Thursday 27 December 2018

Lake St Clair Short Walks (Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park)


A combination of three shorter trails, the Lake St Clair Short Walks combine the last stretch of the Overland to Riversmeet, the Platypus Bay Loop and the Larmairremener tabelti in a figure 8 loop. Featuring pleasant forest walking, highlights include the view at Riversmeet, the platypus hide along Lake St Clair and the beautiful section along the Hugel River. Recommended as an easy option for walking in the Lake St Clair area

Wednesday 26 December 2018

Cradle Mountain Summit (Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park)


Arguably Australia's most famous mountain, the track to Cradle Mountain is considered one of Tasmania's Great Day Walks. Starting at Dove Lake, the most pleasant route passes Lake Lilla and the beautiful Wombat Pool before rising up to Marions Lookout and Kitchen Hut via the Overland. Following a fun rock hopping scramble, the view from the summit of Cradle Mountain is spectacular on a clear day. A must do iconic Australian walk

Dove Lake Circuit (Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park)


One of the most iconic daywalks in Tasmania, the Dove Lake Circuit loops around the eponymous Dove Lake. Heading in a clockwise direction, the trail is anchored by a continuous parade of viewpoints to take in Cradle Mountain on a clear day as well as the beautiful flora of the area. Ending with the famous boat shed located along the lake, this is a must do walk that is accessible for most levels of fitness

Tuesday 25 December 2018

Huon Pine & Whyte River Track (Pieman River State Reserve)


Two short but pleasant walks in the Pieman River State Reserve, the Huon Pine Walk and Whyte River Track explores a section of the Tarkine rainforest along Pieman and Whyte Rivers. With the Huon Pine Walk being a very short but wheelchair-accessible trail that caters for all, the longer Whyte River Track provides a more immersive experience over its 3.3 kilometres. Good, easy going options for those visiting Corinna

Monday 24 December 2018

Frenchmans Cap (TAS) - Lake Tahune to Lyell Hwy


The third and fourth day of the Frenchmans Cap Track, these days are usually reserved for the return journey to Lyell Hwy. Exploring the same terrain seen on days 1 and 2, the changeable weather provides for an opportunity to experience a different side to Barron Pass, the rainforests and Loddon Plains. With an overnight at Lake Vera, this is a great way to end one of Tasmania's best walks

Saturday 22 December 2018

Frenchmans Cap (TAS) - Frenchmans Cap Summit


Generally done on Day 2 or Day 3 of the Frenchmans Cap Track, this outstanding hike takes walkers to the summit of Frenchmans Cap. A steep, continuous climb, the track passes jagged peaks and the spectacular cirque of Lake Tahune. Heading up along some occasionally steep scrambles and zig-zagging switchbacks to the summit. With incredible 360° views, this is one of the best mountain walks in Australia

Frenchmans Cap (TAS) - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune


Day 2 of the Frenchmans Cap Track, this exceptional section of the track takes walkers from Lake Vera to Lake Tahune Hut. A steep, continuous climb, the track passes through some of the most beautiful rainforest along Lake Vera Creek before reaching the outstanding mountain views from Barron Pass. Heading across the ridge, the track ends at Lake Tahune Hut - the hut with the most spectacular view in the country

Friday 21 December 2018

Frenchmans Cap (TAS) - Lyell Hwy to Lake Vera


The first day of the Frenchmans Cap Track, this first section of the track leads walkers from the car park on Lyell Hwy to the first hut at Lake Vera. Crossing the Franklin and Loddon Rivers via suspension bridges, the track avoids the worst of the Sodden Loddons by following the dryer Laughtons Lead. Featuring lovely Buttongrass plains and lush rainforest, this is an excellent first day on one of Tasmania's best bushwalks

Saturday 15 December 2018

Deep River Walk Trail (Walpole-Nornalup National Park)


A short but enjoyable loop walk in Walpole-Nornalup National Park, the Deep River Walk Trail explores the Tingle and Karri forests of Mt Clare. Taking a gradual climb up to the summit, the trail follows the Bibbulmun Track to the Mt Clare campsite before descending steeply to the suspension bridge at Deep River. Following the road, the trail returns back to the start through more lovely forests

Wednesday 12 December 2018

My Greatest Year of Adventure: 2018 in Review


An overview of 2018 - My Greatest Year of Adventure that included hiking in five Australian states an in everything from subtropical rainforests, alpine landscapes, mountain peaks, rugged Outback canyons, off-track adventures, massive caves in Vietnam and snorkelling the Ningaloo Reef

