My TOP 5 Favourite WA Hikes

There are plenty of hikes to complete around WA, and I’ve done my fair share of them. These are my favourite ones to date, and the ones I recommend most.

Table of Contents

The Bibbulmun Track

Let’s start with the big one.

The Bibbulmun track stretches 1000 km from Perth Hills to Albany and is one of the worlds great long distance walks. I’m aware that is a long way for a lot of people, but trust me its worth it. If your not about walking 20-30 km a day for a month +, you can do this track in sections.

This was my first major hiking trip and took me 40 days to complete. Unfortunately, the section from Northcliffe to Walpole was flooded so I could not complete this section. I was 20 years old when I ventured out and to be honest had very little hiking experience. I wouldn’t recommend this, even though the Bib is a very easy track to follow. I’m not really sure how I had zero problems to be honest, beginners luck? I learnt a lot about myself on this hike which is why it is in my top 5 and why I recommend it to everyone.

During this hike you will walk through lust forests, along beautiful beaches, up mountains and through flood lands. It is the best walk to see all the different landscapes the South West has to offer. It’s isolated in some parts, however you will get to experience some spectacular wildlife. Complete this walk by either walking North to South or South to North. If your not a regular hiker and very fit, I recommend starting North to South. This way you will begin with walking up hills and steep ascends. I’m sure you’re wondering that doesn’t sound right? Believe me the northern section is a lot easier than the southern section. This is because the south section requires A LOT of beach walking. Walking with 15-20 kg on your back, with every foot sinking into the sand can be very tiring.

3 walled huts are scattered along the Bibbulmun, each with drop loo toilets and fresh water tanks (treat before use). You can also choose to stay at other accomodation along the track, however this is rarely available and where is the fun in that! The best time to walk this hike is in spring, I completed it in winter. It was an interesting experience to be in the middle of thunderstorms, but very cold and wet.

For more information check out the Bibbulmun track website.

TIPS:

It’s recommended to be relatively fit for this walk, as it is challenging in sections.
Plan your food drops prior to beginning.
Have some sort of plan as to where you are going to end up each day. Give some comfort to your loved ones.
Buy a good backpack and shoes!! Last thing you want is blisters.
I recommend buying an emergency beacon device.

If you want me to write a more in depth blog about the Bibbulmun track, let me know in the comments section.

Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range National Park

The highest peak in the Great Southern region of WA. Bluff Knoll is no stranger to me, recently completing the summit for my sixth time. It’s beginning to become a yearly thing, dragging another friend up each time. I love this summit and would do it 100 times more. For those wondering, no it doesn’t seem to get any easier each time. ALL those damn steps. At the summit, there are amazing views over the Stirling Ranges.

You’ll find the Stirling Ranges 420 km from Perth or 100 km from Albany. This hike is 6 km return and will take you anywhere between 3-6 hrs, depending on your fitness level. The best time to walk this hike would be in Spring, or if you’re hoping for snow you can try your luck in winter. Personally, the best time to summit is for sunrise. If you’re lucky and it’s a clear morning, it is amazing watching the sun rise over the ranges. It does get freezing up there in the morning, so I recommend thermals and plenty of layers (even a blanket if your feeling adventurous).

This hike can be completed at any fitness level. Entry fees apply to this park.

TIPS:

Bring plenty of layers if you are going to summit for sunrise.
This hike is mainly steps. It makes it a suitable hike for any ages, although you will feel the burn!
Bring plenty of water with you.
Stay in the National Park at the Stirling Range Retreat. There are plenty of other hikes which people miss, some have even more impressive views then Bluff Knoll.

Mt Bruce, Karijini National Park

Located 1400 km from Perth, on the west side of Karijini National Park. This is the second tallest mountain in Western Australia, missing out on the top spot by just 15m. This is a fairly challenging 10km return hike. You will need to scramble over some rocks and navigate through some hard to follow sections. The track starts relatively easy, then slowly starts to ascend before reaching some steep ledge climbs. Don’t be afraid of these rock ledge climbs, they look and sound scarier then they are. It is worse coming down then going up, as the drop offs are a lot more noticable.

I hiked up this mountain in the dark for sunrise and it was bloody amazing. However, after I had finished my hike, my dad informed me while waiting he got a visit by a ranger and this is apparently illegal/you will be fined. I’m not sure how true that is as there were no signs saying this isn’t to be climbed at night or that you will be fined if you do. Nevertheless, I believe this is because they have had a few people need rescuing and they are trying to keep everyone safe, so understandable! I have a lot of night hiking experience so I wasn’t worried. In the light when I was coming down, I can see how it can be dangerous. The best time to complete this hike is early morning (with light), as daytime temperatures can reach into the mid 40s C in Karijini.

TIPS:

Bring 2-3 litres of water with you, it’s a long exposed hike.
There are ledge climbs and rock climbs, so if you are scared of heights I don’t recommend.
When you reach the summit, you can walk along the whole distance of the top. Take the time to explore each end. Be careful on the edge.

East Mt Barren, Fitzgerald River National Park

A hike that is either forgotten or not known to many people. This hike can be found 570 km from Perth, 363 km from Albany and 203 km from Esperance. A short 3km return walk, with the summit offering fantastic views of Barrens beach and the National Park. This is one of the shorter hikes on this list but i believe it deserves a spot as the views are superb. It’s a fairly easy walk up to the summit, some rock scrambling may be required but nothing major, a great one for the family.

Bald Head, Albany

A challenging 12.5 km return hike, with impressive views of the Albany coastline, aka the best hike in Albany. It will take anywhere between 4-8 hrs to complete this hike. This hike starts at the car park (literally called car park, near misery beach on google maps) which is, 450 km from Perth or 22 km from Albany city centre.

This hike starts off with a nice little incline up a boulder, which then transverses the dunes along the Flinders Peninsula. Terrain is steep and sandy in some sections, making it rather difficult. This hike has a combination of dune, boardwalk, limestone and granite paths. This is very scenic hike and you will get plenty of photographic opportunities. If you’re not up for walking the whole 12.5 km you can easily walk part of it and be rewarded with great views. This walk is best completed in spring, it can be completed in summer but I would recommend lots of water and starting early in the morning.