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Published Dec 2024
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8 October, 2024
Sidestep the crowds and get in tune with nature on these under-the-radar hikes.
Gone are the days where a compass and a folding map were essentials on any walking trail. A quick google and a smartphone in the pocket have made hiking decidedly more accessible.
WA’s South West is an understandably popular walking destination, not least for its must-do trails, such as the Cape to Cape Track, Wadandi Track, Bibbulmun Track and Meelup Reserve Trail.
But if you’re aching for a walk where it’s quiet enough to hear the harmony of birdsong, the crunch of leaves underfoot and maybe even the thump of a kangaroo – without the sounds of other people - then you’ve got to get away from well-trodden trails.
We’ve found nine walks down south where you can have such an experience. Most can be done year-round in the South West’s Mediterranean climate and shaded forest, while exposed coastal trails are best in autumn and spring.
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Ten Mile Brook Trail, Margaret River
As the name suggests, this moderate bush walk unfurls for 10 miles, or nearly 16km. It should take about four hours on mostly flat path edged by shady forest, with some gravelly rises. Locals use it as an exercise route – you’ll likely see joggers and mountain bikers, but no dog walkers as pooches aren’t allowed.
Start from the Rotary Park parking area just off Bussell Highway, at the entrance to Margaret River town, where you’ll see a red locomotive named Kate. Follow the river’s northern banks into Wooditjup (Bramley) National Park, where the land quietens.
Pass the bridge at Perimeter Road and continue until you reach Ten Mile Brook Dam. Sit and enjoy nature before returning on the same route. When close to town, take the bridge at Barret Street Weir to the southern riverbanks and finish on the Rotary South Bank River Trail, passing original settlers’ buildings. Beware of muddy conditions and inundated crossings in winter.
Rivermouth to Boodjidup Beach Loop, Margaret River
This approximately five hour, moderately difficult loop walk kicks off from the Margaret River Rivermouth carpark and stretches about 12km.
Set off on the trail leading from the bitumen, which is part of the Cape to Cape Track, and continue past Wallcliffe House. Hike up Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge to above Prevelly and Gnarabup and take in the expansive views. Take the 330 stairs down into Boodjidup Valley and reach Boodijidup Beach. Test your leg muscles with a trudge along the soft sand, heading north past the White Elephant Café (a coffee and cake break here is optional). Switch to an easy stroll along the pale limestone footpath that leads you past Surfer’s Point and curls back to the Rivermouth carpark.
Yelverton National Park Forest Trail
This pretty, off-the-beaten-track trail comes alive in spring, when wildflowers blink their colours through the bush. Start on Abbey’s Farm Road, near Aravina Estate (handy for a post-hike reward) and find the trail entrance just north-east of Thornton Road.
You should see a small sign signalling the trail head. Described as moderate, it runs 9.3km up-and-back and should take around 2.5hrs. With few other people on this flat trail, keep your eyes and ears open for signs of wildlife and relax into the tranquillity. This is one to enjoy nature up close – look especially carefully for rare orchids.
Augusta Whale Trail
Families with young kids can take on this easy, 6km up-and-back trail with confidence. It’s good for anyone with a passion for whale watching and takes anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the number of stops you make.
The track is paved and runs parallel to Albany Terrace and several beaches, from the Blackwood rivermouth to the Augusta boat harbour facing Flinders Bay.
Start past the Colourpatch Café, on the corner of Chaudiere Place and Albany Terrace. As you wander along the Augusta waterfront, you might spot dophins as well as pelicans and cormorants, while peppermint and paperbark trees provide shade.
Follow signposts and pass through the Flinders Bay Caravan Park, watching for whales that breach and slap the water with fins and tails from late May to August.
The Torpedo Trail, Yallingup
If you fancy stretching your legs around Yallingup, seek out the blue markers of the 3km loop known as the Torpedo Trail. Park along Yallingup Beach Road, in the Torpedo Rocks car park, or better yet, pull in at Caves House and leave from there – making it easier to chase the circular hike with a burger.
The section starting at the heritage gardens of Caves House is called The Ghost Trail, which many a pub-goer has been dared to run through at night. From there, descend inland through coastal forest and follow Yallingup Brook. It will lead you into Yallingup township, past the playground overlooking Yallingup Lagoon.
Walk uphill, away from town to the Torpedo Rocks lookout, and gaze across Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks, to where the Indian Ocean reaches the horizon. This easy trail can take anywhere from one to three hours as you pause to peer at wildflowers during spring and fill your lungs with the sweet scent of coastal vegetation and the salt stung breeze.
Wardanup Trail Loop, Yallingup
Departing from the Ngilgi Cave carpark, this moderately challenging loop covering varied terrain measures 6.3km. It’s flagged with orange markers, making it easy to navigate the peppermint tree valley and coastal heath headland, and will take 1-3hr.
The views are what make this walk particularly special, seemingly endless across the ocean. From the carpark, head up through peppermint forest and over Wardanup Hill. Descend to the cliff line and gaze out towards Sugarloaf Rock. Come down Rabbit Hill and pass a carpark to reach the sand, then head south to Yallingup town.
At Yallingup Beach carpark, turn your back to the coast and hike up Yallingup Brook valley, towards Caves House and return to Ngilgi Cave.
It's recommended you finish the walk with a flat, self-guided stroll through the Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience, a 600m, all-ages exploration through interactive installations hidden in native bushland.
First open in November 2023, it shares how the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Limestone Ridge and its caves were formed, detailing 600 million years of history.
Bunker Bay Loop
Departing Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, near Dunsborough, this 3.6km route grants sparkling ocean views from over the clifftops at the northernmost point of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge.
Set out from the lighthouse carpark, following the Lighthouse Loop at the start. Spend anywhere from one to three hours facing at times strong breezes and navigating some steep declines with jutting rocks, as well as a few rough sections.
The walk roams through sheltered woodland, marri and coastal heath. Reach Shelley Cove platform and reward yourself with a well-earned rest facing a breathtaking vista. Bring binoculars to make out the resident colony of long-nosed fur seals sunning themselves on rock formations and floating in the swell. On the return journey, pass sea caves along the limestone and granite cliff.
Meelup Brook Walk Trail
For a short and sweet trek through Meelup Regional Park – with a delight at the end – take on this 1.2km uphill hike. Because the park’s coastline faces north-east, the Class A reserve is sheltered - fine conditions for tall trees and dense vegetation to grow.
Leaving from the grassy area between the two car parks at Meelup Beach with the ocean to your back, the path weaves through bush to an under-road tunnel. Continue, eventually reaching a timber deck overlooking Meelup Brook, which flows in autumn and winter. Follow the banks upstream and join a gravel firebreak until you see the signpost for Meelup Farmhouse. A post walk lunch seems deserved.
Maidens Reserve, south Bunbury
Two new lookouts were opened in 2024 at this expansive bush tract in south Bunbury, which is part of Kalgulup Regional Park. The lower lookout sits 45 metres above sea level and is reached via a 670-metre-long, wheelchair-accessible pathway through surrounding Tuart Forest. The upper lookout is reached by 153 steps and is 22 metres higher. Walkways were also upgraded in the $5M project, as well as fresh landscaping and revegetation.
Park at the Maidens Walk Carpark off Ocean Drive and tick the lookouts off first. Then join the 3.4km Maidens Reserve Loop, which cuts through the middle of the reserve, runs along the ocean front and returns via its outer edge. On-leash dogs are welcome to join you as you climb up and down steep hills, although they may impact the birdsong you’ll otherwise hear. Opt to walk along the beach for an even more strenuous hike.
