The 9 Best Hikes In Perth
Perth is the largest city and the capital of Western Australia. It’s also Australia’s fourth most populous city and one of the world’s most isolated capital cities. Located on the west bank of the Swan River, Perth is a picturesque city where you can enjoy the sunshine and beach lifestyle with its uncrowded and clean pearly beaches. You’ll also find many grassy areas to appreciate nature and have a relaxing picnic or soak up remarkable views at Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
If you’re into watersports, there’s no shortage of water activities to try in Perth. Boating, sailing, fishing, and swimming are some of the most popular things to do in this marvelous city, but you can always take a wine cruise on the Swam River or visit the thousands of animal species at the Perth Zoo. It also has an abundance of restaurants, bars, pubs, shops, art galleries, night markets for an evening of fun in Perth, and exhibitions you can check out while in the city.
But if you’re looking for a more daring adventure, why not go hiking instead? Hikes in Perth cover all abilities and fitness levels, from novice to hardcore hikers. You not only get a chance to experience many of its health benefits but also enjoy scenic views and meet different outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, you might come across some of the country’s natural wildlife, such as wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas.
Before you embark on your journey, leave your bags and spare gear at a reliable luggage storage facility in Perth. That way, you can go hiking without unnecessary items weighing you down. See the sights, get some exercise and enjoy the beauty that is Perth!
Our Top Hiking Trails in Perth
Eagle View Walk
The Eagle View Walk trail will take you through the oldest national park in Western Australia, John Forrest National Park. It’s a 15-kilometer loop that can be tackled for five to six hours by hikers of all fitness levels and experiences. It offers amazing views of the Swan Coastal Plain and spectacular scenery along the way.
The trail starts at the picnic area, and as you make your way up and down valleys, hills, and creek lines, you’ll pass through different vegetation types. You’ll also tackle the occasional tricky rock formation, which shouldn’t present any problem even for the most casual hikers. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Swan Coastal Plain, the city skyline, and the ocean in the distance.
Although not entirely a difficult trail, it’s recommended to have a bushwalking experience, as tracks can be long, rough, and steep. The best time to hike is from September to December to see the rugged landscape coming alive with a carpet of brilliant wildflowers.
Kitty's Gorge Walk
Arguably one of the best half-day trails in Perth, Kitty’s Gorge walk trail is a fantastic return hike, leading hikers to the magnificent Serpentine Falls through the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook. The trail runs between Serpentine Falls in the Serpentine National Park and Jarrahdale and can be accessed from either end. There are no facilities if you start at the Jarrahdale end except the car park, while the Serpentine end offers picnic tables, car parking, BBQ, and public toilets.
Hikers love the cascading waters, beautiful streams, rocky rapids, and the moss-covered granite outcrops they see along the way. Although the path is generally clean and well-maintained, there are loose gravel surfaces, uneven grounds, gradual uphill with flat sections, and a steep, stepped section when you get near the Serpentine Falls. That’s why it requires some experience and a degree of fitness, so it may not be suitable for beginners.
Baldwin's Bluff Trail
Although not as popular as Kitty’s Gorge, Baldwin’s Bluff Trail is worth your attention if you want a heart-racing hiking experience. A 5.6km loop in the Serpentine National Park, this trail is generally considered a challenging route that can take one to two hours to complete. It’s a steep yet manageable hike, awarding you views of the Serpentine Falls, the valley, and the Swan Coastal Plain.
Expect some challenging gradients, loose rocky surfaces in some areas, and a steep climb to the hill's summit. Although it’s not marked clearly, you’ll know you’ve reached the summit once you get to the top, as you’ll be rewarded with incredible views. Of course, you’ll also see gorgeous jarrah forests and blooming wildflowers, especially if you hike in spring.
Lesmurdie Falls
Lesmurdie Falls is a breathtaking attraction offering a series of walk trails of varying degrees of difficulty for every fitness level; some of which will take you through parts of the Mundy Regional Park and Lesmurdie Falls National Park.
Falls Trail is a 640-meter hike and the most doable of all trails. On average, it will only take you about 45 minutes to complete. It starts at the top of the falls, following the brook with panoramic views along the way. It offers excellent photo opportunities and allows you to take in the beautiful scenery. Then, you’ll continue down through the lush green vegetation until you find a picnic area at the base of the hills before you get to the foot of the falls.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, the Valley Loop is the longest trail to try. It’s a three-kilometer return walk that will take about 2 hours to complete. It also has viewing platforms from which you can see the side of the falls and across the coastal plains. If you hike in springtime, you'll be amazed by the color of wildflowers in the Perth Hills.
Bells Rapids
With a glorious backdrop, great picnic spots, and wonderful walk trails, it’s easy to see why Bell Rapids is a much-loved destination among visitors and locals. Here you can explore the marvelous waterfalls and streams and admire the scenic views of the coastal plains and countryside. It’s also a prime viewing location for the iconic Avon Descent white water race.
Bell Rapids is only a short trip out of Perth city, so you don’t have to go too far for a fun outdoor adventure. It offers two unique circuit walk trails – the 3-kilometer Goat Walk and the 2.5-kilometer River Walk. Exit the footbridge and take a left turn if you want to take the easy Bells Rapids River Walk or head to your right to follow the more challenging trail.
