Running is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, your mood and your joint health. Not only that, but it can be a great way to meet new people, and to get outside and explore your region. If you’re after some new running trails to try out near Busselton, we’ve got you covered — here are five epic running trails to check out within 40 minutes drive of Busselton.
Busselton and the South West Region of Western Australia is a trail runner’s paradise.
With countless biking trails, coastal walks and bush walks within 40 minutes drive of Busselton, in Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River and Nannup, you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from. Here are our top 5 in the region that we think you should check out.
#1 Meelup Reserve Trail – Near Dunsborough
Drive duration from Busselton: 30 mins
Distance of trail run: 14.8km return trip
Start: Cnr. Hurford St and Gifford Road, Old Dunsborough
Finish: Near Riedle Park in Eagle Bay (corner of Gypsy St and Meelup Rd)
Need to know: Park your car at the north-easternmost part of Hurford St
The Meelup Reserve Trail runs from Dunsborough to Eagle Bay, covering 7.4km one-way.
Following Geographe Bay, it is a scenic, coastal run, passing by Meelup Beach, as well as great whale watching spots like Curtis Bay and Castle Rock. You’ll also spend some time running through thick bush filled with the local WA peppermint tree.
Passing by old beach shacks and local cafes, you might even want to stop for a rest and a quick coffee!
Other trails to try nearby:
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock (7.8km rtn)
Bunker Bay Loop (3.6km loop)
Cape Naturaliste to Yallingup (13.75 km one way)
#2 Yallingup to Moses Rock
Drive duration from Busselton: 30 minutes
Distance of trail run: 20km one way
Start: Yallingup Beach Rd
Finish: Moses Rock Carpark
Need to know: If you’re planning to run the full 20km make sure you organise a pickup at the end!
Yallingup to Moses Rock is a 20km section of the iconic Cape to Cape track, a 7-day trek from Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, that covers 125km of Southwest WA coastal paradise.
This trail will take you along the powdery white sand of Smiths Beach, past the otherworldly Canal Rocks, before passing by the stunning Quinninup Falls.
Many hikers’ favourite day on the Cape to Cape, this section is a great option for a trail run if you’re ready to stretch your legs with something longer and more challenging.
Other trails to try nearby:
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Torpedo Trail (3km loop)
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Wardanup Trail (6.3km loop)
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Quenda Trail (4km loop)
#3 Wadandi Track
Drive duration from Busselton: 30 minutes
Distance of trail run: 23km one-way
Start: Memorial Drive, Cowaramup
Finish: Witchcliffe
Need to know: This trail is full of historical and cultural significance. It was an active railway track from the years 1884 to 1957, and ‘Wandandi’ refers to the Traditional Custodians of the area.
Formerly known as the Busselton – Flinders Bay Rail Trail, this 23km kilometre trail will take you through stunning bush and farmland, including WA peppermint tree groves, as well as young karri forest, the southwest’s iconic eucalyptus species.
If you’re feeling thirsty, the trail also passes close by local vineyards — but on second thoughts maybe that’s better as a post run treat!
Originally a railway, this trail remains relatively flat, so is a great opportunity to practice distance and speed in your trail running training.
#4 Ten Mile Brook Trail – Margaret River
Drive duration from Busselton: 35 minutes
Distance of trail run: 15km return
Start: Rotary Park, Margaret River
Finish: 10 Mile Brook Dam
Need to know: Wildflowers and wild birds are plentiful along this trail, so if you have time for a rest, why not take a break at Rusden picnic spot before heading back to your car?
This trail follows old timber tramways, along a large creek until it reaches the Rusden picnic site at Ten Mile Brook Dam. It is a joint cycle/walk trail, so make sure you’re respectful of the bikers’ space and try to keep your ears out for them trying to pass you from behind.
The compacted ground may be hard on your joints, but provided you work on landing gently and don’t run beyond your ability, you’ll be fine.
This trail is dog friendly, so feel free to bring your pooch along for the run!
#5 Old Timberline Trail, Nannup
Drive duration from Busselton: 35 minutes
Distance of trail run: 20km one-way
Start: Nannup Foreshore Park
Finish: Cambray Siding
Need to know: Along the trail, there are two swimming holes, Barrabup and Worker’s Pools that would be great rest spots if you fancy it.
Depending on your running ability, you may want to run just a section of this 20km (one-way) trail. If you’re a serious (seriously tough!) runner, there is an option to continue onto the Sidings Rail Trail for a 37km loop back to Nannup Foreshore Park.
The Old Timberline Trail, following St John Brook Creek, explores the retired road and railways of a past timber mill.
With some narrow, steep sections, this trail will challenge your running fitness, but it’ll also give you that rush of exhilaration that comes with running through the Aussie bush, getting your ‘nature fix’.
Other trails to try nearby:
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Greenbushes Loop (16km loop)
The Jarahwood to Nannup section on the epic Munda Biddi Trail (approx. 28km one way – more details on distances along the Munda Biddi here)
WITH THESE TOP RUNNING TRAILS WITHIN JUST 40 MINUTES FROM BUSSELTON, WE RECKON IT’S TIME TO GET OUT AND EXPLORE!
If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort whilst running but you’re itching to get out there, get in touch with us at Mana Health today for a consultation with our head osteopath, Teano. If you need more info on running injury prevention, why not check out our other feature articles:
