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Best Hikes Near Perth: Trails for Every Level

Perth sits at the edge of one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet, with jarrah forests, granite gorges, coastal heathlands, and river trails within an hour of the CBD. Whether you want a 25-minute bushland loop or a full-day ascent through the Darling Range, this guide covers the best trails near Perth.

Aerial view of a hiking lookout platform on a bushland trail surrounded by jarrah forest and granite outcrops near Perth, Western Australia.

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Perth is a genuinely great hiking city, and it tends to surprise first-time visitors. The trails range from the flat, easy loops aroundKings Park to serious full-day walks in the Perth Hills. Most of the best hikes are accessible by car within an hour of the CBD, and many are reachable on public transport. Spring (September to November) is the best season: wildflowers are out, temperatures are mild, and the waterfalls in the hills are at their best after winter rain. Avoid planning long exposed walks in December through February when temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. Always carry water, check fire danger ratings before heading into the hills, and download trail maps before you go.

⚠️ What to skip

The Bibbulmun Track Foundation recommends autumn, winter, and spring for most trail walking near Perth. Summer walking is not recommended on hot days. Always check current fire danger ratings and track conditions before heading out.

Easy Walks: Under 5 km, Suitable for All Fitness Levels

Entrance sign for the Western Australian Botanic Garden in Kings Park, surrounded by green trees and lawn under clear sky.
Photo Line Knipst

These shorter trails are ideal for families, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants to enjoy Perth's natural scenery without a full-day commitment. Kings Park is the obvious starting point — it's free to enter, open daily, and offers free guided Botanic Garden walks at 10 am and 1 pm with no booking required. For something wilder,families with kids will find the riverside loop at Heirisson Island hard to beat.

The State War Memorial and eternal flame at Kings Park, with city and river views in the background and people visiting the site.

1. Walk the Bushland Nature Trail in Kings Park

Kings Park's 1 km Bushland Nature Trail takes around 25 minutes and winds through banksia woodland with interpretive signage on WA's native flora. Free guided walks depart twice daily at 10 am and 1 pm — no booking needed.

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Kings Park DNA Tower rises among green trees under a bright blue sky, with people visible at the top and along the spiral staircase.

2. Cross the Federation Walkway and Climb the DNA Tower

The Lotterywest Federation Walkway is a 620-metre canopy bridge through the Kings Park botanic garden. The DNA Tower is a separate spiral lookout about 1.5 km away, not the end of the walkway. Together they are among the city's best elevated views over the Swan River and skyline.

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Aerial view of Heirisson Island showing Swan River, surrounding parkland, bridges, and Perth city in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

3. Stroll Around Heirisson Island's Kangaroo Reserve

This flat, peaceful loop around a small Swan River island takes under an hour and almost always includes sightings of free-roaming kangaroos. City skyline views from the eastern end make it one of Perth's most rewarding short walks.

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Wide view of Lake Monger with native reeds in the foreground, calm water, and Perth city skyline in the distance under a clear sky.

4. Walk the 3.5 km Black Swan Loop at Lake Monger

A flat 3.5 km path circles this urban wetland in Wembley, home to Perth's famous black swans, pelicans, and dozens of waterbird species. It's one of the city's most popular morning walks, best done at dawn when the birdlife is most active.

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Night view of Perth city skyline through the tall lemon-scented gums lining Fraser Avenue in Kings Park, softly lit by street lamps.

5. Walk Fraser Avenue for Kings Park's Best Skyline View

The 100-year-old lemon-scented gums lining Fraser Avenue frame a celebrated view of the Perth CBD skyline. It's a short, flat walk suitable for all abilities and is most atmospheric in the early morning light or at dusk.

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Moderate Trails: Half-Day Walks with Real Rewards

Aerial view of a curved boardwalk and lookout platform along a rocky and forested hillside, suitable for moderate hiking.
Photo Harrison Reilly

These trails require a reasonable fitness level but are accessible to most regular walkers. ThePerth Hillsoffer the best moderate hiking within easy reach of the city. Lesmurdie Falls and John Forrest National Park are both reachable in under 40 minutes from the CBD and deliver jarrah forest, granite country, and — after good winter rains — some genuinely dramatic scenery. Check trail conditions on the Trails WA website before setting out, particularly after bushfire seasons.

Lesmurdie Falls cascades down rocky cliffs in Mundy Regional Park, surrounded by trees and visitors under a clear blue sky.

6. Hike to Lesmurdie Falls After Winter Rain

Perth's most dramatic waterfall drops 50 metres through a granite gorge in the Darling Range. The loop walk to the base and lookout takes 2 to 3 hours. Visit between July and October for peak flow; the falls are a trickle in summer.

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Elevated wooden walkway winding through jarrah forest at John Forrest National Park under clear blue sky and afternoon sunlight.

7. Explore Heritage Trails in John Forrest National Park

WA's oldest national park combines waterfalls, granite outcrops, and jarrah forest walking trails up to 8 km. The heritage swimming pool and Jane Brook add to the appeal. Spring wildflowers here are exceptional. Entry fees apply.