Saturday 17 November 2018

Mt Feathertop via the Razorback (Alpine NP)


A classic overnight/long day walk in Alpine National Park, the southern Razorback Track takes hikers to the summit of Mt Feathertop - the Queen of the Victorian Alps. Starting at Diamantina Hut, the track traverses the stunning ridgeline of the Razorback as it makes its way to the second tallest peak in Victoria. With a stunning campsite at Federation Hut, this is a must do Australian hike


Saturday 3 November 2018

Nuyts Wilderness Track (Walpole-Nornalup National Park)


A wild and neglected walk in Walpole-Nornalup National Park, the Nuyts Wilderness Track explores an underrated section and varied section of the park. Starting at Deep River and running concurrently with the Bibbulmun Track, the Nuyts Wilderness Track branches off to explore the stunning Thompson and Aldridge Coves. Featuring ruggedly beautiful coastal views, this is an area teeming with untapped potential



Sunday 28 October 2018

Parker Point Snorkel Trail (Rottnest Island)


One of Trails WA's Top Trails, the Parker Point Snorkel Trail explore an area protected by Parker Point Santuary Zone. Starting with a walk across the rocks, the trail takes snorkelers through a stunning mix of seaweed beds and massive coral bommies as it follows the edge of a limestone ridge. A relatively short trail, Parker Point offers a varied an different experience to the nearby Little Salmon Bay

Little Salmon Bay Snorkel Trail (Rottnest Island)


An excellent snorkel trail on Rottnest Island, the Little Salmon Bay Snorkel Trail explore the vibrant waters of Little Salmon Bay. Starting by exploring the limestone reef along the left side of the bay, the trail guides snorkelers into the middle of the bay and to the right side back to the beach. Filled with beautiful Pocillopora Coral and colourful fish, this is a great introduction to snorkeling in the Perth Region.

Saturday 20 October 2018

Torbay Head & West Cape Howe (West Cape Howe National Park)


A walk through West Cape Howe National Park, this mix of walking and vehicle tracks explores the wild coastline of Western Australia's southernmost promontory. Starting at Shelley Beach, the track heads deep into the park to explore Torbay Head - the westernmost point of the state - and the stunning sea cliffs of West Cape Howe itself. Let down by sandy 4WD track walking, the spectacular scenery makes it worth the effort


Friday 5 October 2018

Wanamalu Trail (Francois Peron National Park)


A short but beautiful walk in Francois Peron National Park, the Wanamalu Trail links Skipjack Point to Cape Peron. Heading through the dunes, the trail offers spectacular views of the vibrant orange and red desert sands meeting the light blue waters of Shark Bay, with the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. An enjoyable walk, this will be a worthwhile highlight for visitors to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area

Wednesday 3 October 2018

Snorkeling the Ningaloo Reef (Ningaloo Marine Park)


Australia's other great reef, the Ningaloo Reef offers some of the most accessible coral reef snorkeling in Australia. With easy access from Exmouth, the Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel offers some of the best  snorkeling just metres from the beach, while the Marine Eco Safari by Coral Bay Eco Tours provides an outstanding tour by boat to swim with the opportunity to swim with Manta Rays and Sea Turtles.


Tuesday 2 October 2018

Yardie Gorge Trail (Cape Range National Park)


One of Trails WA's Top Trails, the Yardie Gorge Trail provides a short but scenic walk exploring Yardie Creek - the only creek in Cape Range with permanent water. Starting along its northern bank, the initially wheelchair friendly walk heads up along the creek's edge, before following a rugged walk overlooking the creek. With cliffs of red limestone, this is an iconic Outback scene in the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area


Mandu Mandu Gorge Walk Trail (Cape Range National Park)


A short but rugged walk, the Mandu Mandu Gorge explores one of the dry gorges in Cape Range National Park. Initially heading up along the dry pebbled-lined creek bed, the trail rises steeply to leave the gorge and follow the gorge rim back to the car park.  Featuring red walls of limestone and excellent views of the Indian Ocean, this is an enjoyable short trail in the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area

Sunday 30 September 2018

Badjirrajirra Trail (Cape Range National Park)


A stunning Outback hike, the Badjirrajirra Trail explores the rugged landscape of Cape Range National Park. Starting high in the range, the Badjirrajirra Trail skirts the edge (and drops down into) a series of small gorges before leading to spectacular views down into the epic Shothole Canyon. A fantastically scenic walk that shows off a different side to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area


