Hike the Coral Coast

The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park

1. Desert View Walk Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 1.6km loop
• Est. Time: less than 1 hour
• Grade: EASY

Explore The Pinnacles starting at the the Pinnacles Discovery Centre Car Park, follow the concrete path for about 200 metres until you reach the sign at the start of the trail. Comprised of firm yellow sand, the trail is mostly flat, with only a few gentle rises. It is well signed with emu footprint markers. There is a viewing platform about 500 metres from the start of the trail.

2. Pinnacles Desert Lookout Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 4.5kms
• Est Time: 1-3 hrs
• Grade: EASY

Walk this trail, winding its way through the amazing limestone structures that create the strange, other world environment that is the Pinnacles Desert. The trail is clearly marked, is a firm sandy track, and if you need to drive, it is suitable for 2WD vehicles. The lookout platform in the middle of the loop provides views all the way to the white sand dunes along the coast and the blue of the Indian Ocean. The Lookout Platform is wheelchair friendly. There is an additional 750m spur (1.5km return) available.    The Pinnacles are located in the Nambung NP just over 2 hours north of Perth, via Indian Ocean Drive and Pinnacles Drive.

Hike Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Green Head and Dongara
 

1. Lake Thetis Loop Trail, Cervantes (bush walk)

• Length: 1.5km loop
• Est. Time: 1-3 hrs
• Grade: EASY

Lake Thetis Loop Trail is one of only a few places in the world with living marine thrombolites, or ‘Living fossils’. The first 300m of boardwalk, which passes the best examples of thrombolites in the lake, is universally accessible. Enjoy this easy walk around Lake Thetis and gain an insight into what life was like at the dawn of time.  Cervantes is two hours drive north of Perth along the Indian Ocean Drive.

2. Turquoise Way Trail, Jurien Bay (urban walk/cycle)

• Length: 14.2kms
• Est. Time: 1-3 hours depending on walk / cycle
• Grade: EASY

Walk or cycle the sealed Turquoise Way track stretching along the coast from the Jurien Bay Marina to the Hill River Mouth, passing the Jurien Bay Jetty and playground, Dobbyn Park foreshore and spectacular views of the coast. The trail is accessible at several points with both pedestrian access points and carparks for vehicles available.  Jurien Bay is 2.5 hours drive north of Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive and only 20 minutes north of Cervantes.

3. Three Bays Walkway, Green Head (urban walk)

• Length: 2.5kms
• Est. Time: 1 – 2 hours
• Grade: EASY

This fully-sealed walkway in Green Head features sweeping view of South Bay, the picturesque Dynamite Bay, and the charming yet peaceful Anchorage Bay. The coastline sees the stunning Indian Ocean meet white limestone shorelines and the three separate coastal bays were created when an extraordinary limestone cliff escarpment approximately 2 kilometres long was eroded by the Indian Ocean.  Along the way, you're likely to spot a range of native wildlife both on the land and in the water, such as white-belled sea eagles, ospreys, sea lions and dolphins. The Walkway is located in Yued country, home to ancient midden sites and hunting grounds.  Green Head is located 288km north of Perth.

4. Stockyard Gully Cave Trail, Stockyard Gully National Park (bush walk)

• Length: 1.3kms loop
• Est. Time: Less than 1 hour
• Grade: EASY

Upstream from the picnic area, follow the sandy creek bed into the cave. Then get your torch out because it is going to be dark. The cave is great for those entering a cave for the first time, its wide-open spaces make all feel at ease. It is self-guiding and care must be made to ensure your own safety and the welfare of the cave and its inhabitants. Keep noise to a minimum, no smoking within the cave and don't shine your torch at the bats. Bee hives are present in large numbers and both entrances, take care not to disturb the bees. The bees will be more prevalent on hot days.  The National Park is four-wheel drive vehicle access only.   Stockyard Gully National Park is 3 hours' drive north-east of Perth. Map

5. Thungara Trails, Dongara

There are six Thungara Trails that make up this adventure all exploring the area of Dongara and Port Denison.  The trails offer visitors a mix of nature, history, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean, and range from 2kms to 9kms in length, with varying completion times for each trail.  For more information and a trail guide, visit the Dongara-Port Denison Visitor Centre.

