hero media

The WA wine region just crowned one of the world’s top hiking destinations for 2026

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
AllTrails has celebrated the picturesque WA region for its stunning trails.

Margaret River is renowned for its world-class wineries and enviable surf breaks. But 2026 is revealing yet another reason the picture-perfect pocket of Australia is gaining global attention: hiking trails. Popular hiking and outdoor recreation website AllTrails has released its “Travel-Worthy Trails" list for 2026 and Margaret River has found itself in good company alongside hiking destinations such as Queenstown, the Julian Alps and Kluane National Park and Reserve.

What is the AllTrails list?

Hikers walking through an ancient karri forest in Margaret River
Walk through ancient karri forests. (Image: Tourism Australia)

AllTrails highlighted eight different regions around the world worth travelling to this year for hiking, from France’s Massif Central to the Nantahala National Forest in the United States. The guide to the world’s must-visit hiking destinations is based on AllTrails’ expertise and the experiences of millions of users.

“We know our community loves to discover new places on trails," said Carly Smith, AllTrails’ Chief Marketing Officer. “We searched the world using real experiences from AllTrails members and insights from our local partners to select these special spots. These once-in-a-lifetime destinations will inspire you to plan a trip, or just get outside closer to home."

Why has Margaret River made the list?

Hikers walking near Contos Beach, Margaret River
Hikers walking near the idyllic Contos Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Margaret River is one of the most idyllic regions in the country and the only Australian destination featured on the list. The landscape is diverse, featuring ancient karri forests, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, limestone caves, seasonal wildflowers and coastal heathlands. Animal enthusiasts can spot Australian sea lions, whales, Western Grey Kangaroos and bandicoots.

Some of the best hikes to tackle include the Wadani Track, the Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River Explore and the Cave to Coast Trail. Each offers postcard-worthy views, unique landscapes and the opportunity to experience the region’s famed natural beauty, whether you’re looking for a multi-day hike or a short scenic walk. 

Many of the more popular and established hiking trails are well-marked, with perfectly located campgrounds, or you can join guided hikes, including the iconic 4-Day Signature Cape to Cape Walk.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

When is the best time for hikers to visit Margaret River?

Hikers walking in Yallingup, Margaret River
Margaret River features a diverse landscape. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best time to visit the region is during the shoulder seasons – from March to May, and September to November – when the temperatures are mild. 

There are over 2,500 wildflower species in Margaret River, which typically bloom in spring, blanketing the landscape in vivid colours and making for a stunning backdrop to your hike.

Discover our list of the best things to do in the region during your visit.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
View profile and articles
Australia’s first and only underwater winery is hiding in WA
Margaret River

Australia’s first and only underwater winery is hiding in Margaret River

This is wine redefined, from the sea floor to your glass.

Read more
Things to do in Margaret River
Margaret River

A local’s guide to the top things to do in Margaret River

From the latest to the greatest, here’s how to make the most of Margaret River.

Read more
an aerial view of the Busselton Jetty, Geographe Bay
Margaret River

Our insider’s guide to the top things to do in Busselton

This not-so-secret Western Australian coastal town will have you wishing you could linger longer.

Read more
vineyard views at Vasse Felix, Margaret River
Margaret River

20 unmissable Margaret River wineries

From the uber-sustainable to kid-friendly estates, these Margaret River wineries have all bases covered.

Read more
hero media

Off-grid stays and farm-to-plate dining: discover the ultimate guide to Denmark, WA

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    Trade early morning phone alarms and city chaos for bucolic serenity and gastronomic delights.

    Peaceful birdsong and coastal winds meet rolling green hills and turquoise waters; there’s no better place to start your day than in Western Australia’s Denmark. This picturesque coastal town, a 4.5-hour drive from Perth along the pristine Rainbow Coast, offers bucolic bliss in spades.

    A hidden retreat lies just a 10-minute drive from the town centre, inviting guests to slow down and connect with nature. At Heyscape Denmark, the ultimate refuge from the rat race and the perfect setting for a rural escape await.

    Whether it’s for a refreshing weekend away or a regenerative week-long sojourn, this idyllic pocket of the world will leave you feeling anew.

