10 Best Hiking Trails in Perth, Western Australia: Easy to Challenging Hikes
Perth offers some of Western Australia’s best day hikes, with scenic bushwalking trails winding through the granite landscapes and jarrah forests of the Perth Hills. If you are planning hiking in Perth Western Australia, routes such as Eagle View Walk, Kitty’s Gorge and sections of the Bibbulmun Track give you plenty of choice across different distances and difficulty levels. This guide covers the top trails, the best times to go and practical tips for planning your hike.
Key Takeaways
Perth offers everything from short city bushwalks to challenging Perth Hills and national park day hikes, with Eagle View, Kitty's Gorge and the Bibbulmun Track among the best-known options.
April to October generally brings better hiking conditions, with stronger waterfall flows in winter and wildflowers becoming a highlight through spring.
Check BOM forecasts, Fire Danger Ratings and Park Alerts before leaving, and prepare offline navigation for trails with unreliable mobile coverage.
10 Top Bushwalks and Hiking Routes Around Perth
From scenic lookouts and seasonal waterfalls to native bushland and coastal landscapes, Perth offers plenty of routes worth exploring. The following hiking trails in Perth highlight different trail experiences, helping you choose a route based on scenery, distance and difficulty.
1. Eagle View Walk, John Forrest National Park
Distance: 14.8 km circuit
Difficulty: Challenging
Located in John Forrest National Park, Eagle View Walk winds through jarrah forest and along Jane Brook, passing waterfalls, rocky sections and scenic lookouts. As noted by Explore Parks WA, the loop offers views across the Swan Coastal Plain, Perth city and the ocean beyond. Its steep and uneven sections make it a rewarding choice for those who seeking a more challenging day walk.
2. Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail
Distance: 14 km return
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Kitty’s Gorge Walk follows Gooralong Brook and the Serpentine River through jarrah and marri forest, passing waterfalls, granite outcrops and rocky sections along the way. The trail becomes more demanding when you walk uphill from Serpentine Falls toward Jarrahdale Cemetery. Roots, loose stones and uneven ground require careful footing, and rain can make some boardwalks and rocky sections slippery.
3. Bibbulmun Track from Kalamunda
Distance: Variable, from short walks to multi-week journeys
Difficulty: Easy to hard, depending on the section
The Bibbulmun Track is a world-famous long-distance hiking trail in Western Australia. Its northern terminus is in Kalamunda, and the trail winds through the bushland of the Perth Hills toward Mundaring Weir and beyond. With sections of varying lengths and difficulty, hikers can choose a route that fits their available time, fitness level and hiking experience.
4. Lesmurdie Falls Valley Loop
Distance: 3 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
The Lesmurdie Falls Valley Loop takes you through the Perth Hills, combining forest, rocky sections and seasonal waterfall scenery. As the route descends into the valley and climbs back toward the falls, hikers encounter varied terrain and several steeper sections. The waterfall is usually at its most impressive after winter rainfall, while early spring adds fresh greenery and wildflowers to the surrounding landscape.
5. Law Walk, Kings Park
Distance: About 2.5 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with some steeper sections
A short but scenic route in Kings Park, Law Walk follows the Swan River escarpment through native bushland. The trail combines gentle paths with elevated views of the river, city skyline and surrounding landscape. Its manageable distance and easy terrain make it a convenient option for a relaxed walk without leaving central Perth.
6. Zamia Trail, Bold Park
Distance: 5.1 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Zamia Trail loops through Bold Park’s coastal bushland, crossing gravel, limestone and sandy sections with views toward both the Indian Ocean and Perth. The trail passes ancient zamias, tall tuarts and several lookouts along its varied terrain. You can also connect the route to the Reabold Hill Summit Boardwalk, which leads to the highest natural point on the metropolitan coastal plain and opens up wider city and coastal views.
7. Bells Rapids Walk Trail
Distance: 2.75 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Bells Rapids Walk follows the Swan River through the Swan Valley, with granite formations, native bushland and views across the rapids. The route combines two noticeably different sections: the River Walk stays mostly flat apart from a small rocky section, while the Goat Walk climbs over the hill through steeper, rockier terrain. Winter and spring bring stronger river flows and seasonal wildflowers, adding more interest to the riverside scenery.
8. Echidna Trail, Walyunga National Park
Distance: 11 km loop
Difficulty: Difficult
Echidna Trail follows the river past Syd’s Rapids before climbing steeply to Woodsome Hill, where you get broad views across the Avon Valley. The route continues through heathland and native bush before descending toward the river again. Walk the trail anticlockwise because this direction helps you avoid tackling the steepest section as a slippery descent.
