Western Australia has a lot of hiking terrain, and a lot of variety in it. Ancient gorges, coastal cliffs, high mountain ridges, and one of the world’s great long-distance trails. These five overnight and multi-day walks give a good cross-section of what the state offers, from a technically demanding off-track gorge walk in the north to the iconic Bibbulmun Track in the south west.
Five overnight and multi-day hikes in Western Australia
Murchison River Gorge Walk, Kalbarri National Park
38km | 2-3 days | Grade 5
The Murchison River Gorge Walk runs 38 kilometres from Ross Graham Lookout to The Loop through the dramatic red gorge country of Kalbarri National Park. There is no marked trail. Route-finding is entirely on you, which is what makes this walk genuinely challenging rather than just physically demanding. The gorge landscape is striking, and Ross Graham Lookout offers good views before you drop in. This is one for experienced walkers who are comfortable navigating off-track terrain in remote conditions. Allow two to three days and plan your water carefully.
Stirling Range Ridge Traverse, Stirling Range National Park
19.5km | 3 days | Grade 5
The Stirling Range Ridge Traverse follows an ill-defined route across the mountain peaks between Bluff Knoll and Ellen’s Peak. At 19.5 kilometres it’s not a long walk on paper, but three days is a realistic timeframe given the terrain. Steep rock, exposed ridgeline, and weather that can deteriorate quickly make this a serious undertaking. Good navigation skills are essential. The Stirling Range is one of the most botanically diverse regions in the world, and the ridge traverse puts you right in the middle of it.
Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River Region
135km | 6-7 days | Grade 4
The Cape to Cape Track runs 135 kilometres along the length of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south. The route alternates between clifftop walking with sweeping ocean views and long stretches of pristine beach. Most walkers take six to seven days. Wildlife is a genuine highlight throughout: dolphins are common year-round, and between June and September humpback whales pass close to shore on their annual migration. Southern right whales and the occasional blue whale have also been spotted from the track. A well-supported trail with good infrastructure, making it a solid choice for walkers tackling their first multi-day coastal route.
Coastal Plain Walk Trail, Yanchep National Park
52km | 3 days | Grade 4
The Coastal Plain Walk Trail covers 52 kilometres over three days, starting in Yanchep National Park and finishing at Neaves Road in the Melaleuca Conservation Park. The route passes through national park and across the inland coastal plain, with three overnight campsites spaced along the way. It’s a less dramatic walk than others on this list, but it’s accessible, well-paced, and a good option for walkers building up to longer multi-day routes. Being close to Perth also makes the logistics straightforward.
The Bibbulmun Track
1,000km | 50 days | Grade 4
The Bibbulmun Track runs 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda on the outskirts of Perth to the historic town of Albany on the south coast. It passes through the heart of the south west, taking in karri and jarrah forest, coastal heath, and the rugged southern coastline. End-to-enders typically allow around 50 days, but the track is also well-suited to section walking, with good access points throughout. It’s one of the great long-distance walking trails anywhere in the world, and for experienced walkers wanting a serious undertaking in Western Australia, it belongs at the top of the list.
