You can go hiking, rambling, trekking and tramping in our parks, but we don't use those terms. In Australia it's called bushwalking and it includes everything from short walks on flat, well-formed tracks to multi-day expeditions that should only be attempted by the fit, experienced and skilled.
To help you decide whether a walk trail is one that you can enjoy safely and whether it offers the experience that you're looking for we have classified many according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System. We have thousands of kilometres of trails and they have not yet all been classified to these standards, but they do have similar descriptive information.
Our two longest walk trails have sections suitable for nearly everyone over their nearly 1000km and 150km lengths. Go to the pages dedicated to the Bibbulmun Track and the Cape to Cape Track for more information. You can also find more detailed information on trails, including those managed by Parks and Wildlife, at the TrailsWA website.
Bush bashing
'Bush bashing' is a term sometimes used to describe bushwalking without following an established track, and it captures the damage that the activity can cause. By sticking to established trails, and campgrounds if your bushwalk is overnight, you can reduce your environmental impact. You'll also be safer - you'll be less likely to get lost and if you should suffer an injury or illness, it will be easier for help to reach you.
Safety
To help you prepare for and enjoy safe walking see our Safety and Bushwalking advice.
Clubs
A number of bushwalking clubs offer a wide range of walks with experienced leaders, as well as navigation and safety training. Find out more from the Federation of Western Australian Bushwalkers.
The Orienteering Association of Western Australia and the Western Australia Rogaining Association run various cross-country navigation events. Like all events that take place in our parks their likely impacts are assessed before they are given permission to proceed (see 'Conducting an event in a park').
Parks with this activity
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One of Western Australia’s most loved and scenic holiday spots, with rugged limestone sea cliffs and windswept granite headlands dominating the coastline, interspersed by curving beaches, sheltered
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View the karri forest from the ground or from high up in the tree canopy at Gloucester National Park.
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Monkey Mia Reserve offers one of Australia's best known up-close wildlife experiences. Here you can stand within metres of wild bottlenose dolphins which visit the shores every morning.
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Francois Peron National Park is known for its contrasting red cliffs, white beaches and blue waters, has a fascinating pastoral history, and offers a wilderness experience to four-wheel-drivers.
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Less than two hours from Perth, Dryandra Woodland is one of the prime places in the South-West for viewing native wildlife.