Western Australia is Australia's largest state, covering more than one-third of the continent and offering an extraordinary range of landscapes from pristine coral reefs and red outback deserts to verdant wine regions and cosmopolitan coastal cities. Home to Perth, one of the world's most isolated yet vibrant capital cities, Western Australia rewards adventurous travellers with World Heritage sites, unique wildlife, and some of the planet's most spectacular natural wonders.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Bibbulmun Track
One of the world's great long-distance trails, the Bibbulmun Track stretches 1,003km from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast, passing through karri and jarri forests, wildflower plains, granite outcrops, and the spectacular WA south coast. The track has 49 campsites with three-sided shelters (huts) spaced approximately one day's walk apart. Walkers can tackle the full track in 6-8 weeks or choose from dozens of day and overnight section walks.
Trailhead: Kalamunda, 25km east of Perth, or Albany (from the south)
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2
Cape to Cape Track
A spectacular 135km coastal walking track running from Cape Naturaliste lighthouse in the north to Cape Leeuwin lighthouse in the south, along the dramatic limestone cliffs, ocean-facing heathlands, and pocket beaches of the Margaret River wine region. The track passes stunning coastal scenery, ancient caves, surf breaks, and abundant wildflowers in spring.
Trailhead: Cape Naturaliste (north) or Cape Leeuwin (south)
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3
Bluff Knoll Summit Walk
The walk to the summit of Bluff Knoll (1,099m) — the highest peak in WA — is a superb half-day hike through cloud-catching mountain country. The trail climbs steeply through heath and scrub to spectacular 360-degree views over the Stirling Range and surrounding WA wheatbelt. Clouds frequently shroud the summit even on fine days; snow occasionally falls in winter.
Trailhead: Bluff Knoll car park, Stirling Range National Park
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4
Kings Park Bushland Walk
A network of easy walking paths through the 400-hectare Kings Park botanic garden and natural bushland, with several mapped routes. The Dandjoo Noongar Heritage Walk (approx 3km) passes through natural bushland, the lotterywest family area, and the State War Memorial, with interpretive signage about Noongar culture and the park's natural history. Spectacular wildflowers in September-October.
Trailhead: Multiple entry points; main visitor car park on Forrest Drive
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5
Karijini Gorge Walks
Karijini National Park's gorge walks are among Australia's most spectacular and exhilarating — descending through billions of years of exposed rock strata into narrow red gorges with waterfalls, swimming holes, and polished rock corridors. The most popular walks include Fern Pool (easy, 1km return from Fortescue Falls), Handrail Pool in Weano Gorge (moderate, involves gorge swim), and the challenging Joffre Gorge walk with a waterfall leap. All gorges require careful footwear (boots or aqua shoes).
Trailhead: Dales Gorge Visitor Area, Weano Gorge car park (different areas of the park)
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6
Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk
A remarkable elevated walkway rising to 40 metres above the forest floor on a 600-metre ramp structure through the canopy of ancient red tingle trees (Eucalyptus jacksonii) in the Valley of the Giants near Walpole. The combined Treetop Walk and ground-level Ancient Empire Walk through the enormous tingle trees makes this one of WA's most memorable forest experiences.
Trailhead: Valley of the Giants car park, 14km east of Walpole on South Coast Highway
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7
Kalbarri National Park — The Loop
The Loop walk in Kalbarri National Park follows the Murchison River gorge through stunning red and white banded rock formations, with options to continue into the gorge via river crossings for a more adventurous experience. The walk starts and ends at the Z-Bend car park and includes the famous Nature's Window rock arch lookout.
Trailhead: Z-Bend car park, 40km from Kalbarri town
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8
Rottnest Island Coastal Walk (Rotto Walk)
Rottnest Island's coastal walking trail circles the island's 45km perimeter, passing all 63 beaches and bays, the historic Oliver Hill Battery (WWII gun emplacement), lighthouse, quokka habitat, and spectacular coastal scenery. The full circuit takes 2-3 days, but many visitors walk sections between beaches in a few hours.
Trailhead: Main ferry jetty at Thomson Bay settlement
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9
Jorgensen Park Walking Trail
A beautiful bushland walk through Jorgensen Park in the Perth Hills suburb of Kalamunda, along the Bibbulmun Track southern Perth section. The walk passes through wandoo woodland, with excellent wildflower displays in spring and good views of the Darling Scarp from lookout points. An easy day trip from Perth to experience WA bush country.
Trailhead: Jorgensen Park car park, Biggs Avenue, Kalamunda
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10
Frenchman Peak Walk
A moderately strenuous but accessible walk up the granite peak of Frenchman Peak in Cape Le Grand National Park, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Recherche Archipelago, the white sand beaches of Cape Le Grand, and Lucky Bay. The final 200 metres to the summit involves a unique through-cave section — a narrow slot canyon that adds an element of adventure.
Trailhead: Frenchman Peak car park, Cape Le Grand National Park
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.