Maidens Reserve Trail – The perfect adventure after your Open Air flight experience

If you’re visiting Bunbury for an Open Air Adventure Flight in our WWII-era trainer, you might be wondering what else you can fit into your day while you’re here. Luckily, you don’t have to go far — just 15 minutes from Bunbury Airport is one of the region’s most beautiful coastal walks: Maidens Reserve Trail.

This trail offers everything a visitor could want — spectacular views, fresh ocean air, the chance to see local wildlife, and even a beach to dip your toes in. It’s a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a perfect complement to the thrill of flying over Bunbury’s coastline.

A Walk with Meisie

When I’m not up in the air, I’m often walking with Meisie — our two-year-old Maremma Sheepdog and the most polite walking companion you could ask for. Calm, steady, and curious, she loves the trail as much as I do. From the moment we step out of the car, the salty breeze and the sound of the ocean set the tone for the walk ahead.

The trail starts from a small car park off Ocean Drive. It’s well maintained, with a combination of sealed paths, sandy tracks, and plenty of stairs. The climb begins gradually, winding through tuart forest and coastal scrub until you reach the first lookout.

If you’re feeling energetic, continue up the 150+ stairs to the top lookout — it’s a bit of a workout, but the reward is huge. From the top, you can see Bunbury stretching out to one side and the endless blue of the Indian Ocean on the other.

Wildlife and the Beach

Dogs are welcome here on a leash, and there’s good reason for that — the wildlife is abundant. We’ve seen kangaroos grazing in the bush, alot of birdlife, and even a seal bobbing in the water below the cliffs. If you have binoculars, this is the place to bring them.

One of my favourite parts of this walk is heading down to the beach afterwards. The sand here is often scattered with cuttlefish bones — a quirky, very Bunbury sight. If you’re not from the area, they might seem unusual, but they’re completely natural and safe for dogs. In fact, Meisie loves finding one to carry proudly back along the sand.

More Than Just a Walk

What makes Maidens Reserve Trail ideal for visitors is that it’s not just a walking track — it’s a great spot to spend a couple of hours.

Right at the car park, you’ll find:

• A playground for the kids

• Picnic tables and barbecues

• Water fountains

• A table tennis table

• Bike racks if you want to ride the coastal path and then explore the trail on foot

It’s the kind of place where you can pack a picnic, enjoy the views, and still make it back to town with time to explore the rest of Bunbury.

Plan Your Day in Bunbury

If you’re here for an Open Air Adventure Flight, you could:

• Before your flight: Take a gentle walk on the trail to shake off the drive and soak in the scenery.

• After your flight: Keep the adventure going with a stroll to the lookouts, see the same coastline you just flew over, and enjoy a beach walk before heading home.

From ground level or 1,000 feet above, the Maidens is one of Bunbury’s true gems — and it’s an easy addition to your itinerary that will leave you with memories just as vivid as your flight.

By Hayley Coulson