Get active with our guide to discovering the best Perth hikes and walking trails to stretch those legs.
We get more sun than any other capital city in the world – so why not make the most of it and get out and explore Perth and the surrounds by jumping in your runners and taking on some of Perth’s best hiking trails.
But where are the best trails? How long will the hike be and how long will it take? How hard will it be? To help we have put together a list of the best Perth walking trails for you to explore.
With our stunning coastlines, the Swan River and the fresh air of the Perth Hills – not to mention amazing weather, some might say the best way to experience Perth would be to do so by foot.
If you are looking for ‘the best Perth walking trails near me’ then we have the list for you.
Here are the best Perth hikes, in no particular order:
Bells Rapid Walk Trail, Swan Valley
Distance: River Walk (2.5km) or Goat Walk (3km)
Bells Rapid Walk Trail is a scenic walk along the Swan River and home of the renowned Avon Descent. The trail is well known mostly for its majestic boulders and speeding waters in the winter.
Bells rapid additionally is the habitat of the grey kangaroo, which may be seen at certain times of the year in abundance. If you enjoy or want to experience rural scenic views and coastal plains this distinctive circuit is the trail for you.
Matilda Bay Reserve, Crawley
Distance: 4km (loop)
The UWA Boat Shed is not only a Perth icon but also a great starting point for the Matilda Bay Reserve Walk. This trail then runs down to Pelican Point and then west to J.H. Abrams Reserve to the boat ramp.
Then the trail leads back north along the road past Australia II Drive and along Hackett Drive.
Burswood Loop, Burswood
Distance: 6.2km (loop)
The Burswood Loop trail takes you around the banks of the beautiful Swan River, allowing you to take in the sights of East Perth and more specifically Claisebrook Cove (definitely recommend stopping in for a refreshment at Toast or The Royal.) However, the highlight of this trail is without a doubt is Heirisson Island.
While on this route, stop off on Herisson Island under the Causeway and if you are lucky you might be able to spot a few Western Grey kangaroos, which can be found in the southern enclosure of the island and are best sighted in the early morning or evening.
Law Walk, Kings Park
Distance: 2.5km (loop)
Hands down (feet down?) one of the best Perth hikes.
Law Walk takes you through the bushland and the Lotterywest Federation Walkway in the heart of the Botanic Garden in Kings Park. Enjoy the amazing gardens and views of Kings Park and then transition to the natural bushland, providing a glimpse to what Perth was like more than 200 years ago.
Scarborough-Trigg Heritage Trail, Scarborough
Distance: 7.3km (loop)
The Scarborough-Trigg Heritage Walk provides a unique Perth walking trail experience combining the stunning coastline of Scarborough and Trigg beaches with the bush trails of the Trigg Bushland Reserve.
The walk consists of three loops:
Scarborough Coastal Loop – Red (1.2 km)
Explore the unique history of the Scarborough beachfront, the hub of the Sunset Coast. At a leisurely pace, this loop takes approximately 30 minutes.
Trigg Coastal Loop – Blue (2.9 km)
From fishermen to settlers, surfers and swimmers – take a walk back in time to Trigg Island. At a leisurely pace, this loop takes approximately 1 hour.
Trigg Bushland Reserve Loop – Green (3.2 km)
Discover unique wildflowers – enjoy spectacular coastal views and sightings of birds and reptiles. At a leisurely pace, this loop takes approximately 1 hour.
Ellis Brook Valley
Distance: 2km (loop)
Arguably the best view in Perth can be found at Ellis Brook Valley.
A walk along the ‘Sixty Foot Falls Circuit’ – a short 2km loop but the steep trail will see you climb to the top of the spectacular Sixty Foot Falls, where you will be able to take in sweeping views across Perth, before descending past the Old Barrington Quarry.
Bibbulmun Track, Kalamunda
Distance: 1,000km
If you’re an avid hiker/crazy then the Bibbulmun Track is for you. It spans 1,000km from Kalamunda to Albany, but if you wish to start smaller then there is the Mundaring Weir Hotel to the Golden View lookout trail (7.4km).