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A quiet street in Kalamunda lined with blooming jacaranda trees, vibrant flower beds, and a parked white car under a clear blue sky.

8. Descend the Kalamunda Zig Zag Trail Through Jarrah Forest

This historic trail drops steeply down the Darling Escarpment through dense jarrah forest on an old timber-getting route. The descent takes about 45 minutes one way; arrange transport at the bottom or return via the same path.

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View from Bold Park lookout showing dense bushland, distant Perth city skyline, suburban houses, and a clear blue sky under bright sunlight.

9. Summit Reabold Hill in Bold Park for Ocean-to-Range Views

Bold Park's trail network through 437 ha of banksia woodland leads to the Reabold Hill summit, where views stretch from the Indian Ocean to the Darling Range. Trails range from 1 to 6 km and are well-signed. Entry is free.

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Wet pathway with metal railings leads to Mundaring Weir, with the dam wall and forested hills visible under overcast skies.

10. Walk Beelu National Park Trails from Mundaring Weir

The historic weir is the gateway to Beelu National Park's jarrah and marri forest trails. The Bibbulmun Track passes through here, and shorter day walks of 4 to 8 km suit most fitness levels. A heritage museum and café make a good start or finish.

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Serpentine Falls waterfall cascading down smooth granite rocks into a natural swimming hole, surrounded by rugged cliffs and a clear blue sky.

11. Swim at the End of the Serpentine Falls Trail

A 3 km return walk through jarrah forest leads to a granite waterfall and clear swimming hole about 60 km south of Perth. The payoff — a natural pool beneath cascading water — makes it one of the most popular summer hikes near the city.

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Wide landscape view of Trigg Beach with limestone outcrop, white sand, Indian Ocean waves, low dunes, and blue sky with scattered clouds in Perth, Australia.

12. Walk the Trigg Bushland Reserve Coastal Trail

The Trigg Bushland Reserve backs a wild surf beach north of Scarborough, with short walking trails through coastal heath above dramatic Indian Ocean cliffs. Combine a bushland walk with a swim for a half-day outing. Best visited April through October.

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The Bibbulmun Track: Day Sections for Serious Walkers

The Bibbulmun Track is one of Australia's great long-distance trails, running roughly 1,000 km from Kalamunda to Albany. It starts in thePerth Hillsand several of its opening sections work well as day walks for fit hikers. Note that the track is linear and walkers-only, so you need to plan return transport in advance. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation recommends avoiding this route on days of high fire danger and in hot summer conditions. The Calamunnda to Hewett's Hill section — a 5 km return walk rated moderate — is a practical and rewarding entry point, with parking available by gold-coin donation.

A quiet street in Kalamunda lined with blooming jacaranda trees, vibrant flower beds, and a parked white car under a clear blue sky.

13. Start the Bibbulmun Track at Kalamunda for a Day Section

Kalamunda is the northern terminus of the Bibbulmun Track. Day walkers can tackle the Calamunnda to Hewett's Hill section — 5 km return through Beelu National Park — rated moderate and recommended March through November. Plan return transport carefully.

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Wet pathway with metal railings leads to Mundaring Weir, with the dam wall and forested hills visible under overcast skies.

14. Walk the Bibbulmun Track Through Mundaring Weir Reservoir Country

The Bibbulmun Track's early sections pass through the Mundaring Weir area, offering serious walkers a full day in jarrah forest with the reservoir as a visual anchor. Start from the weir car park and check track notes for current conditions before departing.

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✨ Pro tip

The Bibbulmun Track is a linear walkers-only route. To do a day section, you need to either retrace your steps or arrange a car shuttle. Don't assume you can connect sections as convenient day loops — some stretches have long gaps between access points.

Coastal & River Walks: Flat Trails with Great Scenery

People walking and swimming along a wide sandy beach with gentle waves in the afternoon light, coastline stretching into the distance.
Photo Gregory Mellotte

Perth's Indian Ocean coastline and the Swan River offer some of the most scenic flat walking in any Australian city. The stretch betweenCottesloeand Scarborough is particularly rewarding — an almost continuous beach and coastal path walk. For river walking, the foreshore trails between Elizabeth Quay and Matilda Bay are well-maintained and offer superb CBD skyline views. See ourPerth beaches guide for the best spots to combine a walk with a swim.

Crowds enjoy the water and sand at Cottesloe Beach in Perth, with the iconic Indiana Tea House building and Norfolk pines in the background.

15. Walk the Coastal Strip from Cottesloe to City Beach

A flat, mostly paved path links Cottesloe Beach northward through Swanbourne and on to City Beach along Norfolk-pine-backed foreshore. The 5 km one-way walk passes quieter sections of coast rarely crowded even in peak season.

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The iconic blue Crawley Edge Boatshed on Matilda Bay, Perth, sits at the end of a long wooden jetty stretching over the Swan River.

