Western Australian forests are remarkable natural gifts. Western Australia is blessed with more than 75 national parks, some with walk and bike trails, allowing visitors to get up close to nature.
Parks, Forests and Reserves
Western Australia's national parks overflow with local flora and fauna, indigenous to each region. They also give visitors the chance to interact with the environment and truly experience the great outdoors.
There are more than 1,500 species of plants and more than a hundred types of birds found in the Stirling Range National Park near Albany. In season wildflowers bring abundant colour to walk trails and picnic areas. The nearby Porongurup Range National Park is also a great place for birdwatchers.
Some of the most majestic Western Australian forests are the karri and marri forests of the Beedelup and Warren National Parks in the South West region. These forests can be up to 300 years old. These lush green ecosystems are home to a big variety of native animals and wildflowers such as delicate orchids.
The remarkable Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk and the Ancient Empire grove near Walpole is 600 metres long and rises to almost 40 metres above the forest floor, giving the visitor a true bird's eye view of the forest. Closer to the ground, the Ancient Empire's walkway meanders through this stunning grove of veteran tingle trees.
Kings Park in Perth has its own tree top walk which will have you breathing in rich bush land air while looking down on majestic towering trees.
Walk or Ride
For trails through native bushland dotted with kangaroos and birds, Yanchep National Park is hard to beat. It's located within an hour of Perth city and is also famous for its koala sanctuary, limestone caves and Aboriginal tourism programs.
The award-winning Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's longest walk trails stretching 1,000km from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to the south coast of Western Australia. The track takes walkers through towering karri and tingle forests, down misty valleys, over giant granite boulders and along stunning coastal heathlands.
Mountain bikers will love the Munda Biddi Trail which in 2010 was named by National Geographic as one of the world's top 10 cycle routes.
Munda Biddi is Nyoongar for path through the forest and when complete this is exactly what it will be. Covering 900 kilometres from Mundaring to Albany, the trail will pass through some stunning natural settings. At present the first stage between Mundaring and Collie is complete.
The vast number of parks and the secluded nature of many locations mean you won't have any trouble exploring and finding a piece of the State all to yourself. Alternatively, you can join guided walks or one of many excellent packaged tours to explore Australian forests with other likeminded people.
Southern Forests
5 Days The southern corner of WA is the perfect location for a nature-based holiday. Starry nights and lush forests, you'll leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. View More
Bibbulmun Track
3 Days The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walk trails, stretching nearly 1000 kilometres from Kalamunda to Albany on the south west coast. View More
Wildflowers
3 Days Vibrant clusters and spectacular blankets adorn the ground, mainly in the Golden Outback and Coral Coast regions. View More