Hike Wildflower Trails
 

1. Badgingarra National Park Trails (bush walk)

• Length: 1.5km - 3.5kms
• Est. Time: 1 – 2 hours
• Grade: EASY

The Badgingarra Nature Trail departs from and returns to the Badgingarra Road House on the Brand Highway. This two-hour walk is incredible in spring, when the bushland is bursting with colour.  The Vern Westbrook Walk is a 1.5km heritage and wildflower trail situated 3.5km off the Brand Highway on North West Road, between the original Badgingarra town site and the town centre. In this area of unique biodiversity, learn about the 70 million year old history of the Yallalie Meteorite Impact Zone.  The Iain Wilson Nature Trail is a 1.5km trail within the protected Badgingarra National Park and features many species of wildflowers including Badgingarra’s emblem, the black kangaroo paw. It is also home to numerous reptiles, emus, kangaroos and a variety of birds including bustards and wedge-tailed eagles.  Badgingarra is situated north of Dandaragan along the Brand Highway at the edge of the Badgingarra National Park. 

2. Mullewa Bushland Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 2.3kms
• Est. Time: less than 1 hour
• Grade: EASY

Starting from the Mullewa Scenic Lookout, the winding loop takes the visitor along an, at times rocky, but not too steep hike. Surprisingly, there are even small caves in rocky outcrops. There are good views of the surrounding farmland and town. Interperative signage in places tells of the indigenous culture of the area. When winter rains are good, the spring wildflowers are absolutely sensational. Besides carpets of everlastings, there are numerous other species.    Mullewa is 100kms east of Geraldton.

3. Lesueur Walk Trail, Lesueur National Park (bush walk)

• Length: 4kms
• Est. Time: 1-3 hrs
• Grade: MODERATE

The trail starts at Drummonds recreation area at the foot of the Gairdner Range, where there is interpretive signs explaining the biodiversity and natural heritage values of the region. Please ensure all vehicles, boots and walking equipment are free of soil, dirt and other plant material before entering the park and make use of the boot baths at the start of the trail.  The first 250m of the trail leads to the Wilson lookout and is wide and sealed, suitable for prams and wheelchairs. The remainder of the four-kilometre trail is sandy and leads towards the flat top hill (mesa). The initial section is flat but then climbs up the slope of Mount Lesueur via switchback. The summit is across the top of the mesa on the other side to the ascent and rewards walkers with spectacular views.

4. Yued Ponar Trail, Lesueur National Park (bush walk)

• Length: 7kms
• Est. Time: half day
• Grade: MODERATE

The trail commences at the Cockleshell Gully picnic area off Cockleshell Gully Road. The trail winds through a diverse landscape featuring low heath, small sections of Wandoo woodlands, winding creek lines and high along the scarp to Mt Peron.   The park is a global biodiversity hotspot for its diverse range of native plant species with over 900 species of plant, over 100 of which are found nowhere else. The Yued Ponar Trail features an ancient, highly eroded and weathered landscape with a vast diversity of plant life. The best time is between August to November.  Lesueur National Park is approximately 30 kilometres from Jurien Bay, a three-hour drive or 250kms north of Perth along the Brand Highway. Entry is from Cockleshell-Gully Road which is unsealed but has a good surface and is usually suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles.

5. Plateau Loop Trail, Coalseam Conservation Park (bush walk)

• Length: 3.2kms
• Est. Time: 1-3 hrs
• Grade: MODERATE

This trail begins at Miners campground, meanders through a rare eucalypt woodland leading to a plateau ridge with sweeping valley views. Look carefully and walk quietly to discover some of the park’s birds and reptiles along the way.  Coalseam Conservation Park is approximately 30 minutes drive from Mingenew on the unsealed Coalseam Road.