    Where to stay

    women on front deck at inside a cabin at heyscape denmar Western australia
    Make the most of outdoor baths. (Credit: Jarrad Seng)

    Located on the 880-acre Raintree Estate, Heyscape Denmark is an award-winning, off-grid cabin retreat ideal for anyone craving time in nature while also enjoying sustainable, luxury comfort. Just 15 are sensitively embedded in the rural environment, ensuring privacy and the perfect setting to switch off. Choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom or 4-person cabins. Four-legged friends can also join in on the fun with pet-friendly cabins available.

    inside a cabin at heyscape denmar Western australia
    Check in, to check out.

    The modern accommodations are well-appointed with queen beds dressed in lush linen and pillows; a bathroom with a warm shower, flushable toilet and botanical shampoo and conditioner; and an indoor kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee maker. Outside, find timber decks with seating to spot resident kangaroos from, Heston Blumenthal barbecues for whipping up delicious meals using local produce, and outdoor baths to soak up incredible nighttime skies – Denmark’s lack of light pollution makes it an exceptional spot for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping Great Southern Ocean, William Bay National Park and Karri tree views.

    Wellness is at the forefront of Heyscape Denmark with thoughtful touches including Note to Self prompts, gratitude cards and a botanical sleep spray ready to help you unwind. And for the ultimate weekend of R&R, two-bedroom cabins are fitted with saunas.

    Where to eat

    Heyscape’s Marron Catch & Cook Experience
    Catch your own freshwater crayfish, then have a chef prepare it for you.

    The Great Southern region’s Mediterranean climate and nutrient-rich soils make for some of the most incredible produce in the world – and a stay at Heyscape Denmark lets you sample the very best of it. The estate farms over 200 black Angus cattle, marron – a freshwater crayfish endemic to the South-West of Western Australia –, hemp and French black truffle.

    Just steps from these cabins sits the estate’s paddock-to-plate restaurant, The Dam. Featuring lofty jarrah ceilings, polished concrete and expansive windows revealing calming dam views, it’s a stunning spot for lunch or dinner, alongside an outdoor playground to keep little ones happy and busy.

    Acclaimed chef Jason Jujnovich utilises ingredients from Raintree Estate’s regenerative farm in his hyper-local, Modern Australian menu. Seasonally changing dishes include the likes of wagyu beef lasagna and pistachio crumbed chicken cotoletta. Or join in for pizza night on a Friday, where the mushroom and truffle pizza is an easy winner.

    Meals are designed to be paired with sips from the property’s innovative Cannabis Botanical Distillery, which concocts house-made hemp spirits and seltzers using ingredients grown onsite. Taste unique drops such as the Sativa Gin with warm citrus and pepper notes and the Pineapple Passion seltzer.

    Another stand-out gastronomic offering is Heyscape’s Marron Catch & Cook Experience, which lets you hand-catch freshwater crayfish from the property’s pristine dams and have them prepared and cooked to perfection for you by chefs. Those wanting to enjoy a meal from the comfort of their cabin can fire up the barbecue and grill their fresh catch or order a gourmet dinner box with mouthwatering wagyu steak and antipasti against golden peaceful sunset views.

    Things to do

    Lights Beach denmark western australia
    Spend a day enjoying the idyllic Lights Beach. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    There’s no shortage of things to do in Denmark, and basing yourself at Heyscape Denmark puts you within easy access to it all. Nature lovers are spoiled with unbeatable spots for swimming and snorkelling, plus coastal hiking trails at William Bay National Park – a protected coastal reserve with approximately 1734 hectares of stunning landscapes ready to be explored.

    Hire an e-bike from the property and cycle just 15 minutes to the unbelievably clear waters and white sands of Greens Pools, a naturally sheltered beach. Or the idyllic Lights Beach, which features three beaches, dunes, natural wading pool and scenic walking trails. Keen surfers should turn their attention to Ocean Beach with its world-class surf breaks.

    aerial Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
    Wander the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    Stroll past towering Karri and giant Red Tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The 600-metre walkway rises 40 metres above the ancient forest floor and meanders through the hardwood trees, endemic exclusively to the Great Southern region.

    Denmark is also a haven for creatives, and Butter Factory Studios is a must-stop on any itinerary. The contemporary art gallery, working artist studio and gift shop are housed within a historic building where workshops and exhibitions support and showcase creators from the region.

    With the winning trifecta of delicious food, a pristine environment, and secluded accommodation, Denmark proves to be the ultimate destination for relaxation.

    Book your Denmark adventure today at heyscape.com.au.