Whether you’re a really avid hiker or you’re just someone looking to dip your toes in without being fully submerged, Perth is home to a range of different hiking trails for you to adventure on. Based in and around Perth, these hikes will take you through a range of different landscapes and bring you back to nature.
From waterfalls and flora and fauna to stunning landscapes, there are hikes below that are perfect for experienced adventurers and first-timers alike. Without further ado, let’s get started and take a look at some of the best hikes and walk trails in Perth, Western Australia!
The Best Hiking Trails and Walking Trails in and Near Perth
Wadjemup Bidi
The Wadjemup Bidi trail network is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful island of Rottnest. You can take your pick of five different walking trails that cover different parts of the island. You will find many places you can only reach by foot that will be simply enchanting.
You can pick and choose which ones you’d like to check out as bus stops around the island can take you back to the main settlement whenever you’re ready. Make sure you bring a towel, flippers, and your snorkel and enjoy some of the beautiful swimming and snorkelling spots along the way. There are so many places to lay down your towel on a secluded beach and relax in the sun.
You can visit these easy-to-moderate trails all year round!
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Kitty’s Gorge
Situated within the hills of Jarrahdale, Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail is an absolutely delightful hike to explore. It is even more beautiful when the waters of the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook are flowing. You can explore huge granite gorges and lush forests that brighten the landscape.
You can even look at all of the various wildflowers that line the trail from late winter to spring. The best part of the trail is the wonderful trail turnaround point at Serpentine Falls which is like a beautiful little piece of the Pilbara in Perth. This spot is super popular in the warmer months when swimmers are seeking a nice little swimming spot.
Nearby, you will also find excellent BBQ facilities. We recommend parking a car in the car park at either end if you’re planning on a BBQ after your hike. The difficulty of the trail is fairly moderate being 17.5km return.
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Mount Cooke- Bibbulmun Track
If you’re looking to explore the Bibbulmum Track without walking the whole thing, this is one of the very best day hikes on the Bibbulmun Track. You can explore the very highest point in the Darling Range that hasn’t been taken over by bauxite mining. You begin your walk at Sullivan Rock just off Albany Highway.
From there, you can enjoy an easy flat section of walking as you venture throughout the beautiful grey Jarrah-forest before you reach the Mount Cook Campsite. Here, you should make sure you have a good rest before embarking on the long climb up to the ridge of Mount Cooke where you will see expansive views, massive granite boulders, and a huge number of wildflowers.
There is also a not-so-secret cave nearby that you can find if you know where you’re looking. If you manage to find it, make sure you sign the book! However, if you’d prefer a shorter loop that takes in the summit, park near the Cooke Plantation and then find the trail to the brook.
This trail is moderate to hard and is best to visit between Autumn and Spring. It is roughly 20-22km return.
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Numbat Trail
Numbat Trail is located on private land in the Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary. This trail is the longest of all three trails that are offered here and is often named as the best day hike in Perth. All you need to do is make sure you organise payment beforehand in order to get the entry code for the gate.
However, once you have entered, you can enjoy a world of hills, fantastic forests, lots of rapids and streams, and a stunning wildflower display from late winter through to spring. You will need to keep in mind that this is a safe haven for wildlife which means that you will often see an echidna fossicking in the afternoon, kangaroos jumping around, or some magnificent bird species flying around.
Beware that this is their home, and you shouldn’t try to touch them or interfere. Simply admire their beauty and continue on your trail. This spot is becoming incredibly popular for hiking, so make sure you make your booking early as the walking season is only open from May to November every year.
This trail is considered hard, so just keep that in mind.
Echidna Trail
Based on the lush banks of the Avon River in the Swan River, the 11km Echidna Trail is the perfect workout. It takes you up into the gorgeous hills above the valley and offers some pretty spectacular views. You begin along the river and visit Syd’s Rapids to see the lovely, foamy water where the famous Avon Descent occurs before you begin the physical part of your hike.
There are some fairly decent hills on this moderately hard walk that take you up towards the highest point of the park with expansive views that look down into the river valley and sweep across the Swan Coastal Plain. While this spot was absolutely devastated by the Wooroloo Fires in 2020, they will recover more in the coming years.
Whistlepipe Gully Hike in Perth
Whistlepipe Gully is one of the more popular dog-friendly hikes based in Perth. In fact, it has now become a top crowd favourite thanks to the gorgeous wildflowers, flowing water, and very easy access. You begin your hike at the end of Lewis Road situated at the very base of the Perth Hills.
Head up and marvel at the stunning rapids on your journey and the enchanting display of wildflowers from late winter to and throughout spring. You can enjoy great views of Perth City the higher you get. This hike is honestly one of the best ways to exercise your dog in the Perth region.
It is an enchanting place to visit. This 3.6km loop track is considered very easy and is best to visit in Autumn through to late spring. This trail takes only a little bit of effort which is why it is so popular.
