The Western Australian South West is like no other place in the world to visit. It would have to be without doubt our favourite places to explore and there is so much to explore. Many trails that take you along some of the worlds best beaches, forest trails with trees so majestic and tall you feel like you are a tiny person in a giant land. There are valleys and farmlands with rolling hills that remind you of places like Tuscany and quint essential Australian country towns to visit.
We will keep adding to this page as we discover more and more but in the mean time join us on what we have seen so far and maybe you will be inspired to go visit the beautiful South Western Australia.
Bibbulmun Track.
- Distance 1003 km (multi day walk)
- Difficulty level 4
This is a fabulous long distance walking track that starts from Kalamunda and ends in the south at Albany. This trail winds through Conservation Parks, National Parks, wandoo, jarrah and marri forests. It goes through old timber towns, alongside rivers through farmlands until you reach the amazing southern coastline of Western Australia. You need to be self sufficient for this track especially if you are embarking on the whole 1000 km’s. You can however do sections and day walks.
For more information on this track check out our previous post on the Bibbulmun Track also go to the official site @ www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au where you will find more information and guide books and maps.
To order a copy of the Bibbulmun Journeys Documentary about the track click here.
Cape to Cape.
- Distance 135 km (multi day walk)
- Difficulty level 4
The Cape to Cape is another fantastic multi day walk that Western Australia has. You will experience the beauty of the WA coastline with magnificent limestone cliffs and long sandy beaches, as the walk starts from the lighthouse of Cape Naturaliste and finishing at the lighthouse of Cape Leeuwin. There are some cool surf towns along the way like Yallingup, Gracetown, Prevelly and camping sites for those wanting to walk end to end. This walk also gives you the chance to explore it in sections on day hikes and there are tour companies that will arrange a drop off pick up service if you don’t want to camp.
For more information on this walk you can refer to our previous post on the Cape to Cape.
You can order your helpful guidebook to walking the Cape to Cape called The Capes here.
Also there is some information and maps if you go to the Friends of the Cape to Cape site @ http://www.capetocapetrack.com.au .
Rail Trail.
- Distance 15 km
- Difficulty level 1
- Family Friendly, prams and wheelchair
- Bike trail as well
This historical Trail is a great day walk that starts at the town of Cowaramup in the Margaret River region and finishes in the town of Margaret River. The trail is part of the old timber rail network and will take you on a flat wide track through some beautiful natural bush-land, farmland, vineyards. Keep your eyes peeled for the bird life along the way with Blue wrens, cockatoos and parrots and plenty of wildflowers during springtime. There are also closer to Margaret River several more trails that link in to the Rail Trail there to be explored. If you feel like exploring this one by bike there is bike hire available in Margaret River. You can also find cafes at either end of this trail for that coffee and cake break, or carry a picnic as there are picnic spots as well.
If you want more information on this trail and maps then check out http://www.margaretriver.com or www.trailswa.com.au.
10 Mile Brook Trail.
- Distance 7.5 Km
- Difficulty level 1
- Family Friendly, prams and wheelchair
- Bike trail as well
Another one of the old historical rail network. This trail starts at the “Old Kate” Steam Engine in the Rotary Park at the northern end of Margaret River and finishes at the Rusden Picnic site. It again is a wide flat track and is suitable for bike riding, pushing prams and wheelchairs. The trail weaves along side the Margaret River and is very family friendly, often with the locals taking their dogs out for a walk and a swim in the river. Springtime there is very pretty wild flowers to see and is a good time to walk it.
If you want more information on this trail and maps then check out http://www.margaretriver.com or www.trailswa.com.au.
Eagle Coast Track.
- Distance 8 km
- Difficulty level 1-2
This 8 km walk is a beautiful scenic walk starting near the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and following the coastline down to Eagle Bay. You will walk along the stunning Bunker Bay with it’s clear turquoise water and white sand, great for a quick swim before heading that bit further to Eagle Bay. This is where you could join up with the Meelup Reserve Trail.
If you want more information on this trail and maps then check out http://www.margaretriver.com, www.trailswa.com.au or www.australiassouthwest.com.
Meelup Reserve Trail.
- Distance 7.4 km
- Difficulty level 1
- Family Friendly
The Meelup Reserve Trail is beautiful coastal walk that has you walking into pretty bays and coves. These Bays are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and quite popular as they are calm, turquoise water and sandy beaches. You will find many places for picnics along the way as well as other facilities like showers and toilets. Springtime there is a beautiful show of wild flowers and between September and December you will also if lucky see a the spectacular show of the whales. To start this walk you begin in Old Dunsborough at the Meelup Nature Reserve and head up to Eagle Bay.
If you want more information on this trail and maps then check out www.margaretriver.com, www.trailswa.com.au or www.australiassouthwest.com.
Wardanup Trail.
- Distance 5 km
- Difficulty level 3-4
This walk begins in Yallingup and is part of the Yallingup-Smiths Beach Walk Trails. You can take a stroll along the Yallingup Beach before heading up to “The Rabbits” car park. On the walk you will experience the beautiful views over the ocean before your long climb up Wardanup Hill, this being named after the local Warden Aboriginal people, you will then stroll through the woodlands and to the lookout with breathtaking views. You then pass through the Ngilgi Cave, passed Caves House then back down to the beginning.
