Elisha
Western Australia’s south west region is filled with a diversity of landscapes from stunning coastline to ancient forests. The best way to explore the area is on foot, with plenty of walking trails to choose from.
I spent a few months travelling around the south west in my van and hiking many of the trails, including longer thru hikes on the Bibbulmun Track and Cape to Cape Track. Western Australia definitely has some of the most underrated walking tracks in the country.
In this post, I’m going to round up the best day hikes in south west WA, for those looking to uncover the incredible nature of the coastal region in a more intimate way for a day. From around Margaret River to Albany, here are the best trails to hit up.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more: Privacy Policy
Best Time to Hike in the South West, WA
You can definitely go hiking at any time of the year in WA’s south west. However, I’d recommend avoiding the hot summer as much as possible, unless you want to get up early and hit the trail before the heat. Winter can also be a bit miserable with wind and rain, but there’s still some nice days here and there when you could get outdoors.
Spring and autumn are definitely the best seasons, offering the most ideal all round weather. Spring is probably the best in my opinion, because you also have the wildflowers in bloom and the whale migration is in full swing along the coast.
Essential Safety and Hiking Tips
Carry the 10 essentials for a day hike, including a Personal Location Beacon, plus all the appropriate gear and clothing you’ll need for your chosen trail, read what to pack for a day hike.
Serious dangers mainly come in the form of injury or snakes. Make sure that you carry a first aid kit, including a snake bite bandage, in case of emergency.
While all these trails are generally well-formed and marked, I still recommend having a GPS app downloaded on your phone for offline use. This way you can ensure you stay on track and keep on top of where you are as you walk.
👉 I recommend AllTrails for navigation and finding new trails, with offline GPS maps and trail reviews from other hikers. Use code elisha30 for 30% off an AllTrails+ subscription by clicking here!
Best Day Hikes in South West WA
After months exploring the south west region of Western Australia in my van and on foot, here are my favourite day hikes to complete. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a trail for you. From challenging scrambles to gentle forest walks, you’ll find a bit of everything below.
Read next: Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip: 10 Days in South West WA
Meelup Trail (Dunsborough to Eagle Bay)
- Distance: 7 km one way
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: One way
- Trailhead: Hurford Street, Dunsborough
- Stay Nearby: Dunsborough Apartments and Suites
This is probably one of the most beautiful day hikes in the south west and it’s super underrated. The Meelup Trail follows the coast between Dunsborough and Eagle Bay, eventually connecting to the much longer Cape to Cape Track at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
While the trail is about 7km one way, you can also walk just a shorter section, such as from Dunsborough to Meelup Beach, which is 3.5 km one way. Either way, it’s not an overly challenging trail with some gentle ups and downs, but all on a well-made gravel trail with some stone steps here and there.
Along the way, there are opportunities to swim at any of the coves and bays, with some beautiful beaches and surf spots. One of the most interesting parts though is the rugged limestone and granite outcrops along the coast, which make for some really picturesque photos.
It’s definitely one to add to your list when exploring the Dunsborough and Margaret River region.
King Jarrah Walking Trail
- Distance: 18 km
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
- Type: Loop
- Trailhead: Nanga Mill Campground
- Stay Nearby: Nanga Mill Campground or Chuditch Holiday Home
For a long bushwalk not too far from Perth, this 18 km loop in Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup is a moderately challenging hike through the forest. Beginning at Nanga Mill Campground (a beautiful bush camp, if you want to make a weekend of it), the trail provides views of the Murray River Valley.
The highlight of the hike is the King Jarrah tree, a huge giant tree standing nearly 50m tall. There are some steep sections though, so don’t assume it’s an easy walk. Yet for a training hike or just a long day out in nature, it’s the best hike in the Lane Poole Reserve.
Greenbushes Loop
- Distance: 16 km
- Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: Loop
- Trailhead: Greenbushes Pool
- Stay Nearby: Free camp at Greenbushes Pool or Balingup Timbertop Cottages
This is a really underrated hike through the forest near Greenbushes. It uses part of the Bibbulmun Track, so it gives you a brief taste of the long distance walk as it heads south. The walk is on a mixture of good dirt trails and 4WD tracks, and it’s well marked the whole way.