Rocky Pool Walk Trail
The Rocky Pool Walk Trail features one of the largest natural pools that exists in the Perth Hills. In fact, the pool used to serve as the local swimming pool before the new, modern structure took over. The gorgeous Rocky Pool Walk Trail is one of the most popular and iconic trails in all of Perth.
As you explore through the Marri and Jarrah forests of the Kalamunda National Park, you will explore some seriously steep hills that you will have to navigate as you make your way through the 5.1km trail. However, the view itself is very much worth the effort you have to put in. The biggest highlight of the trail is Rocky Pool.
This pool contains water from winter to spring and has a beautiful set of rapids if you’re looking to do some photography along the way. The rocks that sit above the pool offer the best place to enjoy a picnic as you bask in the tranquillity. This moderately hard trail is very much worth visiting as it is one of the best hikes near Perth.
Read our review of Rocky Pool Walk trail
Bells Rapids
Bells Rapids is a super popular recreation spot based in Perth. In fact, Bells Rapids attracts huge crowds almost all of the time. This spot offers serene and picturesque views along the Swan River and a huge 4.5km loop trail up in the hills.
You will love every step you take on this trail. This location is also dog-friendly and on the weekends, you will spot plenty of people out and about enjoying nature with their canine companions.
Many people also choose to enjoy a picnic after their stroll in nature. This area was hit by bushfires in 2020, but the famous bridge remains, and the spot has begun its regeneration process. This moderately hard trail is best to visit in Autumn through to spring.
Zamia Trail, Bold Park
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Zamia Trail in Bold Park is the perfect place to be able to do that without having to venture too far from home. Located directly by the ocean in City Beach, Bold Park has an awesome network of trails that begin at Reabold Hill and offer up plenty of options for you to enjoy nature both before and after work.
You can check out plenty of different types of flora and fauna while admiring the stunning views that overlook both the CBD and the Indian Ocean. The Zamia Trail is absolutely stunning and takes you around the perimeter of the park. This easy trail is perfect to visit all year round.
Read our review of Zamia Trail Bold Park
Lesmurdie Falls
If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful to watch the sunset in the Perth Hills, Lesmurdie Falls is the place to be. Packed full of raw beauty, this spot also features one of the biggest waterfalls in the entirety of the Darling Scarp. There are plenty of access points, but we recommend starting at the bottom or top of the falls and making your way along the loop trail.
That is the best way to appreciate this beautiful part of nature. Photographers love spending their time at the base of the falls and enjoying a nice picnic afterwards. No matter who you are, there is something for everyone here.
This 2.4km loop is only moderately hard and is great to visit all year round.
Dell to South Ledge
Spend a day exploring one of the nicest parts of the Perth Hills in the Beelu National Park. This spot provides a beautiful and tranquil setting for everyone going out for a hike. You will begin your adventure in the heart of mountain bike territory at The Dell.
However, it isn’t long at all until you head off on different tracks and eventually towards the link-up of the Bibbulmun Track. Once you are at the Bibbulmun Track section, you can enjoy a lovely and pleasant walk along the edge of the Helena River Valley. You will then venture to the Golden Lookout and look at some stunning views over the Mundaring Weir.
This moderately hard 9km loop is best to visit from autumn through to late spring!
Victoria Reservoir Trail
As the location of the first-ever catchment dam built in Perth, the area of the Victoria Reservoir is home to a very enjoyable walk trail. This trail is a 7.3km loop that takes you down towards the new area of the Victoria Dam where you can enjoy a cast view over the artificial lake and stunning surrounding forest.
You will also see the remnants of the old Victoria Dam here. Parts of the wall still stand today. Here, you can also enjoy a lovely picnic in the picnic area that has been built directly next to the overflow stream of Munday Brook. Follow the brook to view another historic structure known as the Mason Bird Bridge which is the oldest surviving timber bridge in all of Australia.
End your idealistic walk with a delightful climb up the vehicle track to the start point. As you climb, take a moment to marvel at the surrounding granite outcrops and forest. It is a view you will remember for the rest of your life.
This 7.3km moderate loop is best to visit from autumn and through to spring.
Marrinup Falls
Located right on the way to Dwellingup, the gorgeous Marrinup Falls is a stunning set of seasonal rapids that are a delight to visit during spring. You can check out the lovely forest lining Marrinup Brook as you make your way past plenty of little rapids before you meet up at the main part of the falls.
Make sure you keep an eye out for the gorgeous orchids and wildflowers as you wander the trail. If you time your walk right, you may even get to check out the Hotham Valley tourist train. This hike is a great addition to a visit to the Dwellingup region.
However, we very much recommend this spot during springtime when the flowers are in full bloom. This loop is quite easy and is only 2.6km long.