If you want more information on this trail and maps then check out http://www.margaretriver.com, www.trailswa.com.au or www.australiassouthwest.com.
Lions Sandhills Walk Trail
- Distance 5.7 km (our recording) 4.7 km (according to the website)
- Difficulty level 3
You will find this Trail just outside of Donnybrook in the Ryall’s Nature Reserve, this is a loop trail that starts off very well sign posted but then the signs disappear. This could be why we came up with a different number on the km though we are quite sure we were correct. Start the trail on the corner of Frost and Montgomery Rds and even though the map had said parking and picnic table this was not the case, there is a sign board.
We enjoyed this walk and were walking in Autumn. We will go back during spring as the wildflower should be abundant, especially on the first half. The first half is in quite sandy soil with more native shrubs, as you venture on it turns into more tall trees and gravel tracks. Gives a great diversity to the walk. There are some steep uneven sections and be aware of many other trails running through. When you come to a two way trail stick to the outer one and you will continue along to a T junction with the train line in front of you, from there turn right until you see a small bridge crossing to the right, cross the bridge and the signs reappear.
More information on this trail www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au or www.trailswa.com.au.
Preston River Walk Trail
- Distance 5 km return
- Difficulty level 1-2
The Preston River flows through the south west town of Donnybrook. A lovely country town with many walk trails close by to be explored. This River walk trail is in the heart of Donnybrook and starts at the Waugul Sculpture Park (Rainbow Serpent from the Aboriginal Dream-time). You can walk the loop track of around, 1.8 km, and/or add in the extra 2.2 km return that continues up along the river. You will cross over the suspension bridge and follow a paved marked trail with story boards of the Dream-time along the way. Do note not all of this trail is paved but is relative easy going and when at the other end to cross you will not be able to if the river is high as you do take a few steps down to the river line and cross over on a concrete path.
Great easy walk for the whole family with BBQ and plenty of seating along the way to just sit and watch the many birds that dance around from tree to tree.
More information on this trail www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au or www.trailswa.com.au.
Bluff Knoll.
- Distance 5 km return
- Difficulty level 4
This walk is one of the best in the west! Short but very sweet especially when you go on a clear day as the 360° views at the summit are incredible, if lucky you can even see glimpses of the ocean! You will reach the height of 1095 m and it is a well marked track. Again, like any of the Stirling Range walks, don’t do this if the weather is bad, you won’t see a whole lot. Go in Spring and you will be in for a treat with the beautiful array of wildflowers.
For more information on this trail go to www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au or www.trailswa.com.au.
Toolbrunup Peak.
- Distance 4 km return
- Difficulty level 4-5 (rock scrambling near the top)
Won’t lie this is a difficult one though I found rewarding. You will reach height of 1052 m and expect steep rough climb as there is quite a bit of loose rock then nearer to the top you are having to scrabble up and over the rocks to get to where you will find amazing 360° views. Like any of the Stirling Range walks, don’t do this if the weather is bad, you won’t see a whole lot, plus it can be dangerous. Go in Spring and you will be in for a treat with the beautiful array of wildflowers.
For more information on this trail go to www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au or www.trailswa.com.au.
Quenda Trail.
- Distance 4 km
- Difficulty level 3-4
The Quenda Trail is named after the very cute marsupial that frequent this area so if you are walking around here do keep an eye out for these little natives. This trail is part of the Yallingup-Smiths Beach Walk Trails and starts in Yallingup, pass Torpedo Rock and heads down along Smith Beach before looping around again and joining onto the Torpedo Trail and back to Yallingup.
If you want more information on this trail and maps check out www.australiassouthwest.com.
Ambergate Nature Reserve Walk Trail
- Distance 4 km loop
- Difficulty 1
This trail is a relaxing loop trail that has you walking through the lovely natural bush land with grass trees, acacias and in the Spring time the beautiful wild flowers. This is a flat easy walk with a few benches to sit on along the way to relax and take in nature.
Ambergate Nature Reserve Walk Trail is located on Queen Elizabeth Road.
Lions Forest Walk Trail
- Distance 3.7 km loop
- Difficulty 3
This walk is a very pleasant walk with views every now and then on the first part overlooking the valley and township of Donnybrook. Some steep sections and unsteady underfoot, though you will find a few spots with a picnic table for you to stop and rest while taking in the beautiful bush that has many native birds flying and singing throughout. This is sign posted but sadly like the Sandhills Trail they disappear for a bit so have a map with you.
The Lions Forest Loop Trail has a choice of 3 loops to choose, the outer loop being the longest at 3.7 km. This trail starts at the Donnybrook Cemetery at the end of Fleet St and has Parking, Information as well as toilets.
More information visit www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au or www.trailswa.com.au.
