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10 Best Day Hikes in the South West

The South West of Western Australia is home to some spectacular natural beauty and we are incredibly lucky in Perth to be only a few hours from forests of giant eucalyptus, empty expanses of pristine white beaches and towering granite peaks ready to challenge our body and mind. 

The tradition of taking a road trip down south is ingrained into the culture of West Australians and with so many great walking trails to enjoy between towns, why not start organising your next trip?

 

Being located within a biodiversity hotspot provides a variety of wildflowers, unique forests and some of the most photogenic landscapes in all of Australia. Add in some world class wineries and great local produce and there are some great memories waiting to be captured.

 

For a full description of each trail with more photos and a zoomable map, click on the links for each page.

If you'd like a copy of my two guidebooks, Best Walks of South West WA and Best Walks of South Coast WA, please visit my online store to place your order.

Best Hikes in the South West of Western Australia

Bald Head Walk Trail
Torndirrup National Park

Length - 13.0km 

Vertical Climb - 589m 

Time - 4-7 Hours 

Arguably the best day hike in the South West, the Bald Head Walk Trail is a stunning out and back along the Flinders Peninsula where you'll get some awe-inspiring scenery for the entire journey.

Best Forest Hikes in the South West of WA

Warren River Loop Trail
Warren National Park

Length - 11.8km 

Vertical Climb - 319m 

Time - 3-5 Hours 

Surrounded by Karri Forest and following the banks of the Warren River for a long section, the fulfilling Warren River Loop Trail allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature.

Best Coastal Hikes in the South West of WA

Meelup Trail
Meelup Regional Park

Length - 8.0km 

Vertical Climb - 113m 

Time - 2-3 Hours 

Exploring the edge of Geographe Bay near Dunsborough, the Meelup Trail comes alive in spring with a mass of wildflowers, orchids and whales as you link up all the amazing beaches this region is known for.

Best Mountain Hikes in the South West of WA

Toolbrunup Peak
Stirling Range National Park

Length - 4.2km 

Vertical Climb - 534m 

Time - 2-4 Hours 

The toughest day hike in the Stirling Range, Toolbrunup Peak provides a fun experience as you scale up boulder fields towards some stunning views from the rocky and narrow summit.

Top Hiking Trails in South West WA

Deep River Walk Trail
Walpole-Nornalup National Park

Length - 4.8km 

Vertical Climb - 207m 

Time - 1-2 Hours 

Hidden away in the unique Tingle Forests near Walpole, the Deep River Walk Trail provides a great short walk on the Bibbulmun Track that showcases the best of this area.

Best Wildflower Walks in the South West of Western Australia

Mount Lindesay
Mount Lindesay National Park

Length - 9.9km 

Vertical Climb - 425m 

Time - 3-5 Hours 

A spectacular trail taking you from the banks of the Denmark River to the summit of Mount Lindesay and back, experience some epic views from the summit along with excellent wildflowers in spring.

Best Forest Hikes in the South West of Western Australia

Bridgetown Jarrah Park
Bridgetown

Length - 6.0km 

Vertical Climb - 147m 

Time - 2-3 Hours 

Located near Bridgetown is a fantastic piece of forest along Maranup Brook. One of the best places to experience both towering Karri and Jarrah Forest, along with fungi and wildflowers during winter and spring.

Top Walks in the South West of WA

Castle Rock Granite Skywalk
Porongurup National Park

Length - 4.4km 

Vertical Climb - 269m 

Time - 1-2 Hours 

An iconic hike, this fantastic trail takes you through the Karri Forest to a stainless steel platform bolted directly to the side of Castle Rock at the summit, providing excellent views over the surrounding landscape.

Best River Hikes in the South West of WA

Jabitj trail
Wellington National Park

Length - 6.3km 

Vertical Climb - 108m 

Time - 2-3 Hours 

Linking up Wellington Dam and Honeymoon Pool in Wellington National Park, the Jabitj Trail is a scenic walk along the edge of the Collie River with plenty to see along the way.

Top Walk Trails in the South West of Western Australia

Mount Frankland
Mount Frankland National Park

Length - 2.5km 

Vertical Climb - 116m 

Time - 1 Hour 

Located near Walpole, Mount Frankland provides great views of the nearby wilderness area. The walk around the granite dome is just as good as the summit views as you get to appreciate the scale of Mount Frankland.

Do you agree with the list or is there a trail on here that is your favourite? Let me know in the comments section below.

For more great hikes in the South West region click on the below link and scroll through the options.

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