Hike Geraldton
 

1. Greenough River Nature Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 17kms
• Est. Time: full day
• Grade: MODERATE

This flat loop walk offers a mix of coastal vegetation and beautiful river views. Allow at least four hours and take plenty of water to do this one. There is signage showing maps of the route at various points. Mountain bikes are permitted but be warned it’s a sandy track used by 4WDs. This day walk includes all this variety, plus numerous wildflowers in spring. The varied habitats ensure there is a wide variety of birds about. The dune and riverbank areas are havens for small birds such as wrens and honeyeaters. Pelicans, egrets, ducks and cormerants are often seen feeding in the river and estuary areas. The walk from the mouth of the River to Rudd's Gully is about three and a half kilometres. If you fancy a dip in the river after your long walk, Devlin Pool is just a short walk past the gully.   Greenough is 10km south of Geraldton.

2. Geraldton Food Trail (urban walk)

• Length: 4.8kms
• Est. Time: half day
• Grade: EASY

You’ll be spoiled for choice with excellent establishments serving up their unique take on the local offering. From traditional Italian to Western Rock Lobster from the Abrolhos islands off the coast to quirky cafes, wine bars and family friendly dining; exceptional produce converges with great service and Geraldton lifestyle vibes. As the old saying goes “When in Geraldton, do as the locals do”: relax, eat, drink, explore, repeat. All within strolling distance in the stunning CBD, use the Geraldton Food Trail Map to guide your adventure. Stay another day to experience all of Geraldton’s best eateries.  Geraldton is 5 hours drive north of Perth.

3. Chapman River Nature Trail (bush walk or cycle) 

• Length: 9.8kms
• Est. Time: half - full day
• Grade: EASY

Park in Spalding Park just off Chapman Road, on the western side of the Coastal Highway and use the pedestrian bridge to access the north side of the river. Chapman River with its native flowering plants, birds, reptiles and wildlife framed by sweeping vistas from the Moresby Ranges across to the Indian Ocean is a place of significant value. Walk or cycle the 9.8km trail that includes an additional 1.5km loop around the estuarine salt marsh where it is easy to forget you are in a city. If you are a mountain bike enthusiast this is a local favourite for a quick lap or three of undulating cross country mountain biking. You'll also discover a skills park and pump track dirt jumps. This trail is dual direction.

Hike Kalbarri National Park
 

Kalbarri National Park is well serviced with car park access and sealed paths/boardwalks which provide access to several well known lookouts.  Check out the latest addition to the park, the Kalbarri Skywalk. For those looking for more challenging trails…

1. Bigurda Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 8kms
• Est. Time: half day
• Grade: MODERATE

Arrange to be dropped off at Eagle Gorge and traverse south along the coastal cliffs for 3 to 5 hours, finishing up at the Natural Bridge.South of Kalbarri. This trail hugs the coastline between Eagle Gorge and Natural Bridge, providing stunning coastal views.  A string of look-outs dot the trail. Closer to town are Pot Alley, Rainbow Valley, Mushroom Rock and Red Bluff, are accessible via a walking trail from Kalbarri town (5.5km one way). Read more on this trail.

2. Mushroom Rock Nature Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 3km loop
• Est. Time: 1-3 hrs
• Grade: MODERATE

This coastal walk starts from Mushroom Rock carpark or Rainbow Valley carpark, and is a surprising delight featuring the blue of the ocean and the orange of the sandstone as a stunning contrast in the landscape. Trailside signs dotted along the trail explain about the ancient Tumblagooda Sandstone and its curious fossils and features. Be careful as there are loose rocks, uneven surfaces and some steep sections.