Friday 28 September 2018

Plateau Loop Trail (Coalseam Conservation Park)


An excellent loop trail in Coalseam Conservation Park, the Plateau Loop Trail takes walkers through one of Western Australia's finest wildflower parks. Starting by crossing the Irwin River, the trail heads through fields of pink, white and yellow everlastings during the wildflower season. Offering views of the surrounding landscape below, this is one of Australia's best wildflower walks

Sunday 23 September 2018

Wonderland Loop (Grampians National Park)


An extremely scenic loop walk in Grampians National Park, the Wonderland Loop takes walkers from Halls Gap itself to the Pinnacle. Following a track along the edge of the mountains, the walk leads to the commanding views from the Pinnacle before exploring the canyons and sandstone formations of the Wonderland area. A superb walk with an outstanding reward for effort ratio

Saturday 22 September 2018

Mt Rosea Loop (Grampians National Park)


A fine mountain walk in the Grampians, this circuit walk explored the rugged summit of Mt Rosea. Starting from the Mt Rosea car park and quickly visiting the Bugiga campsite, the ascent follows a less visited forested route to the summit. Featuring rugged walking across the summit ridge, the walk features superb mountain views and stunning sandstone formations as it makes it way back to the car park

Saturday 15 September 2018

Lower Frankland Circuit (Walpole-Nornalup National Park)


A Long Way's Better Original, the Lower Frankland Circuit provides a longer circuit walk in the Karri and Tingle Forest. Starting at the Giant Tingle Tree car park, the trail follows the Munda Biddi along the Frankland River to Sapper Bridge. Joining the Bibbulmun, the track passes Frankland River hut before returning through the forest for a finale at the Giant Tingle Tree. An excellent all day or overnight option in the Tingle forests

Friday 14 September 2018

The Insanely Long Walks 2007-2010 (Throwback Thursday Special)



A Throwback Thursday Special, this post recounts the Insanely Long Walks - a series of urban walks undertaken between 2007 and 2010 in the Perth Metropolitan Area, including the epic Coogee to Mundaring and Mandurah to Joondalup walks

Sunday 9 September 2018

Wardan Nara Bidi (Rottnest Island)


Exploring the eastern side of the island, the Wardan Nara Bidi links many of Rottnest's best snorkelling sights. Starting at Porpoise Bay, the trail takes walkers to the dramatic snorkelling spots of Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay and Salmon Bay. Heading inland, the track provides access to Oliver Hill and the Wadjemup Lighthouse before a rugged finale along Strickland Bay

Sunday 26 August 2018

Bickley Reservoir to Ellis Brook Walk GPS Route (Banyowla Regional Park)



An excellent unmarked route in the Perth Hills, the Bickley Reservoir to Ellis Brook Walk GPS route links up two popular walking areas. Starting in the Bickley Reservoir picnic area, the walk follows old vehicle tracks and off track sections through open Wandoo forest to the stunning Sixty Foot Falls and two quarries. Featuring on of Perth's best waterfalls, small creeks and wildflowers in season, this is a great introductory off track walk

Sunday 19 August 2018

Jorgensen Park Walk Trail (Jorgensen Park)


A dog friendly walk in the Perth Hills, the Jorgensen Park Walk Trail is a popular short walk in what was once the local golf course. Initially exploring the former fairway, the trail heads into pleasant Jarrah forest as it runs concurrently with the Bibbulmun Track to a viewpoint overlooking Kalamunda National Park. A very short walk, the scrappy Jarrah is balanced out by being a great spot for dog watching

Bickley Brook Walk (Korung National Park)


A short but enjoyable walk in Korung National Park, the Bickley Brook Walk explores the brook just above Bickley Reservoir. Crossing the brook at a bridge, the trail rises up to provide stunning views of the Swan Coastal Plain and neighbouring valleys. Descending another creek then rising to mature Wandoo forests, the trail descends to a second brook crossing to complete the loop. One of the Shire of Kalamunda's better walks

Saturday 11 August 2018

Boyagin Rock Walk GPS Route (Boyagin Nature Reserve)


One of the finest all-day walks within two hours of Perth, the off-track Boyagin Rock Walk GPS Route explores the granite-dominated landscape in Boyagin Nature Reserve. Starting at Boyagin Rock, the walk passes through beautiful Wandoo Woodlands and some of the most incredible giant granite boulders on any walk in Western Australia. A thoroughly enjoyable circuit walk at the edge of the Wheatbelt. 

