21st May 2025

Beginner’s Guide: How to Start Hiking If You’re Not Outdoorsy

Let’s clear something up from the start:
You don’t have to be “outdoorsy” to go hiking.

You don’t need to own hiking boots, know how to read a trail map, or even like bugs (we don’t always either). You don’t need to identify as rugged, adventurous, or the type who rises at sunrise for a summit push.

You just need one thing: a willingness to show up, exactly as you are.

This is a beginner hiking guide for Perth locals and first-time walkers — for anyone who’s been curious about hiking, but never felt like it was for them. Whether you’re worried about fitness, unsure what to wear, or just don’t want to be the slowest person in the group — you’re in the right place.

Welcome to Unbound hiking in WA — a movement built on the belief that nature doesn’t care how fast you walk or what gear you wear. And neither do we.

What Does It Mean to Be “Not Outdoorsy”?

Maybe you grew up in the city, never camped, and still feel more at home in sneakers than hiking boots.
Maybe you’re not the spontaneous weekend-warrior type.
Or maybe you’ve just never had someone invite you into the outdoors gently — without ego, expectations, or pressure.

Being “not outdoorsy” isn’t a flaw. It’s just a story you’ve picked up.
One that says nature is only for a certain kind of person.

But we’re here to help you rewrite it — slowly, and at your own pace — with easy walking trails in Perth that make starting simple.

Why Start Now?

Because beginner-friendly hiking in WA is one of the simplest, most accessible, and most powerful ways to:

Clear your head
Feel your body move
Get away from screens
Reconnect with something real
Remind yourself that you’re part of the natural world — not separate from it

And the best part? You don’t have to achieve anything.
You can start small, stay local, and still feel the full benefit of gentle nature walks in Perth.

Step 1: Redefine What “Hiking” Looks Like

Forget the image of muddy boots on a cliff edge or someone smashing a 15km loop with a hydration pack.

Soft hiking in Western Australia can be:

A 2km loop around a lake
A flat trail through forest with rest stops
A beachside walk with your friend and a thermos of tea
A guided group hike where the goal is simply to enjoy the moment

Unbound hiking for beginners in WA is not about conquering — it’s about connecting.
With yourself, with others, and with the land under your feet.

Step 2: Choose the Right First Trail

Look for a trail that’s:

Under 5km
Mostly flat or with a gentle incline
Has facilities nearby (toilets, water, benches)
Easy to follow (loop trails are great for beginners)

In a location you already feel comfortable getting to

A few first-time hiking trails near Perth we recommend:

Lake Monger Loop (3.5km) – Flat, paved, scenic
Kings Park Law Walk (short version) – Well-maintained, bushland with views
Noble Falls – Gentle gravel loop with wildflowers and rest areas
John Forrest National Park picnic trails – Forest immersion without the elevation

We’re building a full guide to accessible and beginner trails in WA → as part of the Unbound Series, so stay tuned for more.