Bald Head Walk Trail, Torndirrup NP

Overview

Located in the spectacular Torndirrup National Park, the Bald Head Walk Trail is a challenging 12.5 kilometre return traverse of the Flinders Peninsula providing stunning views of the Southern Ocean and King George Sound.  This rewarding hike won’t leave you wanting for more and has a number of great photographic opportunities.

Bald Head Walk Trail

Ridge line of the Flinders Peninsula

Photo Credit: Mark Pybus

View trail map

About the Trail

While the Torndirrup National Park, located a short 10 minute drive from Albany, is more famous for tourist attractions such as the Blowholes, Natural Bridge and The Gap, it hides one of the best hikes in the South West. The trail climbs and descends along the narrow ridge line of the Flinders Peninsula, a granite formation that juts out from the landscape into the vastness of the Southern Ocean.

Hard core bushwalkers will enjoy this 12.5km return, 6-8 hour hike over Isthmus Hill to Flinders Peninsula and on to Limestone Head and Bald Head.  Terrain is steep and difficult in sections.  (Apparently the sign at the Trailhead says 16km - reviewers of this trail state that this is incorrect)

The walk ends at Bald Head, a round headland of domed granite sloping down into the ocean and can be seen from many places along the Torndirrup Coast.

Taking in a combination of boardwalk, packed limestone paths and hard granite sections, there is a great variety of things to see and photograph on the trail. Along with the spectacular views of the granite cliffs, the views back to Albany and King George Sound are breathtaking. If you are visiting Albany and have the time then put the Bald Head Walk Trail on your list of things to do. A high degree of fitness is required.

Need to Know

  • Time

    5 - 7 hours

  • Distance

    12.5km return Length is 12.5km.

  • Trail Start

    Off Murray Rd, Torndirrup National Park - 400km (5 hours) south of Perth

  • Trail End

    Bald Head

  • Degree of Difficulty

    Difficult - High level of fitness and experience required.
    Bush Walk: Grade 4 - Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.

    Terrain is steep and difficult in sections. Do not attempt to return via the beaches due to unseen hazards.

  • What to Pack?

    Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

    • Minimum 2 litres of water per person per day
    • Sturdy shoes
    • Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
    • Binoculars and camera (optional)
    • Map or guide book where suggested
    • Snacks and/or lunch depending on length of trail
    • Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions including a water/windproof jacket
    • First Aid kit

  • Best Time of the Year

    All Year Round

  • Facilities

    • Car Park

  • Hazards & Warnings

    Be careful on the granite sections and around the edges as the cliffs are quite steep.

  • Prohibited Items

    No pets or bikes

  • Access to the Trail

    Road 2WD

  • Trail Contact

    Department of Parks & Wildlife
    Telephone: +61 (0)8 9842 4500
    Web: http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/torndirrup
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