Why Albany is a Hiking Paradise
Variety they say is the spice of life and this is particularly pertinent to the greater Albany region. You want mountains, go explore some mountains. Feel like the beach then find your feet gracing endless pristine white floors of perfection. Ancient forests, staring into the wild abyss of the Southern Ocean, urban walks exploring the town's rich history, gentle wildflower filled river walks and so much more awaits you just 450km south of Perth.
This may read like my own personal love letter to this great town but there are so many reasons to consider spending a week or two exploring this piece of hiking paradise nestled on the rugged south coast of Western Australia. With so many different experiences, take a look at the map and choose your own adventure. Besides the occasional day or two over 30 degrees, Albany is perfect all year round provided you don't mind a bit of rain.
Torndirrup National Park
Explore the Wild Coast
Bald Head Walk Trail
Length - 12.5km (Return)
Time - 3-6 Hours
Vertical Climb - 570m
One of the best day hikes in Western Australia, the Bald Head Walk Trail takes you on a journey to the edge of the Flinders Peninsula where you will find plenty of spectacular views.
Peak Head Walk Trail
Length - 4.4km (Return)
Time - 1-2 Hours
Vertical Climb - 219m
Experience one of the best spots to watch the sunset from Albany with a hike down and then up to the amazing granite dome of Peak Head, this trail won't disappoint.
Point Possession Heritage Trail
Length - 5km (Loop)
Time - 1-2 Hours
Vertical Climb - 164m
One of the old 1988 heritage trails, this stunning hike gives you a feeling of isolation despite being a stones throw away from town. Explore granite, beaches and coastal bushland on this lovely trail.
City Walks
History, Hills and Views
Ellen Cove to Albany Port
Length - 6.1km (One Way)
Time - 1-2 Hours
Vertical Climb - 125m
Showcasing the stunning views along the edge of King George Sound, there is plenty of history to explore including the ruins of the Port King Lighthouse.
Lake Seppings
Length - 2.9km (Loop)
Time - 1 Hour
Vertical Climb - Flat
A haven for bird life, this 2.9km loop trail close to Middleton Beach is a fantastic way to experience the great variety of birds that call this place home.
Mount Adelaide Nature Trail
Length - 2.2km (Loop)
Time - 1 Hour
Vertical Climb - 37m
Taking in the National Anzac Centre and the historic features around Mount Adelaide, this is a great addition to any visit to the area as you explore the hills overlooking King George Sound.
Mount Clarence Heritage Trail
Length - 3.2km (Loop)
Time - 1 Hour
Vertical Climb - 125m
One of the highest points near the centre of Albany, take an extended walk around the granite dome after a visit to the war memorial located at the end of Apex Drive.
Mount Melville Circuit Trail
Length - 4.3km (Loop)
Time - 1-2 Hours
Vertical Climb - 137m
One of the best vantage points to look out over Albany and the harbour, Mount Melville is a really fun place to explore with plenty of granite boulders to explore.
The Eastern Shores
Rivers, Wildflowers and Beaches
Baie Des Deux Peuples HT
Length - 6km (Return)
Time - 2-3 Hours
Vertical Climb - 114m
One of the best hikes in Albany, the Two Peoples Bay Heritage Trail offers up some stunning coastal scenery and a couple of the best beaches you'll ever visit.
Luke Pen Walk
Length - 11.3km (Return)
Time - 2-4 Hours
Vertical Climb - 138m
A wildflower filled delight exploring the banks of the Kalgan River. This is a very relaxing walk with history, farmland and forest to explore.
Mount Martin Botanical Reserve
Length - 12.2km (Loops)
Time - 3-6 Hours
Vertical Climb - 441m
With stunning views overlooking King George Sound, Albany and Oyster Harbour, Mount Martin is also home to a fantastic collection of wildflowers from winter through to late spring.
Bibbulmun Track
Wind Farms and the Southern Terminus
Denmark to Albany
Length - 82km (One Way)
Time - 3-6 Days
Vertical Climb - 2600m
The final town to town section of the Bibbulmun Track, explore the coastal cliffs and dune system as you head into Albany and finish at the Southern Terminus.
The Porongurups
Ancient Forests and Timeless Views
Castle Rock Granite Skywalk
Length - 4.4km (Return)
Time - 1-2 Hours
Vertical Climb - 269m
Perched up on the granite boulders of Castle Rock is a stainless steel skywalk. Hike up through the stunning Karri forest and finish with some unique views from the Granite Skywalk.
Nancy Peak | Devils Slide
Length - 6.4km (Loop)
Time - 2-3 Hours
Vertical Climb - 447m
Exploring the granite peaks and forests of the western Porongurups, this is a magical place with some amazing scenes. With some decent climbs, the reward for effort makes this one a must hike.
Twin Creeks Reserve
Length - 7.9km (Loops)
Time - 2-5 Hours
Vertical Climb - 112m
Twin Creeks is a community rehabilitation site open to the public that showcases some stunning wildflowers and orchids along with some different types of vegetation once found all over this area.
Stirling Range National Park
Lose Yourself in the Mountains
Hiking the Stirling Range
Hikes - Bluff Knoll, Mount Hassell, Mount Magog, Mount Trio, Stirling Ridge Walk, Talyuberlup Peak, Toolbrunup Peak.
The highest area in the South West, the Stirling Range is a collection of peaks that leave all in awe and provide some excellent hiking options for any visit to Albany.
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