The trail takes walkers through a mix of jarrah, marri and wandoo forests, the latter providing open woodlands giving walkers an immense sense of space and taste of bush life.
Bold Park, City Beach
Distance: 15km (varying)
This is a choose your own adventure Perth hike.
With over 15km of walking trails and 10 different lookouts with expansive city and coastal views, Bold Park offers you a very memorable experience any time of the year.
Spanning over 436 hectares, Bold Park is home to some 300 different species of native plants and despite its proximity to the city, there is also an abundance of wildlife including different species of birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates.
If you are looking for an inner-city bush walk with beautiful views, there is simply none better than Bold Park.
Lake Monger, Wembley
Distance: Approximately 4km (loop)
When it comes to Perth walking trails and Lake monger, if you know, you know.
Lake Monger is a conservation wetland ringed by a shared path for cycling and walking and jogging. Lake Monger is also one of the most family-friendly walking tracks both for the kids and furry kids – with a brand new playground area that will help burn off any extra energy the kids have left, plus there are open spaces for the pups to run and chase a ball.
Lake Monger is also stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Warnbro Sound, Warnbro
Distance: 6.4km (one way)
With its attractive native gardens, beautiful white sand and stunning blue water – Warnbro Beach provides a stunning backdrop for a hike as you walk throughout the dunes. There are a number of different car parks along the coastal trail where you can begin and end your trip if you don’t want to take on the whole 6.4km.
Herdsman Lake, Churchlands
Distance: 7.7km (loop)
Herdsman Lake is Perth’s largest inner-city wetland and definitely is one of the must Perth walking trails.
With the walking trail on the water’s edge, Herdsman Lake makes for an enjoyable and relaxing walk. The trail also provides a diversity of landscapes ranging from expansive views over open waters, to dense wetland rushes, bushland and open grass parklands.
Rottnest Island
Our Perth hikes list isn’t just limited to the mainland.
No doubt you are used to getting around Rottnest Island on a bike – but did you know there is a dedicated walking trail you can explore?
This Rottnest walking trail network is broken down into 5 sections, each with a unique opportunity to discover the island like never before. We partnered up with the Island’s only walking tour operator, The Hike Collective, to bring you the lowdown on the most interesting hiking trail network to hit Western Australia and what you need to know to explore the island by foot.
Rottnest walking trail:
- Bickley Batter (Ngank Yira Bidi) – 9.4km (one way)
- Salt Lakes ( Gabbi Karniny Bidi) – 9.7km (loop)
- Salmon Bay (Wardan Nara Bidi) – 10km
- Northern Beaches ( Karlinya Bidi) – 5.9km
- West End (Ngank Wen Bidi) – 7.6km (loop)
Read more: 5 Rottnest Walking Trails You Need To Hike
Piesse Brook Interpretive Trail
Distance: 3km
Time to head for the hills, as we escape the city limits and adventure into the rugged landscape of the darling escarpment. The Piesse Brook interpretive trail is the perfect introduction to hiking in the hills, with some undulations on the trail, and the most stunning destination with a halfway stop at the iconic Rocky Pools. This is best enjoyed in winter and spring, when the water is flowing in the pools.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at this hotspot, and take your time to read the educational plaques dotted along the trail.
Blackwall Reach, Point Walter
Distance: 4km return
The beautiful cliff’s edge walk takes you from the Bicton Baths along the Jenna Biddi Yorga, meaning “women’s feet walking on the path”, in Whadjuk Noongar to Point Walter Reserve. With fantastic river views and hints of native bushland, it is a perfect spot to get started with a beginner walk close to the city. Stop at the halfway point to visit the local cafe or sit by the river for a moment to relax before heading back.
In Aboriginal culture it was traditionally a place for women and children so we ask that walkers respect the land and its history when visiting Blackwall Reach and Point walter.
Serpentine Falls
Distance: 6km
The Serpentine Falls is a popular summer spot for picnicking and swimming – although arguably the falls in winter definitely takes the cake.
You will be sure to find a trail to enjoy on your visit to the Serpentine Falls, with a 6km Baldwins Bluff adventure, named after the original homeowners of the house at the base of the bluff.