You can begin at various points, but starting at Greenbushes Pool is ideal as it provides toilets and a carpark. There are a few ups and downs, but nothing overly challenging so it’s a good half day hike for most people.
Along the way, you’ll see a couple of old dams from tin mining days, some of which have distinctive blue colours from the minerals. It’s a good opportunity to see wildflowers in spring and birds all year round too.
Big Brook Dam
- Distance: 4 km
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Type: Loop
- Trailhead: Big Brook Dam Picnic Area, 10 minutes north of Pemberton
- Stay Nearby: RAC Karri Valley Resort and Caravan Park
This is certainly not a challenging hike by any means, but it’s a great family friendly option and for those with a stroller or wheelchair. It’s also ideal for cycling. The 4 km walking trail circumnavigates the Big Brook Dam near Pemberton.
It also connects onto the Bibbulmun Track for those wanting to extend the walk a bit (or a lot). Along the way, you can admire views of the beautiful forest that make a dreamy backdrop to the dam.
Dogs can be taken on leash too.
Bald Head Walk
- Distance: 12.5 km
- Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
- Type: Return
- Trailhead: Bald Head Carpark, 25 minutes from Albany
- Stay Nearby: Sunrise House
This is one of the best day hikes in all of Australia, which is saying a lot. But, this return hike out to Bald Head in Torndirrup National Park in Albany provides some of the best coastal views you can get from any trail.
The hike begins from the Bald Head Carpark and undulates along the headland all the way out to the end point. There are quite a few ups and downs, but the trail is in good condition with steps and boardwalk for much of it.
The jaw dropping views of the coastline along the way make it all worthwhile, plus it’s one of the best whale watching spots, if you happen to be there in spring. Do not miss out on this walk if you’re in Albany.
Read next: 20 Best Things to Do in Albany
Bluff Knoll
- Distance: 6 km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Type: Return
- Trailhead: Bluff Knoll Carpark, 100 km north of Albany
- Stay Nearby: Stirling Range Retreat
Bluff Knoll is one of those bucket list worthy hikes. Just like Bald Head, it’s often included on lists of “best hikes in Australia”, so it’s not to be missed. It’s the highest peak of the south west of Western Australia and stands tall within the Stirling Range National Park inland from Albany.
It’s one of the most popular day hikes in the state, but don’t underestimate the short distance. The trail is almost completely uphill from the beginning, with numerous steps cut into the mountain. It makes for very tired legs, but the spectacular panoramic views from the top make it worthwhile.
It’s best done at sunset or sunrise for even better views, and many people plan on doing this from Albany. However, the weather can change dramatically in the Stirling Ranges, so be sure to check the weather forecast before attempting and stay nearby to make the most of your time in the national park.
Read more: Guide to the Bluff Knoll Hike in Stirling Ranges
👉 Wearing: Amble Outdoors Terra Shorts and Amble Outdoors Stirling Sun Shirt. Get 15% off with my code BEYONDWILDPLACES
Toolbrunup Peak
- Distance: 4.4 km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Type: Return
- Trailhead: Toolbrunup Carpark, 4km off Chester Pass Road on a dirt road
- Stay Nearby: Stirling Range Retreat
While everyone seems to head to the Stirling Range National Park to hike Bluff Knoll, most people end up missing out on so many other fantastic hikes in the park. If you have time for another walk, I’d highly recommend Toolbrunup Peak. It’s only just slightly shorter than Bluff Knoll in height and is much more fun to hike.
This is a very challenging hike though, and I’d only recommend for those confident in their ability to scramble up rocks. It’s not deal for those with a fear of heights either!
The trail is short, but it takes hours to complete, so allow enough time to return in daylight. The first kilometre is a gentle uphill walk on a dirt trail. But the final kilometre requires plenty of boulder hopping across a sloping scree field where you must pay attention for the markers.
The final few hundred metres requires a bit of upper body strength as you clamber up to the summit. The panoramic view from the top rivals that of Bluff Knoll, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself. Be careful climbing back down!
Find more: Best Hikes in Stirling Range National Park
Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
- Type: Return
- Trailhead: Granite Skywalk Carpark, 35 minutes north of Albany
- Stay Nearby: Sleeping Lady Private Retreat
While short, this hike packs a punch and is just half an hour north of Albany in Porongurup National Park. It’s a fun trail that is great for kids and relatively fit families, with its metal ladders and elevated viewing platform at the end.
