The Best Walks And Hikes In Perth | Australian Traveller

From coastal boardwalks to wildflower-rich bush trails, Perth offers hikes to suit both casual walkers and experienced adventurers.

Whether you’re craving a gentle stroll to spot wildflowers or a lung-pumping climb for panoramic views, there’s a walk or hike for every mood and fitness level. Lace up your hiking boots, pack water and get walking. We’ve rounded up 12 of the best hikes and walks in Perth.

In short

If you only do one serious hike, make it the Eagle View Trail in John Forrest National Park for waterfalls, wildflowers and city skyline and even ocean views. If you’ve only got time for something shorter, hit the Zamia Trail in City Beach for short steep climbs offering sweeping views.

1. Sullivan Rock to Mount Cooke (Darling Range)

Distance: 18.4 kilometres return (8 hours)

Getting there: 1 hour from Perth

Accessibility: Grade 4; hiking experience recommended due to steep final climb.

Facilities: Campground, public toilets, shaded rest areas, water access at Mount Cooke.

This hike begins through creeklined forests of sheoak, banksia, and jarrah, steadily working its way up to the summit ridge of Mount Cooke. The payoff is a sweeping panorama over the Darling Range, especially dramatic at sunrise, and a chance to camp overnight if you want the peace of dusk and dawn.

2. Eagle View Trail, John Forrest National Park

a bicycle trail in John Forrest National Park, Perth — Traverse scenic vistas on two wheels. (Image: Kevin Smith)

Distance: 15-kilometre loop (56 hours)

Getting there: 40 minutes from Perth.

Accessibility: Grade 34; decent fitness required for climbs and undulating terrain.

Facilities: Picnic spots, public toilets, shaded areas; kiosk closer to Ranger’s Office.

Winding through valleys and woodlands, this trail delivers a little bit of everything  – from creekbeds and pretty waterfalls to sweeping views to Perth CBD and the Indian Ocean in the distance. The Jane Brook section also blossoms in wildflowers come spring.

3. Whistlepipe Gully Trail, Mundy Regional Park

Distance: 3.5-kilometre loop (1.5 hours)

Getting there: 30 mins from Perth CBD

Accessibility: Grade 3 – uneven surfaces, some hills

Facilities: Limited street parking, no toilets on site

Tracing the course of a gully, this short but picturesque walk takes you past granite boulders and the remnants of an old stone house. It’s particularly beautiful from July to November when the river flows and wildflowers bloom.

3. Bibbulmun Track: Kalamunda to Mundaring Weir

the Bibbulmun Track Northern Terminus, Kalamunda — The legendary Bibbulmun Track winds through Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Distance: 1734 kilometres one-way (or return sections)

Getting there: 40 minutes from Perth.

Accessibility: Grade 4; steep sections and loose gravel in parts.

Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, water access along the track.

A taste of the legendary Bibbulmun in just a few hours – this stretch leads you through dripping forest, across babbling streams, over wooden bridges and rocky features. It’s not the full multiweek trail, but you’ll feel the essence: remoteness, changing terrain and a satisfying sense of distance. Perfect if you want to push your legs without committing to days.

4. Zamia Trail, Bold Park

Distance: 5.1-kilometre loop (1.5 hours)

Getting there: 15 minutes from Perth CBD

Accessibility: Grade 3 – compacted limestone, moderate inclines

Facilities: Carpark, scenic lookouts, rest benches

This well-marked trail loops through native bushland in Bold Park, offering sweeping views across the Indian Ocean and Perth city skyline. There are several lookout points to pause and take it in, and it’s a peaceful walk year-round.

5. Kitty’s Gorge, Serpentine National Park

swimming in the natural pool at Serpentine Falls, Perth — Swim in the natural pool at Serpentine Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Distance: 16.5 kilometres return (or 14-kilometre loop depending on route) (46 hours)

Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.

Accessibility: Grade 3; some steep steps and loose gravel terrains; slippery when wet.

Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, shaded spots.

This trail gives rewarding variety – cascading creeks, waterfalls, granite outcrops, dense bushland. There are scenic diversions like Stacey’s Loop, and quieter moments if you start from Jarrahdale. Keep an eye on the time, because returning along steeper ascents can test your legs.

