Feel the spray of the Southern Ocean as you scramble along Bald Head Walking Trail, near Albany in WA. Your rewards for braving the elements are panoramic views of the Southern Ocean and the historic King George Sound, with a good chance of a whale sighting too.

Highlights

  • Stunning panoramic views
  • Diverse nature
  • Great whale watching along the trail

The Lowdown

The Bald Head Walking Trail in the Torndirrup National Park near Albany in Western Australia is a challenging ridge hike along the Flinders Peninsula. What starts off as a classic hike soon turns to scrambling up huge rock faces with the reward of panoramic views of the roaring Southern Ocean and the peaceful King George Sound.

 

 

Albany is notorious for brisk mornings and persistent rain and this day’s weather was certainly no different. With the promise of some epic scenery and empty ocean views, spirits were high despite taking a battering from the wind and rain early on.

The most challenging aspect of the hike along the Bald Head Walking Trail was deciding which way to look and which way to point our cameras as we traversed the Flinders Peninsula ridge. Standing within the protection of King George Sound we felt humbled by the contrast between the calmness of the bay and the power of the Southern Ocean.

 

 

Noticing the land shaped by the ocean really made us appreciate the ancient history of Kincinnup (Albany’s Menang name) and the ingenuity of the Aboriginal people who lived here before European settlement. As the waves pounded the shoreline we also imagined the early explorers who battled the jagged coastline.

Standing tall at the headland with nothing but ocean between us and Antarctica was plenty reward for the 6km hike. The second chance to see the incredible ridge provided more than enough motivation to make the return journey.

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots
  • Snacks
  • Two and a half to three litres of water
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • Beanie
  • Camera

How To Get There

The Bald Head Walking Trail carpark is in the Torndirrup National Park, off Murray Road.

From Albany take Frenchman Bay Road, turning onto Salmon Hole Road near the end. Turn left onto Murray Road and follow the signs to the Bald Head carpark. You can find a printable map of the trail here.

Albany and Bald Head are 450km south of Perth.

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Whale watching
  • Photography
  • Wildflower spotting

Skill Level

Intermediate – Advanced – The Bald Head Walking Trail is 12km return covering steep elevation changes in ascent and descent. The track is not maintained regularly. Directions are very limited.

Distance / Elevation Gained

12km return / 629m

Duration

5 hours