Cape Naturaliste Track
- Distance 3.2 km
- Difficulty level 1
This is part of the Cape to Cape track and it goes from the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse down to Sugarloaf Rock. Great easy walk as a far bit is board-walked and makes it accessible for prams and wheelchairs giving everyone the chance to see the stunning coastal views and possible a whale or two.
If you want more information on this trail and maps check out www.australiassouthwest.com, www.trailswa.com.au or you can pick up a map from the Dunsborough Visitors Centre, 31 Dunn Bay Rd, Dunsborough.
Mt. Trio.
- Distance 3.5 km return
- Difficulty level 3-4
This walk is in the Stirling Range National Park and is a well marked trail. You will climb to the height of 856 m and with the views you get it is worth every step. Mt. Trio is three peaks that are linked together by a plateau. Go in Spring and you will be walking through nature’s garden as the Stirling ‘Rangers puts on a great show each year. Don’t do this or any of the high Stirling Range walks if the weather is bad, you won’t see a whole lot.
For more information on this trail go to www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au or www.trailswa.com.au.
Torpedo Trail.
- Distance 2 km
- Difficulty level 1-2
This trail is part of the Yallingup-Smiths Beach Walk Trails. An easy walk takes you from Yallingup beach and follows the coast south to Torpedo Rocks before heading inland and up towards the Post Office then swings back down past Caves House and ends in Yallingup beach.
If you want more information on this trail you can pick up a map from the Dunsborough Visitors Centre, 31 Dunn Bay Rd, Dunsborough.
Lighthouse Walk
- Distance 2 km
- Difficulty level 1
This is a great easy walk that takes you around the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. The views overlooking Bunker Bay are outstanding and be sure to keep eyes peeled for whales. You can link this walk with the Bunker Bay track, the Whale Lookout Track and the Cape Naturaliste Track. This is also the start of the Cape to Cape Track.
If you want more information on this trail and maps check out www.australiassouthwest.com or you can pick up a map from the Dunsborough Visitors Centre, 31 Dunn Bay Rd, Dunsborough.
Oak Grove Walk
- Distance 1.5 km
- Difficulty level 1-2 (can be muddy under foot if it’s been raining so slippery)
The Oak Grove Walk is in the fantastic Golden Valley Tree Park that is just outside of the picturesque country town of Balingup. This Park consists of two sections- the World Collection and the Australian Collection, both with three trails in to follow, the longest being only 1.5 km long.
Seeing the Oak Grove Walk in the Autumn was just incredible as all the leaves were changing colour and the pastures were very green. A very pleasant walk with sign posts of a orange acorn to follow and plaques beneath the different tree telling you what they are and who they are dedicated to. Great one for the whole family and you will find gas BBQ, picnic tables and toilet facilities. Do drop in a little donation to help with the upkeep of this park as it an extremely beautiful place and very well done.
The other in this park are-
- Sequoia Short Walk, level 1, a lovely stroll following the red sign with a pine cone on it taking you passed some of the giant sequoia trees and duck pond to the BBQ area.
- Pear Walk, level 2-3, takes you up the hill to incredible vistas over the valley following the green sign with the pear symbol on it.
In the Australian Collection-
- Hill View Track, 1.5 km loop, level 2,a wonderful stroll around with Sheoaks, Sandelwoods, Wattles, Rare WA Species, and the incredible rich smelling Oil Mallees and many more. You follow the Cains around and is easy to negotiate.
- Wattle Walk, loop, level 2, shorter version of the Hill View.
- Tall Gum Short Walk, loop level 2, Shorter version of both the Hill View and Wattle Walks.
More information go to www.goldenvalleytreepark.org.au.
Possum Spotlighting Trail.
- Distance 1.5 km
- Difficulty level 1-2 (best done at night)
Bring your torches because this is a night walk! Great one to take the kids on. Easy walking and the trail markers have reflectors for you to see as well as information plaques along the way to give you information on the species and the habitat. The trail starts at the Layman picnic site, in Busselton’s Tuart Forest National Park, and takes around an hour to complete, depending on how much time you spend admiring the cheeky possums. You will get to see the rare western ring tail and the more common brush-tail possums.
For more information check out www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au or www.australiassouthwest.com.
Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
- Distance 600 metre
- Difficulty level 1
This is an amazing tree top walk that will take you up amongst the tops of the ancient Tingle trees, some of these beauties are around 400 years old. The walkway is gently sloped so it is easy walking for all ages and including Prams and wheelchairs. Bring the camera as you are in for a treat. The Giants Walk is in the Walpole Wilderness Park, South Coast Hwy, between Denmark and Walpole. Opening times are daily 9 am -5 pm, closed Christmas Day.
For more information check out www.valleyofthegiants.com.au or www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au.
Ghost Trail.
- Distance 700 m
- Difficulty level 1
The ‘Ghost Trail’ is a very easy stroll that starts at the Caves Caravan Park and is part of the Yallingup-Smiths Beach Walk Trails. It then heads up and around the beautiful Caves House hotel. Mix this trail up with perhaps the Torpedo, Wardanup or even the Caves Trails.
If you want more information on this trail you can pick up a map from the Dunsborough Visitors Centre, 31 Dunn Bay Rd, Dunsborough.
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