Top Hikes & Trails in Australia's Golden Outback
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- Top Hikes & Trails in Australia's Golden Outback
Australia’s Golden Outback is crisscrossed with walking trails that showcase the region’s extraordinary variety of landscapes. From inland ridges and granite outcrops to sweeping coastal tracks, there are walks here for all abilities and interests.
One of the most rewarding challenges is the Mount Augustus Summit Trail, a full-day hike that takes you to the top of the world’s biggest rock. The climb is demanding, but the panoramic views across the outback make every step worthwhile. On the coast, the Lucky Bay to Thistle Cove Track offers a very different experience, an easy walk with sea breezes, turquoise water and some of Australia’s whitest sand underfoot.
Whether you're in the mood for a short stroll or a full-day adventure, hiking in the Golden Outback is about more than just physical activity. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Western Australia’s ancient landscapes, uncover their stories, and enjoy views that are truly one of a kind. Discover our top 10 recommended hikes below.
Wave Rock Circuit - Hyden
It’s one thing to see Wave Rock in photos. It’s another to walk its curves, tracing the sweep of granite that looks frozen in motion. The 3.6-kilometre loop trail takes you beyond the famous crest, winding through bush scented with eucalyptus. You’ll find gnamma holes, natural rock depressions that have long held life-giving water, and views across a flat, golden horizon. It’s a gentle trail, offering a new perspective on this world-famous landmark.
Frenchman Peak - Cape Le Grand National Park
From a distance, Frenchman Peak looks unassuming. But the climb is short and steep - a 3-kilometre return track (1–3 hours, Grade 5) that hauls you across granite to a cavernous summit cave. And then, the reward: sweeping views over impossibly turquoise bays, white sand that squeaks underfoot, and bushland stitched with banksia. Inside the cave at the summit, you can sit in the cool shade, wind on your skin, gazing out over coastline. The rock is steep and exposed, so avoid climbing in wet or windy conditions.
Mount Augustus Summit Trail
Trekking to the top of Mount Augustus is not for the faint-hearted. It’s an all-day challenge that carves itself into your memory as much as your muscles. The 12-kilometre return track (6–8 hours, Grade 5) winds up through gullies, across rocky ridges, and past patches of native fig trees clinging to the stone. Each section feels like a new world. From the summit, the desert spills endlessly in every direction. It’s humbling, standing atop a rock twice the size of Uluru.
Please read the ‘Safety Information’ section for Mount Augustus on the Parks and Wildlife Service website before your walk.
Merredin Peak - Wheatbelt
Closer to Perth, Merredin Peak offers a gentler walk with just as much depth. The 1.8-kilometre loop (1 hour, Grade 3) circles a granite outcrop, weaving through eucalypts and wildflowers in spring. Follow the interpretive signs and of the Noongar people, the railway era, and ingenious water catchments built by early settlers. From the summit, the view is pure Wheatbelt - endless paddocks stretching to the horizon.
Karlkurla Bushland Park - Kalgoorlie
Just outside Kalgoorlie, Karlkurla Bushland Park offers a gentler walk that still feels like an escape. Trails weave through more than 200 hectares of native woodland, where mallee trees, acacias and wildflowers thrive. Trails range from short 1-kilometre loops to 4-kilometre circuits (30 mins–1.5 hours, Grade 2). Mallee trees, acacias and spring wildflowers line the paths, and birdlife is abundant. It’s an accessible way to step into nature on the edge of town.
Dryandra Woodland Trails - near Narrogin
Dryandra feels like stepping into a living sanctuary. The trails here wind through powderbark forests and open woodland, home to endangered numbats, woylies and more than 100 bird species. Come at dusk for the best chance to see wildlife, moving like shadows between the trees. Walks range from the gentle 1.6-kilometre Congelin Siding Walk to the 12.5-kilometre Lol Gray Trail (Full Day, Grade 3). Each one offers a chance to spot endangered numbats or woylies, especially around dawn and dusk.
Mount Matilda
Set within the Wongan Hills Nature Reserve, Mount Matilda is a 7.9-kilometre loop (2–3 hours, Grade 3) that winds across rocky outcrops and through bushland rich in wildflowers from July to October. Interpretive signs share stories of flora, fauna and local heritage as you climb gently to lookouts over Lake Hinds and the patchwork Wheatbelt below. The terrain is uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended, but the reward is expansive views and the sense of walking through a pocket of country that feels both ancient and alive.
Great Ocean Drive Trail - West Beach to Twilight Cove
This coastal loop strings together some of Esperance’s most dazzling scenery. The 6.8-kilometre (one-way) sealed path traces beaches, rocky headlands and lookout points, with stretches of native bushland in between. Highlights include Twilight Beach with its squeaky-white sand, Observatory Point’s sweeping ocean views, and the gentle climb to Pink Lake Lookout. It’s well-signed and family-friendly, but the distance is considerable, so allow plenty of time, water and sun protection.
Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail - Esperance
Stretching almost 20 kilometres (8 hours, Grade 4), this trail is the very definition of wild beauty. It links bay to bay, each one a marvel of blinding white sand and crystalline sea. Whether you do the whole thing or just a section, you’ll find yourself walking through a coastal dreamscape of kangaroos, rolling headlands and salt-sweet ocean breezes.
This one is ideal as a multiple day hike, breaking it up by camping a night at either Lucky Bay campground or Le Grand Bay campground. These places both have camping facilities including toilets and camp kitchens.
Lucky Bay to Thistle Cove
This slice of the Coastal Trail is just 2.5 kilometres return (1–1.5 hours, Grade 3), but it packs in drama. Lucky Bay, famous for its beach-dwelling kangaroos, is the starting point. The track rolls over granite headlands to Thistle Cove, where the ocean’s echo fills a natural amphitheatre of stone.
Before setting off on your outdoor adventure, make sure to thoroughly check the weather and terrain conditions. Staying informed about local conditions is key to a safe and enjoyable hike. Visit the Parks and Recreation page or drop by a local Visitor Centre for up-to-date information about the area. It’s also important to note that phone reception can be limited in some areas, so ensure you’re well-prepared with all the essentials before heading out.
The Golden Outback can experience extreme heat especially in the Gascoyne Murchison region, during the warmer months. To stay safe and comfortable, check the weather forecast before you go and plan your hike for early morning or late evening when temperatures are milder.
What To Pack
Water: Hydration is critical, especially on longer or remote trails like Mount Augustus. Carry plenty of water, and if possible, bring extra to be safe.
Sun Protection: The sun can be relentless. Be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Sturdy Footwear: Many trails in the Golden Outback involve rocky or uneven terrain. Invest in sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip to keep you comfortable and secure.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike
Start Early: To avoid the midday heat and catch the soft morning light, begin your hike as early as possible.
Take Your Time: Hiking is about immersing yourself in nature, not rushing. Take breaks, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the experience.
Stick to Marked Trails: Always follow designated paths and trails to ensure your safety and help preserve the natural environment. Remember to carry out all rubbish and respect any cultural or heritage sites you encounter along the way.
Know Your Limits: Be honest about your fitness level and the difficulty of the trail. Choose hikes that suit your experience and physical ability, and don’t hesitate to turn back if conditions change.