Walk into the Wild: Summer hiking in the Great Southern

Discover the magic of summer hiking in the Great Southern, where sunlit trails, shaded forests and coastal ridges invite you to step off the beaten path.

As spring begins to fade and summer comes knocking, the Great Southern transforms… bathed in golden light, flowers dancing in the breeze and long afternoons, it’s a season made for wandering.

Where ancient peaks rise from golden plains and the air hums with summer stillness, the Stirling Range is a place that awakens your spirit.

Bluff Knoll (6.8km return)

The highest peak in southern WA and one of the state’s most iconic climbs. As dawn breaks, sunlight spills across the valley and mist drifts through the folds of the mountains. Start early to beat the heat and chase those golden sunrise views. From the summit, the world feels wide open with endless sky and sun-baked granite stretching in every direction.

Mt Hassell (3km return)
For those who crave adventure without the crowds, Mt Hassell offers rugged beauty and a sense of discovery. The trail begins gently before climbing into steeper scree and rocky outcrops. Along the way, wildflowers burst through cracks in the stone. From the summit, gaze across the range to Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in southern WA.

Mt Toolbrunup (4km return)
A hike for the bold and the fit. Toolbrunup’s steep, rocky ascent demands determination, but the reward is pure exhilaration; 360-degree views over the Stirling Range and beyond. The climb winds through shaded woodland before opening to a scramble over giant boulders.

Where the land meets the wild edge of the Southern Ocean, Torndirrup offers trails that stir the senses. Located a short 10 minute drive from Albany, hides some of the best hikes in the South West.

Bald Head Walk (12.5km return)
A true adventure along one of WA’s most spectacular coastal ridgelines. The Bald Head trail traces a dramatic spine of granite, with sweeping views across King George Sound and the endless blue of the Southern Ocean. Every step offers a new vantage point, a fresh breath of sea air, a reminder of nature’s scale and power. It’s a challenging hike best tackled early in the day, and those panoramic views? Pure magic.

Peak Head Track (4.8km return)
A shorter trail with no shortage of drama. Winding through coastal heath and granite walls, Peak Head offers a view that feels infinite. The Southern Ocean stretches before you, white spray rising where the sea meets stone.

Ancient granite domes rise from lush forests, their shapes carved by time and the elements. The Porongurup Range feels otherworldly; a meeting of earth and sky where each step carries a quiet sense of awe.

Castle Rock & Granite Skywalk (4.7km return)
Begin your climb beneath the cool canopy of jarrah, marri and karri forest, past the curious Balancing Rock that seems to defy gravity. The trail then rises steeply, leading you to the Granite Skywalk; a suspended steel bridge that wraps around the massive dome of Castle Rock. The views from here are extraordinary: patchwork farmland, distant peaks, and the glittering coastline beyond.

Where forest meets ocean, the trails of Denmark weave through some of the most enchanting landscapes in the region.

Bibbulmun Track (Denmark section)
This section of the legendary Bibbulmun Track is a contrast of ancient karri forests giving way to coastal cliffs and turquoise coves. Walk beneath towering trees, cross gentle rivers, and listen as the forest hums with life. Kangaroos, emus, and birds move quietly through the bush as waves crash on distant shores.

Monkey Rock (2.2km return)
A short but rewarding trail through marri and karri forest, leading to sweeping views over Lights Beach and the Denmark coastline. The climb is steady, the shade generous, and the outlook unforgettable. Perfect for a morning wander before cooling off with a swim or a winery lunch nearby.

After a sun-soaked hike, nothing feels better than cooling off and unwinding in true Great Southern style:

• Sip on a crisp cool-climate white or rosé at a local winery
• Refresh at a local café with iced coffee, cold-pressed juice, or a light seasonal platter.
• Take a dip in the turquoise shallows at one of the many beautiful beaches around the region to wash off the trail dust.
• Treat yourself at a local spa or wellness retreat, think cooling herbal treatments and outdoor soaks surrounded by trees.

As you walk these ancient trails, we encourage you to pause and reflect on the deep cultural significance of the land beneath your feet. The Great Southern is home to the Menang and Goreng Noongar people, the traditional custodians of this region. Their stories, knowledge and connection to Country are interwoven with the landscapes we explore, and we walk with respect, always. Tip: Take the time to learn from First Nations people, starting with one of the many enriching cultural experiences on offer around the region.