Sunday 5 August 2018

North Dandalup Walk GPS Route (State Forest 14)


An incredible off-track challenge in State Forest 14, the North Dandalup Walk GPS Route explore an area downstream of North Dandalup Dam. Descending to the North Dandalup River, the kilometre of walking upstream past waterfalls and cascades is one of the finest kilometres of walking in the Perth Region. A great off-track route, this a must do for experienced odd-track walkers

Sunday 22 July 2018

Three Mountains Walk GPS Route (Monadnocks Conservation Park)


A challenging unmarked route in the Monadnocks Conservation Park, this simplified version of the Three Mountains Walk GPS Route explores some of the lesser known parts of the park. Initially heading off-track, the route follows the granite-dominated ridge to the spectacular Mt Randall before following the Bibbulmun Track over Mt Cuthbert and Mt Vincent. A spectacular circuit walk in of Perth's best loved parks


Sunday 8 July 2018

Ngank Wen Bidi (Rottnest Island)


The most remote section of the Wadjemup Bidi trail network on Rottnest, the Ngank Wen Bidi explores the wild and rugged western end of the island. Starting at Narrow Neck, the trail explores pristine beaches before reaching the outstanding lookouts at Cathedral Rocks and Fish Hook Bay. Let down slightly by a less exciting second half, the excellent qualities of this trail still make it a must do

Ngank Yira Bidi (Rottnest Island)


Part of the Wadjemup Bidi trail network on Rottnest, the Ngank Yira Bidi explores the Bickley Bay area of the island. Starting at the Settlement, the trail explores the World War II heritage of the island by taking walkers to a series of Batteries and bunkers used as part of Australia's naval defence. Culminating with the massive guns of Oliver Hill, this is one of the best heritage trails in WA

Sunday 1 July 2018

Munday Brook Walk Trail (Korung National Park)


A pleasant forest stroll in Korung National Park, the Munday Brook Walk Trail follows a circuit of vehicle tracks through a parcel of Jarrah forest. Starting at Karagullen Oval, the trail reaches some outstanding examples of Jarrah forest near its half-way point, with a tunnel of dense growth and a section filled with massive trees being major highlights. One of the better forest walks in the Shire of Kalamunda


Monday 25 June 2018

Early Bibbulmun Adventures 2003-2004 (Throwback Thursday Special)


A Throwback Thursday Special, this post recounts the early Bibbulmun Track Adventures and Hiking Origin Story of The Long Way's Better, starting with the first sectional hike in late 2003 (Walpole to Denmark) and the second from Brookton Hwy to Kalamunda - which in turn revealed an interesting mistake in this finally complete Origin Story

Sunday 24 June 2018

William Bay Circuit (William Bay National Park)


A Long Way's Better Original, the William Bay Circuit explores William Bay National Park. Starting at Waterfall Beach, the trail follows the Munda Biddi before joining the Bibbulmun Track through granite domes towards Tower Hill. Descending to Mazzoletti Beach, the circuit traverses Greens Pool and Elephant Cove before an adventurous rocky scramble back to Waterfall Beach via Madfish Bay. A grand tour of one of WA's best coastal national parks


Saturday 16 June 2018

Wooroloo Brook Walk GPS Route (Darling Range)


An excellent unmarked route in the Darling Scarp, the Wooroloo Brook Walk explores one of the beautiful tributaries of the Swan River. Starting in Gidgegannup bushland, the walk follows old vehicle tracks and off track sections through open Wandoo forest and granite formations to create a stunning and relatively easy to follow route. Featuring waterfalls, creek crossings and stunning views, this is a great introductory off track walk


Monday 11 June 2018

The Spectacles (Beeliar Regional Park)


A combination of two short loop walks in Beeliar Regional Park, the Banksia and Aboriginal Heritage Trails explore the Swan Coastal Plain around the Spectacles near Kwinana. Initially passing through beautiful banksia blooms before circling the larger of the two lakes, the area's highlight is the Kiara Boardwalk that stretches metres out through the paperbarks onto the lake. One of the better walks in the Swan Coastal Plain

Tuesday 5 June 2018

Our Guide to Kalbarri National Park

Overview

Located in Western Australia's Mid West, Kalbarri National Park is one of the most diverse and exciting national parks in the state. While most national parks tend to feature a single type of landscape, Kalbarri features both incredible coastal walking along sea cliffs and a rugged inland gorge. This makes Kalbarri almost two national parks for the price of one, and while officially part of the South West Land Division, it is the closest park to Perth that offers an Outback-style experience. 


