The Solo Traveller
Your independence, passion, and lifelong memories.
Field Notes
Nature’s Window – Kalbarri National Park, the Coral Coast, Western Australia.
The Coral Coast’s spectacular walking trails
West Australia’s Coral Coast has released a free, downloadable ‘Hikes and Trails Guide’, making it easier than ever for visitors to choose their path. Bright red cliffs plunging into turquoise seas, ancient river gorges carved through time, and wildflowers bursting into colour – Australia's Coral Coast is made for exploring on foot.
The Coral Coast starts just under two hours' drive north of Perth at Cervantes and runs for 1,100km north to Exmouth, and inland via Wildflower Country. The region is tied together by one world-class road trip from Perth to Exmouth, the Coral Coast Highway, and is accessible via air from Perth with airports in Exmouth, Carnarvon, Shark Bay and Geraldton.
Covering more than 1,100 kilometres of coastline between Cervantes and Exmouth, the Hikes and Trails Guide features over 66 trails – from short boardwalks and strolls to challenging full-day hikes – and includes maps, hiking grades, seasonal highlights, and local insider tips. You can download the guide as a .pdf file, making it simple to save to your phone and reference on the go.
“This new guide makes it easier than ever for travellers to explore the Coral Coast on foot,” said Kelly Leonard, Marketing and Tourism Development Manager, Australia's Coral Coast. “Every step offers a new perspective – from cultural storytelling to breathtaking natural wonders.”
Kalbarri National Park features dramatic river gorges, towering cliffs, and sweeping views.
Highlights include:
Kalbarri National Park: Dramatic river gorges, towering cliffs, and sweeping views. Must-see trails include the Loop, Z-Bend and Nature's Window walks.
Nambung National Park: Explore the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert with scenic walking paths that wind through the picturesque landscape.
Shark Bay and Francois Peron National Park: Trails combine wildlife encounters, dramatic coastal scenery, and rich cultural heritage.
Coastal Towns: Walks through charming coastal towns with ocean views, historic landmarks, and significant cultural heritage.
Wildflower Trails: Seasonal highlights of colourful wildflower blooms across the region (late July – early October annually), ideal for nature enthusiasts.
You can start planning your Coral Coast adventure by exploring the range of hikes and trails here.
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Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a wild and wonderful slice of the country where the desert meets the sea in dramatic fashion, writes The Solo Traveller’s devoted road-tripper, Michael Webster. It’s home to ancient gorges, pink lakes, World Heritage-listed reefs, and some of the most uncrowded stretches of coastline you’ll find anywhere in the world. For the solo traveller, it’s a region made for exploration – vast, vibrant, and filled with places that make you feel like you’ve stumbled across something rare and remarkable.