KattaMorda Heritage Trail
Once just a forgotten trail, the KattaMorda Heritage Trail is once again popular. It has recently undergone an extensive makeover thanks to the local volunteer group. Now, it is the perfect way to spend a whole day exploring the stunning forests in the Perth Hills.
You can follow the newly installed Potoroo trail markets that will take you all the way from the Bickley Reservoir and to Mundaring. During your walk, you will walk up and down a significant number of hills including the high point of Mount Gunjin. Enjoy an insanely cool day out as you walk all throughout the Darling Scarp.
it will require a car at each end, but the end result is very much worth it. This loop is 34km one way and is considered quite hard. The best time to visit is from autumn to late spring.
Eagle View Walk Trail
Located directly on the edge of the Perth Hills, when you walk this trail, you can check out some pretty insane views of the Swan Coastal Plain. This 15km Eagle View Walk Trail is certainly the crown jewel of the John Forrest National Park. You can take advantage of a serene stroll along Jane Brook as you discover rapids and waterfalls along the way.
As you climb up towards the immersive views of the Perth CBD, you will be simply enchanted. Once you’re done with looking at the views, you can return to your car via some lovely Wandoo and Jarrah-Forest that is completely filled with wildflowers from winter to late spring.
You can enjoy a meal and cold beverage at the tavern once your walk is complete. As you dine, you may notice some kangaroos nearby who call this place home. This moderately hard walk trail is best from autumn to spring.
Ellis Brook Reserve
Situated at the very base of the Perth Hills close to Gosnells is the perfectly hidden valley of Ellis Brook Reserve. This spot contains some of the best walking trails near Perth and great waterfalls if you go in the wetter seasons. Ellis Brook Reserve is home to many great trails to choose from, but you can combine them into one 5.8k loop if you’d like to see the entire area.
Many people will recognise this spot as this former mining site has been completely abandoned and nature has taken it back. It has now formed a small lake and bare rock faces. Please just ensure that you do not swim in the small lake.
The most fun you can have on this trail is walking along the Blu Wren Trail to Sixty Foot Falls through the forest. From here, you can look at some pretty amazing views. This trail is also dog friendly which means that your canine companion can come for the trip.
This moderately hard walk is best to visit in autumn through to late spring.
Ghost House Walk Trail
This awesome trail is often known as the premier trail of Yanchep National Park. Located only one hour north of the CBD, the gorgeous Ghost House Walk Trail offers a huge amount of variety when it comes to scenery. You can begin out by the Loch McNess, skirt the edge of the lake, and then enjoy the lovely walk you will have in the coastal woodlands.
While it is shaded throughout the walk, make sure you don’t forget your sunscreen. As you pass the titular Ghost House, you will notice old ruins that have been left to be reclaimed by nature. From there, you will wander along to Shapcott’s Campsite and on towards the limestone cave system.
As you embark on this walk, you will notice plenty of unique flora and fauna that will blow your mind. This moderately hard 14km loop will enchant you entirely and immerse you amongst nature.
Read our review of the Ghost House Walk Trail
King Jarrah Walk Trail
All of the stunning forests around Dwellingup are some of the very best examples of Marri and Jarrah in the Perth Hills. The King Jarrah Walk Trail truly is one of the coolest ways to experience the forests with this hard 17.8km loop. The loop takes you up and through the hills before dropping you down to follow the edge of the Murray River.
The biggest highlight of this trail is most certainly the King Jarrah. The King Jarrah is an outstanding, 400-year-old tree that predates colonial times. You’re best to visit this trail from autumn through to late spring.
Lake Clifton Walk Trail
This spot is the home of the famous and deeply fascinating Thrombolites. Thrombolites are intriguing micro-organisms closely related to life that formed around 570 million years ago. The beautiful Lake Clifton Walk Trail is the perfect opportunity to see these awesome clusters up close.
You will find the Thrombolites right at the very beginning of the trail with a short tip out onto the jetty. This stunning spot gracefully overlooks the lake and enchants all who visit. The walk will also take you throughout the endangered Tuart Forest which has some massive trees still standing today.
This trail is easier than others and is 5.8km long.
Penguin Island Walk Trail
The Penguin Island Walk Trail spread beautifully through Penguin Island. This island is the home of the very famous and adored Fairy Penguins. The easy 2.1km trail allows you to explore throughout the various parts of the island while switching between beaches and boardwalks.
This walk trail is the ideal way to explore the entire island and find some of the more hidden or secret spots. This is especially true when it comes to snorkelling. You can finish your nice walk off with a great tour of the Discovery Centre to watch the live penguin feeding displays and more.
You can easily access this quaint little island via a ferry or by taking a short paddle over on a kayak. It is the ideal spot to visit all year round!
If you’re someone who loves to immerse yourself in nature, you need to check out the suitable trails above!
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