Whistlepipe Gully
Distance: 3.5km
A visit to this prominent piece of heaven on earth is a rite of passage for any Perthian and is a must have on our best Perth walking trails, with magical city views, old house ruins, and beautiful springtime wildflowers to be found at Whistlepipe Gully.
Channel your inner child and get adventurous on the many rocky outcrops and bridge crossings, as you enjoy this spectacular trail of granite outcrops and city views.
Mundaring Weir Walk
Distance: 1.2km (loop)
Tucked away near the Mundaring Weir at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre is the perfect beginner-friendly Weir Walk loop.
It will take you to a beautiful little lookout over the Mundaring Weir, and with clear markers to guide you, it gives you a taste of walking on bush tracks such as the Bibbulmun Track. In fact, it crosses onto the Bibbulmun Track for about half of the walk.
You can extend this trail by heading onto one of the many other trails in the Mundaring Weir area for a bit more of a challenge.
Wetlands Walk Trail
Distance: 2km
Take a trip to Yanchep National Park for the day, and enjoy a super easy wetlands walk around Loch McNess. With so many adventures on offer at Yanchep, you are sure to find plenty of things to fill in the day such as a visit to the adorable koala boardwalk, the treetop adventures, or a tour of the iconic caves once you are finished.
After the recent 2019 fires at Yanchep, it is eye opening to see the regrowth occurring within the park.
Eagle View
Distance: 15km
With a name like Eagle View, you would expect to see beautiful views, wildlife, and maybe some eagles?
Well, you won’t be disappointed with this Perth hike – the magnificent Eagle View Trail in John Forrest National Park is a 15km bushwalkers delight showcases magnificent views, a variety of terrain and walking conditions, and boasts spectacular wildflowers in the spring.
Numbat Trail
Distance: 12km
Located in the magnificent Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary in Gidgegannup, the Numbat Trail is a 12km trail providing a wonderful challenge for experienced walkers and will reward you with a wider variety of natural beauty from creek lines to wildflower displays.
Although not the longest trail on this list, the Numbat Trail will take an average of 4-5 hours to complete with its challenging inclines and staircases.
The sanctuary itself is characterised by extremely steep slopes, numerous streams and creek lines, and areas of exposed granite. Although Paruna is open to the public, it is by appointment only and is only accessible from May to October each year.
Rocky Pool
Distance: 5km loop
This 5km short but feisty loop is located at the end of Spring Street, just out of Kalamunda, and will challenge your downhill abilities on tricky gravel terrain.
Get ready for downhill slopes sure to test even the most steady of hikers. In the winter months, this is a highlight for locals and visitors but quickly dries up in summer.
Mt Cooke
Distance: 22km
This intense day hike takes you to the top of Mt Cooke and back, to one of the highest points on the Darling Scarp at 582 metres.
Starting at Sullivan Rock, this beautiful section of the Bibbulmun Track journeys along rocky outcrops, and winding trails, where every step may leave you gasping for air. As you reach the summit you will be amazed by the space, and serenity of Mt Cooke.
The exploring doesn’t stop there, and if you are lucky enough to know where to go, you might stumble upon the elusive Mt Cooke Cave. This is definitely not part of the Bibbulmun Track, and can not be easily found, so we recommend joining the experts to get the full experience.
King Jarrah Loop
Distance: 18km
If you have a bit of time on your hands, then head out to Dwellingup for a full day of adventure bliss on the King Jarrah Loop Trail.
At 18km, it is worth every step as you find yourself exploring steeply forested valley slopes and rock-rimmed pools of the Murray River on your way to visit the magnificent 250-year-old Kings Jarrah Tree himself.
This hike weaves through narrow forest passageways and also traces the former transportation routes of the once vibrant timber industry.
Please note: With all trail adventures, we always recommend letting someone know where you are at all times, and make sure you have enough water. These more intense trails require a little more prep to make sure you get the most out of your day out in nature.
