Trail Fast Facts
Big Swamp Walk is a 2.5km, grade 1 hike in Bunbury, Western Australia. This hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
This 2.5km easy walk meanders around the Big Swamp, a conservation wetland, located one kilometre south of the Bunbury city centre. It is family friendly and suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchairs and gophers. A few Boardwalks add extra interest and access to the centre of the lake.
The Big Swamp Walk is home to over 60 species of Birdlife, including the Australasian grebe, white-faced heron, dusky moorhen and purple swamphen.The wetland is a popular place for Bird enthusiasts. The path has a number of lookouts including a wooden Boardwalk through paperbarks and a Bird hide in the middle of the wetland - which is an excellent place to observed native Birds in their natural environment.
Tips
Start Point: Prince Philip Drive, South Bunbury, 172km (1hr 50mins) south of Perth
End Point: Prince Philip Drive, South Bunbury, 172km (1hr 50mins) south of Perth
Region: Bunbury, South West
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track Grade
Grade 1 (All-abilities) -Â Perfect for Families and Beginners: Grade 1 on the AWTGS represents the easiest walking tracks, perfect for families with young children or those new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required. These gentle walks feature a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. They are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance due to the even terrain. The total distance of a Grade 1 walk is typically no greater than 5 kilometers, making them a comfortable and manageable option for all ages and fitness levels.
About the region
Bunbury is a port city in Western Australia, south of Perth. It's known for wild bottlenose dolphins that often swim close to the beach at Koombana Bay. Nearby is the Dolphin Discovery Centre and the Leschenault Inlet, with calm waters and parkland rich with mangroves and birdlife. Bunbury's western coastline spans popular Back Beach and Wyalup-Rocky Point, with its basalt rock formations.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Bunbury or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.