Step away from the busy rhythm of everyday life and discover a quieter side of the South West, with five of the most unexpected South West trails in Greenbushes, Nannup, Pemberton, Wellington National Park, and Bridgetown, waiting for you.
On these unexpected south west trails, forest meets bubbling creeks, valleys open into breathtaking vistas, and moments of stillness settle in body and soul as you wander through the towering trees. These walks aren’t about ticking off landmarks, but about what you notice along the way. The light through the canopy, the sound of water moving, and the feeling of having a trail, if only for a while, all to yourself.
Unexpected South West Trails 1 – Greenbushes Loop
The Greenbushes Loop is one of those long unexpected south west trails that quietly surprises you. This hike is part of the Bibbulmun Track and stretches around the town of Greenbushes.
Starting from the Discovery Centre, the 16km trail takes you through a mix of forest, historic dam sites, and occasional views out over the Blackwood Valley. Due to its remoteness, it never feels overly busy, and for long stretches, it’s usually just you, the leaves crunching under your hiking boots, and the forest.
One of the standout sections is around Greenbushes Pool, where the track winds past paperbark wetlands and a short boardwalk. It’s a great place to slow down, spending time with the smaller details. Whether that’s tiny fungi growing at the base of trees, the blush of wildflowers through the grass, or a rare bird flitting through the treetops.
What makes this loop interesting is its history. Parts of the trail pass through rehabilitated areas that feel noticeably different, with the signage explaining the importance of the ecosystem as a whole.
By the time you reach Schwenke’s Dam and loop back towards town, it feels like you’ve experienced a bit of everything – nature, history, and those quieter moments that make a hike memorable.
Unexpected South West Trails 2 – Blackwood River Walk
Starting just a short distance from town of Bridgetown, this 6km trail is well-known by locals, which gives it a friendly, lived-in feel without taking away from the experience. Before long, the path narrows and begins to gently rise and fall above the river. Catch regular glimpses down to calm pools and faster-moving sections of water as you head further along the trail.
It’s the kind of walk that suits any time of day. In the cooler months, mist often settles over the valley and when the light starts to break through, it brings out the greens of the landscape. Soft colours from the mossy logs, tall trees, and open pastures catch your eye. Birdlife is constant too, with the calls of red-tailed black cockatoos often cutting through the quiet.
The vegetation along the trail is a mix of grasses and the ever-present native plants. Look out for the bracken ferns, acacias, zamia, and patches of flowering shrubs as you walk.
The final stretch is one of the highlights, with the path sitting closer to the river and offering up longer, uninterrupted views over the water. Across the way, white trees stand out against the landscape, giving that section an almost ethereal feel.
Whether you turn back at the end or extend it into a longer loop through town, it’s an enjoyable walk.
Unexpected South West Trails 3 – Kondil Wildflower Walk
Kondil Wildflower Park is one of those places that just feels easy to explore. The 3km walk is varied and effortless, with sections that shift between open woodland and more enclosed forest, where the shrubbery thickens and the light softens. Balgas are a standout on this trail, forming dense clusters that shape the feel of the track and give parts of the walk a more enclosed, almost sheltered atmosphere.
In season, the wildflowers along this walk, just outside Nannup, are a highlight. Splashes of white and pink banjine spread across the forest floor, with smaller details tucked in between. Glimpses of milkmaids, donkey orchids, and purple enamel orchids reward a slower pace.
There’s also a quiet sense of history along these unexpected south west trails. The park takes its name from Kondil, the Noongar word for sheoak, and reminders of the old Barrabup Mill remain in the form of scattered stumps along the trail. Delve into the history of the region along the loop back, with taller jarrah closer to the path showing just how old these parts are.
Kondil is an easy and rewarding walk, especially during wildflower season, where the smaller details make it interesting, rather than just the big landmarks.
Unexpected South West Trails 4 – Kurliiny Tjenangitj Trail
Kurliiny Tjenangitj, in the Wellington National Park, is a 9.5km trail that builds gradually, starting gently along the Collie River before opening up into something much bigger.
Start outside the town of Collie, by following the water closely. Plenty of small lookouts offer easy access to the river’s edge. It’s calm, with pools, light rapids, and sections of exposed granite adding variety to your experience, making it easy to take your time here.
The track continues along an older alignment through a really enjoyable stretch of forest. There’s a sense of history in this part of the walk, both in the landscape and in the old track itself which adds a bit of character before the trail turns away from the river.
From there, the climb begins. It’s a steady upwards pull through Jarrah forest with soft surroundings help break it up. Larger trees, patches of fungi, and occasional glimpses of the valley make it feel like you’re in a different world.
As you gain height, the undergrowth thins and the panoramas begin to open out. By the time you reach the lookout, the effort feels well rewarded. There are wide views across the Collie River Valley, with granite outcrops nearby adding a bit of edge to the experience if you feel like exploring further.
The trail continues following the ridge line, with a quieter, less-visited feel. The forest is enclosed, and it’s easy to settle into a slower pace. As you come towards the end of the walk prepare for a descent. Tricky but easily doable, ensure you take your time and pay attention to the forest floors for seasonal wildflowers.
From there, you loop back towards the river, having covered a lot of ground both physically and in terms of scenery. River, forest, ridge, and valley all in one walk.
Unexpected South West Trails 5 – Warren River Loop Walk
The Warren River Loop in Pemberton is one of those unexpected south west trails that softly builds into something special.
This 10km walk starts near the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree, easing you in gently, with wide tracks winding through towering Karri forest. These early kilometres feel unhurried. The trees are the focus, rising high above the track.
As you continue, you’ll gradually work your way towards the river. The descent comes in stages, never rushed, and the anticipation builds as you move deeper into the valley. Fallen logs, dense sections of forest, and the occasional wildflower break up the journey, making the distance feel shorter than it is. Keep an ear out for the eclectic birdlife in this area.
Boardwalks and small lookouts sit right on the water’s edge at places like Maidenbush and Drafty’s Camp, giving you space to stop, take it in, and refuel with a snack. On a calm day, the river turns glassy, reflecting the Karri forest that lines its banks. It’s a great spot to linger, exploring moss-covered logs, ferns, and damp pockets of forest.
The climb out of the valley asks a bit more of you. But looking back across the valley, you get a sense of just how far you’ve travelled, with the river now far below and the forest stretching out in every direction.