View from the iconic Nature's Window

Getting There

Located an hour and a half from the regional city of Geraldton, Kalbarri National Park is a solid six hour drive from Perth. While a fairly serious drive, we have found that it is at the upper limit of what can be comfortably visited over a weekend from Perth, preferably by either finishing work early on a Friday and driving all the way up to Kalbarri for a late night arrival, or by breaking up the trip by driving the first 4.5 hours to Geraldton and the remaining distance to Kalbarri in the morning. 

Descending to the Murchison River on the Z Bend River Trail

Where to Stay

At current, the national park does not feature a campground, however the management plan indicates that there is a lot of interest in such a campground and is a possibility in the future. Nestled within the national park, the small fishing town of Kalbarri provides a wide array of accommodation types, ranging from budget caravan park-style accommodation to luxury resorts. 


Walking Kalbarri's coastal cliffs

When visiting Kalbarri, Alissa and I stay at Kalbarri Palm Resort as its provides comfortable and affordable accommodation within walking distance of many of Kalbarri's best restaurants. Seafood is a specialty in Kalbarri, and no visit to the area would be complete without popping into the quirky Finlay's and the sophisticated Upstairs Restaurant where fish wings are a delicious local specialty. The Gorges Cafe is also recommended for a good lunch and coffee, and quality fish and chips can be had from a number of shops throughout the town.


Stunning coastal formations on the Mushroom Rock Nature Trail


What to Do

Featuring excellent coastal walks and rugged adventures in the inland gorges, Kalbarri is a bushwalker's delight. While most of the coastal walks are little more than glorified paths to a lookout, the Mushroom Rock Nature Trail and the Bigurda Trail will be of most interest to serious walkers. While only 3 kilometres, the surprisingly rugged Mushroom Rock Nature Trail explores some coastal gorges and the rugged coastline of the Kalbarri area.


Even better, the longer Bigurda Trail explores an eight kilometre stretch of sheer sandstone sea cliffs and provides outstanding views of the coastal section's best features link the Grandstand and Natural Bridge. This would have to rank as one of Western Australia's best coastal walks, and features very different scenery compared to the granite-dominated coastline of the South West. Being a one way trail, the Bigurda can be either explored as a 16 kilometre return walk, a car shuffle or - my favourite option - to park a car at the end of the walk and cy
cle back along the roads to the start for a fun multi-modal experience.


Walking along the Loop Walk - one of Trails WA's Top Trails

While the coastal section of the park is spectacular, the inland gorges are for many the heart and soul of Kalbarri. Natures' Window may be a favourite with casual tourists, however it is also the start of the Loop Walk, a nine kilometre circuit walk that explores a section of the gorge known for its characteristic loop shape. One of Trails WA's Top Trails, this is a fine, rugged walk that features rugged walking yet can be enjoyed by the whole family.

View of Four Ways - the meeting place of two side gorges with the Murchison River

Even more rugged walking can be found from the Z Bend Car Park, with the short Z Bend River Trail descending to the gorge at the stunning Z Bend by descending a series of ladders to the gorge itself. For the very adventurous, a second track known as the Four Ways Trail leads to a meeting point of four gorges, and it is possible to link the Four Ways Trail to the Z Bend by following the Murchison River Gorge. The Four Ways to Z Bend Loop is arguably the most beautiful and exciting walk that the park has to offer, however since it requires scrambling and swimming along an unmarked route, it should only be attempted by experienced hikers only.


Spectacular views along the Four Ways to Z Bend Loop

If that isn't adventurous enough for you, it is possible to undertake the multi-day River Gorge Walk which starts at the Ross Graham Lookout and ends at Nature's Window. A 3-5 day adventure, this wild trail features no facilities whatsoever and should only be attempted by self-sufficient and experienced hikers familiar with Leave No Trace principles. Those interested in undertaking the walk must register with the ranger, who can provide useful advice for completing the walk. 


Rock climbing near the Z Bend

Beyond hiking, Kalbarri also offers great snorkelling opportunities at Blue Holes. Most of the Kalbarri coast is notoriously rough, however the sheltered rock pools provide safe and pleasant snorkelling. The Murchison Gorge is also home to some of the best sports climbing in Western Australia. As with the Four Ways to Z Bend Loop, rock climbing should only be attempted by experienced climbers, otherwise it is advised to join one of the guided tours with a local operator. All climbers must register with the ranger before undertaking any climbing activities. 

