Grab your sneakers and enjoy the best autumn walks Perth has to offer.
Whether an experienced hiker or just looking for an excuse to get out and get fit in the cooler weather, the season of autumn was made for a walk through some of Perth’s most glorious, nature-filled delights.
From dog-friendly trails to cascading waterfalls or dazzling ocean views, a refreshing walk to clear the mind and get the blood pumping is not hard to come by if you know where to look.
Whistlepipe Gully
A relatively easy hiking trail and completely pooch-friendly, Whistlepipe Gully has soared in popularity among walking enthusiasts due to its blossoming wildflowers and flowing waters.
You’ll find it at the end of Lewis Road where the dedicated walking trail will take you around the creek with a series of rapids, pools, and wildflowers bursting in colour. It’s complete serenity and a great track to get out and about with your furry friend.
- Length: 3.6km loop
- Location: Mundy Regional Park
- Difficulty: Easy
Eagle View Walk Trail
It’s no secret that John Forrest National Park is a Perth fave when it comes to a nature-filled day trip, and the Eagle View Walk Trail is the absolute cream of the crop when you’re looking for a nice autumn walk here.
It takes about 5 hours to complete, but every minute is absolutely worth it. You’ll climb to spectacular views of Perth and make your way through waterfalls and Jarrah and Wandoo forest. Finish your day off at the tavern with an icy drink in hand and hang out with the local roos.
- Length: 15km loop
- Location: John Forrest National Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
Echidna Trail
For a great workout and even greater views, Echidna Trail is the way to go.
The 11km track is at its best from autumn to spring as you embark on steep gravel paths sprinkled with marri and wandoo woodland along the banks of the Avon River. The ultimate prize though is the river valley view at the top- breathtaking.
- Length: 11km loop
- Location: Walyunga National Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
Rocky Pool Walk Trail
Rocky Pool features a rugged bush walk leading to a glistening natural river pool edged by rocks.
It’s on the easier side length-wise at just a 5km loop around the forests of Kalamunda National Park, but there are still a few steep descents and gravel pathways to navigate. Pack a picnic if you’re up for having a bit more weight on your back and perch upon the rocks above the pool when you arrive for an idyllic lunch spot.
- Length: 5km loop
- Location: Kalamunda National Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
Burns Beach
As far as coastal walks go, Burns Beach is up there among our favourites.
It’s not as crowded as walking the Sorrento or Cottesloe paths can be, and the views over the turquoise ocean are just stunning. Start from the Burns Beach carpark and make your way to Mullaloo for a relaxing yet invigorating stroll oceanside.
- Length: 11.2km loop
- Location: Burns Beach
- Difficulty: Easy
Lesmurdie Falls
Best visited at sunset, Lesmurdie Falls offers spectacular views and one of Perth hill’s best waterfalls.
To soak it all in, you’ll want to take the loop trail to catch all angles of the cascading water and snap some epic insta shots. It’s the perfect place to hit refresh and enjoy a little slice of nature.
- Length: 2.5km loop
- Location: Mundy Regional Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
Palm Terrace Walk
While we’re on the topic of Lesmurdie, we need to give a particular mention to the Palm Terrace Walk.
It’s a fairly tough trek through Mundy Regional Park and Lesmurdie Falls National Park, and a lot quieter than some of the other trails- but it boasts some of the best panoramic views of Perth you can’t find anywhere else.
- Length: 5.5km loop
- Location: Lesmurdie Falls National Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
Ellis Brook Reserve
Tucked away in Gosnells, when this little valley isn’t blooming with wildflowers it’s turning up the view dial with lookouts over the City and forests.
There are a few paths you can take from an easier walk to the Sixty Foot Falls Circuit, but doing the loop is the best way to make the most of your visit. It’s a perfect choice for those just getting into hiking or wanting to take the family (plus the pupper) out for a gorgeous autumn day’s walk.
- Length: 5.8km loop
- Location: Gosnells
- Difficulty: Moderate
Victoria Reservoir Trail
For a walk mixed with a little bit of history, this is a must-visit.
You’ll find the start point of the trail at the carpark before the gates into the Reservoir. From here, take in the surrounding bushland and relics of the first dam ever constructed in WA. A little further down you’ll find Mason Bird Bridge, the oldest surviving timber bridge in Australia.
Make sure you take some lunch and set up at the grassed picnic area to top off the day.
- Length: 7.3km loop
- Location: Korung National Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
Dwerta Mia Walk
If you’re looking for a super easy trail perfect for the kids to tag along (or you just hate a long walk) then say hello to Dwerta Mia.
You can explore Boomerang Gorge and discover how the limestone environment formed over hundreds of years, with interpretive signage offering a unique experience of Australia through the eyes of Aboriginal culture.
- Length: 1km loop
- Location: Yanchep National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
Kitty’s Gorge
Kitty’s Gorge is an all-day stop through lush bushland scenery, gorges, impressive outcrops and waterfalls (at the right time of year).
It follows the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook to a glorious turnaround point at the notoriously popular Serpentine Falls where you’ll find BBQ facilities and a spot to rest in the shaded areas. You can take it on from either end, but we’d recommend starting at the Jarrahdale end to catch a lunch stop at the falls halfway.
- Length: 14km loop
- Location: Serpentine National Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
Feature Image: Rocky Pool Walk Trail | @lostdia
This article was first published on So Perth – 11 Of The Best Autumn Walks In Perth.
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