Bunbury might be best known for its beaches, dolphins and relaxed coastal lifestyle, but there’s another side to the city worth exploring: the abundance of walking and hiking trails in Bunbury!
Imagine walking through peaceful wetlands and coastal dune that end in spectacular lookouts, Bunbury and the surrounding Geographe region offer plenty of opportunities to get out amongst nature.
Here are some of our favourite places to go hiking in Bunbury.
For an easy walk that combines nature, water and some of Bunbury's most interesting scenery, the Leschenault Inlet Walk is hard to beat.
This 5km loop takes you around the Leschenault Inlet, beginning near Mangrove Cove and curves past the town centre, wetlands and the Mangrove Boardwalk. The trail is sealed throughout, making it suitable for walkers of different abilities.
One of the highlights is the unusual community of white mangroves, making the walk particularly interesting for nature lovers and birdwatchers. This mangrove is considered the southernmost occurrence of white mangroves in Western Australia!
Distance: 5km
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Approximately 1–3 hours
Best for: Families, casual walkers and nature lovers
Tip: The nearby Mangrove Boardwalk is also a great spot to slow down and take in the scenery.
Kalgalup is an easy sealed trail suitable for all levels of hikers. Image: Trails WA
Step into one of Bunbury's most distinctive landscapes with the Tuart Walk in Kalgulup Regional Park.
The 1.3km shared trail winds through leafy tuart and peppermint woodland and takes around 45 minutes to complete (and return!). There is an abundance of wildlife in the forest, so keep an eye out for native birdlife as you make your way through the forest.
The Tuart Walk is a short one, making it a great option if you want to experience Bunbury's bushland without committing to a longer hike, or if you’re looking for a trail that is quick and easy.
Distance: 1.3km
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Approximately 45 minutes return
Best for: Families, wildlife spotting and an easy nature walk
Tip: The Tuart Walk is particularly beautiful in the cooler months when the forest is lush and green from the rain!
Imagine having this view as your hiking buddy as you take on the Maidens Coastal Trail! Image: Trails WA
For something that feels a little more like a traditional hike, head to Maidens Reserve for the Maidens Coastal Trail.
This is a 1km moderate trail that winds through coastal dunes and offers stunning views out towards the ocean. Short enough to fit into a morning of exploring, it also provides a good change of scenery from Bunbury's flatter foreshore walks.
For an additional push, take on the additional Maidens Upper Lookout. The final section involves 153 steps from the lower lookout to the upper lookout, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views over the Indian Ocean, Bunbury and towards the Darling Scarp.
It’s not a long hike, but those stairs will certainly get the legs working!
Distance: 1.1km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Coastal scenery, short hikes and exploring the reserve
For a more immersive bushwalking experience, explore Manea Park Walking Trail.
Manea Park is a premier bush reserve and is home to a variety of native wildlife, including the forest red-tailed black cockatoo and white-tailed black cockatoos.
It's a particularly good choice for walkers who want to swap the beach for the bush and spend some time surrounded by native vegetation.
Best for: Bushwalking, birdwatching and spotting wildflowers!
The Paperbark Trees surround you on the walk and it's definitely a sight to behold! Image: Australia's South West.
If you're looking for a relaxing walk closer to the city, Big Swamp Parkland is worth exploring.
The parkland provides an easy opportunity to experience wetlands and native vegetation without heading far from central Bunbury. The Paperbark Walk is a particular highlight, offering a peaceful setting beneath the paperbark trees.
It's a great option for a morning stroll before heading into Bunbury for breakfast or coffee and makes for a relaxing walk with stunning views.
Ready to venture a little further outside Bunbury?
Crooked Brook Forrest near Dardanup is a beautiful forest destination where you can escape into the jarrah and marri woodland.
It's particularly popular during wildflower season (September to November), when the forest floor comes alive with colour. The area is ideal for a half-day outing from Bunbury and makes a great addition to a South West road trip.
Best for: Forest walks, wildflowers and nature photography
Before heading out on the trails, it's worth keeping a few things in mind:
Did you know Bunbury Apartment Motel is right in the centre of town?
Staying in Bunbury makes it easy to explore the city's walking trails while also venturing further into the South West.
After a day on the trails, head back into town for a meal, explore Bunbury's beaches or simply put your feet up and relax.
Bunbury Apartment Motel offers self-contained accommodation close to the city's attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring Bunbury and the surrounding region.
