Ready for a bit of adventure? Prepare to explore some of Australia’s most majestic, dramatic and just plain beautiful scenery. Western Australia is crowned with incredible wilderness experiences, from the historic national parks around Perth to the coastal hikes, horse trails and mountain tracks around spectacular Albany and Esperance.
Perth
Greenmount National Park
Only 30 minutes drive from Perth’s CBD, Greenmount National Park is a popular natural playground for climbers, hikers and mountain bikers – with superb views over the Swan Coastal Plain and city. There’s plenty to explore amongst the tracks, trails and mountain slopes amongst Darling Scarp rock formations. Visit the Goat Farm for mountain bike trails at all levels. Mountain Quarry is a coveted spot for rock climbers and walkers.
Kalamunda National Park
Famed for being where the Bibbulmun Walking Track’s spectacular 1,000km walking trail to Albany begins, Kalamunda National Park is packed with gorgeous walks through surrounding jarrah forests and along Piesse Brook. Situated only a short distance from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills, you’ll also find horse riding and mountain biking trails overlooking the city skyline.
John Forrest National Park
Encompassed by jarrah woodlands, John Forrest National Park is home to two cascading waterfalls, Hovea Falls and National Park Falls, and some of the best walking trails in Perth. Grab the walking shoes and stroll amongst the wildflowers on the Glen Brook Dam Walk, John Forrest Bridle Trail and the Christmas Creek Tree Walk. This is the oldest national park in WA – follow the Railway Heritage Trail through the iconic 1893 Swan View Tunnel.
Where to stay
Explore the best national parks Perth has to offer, as well as a huge range of Perth nature walks, by basing yourself at The Comfort Inn & Suites Goodearth Perth or the Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth.
Albany
Torndirrup National Park
Discover Western Australia’s wild and dramatic coastal wonders. Sculpted by the Southern Ocean’s crashing waves, Torndirrup National Park is home to incredible ancient landmarks such as The Gap and Natural Bridge. Take in these attractions from the nearby platforms, elevated 40 metres over the sea, while enjoying sweeping views of Bald Head and West Cape Howe. You’ll also see majestic whales on their annual migration.
Porongurup National Park
Walk amongst ancient peaks and domes to the Granite Skywalk and picnic areas at the top of Castle Rock. Porongurup National Park commands two sweeping views of the Stirling Ranges in the north and the ocean in the south, with surrounding walking trails to suit all levels of fitness. The 23 km Porongurup Scenic Drive also provides great views of the Porongurup Range, as well as a shorter 5km option overlooking granite outcrops.
West Cape Howe
White sand beaches, impressive granite headlands and wild coastal heathland. West Cape Howe National Park is a breathtaking landscape filled with wildlife and adventure. Visit beautiful Shelley Beach for a spectacular view across the wild coastline to Torbay Head – the southernmost point in Western Australia. Shelley Beach is also Western Australia’s hang gliding capital, with two purpose-built platforms.
Where to stay
Located near the town’s main attractions, Quality Apartments Banksia Albany is a comfortable and convenient base to explore the incredible national parks Albany has on offer.
Esperance
Peak Charles National Park
Situated within the Great Western Woodlands, the impressive granite slopes of Peak Charles National Park dominate the landscape. Get closer to this ancient marvel and explore the tracks and orchids that grow around the rise of Peak Charles and nearby Peak Eleanora. The Peak Charles Trail is a 3.2km return trail that thrives with more than 40 bird species. Experienced hikers can climb the peak and see 50 kilometres in all directions.
Cape Le Grand
Beaches, bays and bushwalks. Cape Le Grand National Park rolls out some of WA’s finest coastal experiences. Just over 30 minutes drive from Esperance, the pristine white beaches offer plenty of opportunity to swim, surf and paddle. Explore the expansive heathlands on Le Grand Coastal Trail, which links the spectacular coastal sections – Frenchman Peak offers the experienced hiker sweeping views of Recherche Archipelago.
Where to stay
Get ready to explore the national parks Esperance has in store by staying at The Comfort Inn Bay of Isles, close to the region’s beautiful surrounding attractions.
