Guide to Hiking the Bald Head Walk Trail, Albany, Western Australia
The Bald Head Trail is a spectacular coastal hike in Torndirrup National Park near Albany, Western Australia, following the rugged Flinders Peninsula between the Southern Ocean and King George Sound. Hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of dramatic granite domes, turquoise bays, and powerful Southern Ocean swells crashing against the cliffs below. With its exposed ridgelines, native coastal heath, and panoramic South Coast scenery, this unforgettable walk showcases the wild, untamed beauty of Albany’s coastline up close.
King George Sound
Hike Overview and Map
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.
Getting There
From Albany:
Hire Car
There are a number of car rental companies in Albany, but for most visiting on a larger road trip from Perth will likely have hired it from there
Car hire costs vary substantially in Australia so it is best to check and compare prices at the time of booking
The roads are well surfaced the entire way so a 2WD is fine for the journey
The total distance is around 27 km one-way to Torndirrup National Park
There is no public transport to the start of the hike location
Viewpoint - Saksun Tidal Lagoon
General Tips
The trail is a mix of clearly demarcated raised footpaths, exposed granite rocky sections and even beach sandy parts, for this reason sturdy waterproof footwear is recommended throughout.
Venemous snakes are spotted regularly along the walk trail so be sure to stay vigilant and ensure that you are well prepared in the event of an emergency.
Following on from this, basic first aid equipment including a snake bite kit would be reccommended.
Note that there is limited phone reception throughout the trail.
Ensure you take enough food and water for the duration of the journey as there are no facilities the entire way.
The weather in Western Australia can get extremely hot even in the south-west so always be prepared for the heat with appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
The best time to complete the hike would be first thing in the morning, this would not only get you out of the sun at the hottest part of the day but would also allow for a swim at Misery Beach following on from the hike.
Note that the best views along the trail are arguably within the first section when you can see both sides of the peninsula.
If you’re planning on visiting multiple national parks in Western Australia, it is cheaper to get a WA parks pass, where a one-month pass costs $70 AUD, or an annual pass is $130 AUD. Further information is available on the DBCA Website.
Saksun Village Trail Start
Saksun to Tjørnuvík Trail
Viewpoint Saksun Lagoon
Saddle with View of Tjørnuvík
Risin og Kellingin (the Giant and the Witch)
Arrival at Tjørnuvík
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.
Experience the Bald Head Hike in Albany, a breathtaking coastal walk along one of Western Australia’s most iconic headlands in Torndirrup National Park. This rugged trail winds across rolling granite domes and windswept heathland, revealing sweeping views of the Southern Ocean, dramatic limestone cliffs, and the turquoise waters of King George Sound stretching to the horizon. Along the way, native wildflowers, seabirds, and the raw power of the coastline create an unforgettable South Coast adventure.