Colourful fish at Blue Holes

How Long?


Alissa and I completed all the walks in Kalbarri over a number of weekend visits, however it would be possible to fit most of the park's walks into a long weekend if driving down on the Friday night to Geraldton and driving up the rest of the way on the Saturday. On the Saturday, the two main coastal walks could be completed back to back, with some time to relax in the afternoon snorkelling at Blue Holes.

For the Sunday, an early morning start tackling the Loop is a great way to start the day, followed by the Z Bend River Trail afterward or in the morning the next day. If tackling the Four Ways to Z Bend Loop, it is advised to allow the second day to complete this more difficult walk, and then save the Loop for an early morning start on the Monday.


Heading back to Perth, there are plenty of options of places to check out along the way. During the wildflower season, Lesueur National Park provides biodiverse blooms, while the the lovely beaches of the Turquoise Coast are beautiful all year round (Dynamite Bay is a personal favourite). Other iconic options in the area are Pink Lake near Horrocks and the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park

Nambung National Park's famous Pinnacles - a great side trip on the way back from Kalbarri

The Walks

Below are all the walks we completed in Kalbarri National Park, and a few possible side trips along the way in the Coral Coast region. Click on the links to read the individual trip reports. 


Bigurda Trail (Kalbarri National Park)

One of Western Australia's most spectacular coastal walks, the Bigurda Trail takes walkers along an 8 km stretch of coastal cliffs in Kalbarri National Park. Linking Eagle Gorge to the Natural Bridge, this moderately easy trail features incredible views of the region's rugged, banded cliffs juxtaposed by wildflowers in a myriad of colours. A fairly unique experience, this is an essential walk of Australia's Coral Coast. ...


Four Ways to Z Bend Loop (Kalbarri National Park)

An exciting unmarked route in Kalbarri National Park, the Four Ways to Z Bend Loop uses a rugged section of the gorge to link two tourist trails into a spectacular circuit. Starting at the Z Bend car park and following the Four Ways Trail, the walk descends to the Murchison River and follows it along rocky shelves and swims through various pools as it heads towards the Z Bend. Not for the faint-hearted, this is arguably one of WA's best circuit...

 


Lesueur & Gardner Trails (Lesueur National Park)

Combining the Lesueur and Gardner Trails, this walk is a botanical tour of Leseuer National Park - one of the greatest wildflower parks in Australia. Heading through Kwongan heathland up the short Mt Lesueur along the Lesueur Trail before looping around the Gardner Trail's circuit, this walk is filled with a brilliant display of wildflowers at every turn. A gift of WA's brilliant biodiversity, this is a must do during wildflower season...

The Loop Walk (Kalbarri National Park)

One of Trails WA's Top Trails, the Loop Walk follows a natural loop in the Murchison River near the iconic Nature's Window. Initially walking along the cliff top, the trail descends for a rugged and adventurous section along narrow ledges through the gorge before easing off along a sandy stretch back up to Nature's Window. A stunning walk in one of Western Australia's best national parks, this is a must do experience in the Mid-West....

Mushroom Rock Nature Trail (Kalbarri National Park)

A short but surprisingly adventurous walk in Kalbarri National Park, the Mushroom Rock Nature Trail provides an up close look at the Kalbarri coast. Descending to a small, rocky gorge, the trail takes walkers to Mushroom Rock and the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, before looping around past banded cliffs and other unusual formations. A perfect trail for those with an interest in geological history....

Pinnacles Desert View Trail (Nambung National Park)

A very short but excellent walk in the Pinnacles Desert, the Desert View Trail takes walkers through one of Western Australia's most iconic and unusual landscapes. Looping through the numerous limestone formations of the Pinnacles, the walk's gentle gradient offers walkers a more immersive perspective than the Pinnacles Drive. A convenient day trip from Perth, this walk is suitable for most levels of experience...

Z Bend River Trail (Kalbarri National Park)

A short but adventurous trail, the Z Bend River Trail takes walkers down into the Z Bend of the Murchison River Gorge. After viewing the sheer cliffs of the Z Bend from a lookout, the trail descends through a side gorge, following a route over boulders, ladder climbs and narrow chasms to reach the river itself. With its beautifully rugged terrain, the Z Bend River Trail is a great primer for the multi-day River Gorge Hike....