Western Australia’s Hiking Bucket List. Top 5 hikes in WA.
Western Australia’s Hiking Bucket List. Top 5 hikes in WA.
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So we already have our list of the Top 5 Day Hikes but now it is time to debate the longer walks.
The criteria is simple. A walk of more than one day. Now I know that some of you out there in internet land are capable of walking 50 kms in a day, whilst carrying a VW beetle on your back! – this list isn’t for you. We tend to take a more leisurely approach. 20km a day is more our pace. Some of the walks require camping though, but they are all spectacular!
Number Five: Albany to Denmark, Bibbulmun Track
This walk offers some amazing views along the coast for minimal effort. It is reasonably easy going, solid underfoot and manageable distances at 78 kilometres over about 5 days. It is possible to do this as an accommodated walk, or stay in the Bibbulmun Track huts.
The wildflowers down this way September through November are superb and the views along the Albany sea cliffs are just amazing.
Number Four: The Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River
One of the most talked about tracks in Australia and for once the hype is justified. Pristine beaches, red granite outcrops, karri forest and towering cliff tops. At 135km (best over seven days) this walk can be done either camping or accommodated. There are a few sandy beach sections which pose a reasonable challenge, but for the most part the track is excellent and it is pleasant strolling.
Number Three: Walpole to Denmark, Bibbulmun Track
One of the most diverse walks you are ever likely to do. In seven days you will go from wetlands to tingle forest to beach to coastal heath to karri forest, up a mountain and then into a town. There is a canoe crossing, the showgrounds and some of the prettiest beaches imaginable. Not for the faint hearted, this is a reasonably challenging walk at 125 kilometres. Possible to be done either by staying in the Bibbulmun Track huts or by getting extracted each day (and staying in a proper bed) or come with us!
Number Two: Piccaninny Creek, Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles), Kimberley
Nothing short of amazing! And you are almost guaranteed to have it all to yourself. Imagine the walk was an arm, complete with a dog leg at the elbow. Continue up to the palm of your hand and set up camp. The next day you then have five fingers (gorges) to explore from your base camp. Each gorge is different and equally spectacular and we definitely recommend taking three days. It is only 30 kilometres return, but the ground does get quite rocky. There is water (usually) at Black Rock but speak to the people at the visitors centre to learn the latest conditions.
This doesn’t have to be an overnight walk as it is up and back, but definitely worth the extra effort to get past the elbow.
Number One: The Stirling Ridge Walk, Stirling Ranges
Why do the best ones have to be so hard! From Bluff Knoll to Ellen’s Peak, this has got to be the best multi day hike in Western Australia. It is a serious challenge though. Allow three days. In this sort of terrain, the number of kilometres is not worth mentioning as it is only a distraction. There are no facilities on this hike. There are a couple of unofficial campgrounds but you will need to bring everything with you, and everything out. AT Morphet’s guide book is essential reading, as is a stay at the Stirling Range Retreat who will help you out with the somewhat challenging logistics.
Is all of the pain worth it?
Yes. It is simply awesome.
So there we have our list of the Top 5 Multi day hikes in Western Australia. We would love to hear from you if you have done, or are looking to do any of these walks. Please leave your comments below.
