardner Walk Trail (connecting the Gardener Trail with the Mount Lesueur Loop) offers a different route back to the parking lot, and you should check it out on the way back. Explore this 5.1-kilometer loop trail which is typically ranked as moderately difficult, which will take you an hour and a half to complete. If you like to hike or just go for a stroll, this path is ideal. Dogs are not permitted on this trail and should be left at home.

 

Length: Various
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to August

WA is known for its stunning coastlines and natural attractions, but we recommend you change it up and set off on one of these incredible hikes through WA and experience the state as you've never seen before. If this blog caught your attention, check out The 10 Best Walks & Hikes in NSW, The Best 20 Day Hikes From Melbourne, 10 Best Hikes in Queensland, or the Best Walks & Hikes in Tasmania.


See you out on the trails! ✌🏻


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