The Great Southern Wine Region is rich, varied and beautiful. The undulating countryside, towering karri trees, coastal cliffs and giant outcrops make for some incredible wine production, and also some epic hikes! We’ve rounded up our favourite walking trails in the Great Southern – so lace up your boots and don’t forget to pack a bottle of Great Southern wine for when you reach the summit!
Bald Head, Albany
Located in the spectacular Torndirrup National Park in Albany, the Bald Head walk trail is a challenging 12.5km return trip into the Flinders Peninsula. Along the way you will see stunning views of King George Sound, hear the chorus of the waves crashing against the granite cliffs and smell the unforgettable scent of the peppermint trees that line the trail. This trail does end with a short, steep climb, but the views from the summit are worth the scramble. As you head back into town after your walk, be sure to stop at Alkoomi Wines Cellar Door to try some of their award winning wines.
Lake Seppings, Albany
This is a beautiful walk trail perfect for beginners. The 2.9km walk takes you through small groves of shady trees alongside tranquil wetlands with stunning views of the lake and up to Mt Adelaide. There are several lookouts including a bird hide with interpretive signage and seats along the way. Keep your eyes peeled as this place is home to more than 100 species of birds, western long necked turtles and Quendas!
Peak Head, Albany
Still in the Torndirrup National Park you’ll find Peak Head; the peninsula’s southernmost peak which can be reached only via a rugged 4.3 km return walk track. Some rock scrambling is required to reach the peaks summit and walkers must be aware of slippery rocks and that rock climbers may be on the cliffs below. You’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of Eclipse Island, West Cape Howe, Bald Head and the vast Southern Ocean – pack a picnic and enjoy a glass of Great Southern wine when you get to the top, you’ve earnt it!
Granite Skywalk, Porongurup
The Granite Skywalk is a firm favourite with visitors and it’s easy to see why. The giant suspended walkway on the huge granite outcrop of Castle Rock is incredibly impressive and results in some epic views. The 2km walk from the Castle Rock picnic area passes through jarrah, marri and karri forest and by Balancing Rock to reach the base of Castle Rock and the lower lookout. If you want to reach the Skywalk, you need to scramble through and over rocks, and finally climbing a 6-metre ladder. Once on the Skywalk, you can enjoy spectacular views across the National Park, to the farmland and on a clear day, the Southern Ocean. After your hike, be sure to head to Castle Rock Estate vineyard to pick up a bottle of their famous Riesling.
Bluff Knoll, Stirling Ranges
At 1098 above sea level, Bluff Knoll is the highest and most spectacular peak in the South West. The 6.8km trail starts from the interpretive shelter and winds through some incredible scenery. Bluff Knoll is a favourite in Winter, as it is one of the few places in WA to get any snowfall and in Spring it bursts to life with wildflowers.
Bushwalking through the Stirling Range National Park, located near Mount Barker
Albany Wind Farm, Albany
This walk forms part of the iconic Bibbulmun Track, which stretches from Kalamunda to Albany and is just over 1,000kms in length. Starting at the Albany Windfarm with its 18 wind turbines, the track initially follows the path and boardwalk before it meanders over the sand dunes with many lookouts with views to Albany, Eclipse Island and Torbay to name a few.
Mount Lindesey Trail, Denmark
The Mount Lindesay Trail is a challenging trail which traverses forest and heathland, which is home to a rainbow of flowers during spring. As you begin to ascend, you’ll start to see rocky sections and sheer granite slopes. Once you reach the summit of Mount Lindesay, you can rest on one of the many orange-tinged granite rocks and enjoy the sweeping view of the surrounding Walpole Wilderness Area, Stirling and Porongurup Ranges. As you head back to your accommodation, take a drive along the Scotsdale Scenic Drive and stop at one of the many wineries along this route for a tasting and a few bottles for when you get home!