16. Walk the Swan River Foreshore from Matilda Bay to Elizabeth Quay

This flat riverside path follows the northern Swan River bank from the iconic Blue Boat House at Matilda Bay past UWA, through Crawley and on to Elizabeth Quay. The 7 km one-way walk is shaded and paved, with city views throughout.

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Aerial view of Matagarup Bridge in Perth, showing its dramatic arched design spanning the Swan River, with city buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.

17. Cross the Matagarup Bridge for Swan River and Skyline Views

The cable-stayed pedestrian bridge connecting the CBD to Burswood Peninsula is a 1 km walk with outstanding views of the Perth skyline and Swan River. Combine it with the Burswood riverside path for a flat 4 to 6 km loop.

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Wide view of parkland along the South Perth Foreshore with cyclists, people on grass, and the Swan River in the background under a clear sky.

18. Walk the South Perth Foreshore for the Best CBD Skyline Views

The South Perth promenade along the Swan River is a wide, flat path with the most celebrated view of the Perth skyline. A 3 km stroll to the South Perth Jetty and back is easy for all levels and is best at sunrise or sunset.

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Day Trip Hikes: Trails Worth the Drive from Perth

Wide landscape view of the Pinnacles Desert with numerous limestone pillars rising from yellow sand under a cloudy sky.
Photo Dhx1 (CC0)

Some of the best hiking near Perth requires a 45-minute to two-hour drive but delivers landscapes far removed from the suburban trails closer to town. Thebest day trips from Perthfor hikers include Yanchep National Park to the north and the Pinnacles Desert for something completely different. For wildflower season walks, check ourPerth wildflower season guide for timing and the best locations.

Brick walking path winding through native bushland and tall trees in Yanchep National Park on a sunny day.

19. Walk Yanchep's Wetland and Limestone Cave Trails

Yanchep, 51 km north of Perth, combines easy-to-moderate trails through wildflower-rich bushland with guided cave tours and koala sightings. Spring walks here are outstanding. The Loch McNess Loop is 4 km and takes around 90 minutes.

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Two cars parked among the yellow limestone spires of the Pinnacles Desert, with ocean and bushland visible in the distance under a blue sky.

20. Walk Among the Limestone Pillars of the Pinnacles Desert

Nambung National Park's 4 km loop trail winds through thousands of ancient limestone pillars rising from golden sand, 245 km north of Perth. Visit at dawn or dusk for the best light. The landscape is unlike anything else in the southwest.

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View looking up the road to Wadjemup Hill on Rottnest Island, with Wadjemup Lighthouse prominently on the hilltop under a wide blue sky.

21. Cycle or Walk to Wadjemup Lighthouse on Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island's highest point offers panoramic Indian Ocean views and a historic 1849 lighthouse. Walk or cycle from Thomson Bay — around 5 km each way — through the island's interior, where quokkas are frequently seen along the trail.

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Heritage brick building and tower at Perth Observatory in the Perth Hills, pictured under a clear blue sky with trees surrounding the site.

22. Walk to Perth Observatory in the Darling Range at Bickley

The road and surrounding bush trails to Perth Observatory in the Darling Range pass through jarrah woodland with excellent birdlife. The observatory's dark-sky site doubles as a peaceful hiking destination during the day, 35 km from the CBD.

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FAQ

What is the best time of year to hike near Perth?

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are ideal. Wildflowers peak in September and October, and temperatures are comfortable for long walks. Avoid hiking exposed trails in summer (December to February) when temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. Winter walks are possible and the waterfalls in the Perth Hills are at their most spectacular after June to August rains.

Are there hiking trails I can reach from Perth without a car?

Yes. Kings Park is walkable from the CBD and served by bus. The Swan River foreshore trails from Elizabeth Quay through Matilda Bay are fully accessible by Transperth train and bus. Lake Monger in Wembley is reachable by bus. Heirisson Island is accessible by bus from the CBD. For Perth Hills trails, a car is generally necessary.

How do I access day sections of the Bibbulmun Track from Perth?

The track's northern terminus is at Kalamunda in the Perth Hills, accessible by bus to Kalamunda township then a short walk to the trailhead. Because the Bibbulmun Track is linear and walkers-only, you need to plan return transport or retrace your steps. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation website has detailed access notes and a trip planner.

What should I carry on Perth Hills hikes?

At minimum: 2 litres of water per person, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a downloaded trail map (mobile coverage is patchy in the hills), and snacks. Check fire danger ratings before going — trails in the Perth Hills can be closed on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger. Wear closed shoes; the granite trails are rough underfoot.

Are Perth's hiking trails suitable for young children and families?

Several are excellent for families. Kings Park's Bushland Nature Trail (1 km) is flat and stroller-friendly. Lake Monger's 3.5 km loop is paved and great for young walkers. Serpentine Falls has a short, easy walk to a swimming hole children love. Yanchep National Park's trails are easy and combine well with koala spotting and cave tours.

Tickets & tours

Live prices and dates from our booking partner. If you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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