From pristine coastal walks to forest inland climbs, the South-West’s generous landscape has a fantastic range of spots ideal for hiking, including unpatrolled beaches and undulated bush trails.
The landscape all year-round down South is a spectacle. However, with the wildflower season in full swing, Spring is the ideal time to take a trip down south for a scenic hike.
Cape to Cape Track
The Cape to Cape track is easily one of the most popular walks in the southwest to enjoy on your own, with friends and family, and even monthly group walks available.
A mixture of rough surfaces to soft beach sand, the walk trail stretches 135km from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. Alternative forest hikes and coastal cliffs are also available for those wanting a change of pace.
It has three easily-accessible drive in bush camp sites to stop at along the way to wind down; Conto’s, Point Road, and Boranup.
It’s probably the best ocean track in the state, with many unusual rock formations to break up the hiking experience.
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Meelup Reserve Trail
For something shorter, the Meelup Reserve Trail is also a favourite amongst hikers, taking roughly 2 hours to complete.
The trail puts on display the range of sea life, wildlife and coastal flora that exists along Geographe Bay from Dunsborough to Meelup. Ocean lovers will also get the chance to swim on the peaceful unpatrolled beaches of Bunker Beach, Eagle Bay and Meelup throughout the journey.
The 7.4km, one-way track, with multiple access points throughout the trail is a great track for beginner hikers.
Bluff Knoll
Named the third highest climb and getting the occasional sprinkling of snow in winter, you can’t beat a climb up Bluff Knoll.
The bluff is a finishing point for extended hikes through the Stirling Ranges National Park. A temperate climate makes the park a green wonderland in winter and early spring, featuring an exquisite number of wildflowers, reptiles and birdlife.
Though the climb isn’t for the faint-hearted, the 6km trail is worth the climb when you witness the humbling scenery atop the Bluff Knoll.
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Other great options include
Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail in Cape Le Grand National Park (17km)
Mount Franklin Summit Trail near Walpole (600m)
Old Timberline Trail (22km) and Sidings Rail Trail (15km) combined gives a 37km loop
Image Source: Cape to Cape Trail - Tourism WA; Bunker Bay Beach - Shutterstock; Bluff Knoll - Shutterstock