The trail relentlessly ascends most of the way from the carpark through the forest to the boulders at the top of Castle Rock. Once you reach the granite rocks, there’s a lower lookout and an upper lookout.
The upper lookout requires some rock scrambling, but with metal handholds and ladders in place, it’s quite safe. The final climb will get you to the top of the elevated viewing platform that wraps around the summit offering outstanding views of the area.
This is a must do on the way to the Stirling Ranges, so allow enough time to complete this walk before Bluff Knoll.
Read more: Guide to the Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park
Monkey Rock and Mount Hallowell
- Distance: 5 km
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Type: One way
- Trailhead: Ocean Beach Road (closer to Denmark) or Lights Road (closer to Monkey Rock)
- Stay Nearby: The Floating Forest Chalet
Short but steep and mighty, the hike to Monkey Rock and Mount Hallowell is really underrated. This is such a great adventure just 5 minutes from Denmark on the south coast.
The Sheila Hill Trail is actually a 5 km one way hike (part of the Bibbulmun Track), but you could certainly go up to the peaks and return the same way if you needed to get back to your car. The rocky uphill trail is a constant climb from the road, but you have the opportunity for two lookouts at the top.
The trail climbs gradually through Karri and Marri forests as it ascends to Mount Hallowell, if starting from the carpark closer to Denmark. This peak offers beautiful views over Denmark and the Wilson Inlet. You can then continue to Monkey Rock, an open smooth granite outcrop, which offers views over the coastline, including back to Peaceful Bay.
You can either return the same way or continue down to the end of the trail at Lights Road.
Mount Clare on Deep River Loop
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: Loop
- Trailhead: Mount Clare Carpark, Tinglewood Road, 10 minutes from Walpole
- Stay Nearby: Coalmine Beach Holiday Park
This wonderful loop hike takes in Mount Clare summit and the enchanting tingle trees of Walpole-Nornalup National Park, plus the Deep River suspension bridge.
Starting from the carpark, you first head up to Mount Clare summit. While you don’t really get much of an outstanding view from there, it’s the trees you come to see. The amazing tingle trees are only found in this small corner of the world and are a must see for any nature lovers exploring the south west.
You then hike down steeply on the Bibbulmun Track towards the Deep River suspension bridge. From there, continue around to the carpark again.
East Mount Barren
- Distance: 3 km
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Type: Return
- Trailhead: East Mount Barren carpark, 15 minutes west of Hopetoun
- Stay Nearby: Four Mile Campground or Wavecrest Tourist Park
This short but steep hike is one of the best walks on the south coast for incredible ocean views. Located in Fitzgerald River National Park, the hike is easily accessed on a sealed road from Hopetoun.
It climbs steeply straight up, offering views almost immediately. It then climbs across the top and up to the rocky outcrop at the summit. This final section can be a bit tough, with some rock scrambling required to get views from the very top, so be careful.
You can see across the incredible coastline and wilderness area of the national park. It also has beautiful wildflowers throughout the year on this peak, so it’s always colourful.
Frenchman Peak
- Distance: 3 km
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Type: Return
- Trailhead: Frenchman Peak Carpark, 45 minutes east of Esperance
- Stay Nearby: Lucky Bay Campground or RAC Esperance Holiday Park
A must do for those visiting Cape Le Grand National Park, this hike is one of the best in the south west. While most people visit Cape Le Grand for the world’s best beaches, they often miss out on this fun little hike.
Bring good footwear for this one, as you have to climb straight up the massive granite slope of the mountain. It can be extremely slippery when wet or after rain, so be careful. At the summit, you’ll have panoramic views of this insane coastline. But, perhaps my favourite part of the hike was exploring the huge hollow cave at the top which is so unexpected.
It’s an outstanding example of coastal erosion over millions of years. Getting down again can be more difficult than the ascent, so take your time.
Hiking Essentials to Pack
Pin this post
[…] Read next: 12 Best Day Hikes in South West WA […]
[…] Read more: 12 Best Day Hikes in South West WA […]