7 Best Day Hikes in the South West
The South West of WA 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 hikes 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.
I've limited my list to one great hike per area so be sure to visit my Hiking the South West page for more excellent trails that didn't quite make the list.
For a full description with more photos and a zoomable map be sure to click the links in each section.
Where - Walpole
Length - 2.5km (Loop)
Time - 1-2 hours
Vertical Climb - 116m
Highlights - Karri Forest, Old Fire Lookout
Best Time of Year - All Year Round
Where - Balingup
Length - 4.6km (Loop)
Time - 1-2 hours
Vertical Climb - 106m
Highlights - Arboretum, Native Species
Best Time of Year - Autumn and Spring
Where - Collie
Length - 6.3km (One Way)
Time - 2-3 hours
Vertical Climb - 108m
Highlights - Collie River, Honeymoon Pool
Best Time of Year - Autumn Through Spring
Where - Porongurup NP
Length - 4.4km (Return)
Time - 1-2 hours
Vertical Climb - 269m
Highlights - Granite Skywalk, Balancing Rock
Best Time of Year - All Year Round
Where - Stirling Range NP
Length - 4.2km (Return)
Time - 2-5 hours
Vertical Climb - 534m
Highlights - Great Views, Scree Field
Best Time of Year - All Year Round
Where - Pemberton
Length - 11.8km (Loop)
Time - 3-5 hours
Vertical Climb - 319m
Highlights - Warren River, Karri Forest
Best Time of Year - All Year Round
Where - Albany
Length - 12.4km (Return)
Time - 4-7 hours
Vertical Climb - 559m
Highlights - Flinders Peninsula, Bald Head
Best Time of Year - All Year Round
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.