When it comes to the best walking trails in Western Australia, you’re spoiled for choice. Perhaps you love the feeling of a seaside breeze as you exercise, then you can lace up your sneakers and stalk along the limestone cliffs and dreamy coastlines of WA. Or you might prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the uninterrupted serenity of Western Australia’s abundance of national parkland. However it is you get your daily exercise in, the best way to do it is by getting out and about for a brisk walk. Here are seven of the best walking trails across Western Australia.
01
Cape to Cape Track
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
If you’re headed to the Margaret River, one of the best ways to explore the area Spanning 123 kilometres, the Cape to Cape Track is one of Western Australia’s most iconic and popular walking trails. Taking a week to complete end-to-end, you’ll walk from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin where you’ll follow the coastline abundant with limestone cliffs and forests. If you’re not up for a week-long hiking adventure, there are plenty of shorter sections that you can do as a day walk instead.
02
Kings Park – Lotterywest Federation Walkway
Difficulty: Easy
Looking for an easy walk that the whole family can enjoy? The Lotterywest Federation Walkway in Kings Park is just over a kilometre walk that promises stunning views of the surrounding eucalyptus forest, the Perth skyline and the Swan River. The walk takes place on an elevated boardwalk, making it a short and accessible trek for all ages and fitness levels.
03
The Bibbulmun Track
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world’s great long-distance hiking trails as well as the third-longest walking trail in Australia. Stretching an impressive 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast, this track is not for the faint of heart. It takes six to eight weeks to complete the track in its entirety. However, if you’re understandably not up for the trek of a lifetime, you can find smaller sections of the track to do as weekend hikes or day trips. Depending where you walk, you’ll be greeted by jarrah forests, farmlands, coastlines and the Valley of the Giants.
04
Bluff Knoll
Difficulty: Challenging
Bluff Knoll has been dubbed as one of the most under estimated walking trails in Western Australia. Though it’s graded as an accessible hike, it is quite challenging and steep. The 6.8 kilometre trek will take you to the highest peak in the Stirling Range. Along the way you can expect a steady, steep and challenging incline but the views from the top are worth it. This is also one of the only spots in Western Australia where you can spot a bit of snowfall.
05
Rottnest Island – Wadjemup Bidi
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Rottnest Island is not just a paradise for avid divers and ocean-lovers, it’s also beloved by walkers, too. While you could spend your time swimming and diving through the limestone reef, if you prefer to explore through walking, then the Wadjemup Bidi trail network is for you. Offering five different sections that span 45 kilometres in total, no matter which route you take, you’ll get a thorough tour of the island’s breathtaking landscapes. The trails are all well-marked and range from easy to moderate, so no matter what your fitness level is, you can explore the island by foot.
06
The Valley of the Giants – Tree Top Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Though unlike the other walks, this walk requires a ticket, the Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants is well worth it. A brisk 600 metre loop, this walk takes you among the tingle trees of Walpole-Nornalup National Park while standing on an elevated walkway that rises 40 metres above the forest floor. Up among the tree tops, you’ll have an awe-inspiring view of the ancient forest and all the natural wonders within it. The walk is short and easy so it’s excellent for families.
07
The Gibb River Road – Bell Gorge Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
The Kimberley is one of the most remote and rugged regions in all of Australia. It’s no surprise it attracts tourists and nature lovers from all over the country and the globe who seek serenity and uninterrupted natural beauty. and the Gibb River Road offers access to some of its most spectacular natural attractions.
If you find yourself in the Kimberley region, don’t leave without doing The Bell Gorge Walk. Spanning 3.5 kilometres and taking anywhere from 1-3 hours to complete, this walk promises incredible views of the Bell Gorge. In the Summer, you can also cool off along the way by taking a dip in the waterfalls and swimming holes along the trail. Though the trail is relatively short, it does involve some rock-hopping and scrambling along the way.