9. Whistlepipe Gully
Distance: 3.5 km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Granite formations and native vegetation define much of the Whistlepipe Gully walk in the Perth Hills. The route descends into a narrow valley, where rocky outcrops and shaded bushland create a more enclosed setting than many nearby trails. After winter rain, water can appear along the gully, adding another seasonal feature to the landscape.
10. Wadjemup Bidi, Rottnest Island
Distance: Variable by section
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Wadjemup Bidi stretches for 45 km across five connected walking trails on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island. The sections take walkers past coastal headlands, beaches, salt lakes, inland bushland and culturally significant landmarks across the island. You can complete individual sections as part of a day trip from Perth or link several together over a longer stay, so you do not need to tackle the full 45 km route at once.
Perth Hiking Trails at a Glance
Trail | Best For | Best Time | Time Commitment | Difficulty |
Eagle View Walk | Forests, waterfalls and city views | Apr–Oct; spring for wildflowers | 5–6 hours | Moderate |
Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail | Waterfalls and valley scenery | Jul–Sep (winter to early spring) | Half day | Moderate |
Bibbulmun Track from Kalamunda | Long-distance hiking with flexible routes | Apr–early Nov (autumn to late spring) | Hours to multiple days | Easy to Challenging (varies by section) |
Lesmurdie Falls Valley Loop | Seasonal waterfalls and wildflowers | Jul–Sep (late winter to early spring) | About 2 hours | Easy to Moderate |
Law Walk, Kings Park | City skyline and easy walking | Year-round (best in Sep–Nov or Mar–May) | About 45 minutes | Easy |
Zamia Trail, Bold Park | Quiet coastal bushland | Year-round (best in Sep–Nov) | About 1.5 hours | Easy to Moderate |
Bells Rapids Walk Trail | Rapids and granite landscapes | Jun–Aug (winter rainfall) | Under 1 hour | Easy to Moderate |
Echidna Trail, Walyunga National Park | Valley views and challenging climbs | Mar-Nov (mild spring and autumn) | About 3–4 hours | Challenging |
Whistlepipe Gully | Granite formations and shaded bushland | Jul–Sep (winter to early spring) | About 1.5 hours | Easy to Moderate |
Wadjemup Bidi, Rottnest Island | Diverse island landscapes and section hiking | Mar–May or Sep–Nov (mild spring and autumn) | 3–4 hours per section; several days for the full trail | Easy to Moderate |
Essential Tips for Hiking in Perth, Western Australia
A successful hike starts with good preparation. Before setting out, take time to plan your trip and make sure you know what to expect along the way.
Choose the Best Time
Autumn through spring generally offers the most comfortable conditions for hiking in Perth, although the best time varies by trail. Many bush and waterfall hikes are particularly rewarding from April to October, when winter rainfall can increase stream and waterfall flows, followed by wildflowers through spring. March to May can also suit coastal and island routes as summer heat eases. Check the trail-specific timing in the table above before planning your hike.
Check Weather, Fire Danger and Park Alerts
Before setting out, check several official sources to confirm that your trail is open and conditions are suitable:
BOM forecast: Review the latest temperature, rainfall and wind forecasts before your hike.
Emergency WA: Stay updated on bushfire warnings, emergency incidents and alerts affecting the hiking area.
Fire Danger Rating: Check the local Fire Danger Rating before you leave. Do not enter or remain on a trail when the forecast reaches Extreme or Catastrophic, as parks and trails may close during heightened bushfire conditions in Perth.
Park Alerts: Look for temporary trail or road closures, access restrictions and other park updates.
Prescribed burns: Find out whether planned burns or bushfire conditions could temporarily affect trail access or your hiking plans.
Check Park Entry Fees, Opening Hours and Access
Park rules and access conditions vary across Perth hiking areas, so check the latest information before leaving:
Entry fees and Park Passes: Some national parks, including John Forrest and Serpentine, charge vehicle entry fees. A valid Park Pass covers applicable park entry fees.
Opening and access: Check Explore Parks WA for current opening times, vehicle access and park closures before your trip.
Serpentine Falls capacity: The Serpentine Falls area often closes to new visitors after reaching capacity. Explore Parks WA recommends arriving before 10 am.
Pack Water, Sun Protection and Proper Footwear
Water: Carry enough water for the planned distance and allow extra for warmer conditions.
Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses to reduce sun exposure, particularly on open sections of the trail.
Footwear: Choose comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, and make sure the rest of your essential hiking gear suits the trail length, terrain and expected conditions.
