Bald Head Walk Trail Albany: Complete Hiking Guide (2026)
The Bald Head Walk Trail was one of my favourite hikes near Albany, Western Australia.
The route follows the exposed ridge of the Flinders Peninsula through Torndirrup National Park, with sweeping views across the Southern Ocean and King George Sound. The granite domes, coastal heath and rugged shoreline made the walk feel wild from start to finish, with some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen stretching out below us.
At 12.5 kilometres return, it’s a long, challenging hike, and the exposed trail means you’ll want to be prepared for the conditions. In this guide, I’ll share what the walk was like, how long it took us, what to bring and what to know before you set off.
Bald Head Hike Overview
Trailhead: Follow signs from the carpark to “Bald Head Walk Trail” | Google Maps
Parking: Parking is $17 AUD per car for the day | Google Maps
Total Hiking Distance: 12.5 km | out and back
Total Hiking Duration: 5 hour hike | return
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude: 224 meters above sea level
Price: The trail is free
Highlights: Views across Torndirrup National Park, overlooking King George Sound, Frenchman Bay and the granite domes of the Flinders Peninsula.
Where is the Bald Head Hike?
The Bald Head Walk Trail follows the Flinders Peninsula in Torndirrup National Park, on the coast just south of Albany, in Western Australia’s Great Southern region. The peninsula stretches between the Southern Ocean and King George Sound, with the trail crossing its rugged ridge to Bald Head, a rounded granite headland at the peninsula’s eastern end.
The name Bald Head comes from the headland’s smooth, exposed granite, which has little vegetation and gives it a distinctive bare appearance above the ocean. The hike is about 20 kilometres from central Albany by road, making it a popular day trip from town. Nearby, you can also visit coastal landmarks such as The Gap, Natural Bridge and the world famous Misery Beach.
Bald Head Trailhead
The trail starts at the Bald Head car park on the Flinders Peninsula, reached by driving through Torndirrup National Park from Albany. From the car park, the path climbs onto the peninsula’s ridgeline and continues towards Bald Head.
Baldhead Trailhead: Follow signs from the carpark | Google Maps
Western Australia Highlights:
How to Get to Bald Head
Bald Head is about 20 kilometres south of Albany, in Torndirrup National Park. Albany is around 421 kilometres from Perth, which takes about 4.5 hours to drive. You can make the trip by car, fly from Perth to Albany, or take a Transwa coach. Once you’re in Albany, a hire car is the easiest way to reach the trailhead and explore the surrounding area.
Hire Car: Self-Drive from Albany
Driving is the easiest way to get from Albany to the Bald Head Walk Trail. From town, follow Frenchman Bay Road towards Torndirrup National Park, then turn onto Salmon Holes Road and follow the signs towards the Bald Head car park. The final approach is via Murray Road, which leads to the small car park at the trailhead.
The drive from Albany takes around 15–20 minutes, depending on where you’re staying. Roads are sealed for most of the way, but the final section to the car park is gravel. Still if you were looking at hiring a vehicle a 2WD would still be fine. Allow extra time to enjoy the coastal scenery and nearby stops in Torndirrup National Park.
The journey details are:
Distance: About 20 km from central Albany
Drive time: Around 15–20 minutes
Roads: Sealed roads for most of the drive, with a gravel section near the trailhead
There’s no regular public transport to the Bald Head trailhead, so you’ll need a car or another way to get there. Be sure to arrive with enough time to complete the hike and return before dark
Where to Park
The Bald Head trailhead car park is at the end of the access road and has parking, picnic facilities and an accessible toilet. Parking itself is included in the Torndirrup National Park entry fee, currently $17 per standard vehicle (up to 12 occupants), unless you have a valid WA parks pass.
The car park can fill up during peak season. If there’s no space, you can park at the Misery Beach car park and walk up to the Bald Head trailhead. Misery Beach has a gravel parking area without marked bays, so allow extra time for the walk between the two car parks. The same park entry fee applies there.
Baldhead Parking: Follow signs from the carpark | Google Maps
Bald Head Hike Map
Use this Bald Head Hike map to locate the trail in Torndirrup National Park, see where the route starts and plan your visit from Albany.
Where to Stay for Hiking Bald Head
Albany is the best place to stay for hiking the Bald Head Walk Trail. The trailhead is about a 15–20-minute drive from town, making it easy to get an early start and return to Albany after the hike. Staying nearby also gives you time to explore other parts of Torndirrup National Park, including The Gap and Natural Bridge.
Albany has a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, cafés and shops, so it’s a convenient base for exploring the region. You can also stay closer to the coast near Frenchman Bay, which shortens the drive to the trailhead but offers fewer places to eat and shop.
Best Places to stay in Albany
Albany has accommodation options ranging from hotels and apartments to holiday homes and caravan parks. Staying in or near the town centre gives you the most choice of places to eat and makes it easy to stock up on supplies before your hike. It will all really come down to your budget.
Here are a couple of options to consider:
Hilton Garden Inn Albany - is where we stayed in Klaksvík, and we loved it. This cosy, modern apartment has a well-equipped kitchen, free parking and lovely artwork, and it’s in a quiet neighbourhood about a five-minute walk from the town centre and ferry. It is also fairly reasonably priced compared to a lot of other places especially considering what you get.
Albany Motel and Apartments - A centrally located Albany stay offering motel rooms and self-contained apartments. It’s close to the waterfront, shops and restaurants, with free Wi-Fi and parking. Importantly it’s also quite reasonably priced.