Lesmurdie Falls
Distance: Approximately 1.5km (loop)
One of the best Perth hikes is of course Lesmurdie Falls in Mundy Regional Park, which is a must for any Perth hiker.
This walking trail will reward your hard efforts with sublime views of the Swan Coastal Plain, Perth’s skyline and neighbouring suburbs, plus of course a gram-worthy waterfall.
There are several trails within the park to suit varying different degrees of fitness and difficulty levels however the walks generally take between 1 -3 hours.
Noble Falls
Distance: 2km (loop)
A small but precious waterfall, Noble Falls is one of the first to fill and flow with a drop of rain, so if you want an easy access waterfall, this child-friendly spot ticks the box.
Meander next to Wooroloo Brook on a 2km loop and enjoy this peaceful and beginner-friendly waterfall wander.
Another bonus? The trail is dog friendly!.
Hovea Falls and National Park Falls, John Forrest National Park
Only 20 minutes south from Noble Falls, we hit John Forrest National Park and the most diverse option of trails on offer.
You can access the park from East, West, and through the main entrance to the National Park, and we recommend heading to the main hub to find the start point of multiple trails.
John Forrest National Park holds a rich history and is WA’s first National Park. It is home to two waterfalls on the Jane brook, as well as the Glenbrook Dam, and the iconic Swan View Tunnel to add to your adventures.
Hovea Falls transverses over smooth granite rock and flows downstream to the steeper National Park Falls. You can walk from one to the other with just 2km distance between them, and it is a beautiful wander along the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail.
Discover what Perth hikes are best for you
Still not sure about the best Perth hikes for you? We have grouped together a number of Perth hiking guides for you so you can go ahead and tick them off one by one.
Best Perth hikes and walking trails for families
It is no secret that nature has so many benefits for the little ones in our lives, and swapping the TV remote for a stick and gumnut can be so good for developing creativity and resilience in children.
To make your life a tad easier, we are sharing our favourite little trails for the little legs so they can get out there for some adventure.
Read more: Family Friendly Walking Trails For Kids In Perth
Waterfall hiking trails
The best bit about winter wandering? The waterfalls are flowing and create the best backdrop for an insta-worthy snap or a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy the sounds and sights of nature.
If you are looking for ‘Perth waterfalls near me’ – pack your backpacks, and dust off those boots, because we are sharing our collection of Perth waterfall wanders with you.
Read more: Perth Waterfall Hiking Trails
Hiking trails and pubs
Well, one thing can certainly top the stroll on its own, and that is combining it with a brew and lunch at some of the best pubs around.
The best bit? You can walk right into these pubs fresh off the trail. Start your walk from the pub and return for a beer and a meal, or make it your halfway stop to refuel for the return hike.
Read more: The Best Perth Hiking Trails & Pub Combos
Perth wildflower hiking trails
Hosting the biggest selection of wildflowers in the world, at over 12,000 species, Perth is the hotspot of magical everlastings, orchids, myrtles and more.
There is only one true way to really explore the wildflowers of the West, and that is on the walking trail.
Here are the best wildflower walking trails of Perth – just make sure to take your hay fever medication before you go.
Read more: Wildflower Walking Trails In Perth
Best Perth dog-friendly walking trails
Any fellow dog owner will relate to the guilt we get when we leave our best friends of the four-legged variety at home as we head out on a walk. Well, we are here to tell you that you won’t need to feel guilty, and your pups won’t have to miss out! No digging for ideas necessary, here is our top tips for doggo friendly trails near Perth.
Read more: 8 Best Perth Dog Friendly Hiking Trails
Easy Perth hikes
The best beginner-friendly walks around Perth, where you can enjoy seaside spectacles, and wandoo woodland wanders with ease.
Read more: Top 10 Easy & Short Perth Walking Trails
Hard Perth hikes
With some of the best walking conditions on earth right here in Western Australia, we thought it was only fitting to share the most challenging trails around Perth to get out and enjoy.
This comes with a word of warning though, as these trails are no walk in the park.
Read more: Hardest Hiking Trails In Perth
This article was first published on So Perth – The 30 Best Perth Hikes & Walking Trails
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