The Best Hikes and Walking Trails in Perth

Perth is one of Australia’s most versatile major cities, with an extensive lineup of picturesque scenery, stunning architecture, and amazing nightlife, that combines harmoniously with its broad, laid-back culture. But in close proximity to this capital city, lucky explorers will find some of Western Australia’s most enjoyable hikes and walking trails, spanning across picturesque beaches, lush forests, and pristine national parks. Here are our picks of the best hikes in and around Perth.

Where: Kalamunda, 35 minutes from CBD
Length: 1 to 1000km
Difficulty: Challenging
Season: Autumn to Spring

First and definitely foremost on our list is the legendary Bibbulmun Track. Recognised as one of the world's greatest long distance walking trails, 'The Bibb' as it’s known stretches over 1,000km from the Kalamunda in the Perth Hills all the way down to Albany in the south coast of Western Australia.

This expansive trail offers a wide range of start, end, and entry points, creating anything from a gentle stroll or a day walk between quiet rural towns to an epic 8 week camping adventure that visits every one of the 49 different campsites along the way. Named after the Bibbulmun Nyoongar People who were known to travel large distances on foot, the track attracts visitors from all around the world for good reason.

Spanning across 22 different national parks and reserves, the sheer diversity of landscape, flora and fauna on offer from this award-winning track is something truly incredible. It also links with some of WA’s most popular scenic attractions including Mundaring Weir, the Gloucester Tree, and Mandalay Beach. 

The track is well marked, but walkers are advised to use a map and guidebook, available from the Bibbulmun Track Foundation, equipment stores, visitor information centres, and the Bibbulmun Track online store. Guided tours are also available.

Where: Walyunga National Park, 50 minutes from CBD
Length: 11 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate - Challenging
Season: Autumn to Spring

The 11 km long Echidna Trail in Walyunga National Park takes hikers along the Avon River, past Syd’s Rapids, a rushing area of whitewater well known as the site of the yearly Avon Descent Race Festival.

After the rapids begins a sharp ascent to Woodsome Hill, where you’ll be greeted with amazing views of the surrounding bushland, Avon Valley, and the nearby Swan Coastal Plain. Severely affected by the 2020 Wooroloo Fires, the surrounding area has now truly rebloomed, with lush greenery, beautiful wildflowers, and the odd native animal all on display for lucky visitors.

Where: Serpentine National Park, 1 hour from CBD
Length: 17.5 km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: All year round

Kitty’s Gorge is one of the area’s better known trails, taking visitors through lush forests, granite structures, and of course, the amazing Serpentine Falls.

During the warmer months, the falls and connecting pools make for a refreshing swimming hole, while the colder months give way to the serene, flowing waters of the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook.

A two-way walk with starting points at either Jarrahdale or Serpentine Falls, both ends are equipped with parking and BBQ facilities, perfect for making a day out of your visit. Those starting from Jarrahdale may also want to incorporate Stacey’s Loop into their route, an easy 1.9km loop trail that winds through the stunning jarrah forest and over Gooralong Brook.

Where: Mundy Regional Park, 30 minutes from CBD
Length: 0.5 - 3km
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: Winter to Spring

Awarded the title of Best Waterfall Trail of 2021, Lesmurdie Falls is an absolute must-visit for keen walkers, picnickers, and sunset chasers. Best visited during the colder months that see the Lesmurdie Brook crashing down the Darling Escarpment to form the famous waterfall, the surrounding bushland is home to 5 trails of varying length and difficulty which lead hikers to different points of interest around the area. 

The 640m Falls Trail provides the best view of the waterfall, while the 2km Foot of the Falls Trail takes you down to where the lush vegetation and rushing water meet. The 3km Valley Loop trail is a slightly more challenging route that takes you all the way around the valley, while The Lesmurdie Brook Loop is a more relaxed trail that features a number of beautifully crafted bridges and seats along the banks.

Where: Perth CBD
Length: 0.2km - 3.5km
Difficulty: Easy
Season: All year round

Kings Park and its surrounding botanic gardens provide the ideal setting for those looking for a selection of beautifully scenic walking trails in close proximity to the city. With over 400 hectares of gardens, parkland, and native bushland home to over 3,000 unique species of flora, Kings Park is a colourful, diverse, and convenient way of getting out into nature, and with a range of walking trails of varying difficulty, has something on offer for hikers of all experience levels.

With more memorials than any other park in Australia, Kings Park’s Memorial Walk pays tribute to the heroes of yesteryear and their achievements through tributes such as the State War Memorial, the John Forrest statue, the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, and the Jewish Memorial. 

The Boodja Gnarning Walk takes you on a cultural journey through the history of the indigenous Nyoongar people, the traditional owners of the land that Kings Park now stands on, shedding light on their ancient relationship with the native flora and fauna. The walk features interpretive signage with information and artwork from the Nyoongar people, with an initial 1km trail splitting off into the Maarm and Yorga trails, that each provide their own perspective on indigenous gender and spirituality. 

Where: Kalamunda National Park, 35 minutes from CBD
Length: 5.1km loop
Difficulty: Moderate - Challenging
Season: Autumn to Spring

As its name suggests, Rocky Pool Walk is known for one of the largest natural pools in the Perth Hills area, and actually used to serve as the local swimming hole in decades past. It’s also one of Perth’s most iconic walking trails.

Spanning across the picturesque Jarrah and Marri forests, this trail of hills and troughs is well worth the effort, delivering some awe inspiring views of Rocky Pool, the connecting rapids, and the surrounding bushland. Cool down after your walk with a quick dip, or head to the rocks above the pool for a great place to sit back and enjoy a tranquil picnic. 

Where: City Beach, 5 minutes from CBD
Length: 5.4km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Season: All Year Round

Another great option for those looking for a shot of nature within the city, Bold Park is a sprawling reserve area with over 1,000 identified species of flora and fauna, and more than 10 different walking trails of varying distances.

The Zamia Trail encompasses elements from a number of the different walks while circumnavigating the park in a 5.4km loop, taking you up past Reabold Hill and Ocean View Lookout, where depending on where you look, you’ll be greeted by views of the great Indian Ocean, the city skyline, or the surrounding bushland. The park is open all year round, and leashed dogs are welcome.