17th February 2025
The Complete Perth Hiking Guide
Your Path to Adventure
Welcome to Perth, where the trails lead to adventure, the bush hums with life, and every step brings a deeper connection to nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just lacing up your boots for the first time, this guide is your gateway to the best hiking experiences Perth has to offer.
From the rolling hills of the Darling Scarp to hidden waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs, we’re about to take you on a journey through some of Western Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes. So pack your daypack, breathe in that crisp eucalyptus air, and let’s hit the trail.
Why Perth is a Hiker’s Paradise
Perth is a city built for the outdoors. Bordered by the Indian Ocean and vast stretches of untamed bushland, it offers an incredible variety of hiking trails, from rugged multi-day treks to short and scenic strolls. Towering jarrah and marri forests, pristine waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and sweeping coastal views make this region a dream for nature lovers.
Perfect Weather, Year-Round
With more sunshine than any other Australian capital, Perth is a hiker’s dream in every season. Even in winter, misty mornings give way to crisp, clear afternoons, making it the perfect time to explore the hiking trails. In spring, the bush bursts into colour as thousands of wildflower species bloom across the landscape.
Wildlife Encounters on the Trail
The hiking trails in and around Perth are teeming with life. Keep an eye out for black cockatoos gliding overhead, echidnas rustling through the undergrowth, and kangaroos basking in the morning sun. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a quokka or a bandicoot in the quieter parts of the bush.
Perth Hiking Tours: A Guided Experience
For those who prefer to hike with a knowledgeable guide, Perth offers a range of hiking tours that add a deeper layer of understanding to the landscape. Whether you’re interested in learning about the Noongar people’s connection to Country, discovering local flora and fauna, or simply finding the best-hidden spots, a guided tour is a great way to experience Perth’s trails.
Some popular options include:
- Multi-day hikes along the Bibbulmun Track
- Wildflower walks in spring
- Sunset guided hikes through the Perth Hills
For those looking to deepen their connection to nature, a guided hike is a great way to see the landscape through new eyes.
The Best Hiking Trails in the Perth Hills for All Skill Levels
The Perth Hills are home to some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Western Australia. With deep valleys, towering forests, seasonal waterfalls, and panoramic lookouts, this region is perfect for those looking to escape the city and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re up for a tough challenge, a scenic mid-length walk, or a relaxed beginner-friendly trail, there’s something here for everyone.
Challenging Hikes for the Adventurous
If you love steep climbs, rugged terrain, and rewarding views, these trails will test your endurance while showcasing some of the Perth Hills’ most stunning landscapes.
Eagle View Walk Trail – John Forrest National Park
Distance: 15km loop | Time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Hard
A long, rewarding circuit through John Forrest National Park, this hike takes you deep into the bush with sweeping views of the Swan Coastal Plain. Along the way, you’ll pass rocky outcrops, hidden waterfalls, and dense eucalyptus forests, with plenty of opportunities to spot kangaroos and black cockatoos.
Kitty’s Gorge Trail – Serpentine National Park
Distance: 14km return | Time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Hard
Following Gooralong Brook through a lush valley, this trail offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the Perth Hills. Expect granite outcrops, waterfalls, and serene forest sections before reaching Serpentine Falls, a perfect place to cool off at the end of the hike.
Moderate Hikes with Stunning Views
For those who want a challenge without committing to a full-day trek, these trails offer amazing scenery with a bit of effort—ideal for hikers who want a balance of adventure and accessibility.
Lesmurdie Falls
Distance: 2.5km return | Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Moderate
One of Perth’s most iconic waterfall hikes, Lesmurdie Falls is a must-visit, particularly in winter and early spring when the falls are at their peak. The short walk to the lookout offers incredible views over the city, while the more adventurous can continue down into the valley for a different perspective.
Bickley Reservoir Loop
Distance: 3km loop | Time: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Moderate
This peaceful loop meanders through jarrah forest and follows the edges of Bickley Reservoir, creating a tranquil and scenic hiking experience. With gentle inclines and a quiet setting, it’s a perfect mid-morning walk for those looking to enjoy nature at a relaxed pace.