Plan Offline Navigation and Emergency Communication
Reliable navigation and communication become especially important on longer trails and in areas with patchy mobile coverage. Prepare your route in advance and make sure your phone and other essential devices remain ready throughout the trip.
Download the trail map: Save the trail map to your phone before leaving so you can still check the route when mobile coverage is unavailable.
Share your route: Tell someone your planned route and expected return time before you set out.
Keep location services on: Keep location services on so Emergency+ can display your GPS coordinates if you need help.
Use Emergency+: The app provides your location and other emergency information when you need to contact Triple Zero (000).
Consider remote-area communication: For remote hiking routes with limited or no mobile coverage, carry a PLB or satellite communicator for remote routes with limited mobile coverage.
Keep devices charged: Using offline maps, GPS tracking and a camera can drain your phone faster on longer hikes. A high-capacity power bank suits lighter day trips, and a compact portable power station can provide extra backup for longer outings, trailhead stops or camping bases where several devices may need charging.
For hikers carrying several DC-powered devices, the EcoFlow TRAIL Plus 300 DC Portable Power Station is designed around the charging needs of phones, cameras, GPS units and other small outdoor electronics. Its compact, portable design also makes it easier to bring along on longer hiking, camping or road trips where access to regular charging points may be limited.
Longer hiking trips that include a campsite or vehicle base may call for AC power as well as USB charging. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station can support a broader range of gear, from phones and cameras to small AC devices. Its quiet operation suits campsite use, and the built-in light adds useful illumination when setting up camp or organising gear after dark.
Perth Hiking Safety and Trail Etiquette
Good trail etiquette helps protect Perth’s natural areas while keeping hiking routes safe and enjoyable. Follow local rules, respect wildlife and minimise your impact on the environment.
Prevent the Spread of Phytophthora Dieback
Phytophthora dieback is a soil-borne plant disease that can damage native vegetation in Western Australia. Help prevent its spread by staying on designated trails, avoiding muddy areas and following any park signs or hygiene measures. Remove soil and mud from footwear and equipment before entering natural areas and when leaving affected areas.
Stay on Marked Trails and Leave No Trace
Stay on marked trails to protect surrounding vegetation and reduce soil erosion. Avoid creating shortcuts or walking through sensitive areas, and take all rubbish with you when you leave. Keep natural objects where they are and leave the trail as you find it, so the surrounding environment remains undisturbed.
Protect Wildflowers and Native Wildlife
Perth’s hiking trails are home to diverse wildflowers and native wildlife, especially during spring. Avoid picking flowers or damaging vegetation, and give animals plenty of space rather than approaching or feeding them. Taking photos from a distance allows you to enjoy the scenery while leaving plants and wildlife undisturbed.
Follow Local Park and Pet Rules
Park rules can vary between hiking areas, so check the requirements before bringing a dog or entering with pets. Some parks restrict dog access, while others allow dogs only in designated areas. Be especially careful around 1080 baiting, which is used in some Western Australian parks for pest control and can be toxic to dogs. Follow all warning signs and keep pets away from baited areas.
Conclusion
With so many hiking trails in Perth, Western Australia, each outing can offer a different way to experience the region. From shorter urban walks to longer routes through natural landscapes, you can choose a trail based on your time, interests and hiking ability. A well-planned route also leaves more room to enjoy the scenery and make the most of your time outdoors.
FAQs
Can You Go Hiking in Perth in Summer?
Yes, you can go hiking in Perth in summer, but it is best to hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid extreme heat. Choose shorter, shaded or coastal trails, carry enough water, wear sun protection, and check weather and fire alerts before setting out.
What are the best hiking trails in Perth for beginners?
Law Walk is one of the more accessible options for beginners who want a shorter walk close to central Perth. Zamia Trail can also work for walkers comfortable with uneven limestone terrain. Bells Rapids is short, but its combined route includes steeper rocky sections, so check the trail grade before choosing it as a first hike.
Which Perth hiking trails are best for wildflowers?
The best time to see wildflowers on Perth hiking trails is usually between September and November, when many native plants are in bloom. Popular options include Eagle View Walk, Zamia Trail and sections of the Bibbulmun Track near Kalamunda. These routes pass through bushland areas where you can enjoy seasonal wildflowers along with native vegetation and scenic landscapes.
Are there any waterfall hikes near Perth?
Yes, Perth has several hiking trails where you can enjoy waterfalls and seasonal water flows. Lesmurdie Falls Valley Loop is a popular choice, with the waterfall often at its most impressive after winter rainfall. Another well-known spot is Serpentine Falls in Serpentine National Park, where visitors can enjoy waterfall views surrounded by native bushland. As water levels depend on rainfall, it is best to check current conditions before planning your visit.