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Luke Pen Walk, Albany Luke Pen Walk, Albany

Bush Walk  in South West

  • Half day
  • 10 km
    • Bush Walk Class 3

      Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

A beautiful meandering walk trail, closely following the Kalgan River. The Luke Pen Walk offers a lovely mix of vegetation from large marri trees to farming pastures. Gorgeous views are present all the way along the trail.

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This easy, well-formed trail takes approximately four hours to complete and commences at a well marked trail head. After a short distance you arrive at a wonderful shelter shaped like a flying kookaburra.

From here, the return walk provides constantly changing views of the river, along with a mixture of vineyards, green pastures with grazing cattle and eucalypt bushland. Keep an eye out for the local Noongar Aboriginal fish trap relics, wildlife including bandicoots and the many species of birds.

Ideally, the time to walk this trail is on a sunny day when the countryside is green from winter and spring rains. During summer there are various places where the trail gently descends to river level so a cooling dip is possible. A great family walk, ideal for strolling (although some sections have a slight incline) and for a picnic lunch. Remember to keep an eye on children as the trail closely follows the river.

The trail can also be accessed from Wheeldon Road.

Albany Visitor Centre

(08) 6820 3700

Other Links

  • Kurrah Mia

    Aboriginal art and crafts and unique cultural tours in Kinjarling (Albany) and the Great Southern Region, Western Australia

  • Australia’s South West

    Comprehensive information on the South West region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.

Be trail ready for Luke Pen Walk, Albany

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

4 hours

Length

10km return

What To Pack

Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

East Bank Road, Lower Kalgan, 16km from Albany, which is 416km (4.5 hours) south of Perth

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Trail End

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Bush Walk

Class 3

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Hazards & Warnings

Supervise children around river

Facilities

  • Dog Friendly
  • Picnic Area

Trail Access

Air, road and bus to Albany. Road to trail

Prohibited Items

Dogs on leads permitted
More tips for being Trail Ready
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7 trail goers have rated Luke Pen Walk, Albany as 4.43 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Jazmin Maher

Reviewed 27 Jan 2023, 10:00am

Nice and cruisy walk. Not many stairs or steep inclines. Great for the beginner hiker!
Allana Hetherington

Reviewed 26 Jun 2022, 8:25pm

Easy, peaceful river walk on a glorious winter's day.
Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 1 Jun 2022, 8:00pm

This particular walk is the Luke Pen Walk, 7.2km one way along the magical Kalgan River. The walk is named after Dr Luke Pen, a man passionate about rivers, and the services provided to humanity by them. Luke researched and wrote many publications on Western Australia rivers and their restoration. A beautiful walk.
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Marco Zecca

Reviewed 26 Sep 2018, 2:04pm

Completed on the Easter long weekend. The trail is gently hilly, perfect for a relaxing walk along the river. Also done this section of the river by kayak, I am surprised this is not listed in the paddle trails. Anyway, both options highly recommended!
Jacq *

Reviewed 25 Apr 2018, 8:22am

Love the walk! Have walked this trail a couple of times and each time you see something you didn't see before.
Meriel Blake

Reviewed 30 Aug 2016, 1:34pm

Completed this morning, beautiful weather and lots of flowers and other walkers about. Can take dogs, nearly everyone else did today. Had lots of rain and path is a little boggy or just wet, from run-off from pastures above, so suggest water proof footwear at this time of year. For average walkers from Kalgan, approx 2.5 - 3 hrs return, allowing for swimming dogs and chats with other walkers.
Amy Cowdell

Reviewed 19 Jan 2014, 8:14pm

Beautiful walk along the river, during spring you get to see a few different types of native orchids.

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