Easy Trails for Beginners
If you’re new to hiking or simply looking for a gentle, scenic walk, these beginner-friendly trails offer a great way to experience the Perth Hills without the steep climbs or long distances.
Whistlepipe Gully – Kalamunda
Distance: 3.5km return | Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy
This hidden gem in Kalamunda follows a bubbling creek through picturesque bushland, with small waterfalls and historic ruins adding to its charm. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, when the light filters through the trees and creates a magical atmosphere.
Bold Park Trail
Distance: 5km loop | Time: 1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy
A fantastic option for those who want city views with a touch of wilderness, Bold Park offers well-maintained trails that weave through native bushland, leading to lookouts with panoramic views of both the coastline and the Perth skyline. Located just a short drive from the CBD, it’s a great way to experience Perth’s wild landscapes without traveling too far.
Hidden Gems: Underrated Hiking Spots Around Perth
If you’re looking to trade crowded trails for untouched wilderness and secret lookouts, these hidden hiking gems are calling your name. Whether you’re after rugged ridgelines, cascading waterfalls, or dramatic rock formations, these underrated trails offer a unique adventure away from the usual hotspots.
Wungong Gorge – A true hidden treasure for those craving solitude and a challenge. This rugged trail winds through steep valleys, rocky ridgelines, and dense bushland, rewarding hikers with sweeping views over the Perth Hills. Perfect for those who love an off-the-grid adventure.
Ellis Brook Valley – Known for having some of Perth’s best wildflower displays, this reserve is home to the Sixty Foot Falls Trail, a short but steep hike that leads to stunning waterfalls and breathtaking city views. Spring transforms this valley into a colourful wonderland.
Statham’s Quarry Trail – A fascinating blend of history and natural beauty, this abandoned quarry in the Perth Hills has become a haven for rock climbers and hikers alike. The trail offers dramatic cliffside views and a unique, otherworldly landscape that feels like a hidden pocket of adventure.
Looking for even more trail inspiration? Check out the hidden gems of Perth for a complete roundup of the best hidden gems across Perth.
A Local’s Guide to John Forrest National Park
As Western Australia’s oldest national park, John Forrest offers some of the most rewarding hikes near Perth, combining natural beauty with a touch of history. Just a short drive from the city, it’s the perfect escape for those wanting to explore scenic trails, waterfalls, and native wildlife.
- Railway Reserves Heritage Trail – Follow the path of the old Eastern Railway through forests and rocky outcrops, passing through the historic John Forrest Tunnel.
- National Park Falls & Hovea Falls – Best visited in winter and early spring when rainfall transforms these rocky cascades into flowing waterfalls.
- Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for kangaroos lounging in the picnic areas and black cockatoos soaring above the treetops.
For more details on exploring this iconic park, check out A Local’s Guide to John Forrest National Park.
Essential Tips for Hiking in Perth
Hiking in Perth offers stunning landscapes, from waterfalls and wildflower-filled valleys to rugged ridgelines and coastal cliffs. But with WA’s unique climate and terrain, it’s important to be prepared to make the most of your adventure.
- Start early – Mornings are the best time to hike, especially in summer. You’ll avoid the midday heat and experience the trails at their most peaceful, with cooler temperatures and better chances of spotting wildlife.
- Bring plenty of water – Perth’s dry climate means dehydration can set in quickly, even on shorter hikes. Carry at least two litres of water per person, more for longer or more challenging trails.
- Leave no trace – Protect WA’s beautiful landscapes by taking all rubbish with you, sticking to marked trails, and avoiding damage to native plants and wildlife.
- Check for trail closures – Some trails close in summer due to fire risk, while others may be affected by maintenance or seasonal conditions. Always check local park websites before heading out.
Start Your Perth Hiking Journey
Perth is a city that thrives on adventure. Whether you’re looking for a tough challenge, a gentle stroll through the bush, or an off-the-beaten-path experience, there’s a trail waiting for you.
Lace up your boots, step into the wild, and discover the best that Perth’s hiking trails have to offer. There’s a whole world of adventure just beyond the city, and it’s calling your name.The complete Perth Hiking Guide