Pelicans Albany Middleton Beach -A relaxed, self-contained stay in Middleton Beach, with air-conditioned accommodation, kitchen facilities and a garden with barbecue area. It’s a short walk from the beach and a handy base for exploring Albany. This is one of my favourite places to stay, it’s a reasonable price and walking distance to Middleton Beach.
When to Hike Bald Head
Autumn and spring are usually the most comfortable seasons for hiking Bald Head, with milder temperatures than summer. In Albany, that means roughly March to May in autumn and September to November in spring. Winter, from June to August, can also be suitable, but expect cooler, wetter and windier conditions. Check the forecast before you go, as conditions along the exposed peninsula can change quickly.
You can hike the trail in summer, from December to February, but I’d start early in the morning, ideally around sunrise, to avoid the heat later in the day. The trail has very little shade, so take extra water and sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing. Avoid setting out during extreme heat or strong winds.
Whatever the season, allow plenty of daylight. An early start gives you more time to walk at a comfortable pace and enjoy the views across the Southern Ocean and King George Sound.
What is the Bald Head Hike Like?
The Bald Head Walk Trail starts at the car park with a steady climb that opens up the first coastal views. It then descends and follows a narrow stretch of the peninsula, where you can see the ocean on both sides. This is arguably the most beautiful part of the hike.
From there, a long set of stairs climbs through fairly dense coastal vegetation to the upper section. The trail later descends another set of stairs and opens onto exposed granite, with the landscape and views changing as you continue along the peninsula. There’s little shade and no facilities along the route, so bring everything you’ll need for the day.
Phone reception can be limited, so download an offline map before you go and let someone know your plans. Carry enough food and water for the full hike, and consider bringing basic first-aid supplies.
I’d recommend starting in the morning, when it’s cooler and you have plenty of daylight. If you still have energy afterwards, Misery Beach is a lovely place to stop nearby.
If you’re visiting several Western Australian national parks, check the DBCA website for current park-entry fees and pass options.
How Difficult is the Hike?
The Bald Head Walk Trail is a long, challenging hike, rather than a casual coastal stroll. The route climbs and descends over a series of hills and granite domes, with uneven, rocky and sometimes sandy footing. The exposed terrain and limited shade can make it feel especially demanding in warm or windy weather.
You don’t need technical climbing skills, but a good level of fitness, sturdy footwear and preparation for a full day outdoors will make the hike more manageable. Take your time on steep or slippery sections, and be prepared to turn back if the weather becomes unsafe.
How Long Does it Take?
The trail is approximately 12.5 kilometres return. Allow around 5–7 hours, depending on your pace, breaks and how long you spend enjoying the views. Start early and leave plenty of daylight to complete the return walk.
It took us just over 5 hours to complete going at a reasonable pace with a few stops along the way.
What to Wear and Bring
You don’t need hiking boots for the Bald Head Walk Trail. Comfortable runners should be suitable for most hikers, as much of the route is on sand or mesh boardwalk. There are some exposed granite sections, but they aren’t especially steep, so strong grip usually isn’t essential. If it’s raining or the rocks are likely to be slippery, reassess your footwear and conditions before setting out.
Bring plenty of water and food for the whole hike. There’s little shade, so pack sunscreen, a hat and sun-protective clothing, especially in summer. Check the forecast, and take a lightweight layer in case conditions change. A charged phone with an offline map and basic first-aid supplies are also useful.
Is Hiking to the Bald Head Trail Worth it?
Absolutely. I’d say Bald Head is one of the best hikes in Western Australia. From the elevated trail, you can see deep blue ocean, bright aqua water and pale sandy coves below. The scenery also changes throughout the walk, so it stays interesting from start to finish.
Our Experience Hiking Bald Head
What stood out most to me was seeing the ocean from above. From the trail, you can look out over both sides of the Flinders Peninsula, with the deep blue water and brighter aqua colours around some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s a perspective you don’t get from the beach, and arguably the most beautiful part of the hike.
The landscape changes as you go, from the initial climb and coastal views to the sections with stairs, denser vegetation and exposed granite. That variety makes the walk feel more engaging than following the same type of track the whole way.
It’s a long hike, but I didn’t find it back-breakingly tough. There are climbs and descents, though the changing scenery and places to pause make it manageable for many people with a reasonable level of fitness. Take your time, bring enough water and enjoy the views along the way.
For me, Bald Head is a must-do if you’re visiting Albany and enjoy coastal walks. The combination of elevated ocean views, brilliantly coloured water and varied scenery makes it a hike I’d happily recommend.
Just watch out for the snakes! We saw a total of 3 on our hike which seemed excessive even for someone that has grown up in Australia so be prepared and make sure that you know what to do in the event of an emergency.
Where to Next
Misery Beach: After completing the Bald Head Hike, head to nearby Misery Beach, less then a 5-minute drive away, still within the Torndirrup National Park for a well-earned cool down. Framed by granite headlands and turquoise waters, this secluded stretch was recently voted one of Australia’s best beaches making it the perfect post-hike reward.
Little Beach: About a 45-minute drive from Albany, Little Beach in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is one of the most stunning beaches on Western Australia’s South Coast. With powdery white sand, striking granite boulders and crystal-clear turquoise water, it’s a must-visit coastal gem near Albany.
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Waterfall Beach in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is a secluded coastal gem located about 45 minutes from Albany on Western Australia’s South Coast. Tucked beside Little Beach, it features turquoise waters, striking granite headlands, and a seasonal waterfall cascading onto the sand, making it a stunning and more tranquil alternative for those exploring the region.