The best walking trails around Mandurah and Rockingham

Looking for a nice spot to stretch your legs out of the city?

You’ll be amazed at how many picturesque walking trails you can enjoy around the Mandurah and Rockingham areas. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for an easy way to get your daily steps in, there are plenty of options.

So keep this list handy for the next time you’re around Mandurah and/or Rockingham:

Halls Head Coastal Trail

As far as coastal hikes go, this is one of the best in the Peel Region. This trail offers an easy 10-kilometre walk along the beautiful beaches of Halls Head with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. You can tackle this easy walk in just over two hours while enjoying the blissful ocean breeze. There is a shared path that spans the length of the trail, or you can opt to spend some time walking on the sandy beach. Dogs are also welcome on this path but must be on a leash.

Where: Halls Head
Length: 10.5 km
Difficulty: Easy

Erskine Nature Trail

If you’re looking for a quick and easy hike that still offers fantastic views, the Erskine Nature Trail has you covered. Nestled in the wetlands of the Len Howard Conservation Park, this short trail runs along the Peel Inlet and consists of boardwalks and unsealed paths. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, there is also a bird hide two kilometres into the path which is great to spot some local bird species. You can enjoy abundant flora and fauna all year round, but the wetlands are extra welcoming in late winter and spring when the local wildflowers are blooming.

Where: Erskine
Length 6 km
Difficulty: Easy

Lake Pollard Walk Trail

This trail located in Waroona is the perfect secluded spot for nature enthusiasts. The track begins at the Martin Tank campground entrance on Preston Beach Road. The six-kilometre loop overlooks Lake Pollard and takes you through a range of stunning crops. The trail is relatively flat and follows a vehicle access stack, making it ideal for beginners.

Where: Waroona
Length: 6 km
Difficulty: Easy

Island Point Reserve

This easy route is perfect if you’re looking for serenity on your next hike. The short loop should only take you 40 minutes to complete and will lead you through some gorgeous wetlands and wilderness. This track is beautiful to visit all year round, but in the spring you’ll find a colourful display of orchids. If you’re tackling the track on a sunny day, you may even be lucky enough to spot a western bearded dragon soaking up some sunshine.

Where: Herron
Length: 2.7km
Difficulty: Easy

King Jarrah Circuit

Beware: This hike will make you put in the work. The 17.3km King Jarrah Circuit, located a 20-minute drive from Waroona, is a difficult track that will take four to six hours to complete. But the beauty you’ll see along the way is definitely worth the trek. The trail is located in Lane Poole Reserve and will take you through a flourishing forest of jarrah and banksia trees. A highlight of this hike is the King Jarrah tree which is thought to be between 300 and 600 years old and reaches 47 metres high.

Where: Nanga Brook
Length: 17.3km
Difficulty: Hard

Kitty’s Gorge Walk

Often considered one of the best hikes in the area, you definitely don’t want to look past this one. If you’re after something a little longer, Kitty’s Gorge in Jarrahdale offers a moderately difficult hike that follows the Serpentine River. This track covers rocky terrain and can take up to five hours, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. The track is accessible from Jarrahdale, which is only a 30-minute drive from Rockingham. Fun fact: The hike’s name comes from a legend about a cow named Kitty who once got lost on the track and was found months later amongst the steep gorges.

Where: Jarrahdale
Length: 14km
Difficulty: Moderate

Dick Lofthouse Circuit

If you’re heading south of Mandurah, the Dick Lofthouse walking trail is definitely worth a stop. Starting at the Harvey Dam Amphitheatre, this track takes you on a circuit around the Harvey Dam. You’ll head up to the top of the Harvey Dam, across the dam wall and then down the other side. You’ll get great views of the dam and the farmland on the opposite side. The best time to check out this trail is during spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Where: Harvey
Length: 2.1km
Difficulty: Moderate

Rockingham Coastal Trail

Starting at the Rockingham Naval Memorial Park and finishing up at the Port Kennedy Boat Ramp, this 24km hike is not for the inexperienced. This walk is mostly flat and along paved or gravel ground. But the lengthy trek will take you around six hours. The upside is you’ll get to enjoy the stunning views of Rockingham’s coast along the journey. Take in sights such as the Cockburn Sound, Shoalwater Island Marine Park, Point Perron and Warnbro Sound.

Where: Rockingham
Length: 24km
Difficulty: Medium

Cape Peron Loop Trail

If you haven’t enjoyed the sights at Point Perron on the Rockingham coast, this hike is the perfect way to do it. This 2.3km loop trail is a moderately easy walk you can do in under an hour. Starting at the car park on Point Peron Road, this track will take you on a circuit of Cape Peron. Take in the panoramic ocean views along the track, and keep your eyes out for bottlenose dolphins and sea lions that frequent the calm and clear waters. There are also a number of World War Two ruins along the way if you feel like adding some history to your hike.

Where: Rockingham
Length: 2.4km
Difficulty: Easy

Baldwins Bluff

Serpentine National Park is full of great hikes and is only a 40-minute drive from Mandurah. The Baldwins Bluff trail is nestled in the heart of the parkland and is definitely a hidden gem. This trail leads you to the summit of Baldwins Bluff and back whilst taking you through scenic woodlands. The track includes some steep climbs, so you’ll need a moderate fitness level to accomplish this one.

Where: Serpentine
Length: 5.8km
Difficulty: Moderate