6th August 2025
A Wild Wander Through John Forrest National Park
Where Waterfalls, Tunnels, and Wildflowers Tell the Story of Country
When we speak about hiking in Perth, one name always echoes through the trees: John Forrest National Park.
It’s not just Western Australia’s oldest national park—it’s a living, breathing patch of history and wonder. Tucked into the folds of the Darling Range and just 30 minutes from the city, John Forrest invites you to step out of the ordinary and into something quietly extraordinary. Think granite outcrops older than time. Waterfalls tumbling through native bush. And kangaroos that watch you as you wander—unbothered, as if you’re just another part of the forest.
This isn’t just a place to hike. It’s a place to feel.
Whether you’re out for a breath of fresh air or looking to fill your cup in more ways than one, here’s our guide to experiencing the magic of John Forrest—trail by trail.
For the Beginners & Micro-Adventurers
Sometimes, all you need is 20 minutes under the trees. Here’s where to start:
Jane Brook Promenade Loop | 300m
This bite-sized loop is perfect for families with littlies or anyone craving a moment of stillness. It’s flat, accessible, and packed with scenic rewards for minimal effort. Take a gentle stroll past native bush, picnic spots, and open space for reflection.
Walk to Hovea Falls | 2km return
This short out-and-back walk rewards you with views of Hovea Falls cascading over granite rock, especially after winter rains. Bring a thermos of tea and perch on a boulder for a mindful moment.
For Waterfall Seekers
Come winter, these trails hum with the sound of flowing water—nourishment for the land and for us too.
Walk to National Park Falls | 2.2km return
An easy, family-friendly meander to one of Perth’s best seasonal waterfalls. Bonus points if you visit just after a downpour—the kind where the air smells like eucalyptus and the falls are at full flow.
Glen Brook Trail | 2.2km loop
Start at the main picnic area and wander this quiet loop trail to catch glimpses of Glen Brook Dam and a peaceful patchwork of marri and jarrah trees. Bring your camera—this is wildflower territory too.
For the Wildflower Wanderers
Come August and September, the park explodes in colour—everlastings, wattles, and orchids stealing the show. These are the trails to tread if you’re chasing bloom-fuelled joy:
Wildflower Walk | 4.5km loop
As the name suggests, this trail was made for flower-chasers. Depending on rainfall, you might find carpets of colour, bees hard at work, and that unmistakable spring-in-your-step feeling that only wildflowers can bring.
For History Buffs & Tunnel Explorers
Walk to Swan View Tunnel | 6.2km return
This one’s got all the goods: native bushland, sweeping valley views, and a slice of railway history. The Swan View Tunnel was built in 1894, and walking through its cool, echoey passage is a little like time travel. Don’t forget your torch—or embrace the pitch-black thrill and listen for the whispers of the past.
For Those Craving Perspective
There’s something about hiking to a high point that feels like you’ve earned your view—not just of the land, but of your life.
Little Eagle View Walk | 7.9km half-day loop
A moderately challenging climb with sweeping views and shady rests under granite outcrops. Pause at the top and take it all in. The quiet. The movement. The magic.
Eagle View Walk | 15km full-day loop
This one’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of trail. It weaves through jarrah forests, skirts the edges of deep valleys, and circles back to the heart of the park. You’ll need stamina and snacks, but the reward? Peace. Space. Presence.
For the Long Wanderers
Railway Reserves Heritage Trail | 41km loop
This is Perth Hills hiking at its best—if you’ve got the time. Once part of the railway line connecting Perth to the Goldfields, this loop is a living museum and a long-distance dream. You don’t have to do it all in one go—pick a section and soak it in.
Trail Tips from The Hike Collective
To make the most of your journey through John Forrest:
Season matters: Visit in winter or spring for flowing waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers.
Pack with intention: BYO water (fountain at the main carpark), plenty of snacks, and layers.
Plan for no pups: It’s a National Park—dogs aren’t allowed, so leave furry friends at home.
Be kind to Country: Stick to the trails, leave no trace, and walk gently through this ancient land.
Pay to play: A National Park entry fee applies unless you’re on foot when entering the park.
A Final Step…
At The Hike Collective, we believe movement can shift more than your body—it can shift your being. John Forrest National Park is proof that you don’t have to travel far to reconnect with what matters. You just have to show up, lace up, and look up.
Whether you’re walking for clarity, connection, or the sheer joy of it, JFNP has a trail with your name on it.
Ready to explore it with us?
Check out our seasonal guided hikes through John Forrest and let us take care of the details. Wildflowers, waterfalls, and wonderful company—just bring your sense of wonder.
