Western Australia is a haven of colourful landscapes, adorable native fauna, and panoramic coastlines.
Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned professional, there’s nothing quite like embarking on a coastal walk along Australia’s most westerly state. Check out these amazing coastal walks of Western Australia for unmatched views, natural wonders and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Albany
The port city of Albany is known for its long beaches, natural reserves, and historic significance as the launching point for the Anzac troops in WWI as they set off towards Egypt. There are several coastal walks to enjoy in town, from family-friendly strolls to more complex paths, each offering views of the sheltered bay where troops caught their last glimpse of Australia before heading off to war in 1914.
Trek to the peak of Mount Clarence, often used by ships as a landmark to hold their position in the convoy. The first stop on this winding path is Padre White Lookout, which offers views along the horizon. Continuing on the track, you will find a wide granite rock formation that gives way to the summit climb, perfect for 360 degree views of the region.
Another popular walk near Albany is the Bald Head Walk in Torndirrup National Park. Taking around 6-8 hours to complete, the long hike takes travellers over Isthmus Hill and all the way to Flinders Peninsula. But while it may be challenging, the trip is well worth it for breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean and King George Sound. You will even have the chance to stand on Bald Head, a round granite headland that slopes down into the ocean. While visiting the national park, make sure to check out the wildflowers, blowholes, beaches and channels that make it so unique.
Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track is a 1,000 km walk stretching between Perth and Albany. Choose between several coastal day walks, or tackle the entire bucket-list trail over multiple days. Rex flies to both Perth and Albany, meaning you’ll stay connected no matter where you choose to wander.
A highlight of this stunning walk is Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Here, you can explore the tingle forest, home to the oldest living eucalypt in the world – the Tingle Tree! If you’re an end-to-end walker, the next stop on your trail is the coastline from Conspicuous Beach to Peaceful Bay, with views across the magnificent Southern Ocean. Don’t forget to check out the limestone cliffs and granite headlands at the top of Conspicuous Cliffs, which offer incredible ocean views with a backdrop of red-flowering gums.
Once you arrive in Peaceful Bay, take in a colourful sunset and relax after a long day of walking. The entire track is well-maintained with excellent signage depicting the Waugal, the rainbow serpent of Aboriginal Dreaming. The markers become more frequent when there is a turn, so you can rest easy knowing that directions are always covered.
The Bibbulmun Track includes approximately 60 sleeping huts and shelters, and passes through nine towns, meaning there are heaps of places to rest and restock on your journey. The longest day of walking is an 18 km trek from Shelley Beach to Lowlands Beach, with incredible photo opportunities beside the crystal clear waters. Make sure to keep an eye out for wallabies and black cockatoos on the way too.
On your final day of walking, celebrate your amazing achievement by soaking in the Albany coastline, which features some of the oldest rock formations in the world. See The Gap, a spectacular ocean channel surrounded by granite viewing platforms, at Torndirrup National Park, before the excitement sets in as views of Albany become more and more frequent. You will end your once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the main street of Albany, offering plenty of places for a delicious meal and a night of well-earned rest in a soft bed.
Cape to Cape Track
The Cape to Cape Track is an unmissable week-long walk along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, offering the chance to visit vineyards, swim in the ocean, and marvel at limestone cliffs.
The 135-km trail starts at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse (although it can also be completed by starting at the other end), built in 1903 from local limestone. As you begin your journey, you will notice that much of the walk passes through low-level scrub, which blooms with colourful wildflowers throughout the year.
As you walk along cliff lines and beaches, you will discover many interesting coves and outcrops well worth exploring. This includes Yallingup, a gorgeous beach meaning ‘place of love’ in the local Indigenous language, and Moses Rock, a top whale-watching destination.
There are more than 100 vineyards within reach along the Cape to Cape Track, each offering cellar door tastings and restaurant feasts to satisfy weary travellers. As part of the Margaret River region, you’re sure to discover some unbeatable drops.
After wandering around the Cosy Corner blowholes, which are etched into a limestone rock platform, you will eventually arrive at the end of your coastal adventure at Cape Leeuwin.
Wadjemup Bidi
Rottnest Island is an exciting destination rich with history, native wildlife, and incredible coastal views. There are five different walking trails designed to help visitors embrace the natural wonders of this island, which can all be combined across the 45 kilometre Wadjemup Bidi for confident hikers.
Pick up an island map from the Visitor Centre, and embark on the first part of your hike along the northern coastline. This 5.7km trail is known as Karlinyah Bidi, offering rugged conditions and views of the iconic salt lakes. Along the way, you will visit several lagoon-like beaches, perfect for a refreshing swim.
At the end of Karlinyah Bidi, you will find the beginning of the 9.8km Wardan Nara Bidi, which takes you along the island’s stunning south coast. Starting at Porpoise Bay, you will discover 180 degree views across the island at Parker Point, tours of World War II tunnels at Oliver Hill, and a Mammong Dreaming Sculpture near Strickland Bay. Once you’ve completed the trail, celebrate with a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Salmon Bay, and embrace the untamed beauty of the island.
Of course, there are three more sections to the Wadjemup Bidi, each as beautiful and interesting as the last. If you want to learn more about the island as you walk, there are several tours to choose from, including a three-day tour with The Hike Collective.
Rottnest Island is also one of the only places in the world to spot Quokkas, and these adorable creatures are vital to the fabric of the island. If you do see a furry friend, make sure to simply observe them as they go about their movements, let them source their own food, and snap a photo from a distance.
To discover more of WA, check out the best caves in the state!