3. Z Bend River Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 2.6km
• Est. Time: 1-3 hrs
• Grade: DIFFICULT

For the more adventurous hikers, embark on the trek down into the gorge starting from the Z Bend lookout, meandering between boulders and river red gums to reach the Murchison River. One of the most scenic locations in the Kalbarri National Park, the Z Bend is suitably named after the tight bends the Murchison River has carved into the Tumblagooda Sandstone gorge. As you climb over boulders, through passages and down ladders, keep a look out for the endemic wildflower species Kalbarri Spider Orchid as well as many other wildflowers Pink Poker, Flame Grevillea, Starflowers and many more orchids and flowering natives (seasonal).  Once in the gorge if the season permits you can have a swim and cool off in the waters of the Murchison River, or walk along the rock edge and enjoy the calm surroundings.  As this is a gorge risk area, extreme caution should be used.

4. The Loop Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 8kms
• Est. Time: half day
• Grade: DIFFICULT

The challenging Loop Walk begins and ends at Nature's Window, and highlights the erosive power of the Murchison River which has carved magnificent gorges to reveal the red and white banded rock. Highlights include the iconic Nature’s Window, a natural rock formation which frames the Murchison valley.   It is recommended this hike be done in the cooler months (May to October) as temperatures along this walk can reach 50C in summer. The Loop Trail is closed after 7am from November to March inclusive.  Be prepared - carry and drink 3 to 4 litres per person per day, wear a hat, loose clothing and sturdy footwear. Hike with a companion and tell someone where you are going. This hard, trail follows the edge of the cliff, with views of the river. From here the trail works its way down to the river bank. Along the river are sandy beaches, river gums and the possibility of swimming. On the other side of the river, some of the cliffs show magnificent shades of red and pink.  Before the river bends towards the Indian Ocean, the trial climbs out of the gorge back up to Nature’s Window.  Kalbarri is six hours drive (590km) north of Perth.

5. Four Ways Trail (Idinggada Yina)

• Length: 6kms return
• Est. Time: half day
• Grade: DIFFICULT

Starting at Z Bend, this challenging hike descends to the river at a place known as Four Ways and is much more difficult on the return journey.  Interesting scenery, geology and landforms feature on the hike.

6. Murchison River Gorge Walk (bush walk)

• Length: 38kms
• Est. Time: Multiple days
• Grade: DIFFICULT

The Murchison River Gorge Walk starts from Ross Graham Lookout to The Loop, through the dramatic landscape of Kalbarri National Park. With no marked trail or route this hike provides ample challenges to test experienced walkers.   Extensive pre-planning is essential, as well as experience with route-finding, general navigation and locating drinking water sources along the way. A high level of fitness is required due to the physical challenges; including rock-hopping up and down the many narrow rock ledges high above the river while carrying a heavy pack; navigating through narrow rock crevices; trudging through soft sand; and regularly stripping off to float your back-pack across the river when swimming becomes necessary where the gorge narrows and the walls steepen.  The full walk typically takes 4 days though can be done as shorter two-day walks, with lighter packs. Permission is required before embarking on this challenge - overnight hikers must register at the park office before making the trip. The Parks and Wildlife Rangers in Kalbarri are the best source of information on safely walking in the gorge.

Hike Shark Bay
 

1. Boolagoorda Trail, Hamelin Pool (bush walk)

• Length: 1.4km loop
• Est. Time: less than 1 hour
• Grade: EASY

The Boolagoorda Trail starts and ends at the Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station. Built in 1884, the Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station provided a vital link between Perth and Roebourne, until closure in the 1950s. It's worth paying a small fee for entry into the museum.  Just beyond the trailhead is a quarry site where tiny shells compacted over time to form a huge mass. Early settlers cut out blocks which were solid enough for building materials. The old pearler restaurant and St Andrews Church in Denham are built of this shell grit. The trail's furtherest point is where people can get a glimpse of what life was like 3500 million years ago in the primeval seas. From the 200 metre boardwalk, you can view the world’s oldest lifeforms, known as stromatolites, that look like mushroom shaped rocks, but are in fact colonies of cyanobacteria.  Hamelin Pool is approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes' drive from Denham.