You’ll experience a small rocky area on the River Walk trail, but it’s flat and smooth on most of the route. Take note that the path along the river edge is unstable, so skip it and continue along the trail. On the other hand, the Goat Walk has loose gravel sections and steep inclines, so it’s best tackled by moderate hikers or those with medium-level fitness. After a day of trekking, make your way back to Perth for hearty street food.
Sixty Foot Falls
If you want to go off the beaten track, try the Sixty Foot Falls walk trail in the Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, Banyowla Regional Park. It’s relatively smaller than other famous falls, so the hike is short and can be completed in an hour to one and a half hours. But it doesn’t mean it’s an easy hike and can be tackled by anyone without experience.
Commencing at the bottom of the valley, you’ll experience a steep incline as you climb to the top of the waterfall. Considering you’re going uphill with a 110-meter elevation in under 2 kilometers, it's pretty steep. The descent to the base of the falls is easy if there’s dry, sunny weather as the rocks tend to be grippy. Otherwise, it could be slippery, so save your walk for a dry day.
It's hard to miss the lush vegetation and greenery along the way. And if you hike during the wildflower season, you’ll marvel at the vibrancy and color of different flowers around you.
Numbat Trail
At a 12km walk, the Numbat Trail is the longest and most challenging of three trails in the Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, including the Quenda Trail (6.5km) and the Possum Trail (2km). It takes approximately three to six hours to complete, or even longer if you like to sit or often stop to take photos and bask in the sun.
This trail is no walk in the park. You’ll have to take lots of steps and experience several steep climbs, providing an excellent challenge for hikers and bushwalkers. But you’ll also love the fantastic views across the landscape. Numerous seating and viewing platforms are provided where you can see the surrounding Avon Valley and farmland views. It’s open year-round, so you can visit any time with your friends or as a solo traveler.
Bluff Knoll
The Bluff Knoll trail is a climb not for the faint of heart. It’s the most popular hiking trail in the Stirling Range National Park that will take you over 1000 meters above sea level. It’s the highest peak you’ll find in the southwest, offering a remarkable 360-degree view from the summit. It’s a 6.8km return hike that takes an average of three to four hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and hiking skills.
Plan your hike on a clear day to see far and wide from the top of the summit. But since the weather patterns can shift quickly around the peaks, be sure to pack your jacket and be ready for increasing winds and much colder temperature at the summit. Don’t forget to bring enough snacks and water and estimate your return time for a solid three- to four-hour trip to the top and back down.
The Bluff Knoll trail is a challenging hike with steep sections, but there’s no need to rush. Take your time and appreciate the beautiful view while catching your breath. Stop at the seated rest point halfway up and savor the moment.
Bibbulmun Track
Your hiking experience in Western Australia will never be complete without finishing the Bibbulmun Track. It’s one of the great long-distance walk trails in the world, spanning 1000 kilometers from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany. Completing the entire track would take about six to eight weeks, although you can cover a smaller distance or opt for day walks. You can camp out, join a tour or a guided group, or enjoy an exciting day on the track and return to the comfort of your home.
Thousands of bushwalkers and hardcore hikers from around the world come to Western Australia to take on the challenge. The track takes them through towering forests and mist-shrouded valleys, along sandy beaches, and over cascading rivers and creeks. It provides a range of unique experiences, from a peaceful and relaxing stroll to a wild eight-week adventure.
Easy Hikes in Perth
The Lesmurdie Falls offer a relatively easy and pleasant walk from the top of the waterfalls to its base, with excellent city views and lush surroundings. It’s a popular walk in the Perth Hills with a well-defined and clear track you can complete under an hour.
If you’re searching for a family-friendly hike in Perth, the Sixty Foot Falls trail is also worth exploring. There are some steep areas, but they won’t be consistent throughout your walk. It’s also dog-friendly, so you can always take your animal travel buddy.
Intermediate Hikes in Perth
The 15km Eagle View trail around John Forrest National Park is great for moderate and advanced moderate hikers who can handle longer inclines. There are narrow paths and vertical climbs of about 250 meters, but nothing an experienced bushwalker can't do.
Baldwin's Bluff is a moderately difficult trail highlighted with incredible views from the summit. It has a tricky incline and brings challenging grounding suitable for hikers with moderate fitness levels.
Difficult Hikes in Perth
If you’re feeling extra fit and want to push yourself to the limits, try the Kitty's Gorge and Baldwin's Bluff combo. Although it can be an easy feat for intermediate hikers to do one of them in a day, doing one after another is quite an undertaking.
For those who want to tackle more enormous challenges, try hiking the entire Bibbulmun Track. It passes through numerous national parks and reserves and would take you through various attractions in Western Australia. It’s a journey of a lifetime for many and a great accomplishment for every serious hiker.
Perth's Best Hiking Trails
Near Perth Station, you have places like Kings Park for a nice walk. But if you are looking for more, take a trek! Perth is an ideal destination for anyone looking for adrenaline-pumping adventures and activities that will get you closer to nature. With more days of sunshine each year, this Western Australia capital offers opportunities to enjoy some of the country’s famous spots, picturesque beaches, parks, trails, and diverse wildlife. So pack your hiking gear, wear your hat, apply your sunscreen, and bring lots of water for an exhilarating hiking trip. Check out the best hiking trails in Perth to get your heart pumping.