Top Walking Trails in the Margaret River Region
Whether you are a seasoned hiker looking for an adventurous trek or someone looking for a stroll surrounded by nature’s beauty, the Margaret River Region has plenty of choices for you.
If you need some ideas about the top trails, here is a collection, all of which are within easy reach of Forest Rise.
Wooditjup National Park
Carters Rd, Margaret River WA 6285
Phone: +61 8 9752 5555
Just a five-minute stroll from Margaret River’s town centre, you will find Wooditjup National Park. A splendid place for avid hikers, there are easy trails ideal for families with children. The park has something for everyone, including mountain bike trails. For those seeking a quiet place to experience nature, the karri, marri, and jarrah forests give the sense of isolation deep in the woodlands, even though you are minutes away from the modern world.
The park is open 24 hours a day, admission is free, and pets are not permitted.
Chimney Trail Loop
Carters Rd, Margaret River WA 6285
Phone: +61 8 9752 5555
Located inside the Wooditjup National Park property, the Chimney Trail Loop is a perfect trail for those looking for a quick (about an hour) walk through a beautiful section of the National Park. The Chimney Trail Loop is primarily flat and easy for all fitness levels to manage.
The 3.3km loop begins near the car park at Carters Road. From there, the loop follows Bramley Brook and then veers off, leading you to the giant chimney. At this point, the trail starts looping back through the forest.
There is free admission to the Chimney Loop Trail, and no pets are permitted.
Cape to Cape Walk Track
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, 1267 Cape Naturaliste Rd, Naturaliste WA 6281
Phone: +61 8 9757 7411
Whether you are up for a challenge or just looking for a picturesque hike, the iconic Cape to Cape Walk Track is something every hiking enthusiast should experience.
One of Australia’s top long-distance hiking trails, the Cape to Cape Walk Track runs along a 125 km stretch along the coast of Western Australia. Along the way, you will experience the breathtaking sights and sounds of the Indian Ocean. The track winds inland at points, and you can enjoy the majestic forests and wildflowers.
You can begin at Cape Naturaliste, the northernmost point of the trail or start at Cape Leeuwin at the southern tip of the course. The whole track can comfortably be hiked in about six or seven days for hikers, with an average fitness level traversing around 20-25 km a day. There are campsites along the track and various exit and entry points for those who prefer to experience just parts of the track.
Admission to the trail is free, but some campsites charge fees. Bring fresh water and essential snacks as rations are in short supply. The Cape to Cape Walk Track is free, and dogs are not permitted.
Riflebutts Reserve
Surfers Point Rd, Prevelly WA 6285
Phone: 08 9780 5911
For a fun-filled day spent enjoying nature in an ideal setting, bring the whole family to Riflebutts Reserve. The reserve offers many opportunities to enjoy comfortable walks, picnics, and barbeques. At Riflebutts Reserve, Fido is welcome to join in the family fun.
A new inclusive playground is a welcome addition to the reserve, and children of all ages and abilities can enjoy themselves with the exciting equipment.
Riflebutts Reserve is open 24 hours, dogs are welcome, and there is no fee to visit.
Wadandi Track
39 Miamup Rd, Cowaramup WA 6284
Phone: 08 9780 5911
Following the tracks of the Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway, built in 1884, the Wadandi Track is a smooth and evenly graded trail suitable for hikers and cyclists of all skill levels. In addition to being an excellent place for younger bikers to learn the ropes of off-road biking, the trail is wheelchair accessible during the dry season.
Approximately 22 km long, Wadandi Track traverses through one of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots, giving visitors a view of some of Western Australia’s most unique and beautiful flora and fauna. You will also enjoy farmland, vineyards, jarrah, and karri forest. The track offers several picnic areas, scenic lookouts, and toilet facilities. Dogs on leads are permitted on the trail.
Megsy’s Marsh
40 Tingle Ave, Margaret River WA 6285
Located within the boundaries of Wenmans Wetlands Park, Megsy’s Marsh offers visitors a unique look at the flora and fauna of Western Australia’s marshlands. A great location for an afternoon spent in the natural beauty of the wetlands.
Wenmans Wetlands
34 Tingle Ave, Margaret River WA 6285
An ecologically diverse nature preserve and park, Wenmans Wetlands is located a few kilometres south of Keenan State Forest. As a part of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, the wetlands are home to an estimated 13,000 species of plants, thousands of which are unnamed.
During your visit to Wenmans Wetlands, look for many fascinating species that call this area home.
Ten Mile Brook Dam
Rosa Brook WA 6285
If you are looking for a fantastic view of the Margaret River, make sure to plan a hike or bike ride along the trail to Ten Mile Brook Dam. Beginning at Rotary Park in Margaret River, the 15 km trail leads you to the dam and returns you to your starting point. Along the way, you can enjoy an easy hike or bike ride along the compact earth and coarse gravel trail. At the dam, you will find spots for a picnic.
Your journey on Ten Mile Brook Dam can take up to four hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops to admire scenic views. There are no facilities once you leave the Rotary Park area, and dogs are not permitted on the trail.
Margaret River Organic Garden
171 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285
Phone: +61 8 9758 7932
Located in the heart of town, the Margaret River Organic Garden is a serene oasis where visitors can come to stroll, take in the stunning landscape, and destress a little. The sprawling grounds casually blend from one themed space into another. Interdependent peace is the order of the day here, and the garden operates as nature intended. Only organic materials and friendly predators help keep the plants thriving, and no manufactured chemicals are welcome. Admission is free, the garden is always open, and children are encouraged to come and enjoy the expansive lawns.
Quinninup Falls
Wilyabrup WA 6280
A scenic masterpiece is the best way to describe the hike to Quinninup Falls. The 2.5 km track that takes you to the falls provides a breathtaking ocean view along the way. Some parts of the trail can be quite muddy, and some dunes require a moderate level of fitness. Reaching the falls and seeing their majesty makes the mud and sand worth the trip.
The trail is out and back, which takes most hikers about an hour. Although, many people enjoy a beach picnic along the way.
There is no charge to visit Quinninup Falls, which is open year-round. Generally, the water only flows during the spring and winter months. Pets are not permitted on the trail, and there are no facilities once you leave the car park area.
Margaret River Heritage Park – Rotary Park
53/69 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285
For a beautiful hike, a trip back in time, and an exciting play area for the kids, look no further than Margaret River Heritage Trail and Rotary Park. The multifaceted treasure is just outside the town of Margaret River. The Heritage area looks into the past when Margaret River was a large part of the timber industry. The trail is a comfortable walk along the river, guiding you to Rotary Park.
The park has restroom facilities, barbeque and picnic areas, and an exciting play area for the children. If you feel more adventurous, the Heritage Trail Head is also the starting point of the Ten Mile Brook cycle and walking Trail. It is a 15 km return trail with some stunning views. Free admission and dogs on leads are permitted.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Trail to Whale Watching Observation Deck
1267 Cape Naturaliste Rd, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, WA.
Phone: (08) 9780 5911
Whether you enjoy the Cape to Cape hiking adventure or drive to the handy car park, the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is a stunning tribute to the region’s legacy. The automated lighthouse sits on a rocky base 100 meters above sea level. Tours are a popular part of a visit, as are the playground, café, and gift shop.
For an unforgettable experience, take the 2.4 km trail to the Whale Watch Observation Deck. From this vantage point, you have a one-of-a-kind panoramic view of the ocean and the surrounding area. The area has a six-month-long whale watching season (June through December) which gives you plenty of time to plan. The Whale Watch Observation Deck is free, as is the lighthouse playground and museum. Fees apply for the lighthouse tours. Pets are not permitted on the grounds.