2. Wanamalu Trail, Francois Peron National Park (bush walk)

• Length: 3.6km loop
• Est. Time: 1-3 hours
• Grade: MODERATE

The trail starts at either Skipjack Point or Cape Peron in Francois Peron National Park, as it links these two points, and offers excellent views of the area’s abundant marine life from the cliff top. Striking red sand cliffs provide great photographic opportunities. To access the walk, the drive to the northern tip of Francois Peron National Park goes through sections of very soft sand and requires a high clearance 4WD with low range capability.  To really appreciate the raw natural beauty of this special place, there is a short walk through dunes to a couple of lookouts.  Francois Peron National Park is a 10 minute drive from Denham and 10 minute drive from Monkey Mia. 

3. Wulyibidi Yaninyina Trail, Monkey Mia (beach walk)

• Length: 2.7km loop
• Est. Time: Less than 1 hour
• Grade: MODERATE

The trail starts from the car park at the back of Monkey Mia Visitor Centre, and takes you through the dunes and tidal flats which attract and shelter a wide variety of birds. Although this trail is only short, for nature lovers it is packed with attractions. The vibrant red dunes host a large variety of plants, many of them putting on great flowering displays in spring. The dune vegetation also shelters numerous birds including the rare thick-billed grasswren and the beautiful singing chiming wedgebill. On the top of a dune is a bird hide. The tidal flats and beach are a haven for waterbirds including pelicans and ospreys. It's easy enough, however sandy sections may make it a bit more of an effort. Monkey Mia is 847km north of Perth, or just under 9 hours' drive. Access to the Reserve is subject to a Reserve fee - this is different to a National Park pass.

4. Nicholson Point Trail (bush and beach walk)

Nicholson Point Walk Trail meanders from Denham across shrub lands to Little Lagoon and offers a large range of plant species and bird life. The sandy beach between Nicholson Point and the mouth of Little Lagoon has a large array of shells and is home to a variety of sea animals. Beware of stonefish in the lagoon shallows.

• Length: 5km 
• Est. Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Grade: Easy

Hike Kennedy Range National Park
 

Kennedy Range National Park is located approximately 185 kilometres or 3 hours' drive east of Carnarvon. The roads are unsealed. The unsealed road to the eastern escarpment is usually suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, however high-clearance and high-capability four-wheel drive is recommended for the majority of the park roads.  There are several trails in the park…

1. Temple Gorge Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 2kms
• Est. Time: 1-3 hrs
• Grade: MODERATE

Starting at the Temple Gorge day-use site, the first part of the trail is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, and leads to a fork in the creek under a prominent rock face referred to as The Temple. The left fork is a short picturesque walk, and apart from a few step-ups, is relatively easy. The right fork is suited to more experienced hikers and is a longer, tougher, boulder-strewn walk up to a small seasonal rock pool. If camping at the spectacular Temple Gorge campground, there's no need to hop in the car and drive to the trailhead. The trail starts right here at the campground. The walk to the fork in the trail is easy enough and here you'll get an inspiring view of the rock face that looks like a temple.

2. Drapers Gorge Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 1.6kms
• Est. Time: less than 1 hour
• Grade: MODERATE

This short return trail starts at Draper Gorge Car Park, south of the Kennedy Range campsite, and offers a rock scrambling challenge as well as some great views. The Drapers Gorge walk is deceptively easy enough for the first section, and as you progress up the stony watercourse, the harder it gets. There are steep loose rocky slopes, narrow rock ledges and overhangs to negotiate. Great care should be taken, especially on the upper parts of this trail.  There are a series of pools along the trail which can be full after season rainfall.

3. Escarpment Base Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 5.8kms
• Est. Time: half day
• Grade: MODERATE

This trail starts at Sunrise Car Park, and features interesting geology as well as sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) to observe between Temple Gorge Campground and Honeycomb Gorge Trail. A lookout area is a feature of the section between Honeycomb Gorge and Sunrise View trails. Although there are some loose rocky slopes to contend with, this trail is suitable for most reasonably fit walkers. The trail skirts the base of sheer rock faces along the edge of this spectacular escarpment. Along the way you can take a short diversion into Honeycomb Gorge.  The whole trail features huge boulders that tumbled from the escarpment over time. The stunted contorted sandalwood trees add a stark foreground to massive walls rising out of the rocky plain. Leave early in the morning and watch the rising sun light up the cliffs in a sensational red glow. It is also a good time to watch kangaroos that frequent the area. Sunrise view at trails end is an obvious viewing point.