6. Jorgensen Park Trail, Kalamunda

Distance: 2.7-kilometre loop (1 hour)

Getting there: 30 mins from Perth CBD

Accessibility: Grade 2  – former golf course, easy terrain

Facilities: Carpark, nearby toilets

An easy-going loop that follows old Kalamunda Gold Club fairways and weaves through bushland, occasionally intersecting with the Bibbulmun Track. The trail takes you through dense bushland that opens up onto stunning valley views.

7. Baldwin’s Bluff Trail, Serpentine National Park

Serpentine Falls from above — Soak up sweeping views of Serpentine Falls and the valley below. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Distance: 6-kilometre loop (2 hours)

Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.

Accessibility: Grade 4; steep in parts, rocky surfaces; best for hikers with good footwear.

Facilities: Picnic areas and public toilets; same park amenities as Kitty’s Gorge.

Less travelled than its neighbour Kitty’s Gorge, Baldwin’s Bluff offers solitude. The climb to the summit yields sweeping views of Serpentine Falls and the valley below, framed by jarrah and marri woodland. It’s a compact hike but doesn’t skimp on impact.

8. Trigg Bushland Reserve Trail

Distance: 3.4-kilometre loop (40 minutes)

Getting there: 20 mins from Perth

Accessibility: Grade 2 – compacted paths, some undulations

Facilities: Informal parking, trail signage

Tucked between suburb and sea, this coastal bushland trail is a springtime favourite with wildflower enthusiasts. You’ll be treated to sea glimpses from elevated spots, and the loop’s short length makes it ideal for a brisk walk or an easy nature escape.

9. Palm Terrace Walk, Forrestfield

Lesmurdie Falls, Palm Terrace Walk, Forrestfield — Walk to the spectacular Lesmurdie Falls in the Mundy Regional Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Distance: 5.5-kilometre loop (13 hours)

Getting there: 30 minutes from Perth.

Accessibility: Grade 3; sections of steep climb; some loose gravel.

Facilities: Public toilets, picnic spots, water access, scenic lookout points.

An underrated gem in the Perth Hills, this loop delivers views you’ll remember – especially if you take the detour to Lesmurdie Falls. The trail edges past ridges and valleys, through native bush, offering quiet moments away from the crowds. Best when the wildflowers bloom.

10. Numbat Trail, Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary

th Avon Valley as seen from Numbat Trail, Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary — Take in spectacular views of the surrounding Avon Valley. (Image: Tiff Watson)

Distance: 12-kilometre loop (35 hours)

Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.

Accessibility: Grade 3; some steep switchbacks and rough terrain.

Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas; booking may be required in certain seasons.

This trail is a rich mix of wildlife, water and elevation. You’ll begin by the lake, climb through White Gum Forest up to a lookout, then wind through woodlands and ridges. In the green season it’s lush, alive with birds and blooms – a real immersive nature escape.

11. Sixty Foot Falls, Ellis Brook Valley Reserve

Distance: 2-kilometre loop (1 hour)

Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.

Accessibility: Grade 4; steep sections especially on ascent/descent; watch for slippery parts after rain.

Facilities: Car park, picnic areas, public toilets and lookouts with views.

Don’t underestimate this short trail – the climb is steep, but the reward is big: views over Ellis Brook Valley, striking falls (especially after rain), and varied terrain that keeps each step interesting. A perfect quick but satisfying hike.

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

The best walks and hikes for an active day in Perth

From coastal boardwalks to wildflower-rich bush trails, Perth offers hikes to suit both casual walkers and experienced adventurers.

In short

1. Sullivan Rock to Mount Cooke (Darling Range)

2. Eagle View Trail, John Forrest National Park

3. Whistlepipe Gully Trail, Mundy Regional Park

3. Bibbulmun Track: Kalamunda to Mundaring Weir

4. Zamia Trail, Bold Park

5. Kitty’s Gorge, Serpentine National Park

6. Jorgensen Park Trail, Kalamunda

7. Baldwin’s Bluff Trail, Serpentine National Park

8. Trigg Bushland Reserve Trail

9. Palm Terrace Walk, Forrestfield

10. Numbat Trail, Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary

11. Sixty Foot Falls, Ellis Brook Valley Reserve

A local’s guide to the best wineries near Perth

A local’s guide to the ultimate things to do in Perth

Here’s where to get the best coffee in Perth

The best pubs in Perth, according to a local

The ultimate Margaret River road trip itinerary for food & wine lovers

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Pair’d Margaret River Region is proudly owned by the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA.