Walk Into the Wild: Winter Hiking in the Great Southern 

Discover the magic of winter hiking in WA’s Great Southern.  There’s a certain kind of magic that stirs here when winter arrives. The crispness in the air, the hush of mist settling over the ranges, and the way the land seems to breathe beneath brooding skies… It’s a season made for wandering.  

For those willing to rug up and step into the chill, winter hiking in the Great Southern offers a soulful escape into landscapes at their most raw and radiant. If you’re seeking solitude in the heights or sea spray on your skin, this is a time when nature calls a little louder and the crowds are nowhere to be found. 

Winter hikes aren’t just a means to an end, they’re a full-body awakening. The cool air sharpens your senses, the earth releases its fresh, rain-soaked scent, and every trail feels a little more personal. Mornings arrive veiled in mist, trails are quieter, and the natural world slows. It’s a season of subtle colour, dramatic light and grounding stillness. 

 The Great Southern’s trails are as diverse as they are breathtaking. Here are a few to explore this season:

1. Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range National Park (6.8km return)

The highest peak in southern WA, Bluff Knoll offers a challenging climb with otherworldly views. Keep an eye out for frost-dusted peaks or even a rare dusting of snow.

2. Toolbrunup Peak, Stirling Range National Park (4km return)

As the second-highest peak in the Stirling Range, Toolbrunup offers a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers. The trail includes loose scree, short scrambles, and steep switchbacks that require care and concentration. In winter, changing weather adds atmosphere as clouds drift across the ridgelines and views shift with each step, revealing glimpses of the surrounding range through passing mist.

3. Mt Hassell, Stirling Range National Park (3km return)

Mount Hassell offers a shorter climb that starts in open shrubland and winds through granite outcrops dotted with winter wildflowers. At the summit, wide views stretch across the Stirling Range and parts of the Great Southern, often accompanied by nothing more than the sound of wind moving through the trees.

4. Bald Head Walk Trail, Torndirrup National Park, Albany (12.5km return)

One of WA’s most striking coastal hikes, this 12.5km return trail takes you along a dramatic ridgeline with uninterrupted views over the Southern Ocean.

5. Peak Head Track, Torndirrup National Park, Albany (4.8km return)

A shorter option with equally spectacular coastal views. Watch for whales breaching in the distance as you take in the wind-whipped beauty.

6. Castle Rock & Granite Skywalk, Porongurup National Park (4.7km return)

Ascend through mossy forest to reach the suspended skywalk where sweeping views stretch from the coast to the ranges. The climb is worth every step.

7. Bibbulmun Track (Denmark section)

Meander through karri forest and tranquil inlets. This iconic long-distance trail offers shorter sections perfect for a winter wander.

8. Monkey Rock, Denmark (2.2km return)

A short but rewarding climb with panoramic views over William Bay and beyond, ideal for a golden winter afternoon. 

Winter isn’t just for hikers; it’s for quiet observers too. Along the trails, native orchids and early wildflowers begin to bloom, dotting the landscape with colour. Kangaroos graze at dawn, birds call through the canopy and, on the coast, migrating whales breach in the bays. 

The only thing better than a winter hike is what comes after. Seek out cosy cellar doors in the Great Southern Wine Region, like those in Denmark, Mount Barker, Albany, Porongurup or Frankland River, where open fires crackle and the red wine flows. Treat yourself to hearty meals and hot coffee in local cafés and bakeries, where regional produce takes centre stage. And for those needing a deeper exhale, indulge in a spa treatment post trail at places like Chimes Spa Retreat in Denmark where they offer warm baths and serene spaces to unwind weary muscles. 

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.

From misty peaks to coastal cliffs, there’s a winter adventure waiting for you in the Great Southern. Slow down, breathe deep, and walk with the wild…

Disclaimer: Always hike to your ability and check local weather and track conditions before setting out. Trails in the Great Southern can be remote and challenging—ensure you’re prepared with appropriate footwear, warm layers, sufficient water, and navigation tools. Let someone know your plans and expected return time. In an emergency, dial 000.