Western Australia Hiking & Trekking Guide 2025
Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Western Australia.
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 Hiking Trails
The best hikes Western Australia has to offer.
Bibbulmun Track
Hard (multi-day)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.
Cape to Cape Track
Moderate to HardA 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.
Bluff Knoll Summit Walk
Moderate to HardThe 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.
Kings Park Bushland Walk
EasyA 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.
Karijini Gorge Walks
Moderate to Very Hard (gorge swims require basic fitness)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).
Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk
EasyA 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.
Kalbarri National Park — The Loop
ModerateThe 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.
Rottnest Island Coastal Walk (Rotto Walk)
Easy to ModerateRottnest 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.
Jorgensen Park Walking Trail
Easy to ModerateA 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.
Frenchman Peak Walk
ModerateA 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.
Trails by Difficulty
Find trails that match your fitness level.
🟢 Easy
Flat or gentle terrain, well-marked paths, suitable for beginners and families. Usually 1-2 hours.
🟡 Moderate
Some elevation gain, uneven terrain. Requires basic fitness. Typically 3-5 hours.
🟠 Challenging
Significant elevation, steep sections, longer distances. Good fitness required. 5-8 hours.
🔴 Expert
Technical terrain, high altitude, or multi-day treks. Experience and preparation essential.
Complete Hiking Guide
Detailed trail descriptions, packing checklists, and route recommendations.
Hiking Preparation
What to bring and how to prepare.
Essential Gear
Day Hikes
- Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
- Plenty of water (2-3 liters)
- Snacks and lunch
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Rain layer/jacket
- First aid kit
- Navigation (map, GPS, phone)
- Flashlight/headlamp
Multi-Day Treks
- All day hike essentials plus:
- Backpack (40-60L)
- Tent or shelter
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Cooking equipment
- Water purification
- Extra clothing layers
- Emergency supplies
Physical Preparation
- Start training weeks before challenging hikes
- Build up endurance with regular cardio
- Practice on local trails with elevation gain
- Break in new boots before the trip
- Acclimatize to altitude gradually if needed
Hiking Safety
Stay safe on the trails.
Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry emergency communication device in remote areas.
Check weather conditions before setting out. Turn back if conditions deteriorate. Never underestimate mountains.
Stay on marked trails. Getting lost in unfamiliar terrain can be dangerous. Carry navigation tools.
Be aware of wildlife. Research local animals and know how to respond to encounters.
Start early to allow plenty of daylight. Always aim to be back before dark.
Best Time to Hike
Plan your hiking adventure for optimal conditions.
🌸 Spring
Warming temperatures, wildflowers blooming. Some high trails may still have snow. Variable weather.
☀️ Summer
Most trails accessible. Can be hot at lower elevations. Start early to avoid heat. Peak season for high altitude.
🍂 Fall
Cooler temperatures, autumn colors. Stable weather. Great hiking conditions. Some facilities may close.
❄️ Winter
Snow at higher elevations. Winter gear required. Shorter days. Some trails closed. Beautiful but demanding.
Explore Western Australia's Trails
Get our complete hiking guide with GPS routes, difficulty ratings, and local tips.
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