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Trails

Albany has an amazing array of outdoor trails attractions, ranging from pristine bushwalks, to mountain bike tracks, to aquatic trails and everything in between.

The City has identified an opportunity to capitalise on our enormous potential as a trails destination by consolidating and upgrading existing trails and developing new trails as part of a comprehensive Trails Hub Strategy 2015-2025.

As part of this Strategy the City is also currently looking at updating maps and other information for many of the trails on City managed reserves and on the estate of other organisations such as the Dept. of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions.

Safe Use of Trails

Safety first and always!

Escaping our everyday life for a bushwalk, Mountain Bike ride or kayak/canoe paddle in the natural environment can be enjoyable and health pastime.

However the unique environment around Albany can also be challenging and subject to rapid weather changes. Therefore you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of others in your group (especially children).

Planning and preparing before your trip is a key component to staying safe and having an enjoyable experience. The following are a few tips for planning your trip.

  • Select a walk, ride or paddle suitable to your fitness level and experience. 
  • Allow plenty of time for unforeseen difficulties (or to just stop and enjoy the sights)
  • Take spare food, water, spare equipment and tools with you.
  • Check the weather forecast and ensure you take waterproof/warm clothing, hats and sunscreen with you.
  • Ensure you have informed a responsible person of where you are going and when you will return.
  • Carry a first aid kit and mobile phone with you, but please be aware that mobile phone reception is not always reliable in all areas surrounding Albany.

Dual Use – Share the Trails

The majority of trails in Albany are dual use and used by more than one type of recreational user  To ensure everyone can enjoy their time on the trail and remain safe we need to all “Share the Trails”

All Users of the trails are encouraged to follow these guidelines

Share the trails

Stidwell Bridle Trail

Trail Background

Mike Stidwell taught physical education in Denmark and Canada, where he planned for sport and recreation. In WA, he led Australia's first project to convert unused railway reserves into recreational trails.

As the Regional Manager for the Ministry of Sport and Recreation in Albany, he advocated for these reserves to be set aside for recreation. Mike's efforts inspired the development of trails for various activities. He was also involved in equestrian activities as a judge and course designer. Named Albany's Citizen of the Year in 1998, Mike believed in preserving land for recreation. The Stidwell Bridle Trail honors his contributions.

Officially opened in September 1999, the Stidwell Bridle Trail was a joint project of the City of Albany, Trailswest, Ministry of Sport and Recreation and the Lotteries Commission

Stidwell Bridle Trail 

The Stidwell Bridle Trail consists of three clearly signposted loops that start at the Albany Equestrian Centre on Roberts Road. The trail travels through parts of Robinson Estate, along quiet bush tracks and over sand hills covered with coastal heath. The Stidwell Bridle Trail is a designated bridle trail.

Marked sections of the Stidwell Bridle Trail are inaccessible to recreational motorbikes and 4WD’s, ensuring safety for non-vehicle users of the Trail.

Code of Conduct

Please follow the guidelines below to minimise the impact of horse riding on the environment, private property and other trail users.

      • Clean horses’ feet before riding to avoid carrying soil containing weeds or the plant disease known as ‘dieback’ into the bush.
      • Feed horses with processed food (not hay or chaff) for 12 hours prior to riding to avoid spreading weed seeds into the bush.
      • Stay on marked bridle trails.
      • Avoid straying onto private property.
      • Leave gates as you find them.
      • Be courteous when meeting other trail users.
      • Walk your horse quietly when passing.
      • Move to the side of the trail and ensure your horse’s hindquarters are facing away from whomever is passing. If you meet riders or other trail users who are acting contrary to this Code of Conduct, please report such incidents to the City of Albany.

Unauthorised Vehicles 

There are sections of the Trail which are unauthorised for vehicle usage, including motorbikes, quad bikes, 4WDs and other recreational vehicles.

Please adhere to the signage installed within the Trail.

 

© 2024 City of Albany