2018.02 - Bald Head Walk - Torndirrup

Looking back before the 2022 trail upgrades.

The Bald Head Walk is one of WA’s most iconic bushwalking trails and not for the faint of heart! Climbing and descending along the exposed granite spine of the Flinders Peninsula, the track rewards hikers with panoramic views across the Southern Ocean.

Already in the area for a wedding at nearby Frenchmans Bay, Leanne and I arrived a day early for another adventure.

Unlike the short walks and lookouts Torndirrup National Park is best known for, the Bald Head Walk commits to the exposed ridgeline almost immediately.

In 2018, the short boardwalks quickly gave way to a more rugged walking track.

Following the ridgeline, the trail offered little protection from the elements, but every climb revealed another spectacular view.

Beyond the sandy sections, the trail became rockier and considerably windier.

By the time Bald Head came into view, we were already exhausted.

A sheltered grove of coastal banksias gave us a brief reprieve from the elements before the final push.

Beyond the grove, one final climb brought us to Bald Head.

The walk back was a little slower, with plenty of opportunities to stop and rest.

I even found what looked like the perfect granite armchair.

The reverse angle was... unexpected.