The Bald Head Walk Trail in Albany's Torndirrup National Park explores the rugged and wild Flinders Peninsula, and is easily one of Western Australia's best coastal day walks. While it was once one of the South-West's best kept secrets, recent increases in numbers has stood as a testament to the trail's spectacular beauty, but has also put greater pressures on the trail itself. This has resulted in severe erosion and blowouts, particularly along the trail's second half.
From February 2022, the Bald Head Walk Trail will be closed for maintenance works and upgrades to address these environmental issues. The works will include the installation of some boardwalks similar to that found on the similarly popular Royal Coastal Track in New South Wales as well as revegetation. More information can be found at Trails WA's Projects website, however the closure is expected to be in place until August 2022.
With the trail closed for half the year (and potentially longer), here's a list of alternative coastal walks in along WA's South Coast that are well worth checking out.
Near Albany
Already booked a trip to Albany? No problem, there are many excellent options in the Albany area:
Peak Head Walk Trail (Torndirrup National Park)
Point Possession Heritage Trail (Quaranup)
Another nearby neighbour to Bald Head, The Point Possession Heritage Trail leads walkers to the northernmost point of the Vancouver Peninsula. Passing through heathlands, the trail features two short beach walks and features the historical Point Possession where Captain Vancouver claimed the west coast of Australia for Britain. With interesting granite headlands and the particularly lovely Barker Bay, this is an easier alternative to the Bald Head Trail - and is dog friendly too! Read More.
Torbay Head and West Cape Howe (West Cape Howe National Park)
For experienced and self-reliant walkers looking to get off the beaten track, the wild West Cape Howe National Park is a must do. This route follows a mix of walking and vehicle tracks and 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 southernmost 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. Read more.
Baie Des Deux Peuples Heritage Trail (Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve)
Located half an hour east of Albany in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, the Baie Des Deux Peuples Heritage Trail explores a series of beaches that regularly feature on shortlists for the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Starting at the visitor's centre, the trail provides excellent views along the coastal ridge of Two Peoples Bay before follow the wild, rocky coast to the stunning Little Beach and Waterfall Beach. An excellent shorter walk with surprisingly wild views. Read more.
Bibbulmun Track
Fitzgerald River, Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid
Looking to stretch out a bit further and explore the wild South Coast east of Albany? Fitzgerald River, Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid offer hiking trails to rival the best that Albany has to offer.
Point Ann Heritage Trail (Fitzgerald River National Park)
A very short but enjoyable 1km walk in Fitzgerald River National Park, the Point Ann Heritage Trail explores the landscape of Point Ann while engaging with its heritage values. Starting at the Point Ann car park, the trail passes by a section of the infamous Rabbit Proof Fence before heading back along Point Charles Bay taking in spectacular coastal views. Featuring wildflowers blooms in Springtime, this short trail is well worth checking out in spite of its meagre length, but let's face it 1 km isn't a complete replacement for Bald Head. Given its short length, it can easily be done in the same day as a walk up to the summit of wildflower-filled West Mt Barren which also features spectacular coastal views. Read More about Point Ann and West Mt Barren.
Mamang Trail (Fitzgerald River National Park)
A long day walk or an easy overnight, the Mamang Trail explores the western side of the park and leads to Fitzgerald River itself. Along the way, the trail features outstanding walking along bleach white sand beaches that would give the more famous Cape Le Grand National Park a run for its money. Heading inland through heath, the trail provides exceptional views of the park's lake system and features beautiful wildflowers during wildflower season. Read more about the Mamang Trail and overnight hikes in Fitzgerald River National Park.
Hakea Trail (Fitzgerald River National Park)
Considered one of Western Australia's Top Trails by Trails WA, the Hakea Trail is the longest trail in Fitzgerald River National Park, and provides a grand tour of the stunning coastline on the park's eastern side. From its eastern trailhead at Cave Point to its western terminus at Quoin Head, the trail explores the rugged beaches and coastal cliffs that dominate this side of the park, and it features one particularly awe-inspiring kilometre of coastal walking that has to be seen to be believed. Add to it an exceptional quality hut and water tanks at Whalebone Creek and you can see why this is one of the state's premier hiking trails. Read more about the Hakea Trail and overnight hikes in Fitzgerald River National Park.
Le Grand Coastal Trail (Cape Le Grand National Park)
If there is a coastal trail in WA that is even greater than Bald Head, this would be it. One of Western Australia's greatest day walks, the Le Grand Coastal Trail is a suitably grand tour of the spectacular coastline in Cape Le Grand National Park. Starting at Rossiter Bay, the trail alternates between rugged, granite headlands and some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. A truly outstanding bushwalk, this is a must do in spite of the somewhat challenging logistics as a long there and back trail. Read More.
Tagon Coastal Trail (Cape Arid National Park)
An excellent coastal walk in Cape Arid National Park, the Tagon Coastal trail explores the coastline between Thomas River and Tagon Point. Starting at the sands of Yokinup Bay, the trail winds its way over dramatic granite headlands and sandy beaches as it makes it way south-west to the dramatic view of Tagon Point. With rugged walking and views of the wild Southern Ocean, this is an outstanding trail worth the detour if in the area. Read More.