4. Escarpment Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 3.4kms
• Est. Time: half day
• Grade: DIFFICULT

Start from the Draper Gorge car park or Temple Gorge campground. If you are capable of going up and down steep sections, getting to the top of the escarpment is well worth the considerable effort as you will be rewarded with panoramic views. The key tip for doing this trail to avoid considerable drama is not to undertake it too late in the day. The marked trail follows a rocky creek bed into a narrow gorge. It soon starts climbing steeply and there are loose rocks and cliff edges to negotiate. For the easiest route always look out for the next trail marker. After some effort, you reach the top and veer left following a distinct trail across flat terrain to a lookout for stunning panoramic views.

Hike Cape Range National Park
 

Visit the Ningaloo Centre in Exmouth for a walking trail guide and guidance on safely traversing the canyons. Guided tours are also available. Exercise caution when bush walking the Cape Range National Park, especially around canyon areas that have steep walls. Between December and March, days of extreme temperature exceeding 40°c are common. It is not recommended walking the trails of the Cape Range National Park during this period. Do not go on your own - always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Always carry plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

1. Mandu Mandu Gorge (bush walk)

• Length: 3kms
• Est. Time: 1-3 hrs
• Grade: MODERATE

The walk trail begins 14 kilometres south of Milyering Discovery Centre on the Yardie Creek Road. From the carpark, the trail enters the dry creek bed of loose water-smoothed rocks. On both sides sheer vibrant red cliffs rise dramatically. The trail has markers along the way as the route is not easily descernable with all those rocks. Look carefully and you may see rare rock wallabies in shady areas of the gorge walls. After a while the trail rises steeply out of the gorge onto the plateau where numerous flowering plants can be seen. There are several steep ups and downs to negotiate before getting back to the carpark.   It is highly recommended that this walk be done early in the day as it is often extremely hot. 

2. Yardie Gorge Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 2kms
• Est. Time: 1-3 hrs
• Grade: MODERATE

The trail begins at the trailhead near the end of the Yardie Creek Walk, and overlooks the ancient Yardie Creek gorge. It is initially an easy walk but becomes more difficult as you ascend the Range. Featuring amazing views of red limestone cliff faces and the opportunity to see a wonderful array of birds and wildlife, look out for the rare black-footed wallaby, euros and red kangaroos. You must remain on the trail on the northern side of the gorge so that you do not disturb the animals. From the top, the views into the creek and out to the Ningaloo Reef are purely spectacular. If you wish to add a further 800 metres (allow 2 hours) to this walk, follow the track that leads from the end of the Yardie Nature Walk. Visit Milyering Discovery Centre for interpretive displays, audio-visual facilities and a library containing a wealth of information on the National and Marine Parks to help appreciate the natural environment. National Park rangers are on site to assist with enquiries.  Yardie Creek is one hour's drive from Exmouth.

3.  Badjirrajirra Loop Trail (bush walk)

• Length: 6.8km
• Est Time: 2 - 3 hrs
• Grade: MODERATE

The Badjirrajirra Loop Trail begins at the Thomas Carter Lookout, off Charles Knife Road. This trail is often rough and requires walkers to possess a moderate to high level of fitness. The Badjirrajirra Trail winds its way through rocky gullies, small gorges and open spinifex bushland, and features views of Shothole Canyon and Exmouth Gulf. Charles Knife Canyon is accessible via Charles Knife Road, 21km south of Exmouth off the Minilya-Exmouth Road.  Don't want to do the whole loop? Do a hike to the Shothole Viewpoint (around 4km return) – the trail's scenic highlight.