Breezy Bunuru: Top Pick Trails for Shade, Shelter & Sea Breezes
Bunuru’s dry and warm weather calls for trail experiences that make the most of shade, water and coastal breezes. From calm estuary paddles to shaded forest paths and lakeside networks, these trail ideas are well suited to careful summer plans. Always check DBCA Park Alerts and Emergency WA before heading out, plan ahead and adapt to weather conditions if needed.
Sullivan Rock to Mount Cooke (Bibbulmun Track section)
18.4km | Class 4 | Hike • Trail Run
Trail Runners on Mt Cooke. Image Credit: Trails WAFor a classic forest experience just an hour from Perth, this stretch in the Darling Range pairs rolling terrain with shaded forest cover. Although the full Bibbulmun Track is long, focusing on this section gives you a nice taste of jarrah and marri forest and keeps distances manageable on warm days. Early starts here reward you with cooler conditions under the canopy. This is a return trail so you can turn around earlier to shorten the distance if needed.
Cooling off by Lake Leschenaultia. Image credit: K.StevensJust outside Perth, Lake Leschenaultia offers a multi-use trail network that suits riders, walkers and paddlers. The looped MTB trails weave around shaded lake edges, and being able to cool off in the water adds extra appeal on warmer days. Picnic spots and kayak rentals make this destination a complete outdoor experience, especially when tackled early to avoid heat peaks.
Mandurah Central Paddle Trail, Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network. Image credit: K.StevensGlide through the calm waterways of the Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network on this rewarding paddle trail. Part of the broader Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Trail Network, this route is ideal for summer mornings when breezes help cool the water and wildlife is most active. The estuary’s expansive views make it a standout for paddlers of all abilities, and its sheltered nature offers a refreshing alternative to exposed land routes during warmer conditions.
Early morning on the Tree Top Walk. Image credit: K.StevensLocated within Walpole-Nornalup National Park, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk offers a truly unique perspective on towering tingle forests. Elevated above the canopy, this walk is both awe-inspiring and more comfortable in the morning, when cool air drifts through the trees. It’s especially popular with families, and young explorers will love the sensory experience among giant trunks and filtered light.
Pausing to take in the forest. Image credit: Ryan SmithRiverrun is a standout trail within the Giants Trails network, offering a flowing journey through karri and tingle forest alongside the Frankland River valley. It’s a rewarding experience for riders looking to immerse themselves in this landscape, with long forest sections that feel cooler and more sheltered than many exposed summer trails. Start early in the morning so you're not out in the heat of the day and take supplies for the length.
For those on foot, Glass Slipper provides a gentler alternative nearby, winding through ancient tingle forest and offering a slower, quieter way to experience the area. Walkers can enjoy a short stroll beneath the canopy or extend their outing by linking into surrounding trails within the network.
Kids cycling on the Mokare Heritage Trail, Denmark. Image credit: K.StevensIn Denmark, the Mokare Heritage Trail follows the scenic Denmark River and leads to the river mouth. The shaded sections along the water are lovely in a summer morning or late afternoon, and there are some open grassed areas near to the mouth that are great spots for a picnic or to sit and watch the greedy pelicans for a while. This is a great one for the kids on foot or bicycle, keep your eyes peeled for fairies!
Dawn at the top of Monkey Rock, Denmark. Image credit: K.StevensDog-friendly and particularly stunning at dawn or dusk, the Monkey Rock Trail offers a sheltered trail up to the top where you are rewarded with fantastic views over pastoral land and out towards Lights Beach. Please keep your dog on a leash and leave no trace (including dog poop).
Hikers sheltered under the canopy of old-growth forest. image credit: Chelle FisherThe granite tors and cool, forested gullies between Nancy Peak and Devil's Slide make up the Wansbrough Walk a great option on warm days.The natural stone amphitheatre offers unique views of the surrounding ranges and is a rewarding choice for hikers looking for a moderate challenge.
Note: Despite the heat, the great southern and coastal outback regions of WA can still get very cold very quickly. Always plan ahead and check the weather on each of the trail listings on TrailsWA.com.au
Misty morning at the top of Mt Frankland. Image credit: Chelle FisherJust 30 minutes north of Walpole, you can find stunning views of the surrounding Walpole Wilderness on the Mount Frankland Summit Trail. The hike is a little steep at times with stairs, but it's short and rewarding and especially lovely at dawn (aren't they all?). For a slightly gentler option, try the new Caldyanup Trail which circumnavigates the base of this huge granite peak. You can follow this trail on your way down form the summit to complete them both. Both routes offer wide views over the surrounding region.
Note: Despite the heat, the great southern and coastal outback regions of WA can still get very cold very quickly. Always plan ahead and check the weather on each of the trail listings on TrailsWA.com.au
One of the many swim spots along the sealed path. Image credit: UncoolCyclingClub.comArguably one of the most beautiful sections of coastline in the world, Esperance is not a short drive but well worth the visit and this trail should definitely be on your list. Shorten the route by turning back earlier if you wish. The trail is sealed the whole way and perfect for walking, cycling, strollers, mobility devices and little grommets testing out their new Christmas bikes! There are world class beaches to swim at along the way, and sections where the trail will take you right past the entry points. Showers and facilities are dotted along the way, but less so once you move away from the coast, so plan accordingly.
Note: Despite the heat, the great southern and coastal outback regions of WA can still get very cold very quickly. Always plan ahead and check the weather on each of the trail listings on TrailsWA.com.au
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