28th March 2025

What to Put on Your Autumn Hiking List Right Now

Autumn in Perth is one of the most underrated times to explore the outdoors. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to dip, the trails come alive with a kind of quiet magic. The intense heat of summer gives way to crisp mornings, softer light, and that unmistakable earthy scent of change. It’s the perfect season to slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover the trails that might have felt out of reach in the hotter months.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting to dip your boots into weekend wandering, now is the time to refresh your hiking list with trails and essentials suited to this season. In this article, we’ll walk you through why autumn is such a special time to explore, which Western Australian trails are at their best right now, and what to pack for a safe, comfortable adventure.

Why Autumn is the Best Season to Hike in Perth

While summer hiking often means early starts and short distances to avoid the heat, autumn offers freedom. The days are cooler and more stable, meaning you can explore longer trails without the pressure of escaping midday sun. Nature itself starts to wind down in a beautiful way. Native trees like marri and jarrah begin to drop leaves, while wildlife is still active but easier to spot in the quieter bushland.

Autumn also brings a more introspective energy to the outdoors. The trails are quieter. The mood is calmer. There’s less urgency and more space to simply be present. For many hikers, this is the most rewarding time of year to explore the natural world.

From a practical point of view, trail conditions are often more forgiving in autumn too. You’re less likely to encounter dry, dusty tracks or dehydration risk, and with rain still minimal in early autumn, there’s less mud underfoot compared to winter.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to reset your hiking routine, this is it.

The Best Autumn Hiking Trails in and Around Perth

With so many incredible trails within an hour of the city, choosing where to go can be the hardest part. We’ve rounded up a few of Perth’s most stunning walks that truly shine during the autumn months. These trails offer a mix of scenery, elevation, and accessibility — and all are within easy reach for a weekend or even a spontaneous weekday adventure.

Lesmurdie Falls Walk Trail

Located in the Mundy Regional Park in the Perth Hills, Lesmurdie Falls is a perennial favourite and especially beautiful in autumn. The falls are sometimes still in flow thanks to an occasional late summer rainfall, and the cooler temperatures make the climb to the top viewing platform far more comfortable.

The trail itself offers a mix of terrain, from forest paths to open granite platforms, with panoramic views of the Swan Coastal Plain and city skyline. This is a great spot for sunrise or sunset hiking, when the light hits the valley in warm, golden hues.

If you’re looking for a trail that’s both accessible and rewarding, Lesmurdie Falls is a must.

Eagle View Trail – John Forrest National Park

For those looking to stretch their legs and push into a longer day hike, the Eagle View Trail is a classic autumn challenge. This 15-kilometre loop weaves through John Forrest National Park, one of Western Australia’s oldest conservation areas.

Autumn is the perfect time to tackle Eagle View. The distance becomes manageable thanks to cooler weather, and the trail’s changing elevation offers sweeping views, shaded gullies, and open granite ridges. Along the way, you’ll move through wandoo and jarrah forests, past creeks and seasonal waterfalls.

It’s a full-day adventure, so pack well and allow time to stop, breathe, and enjoy the stillness. Bonus: the quieter season means more chances to spot native birds and echidnas.

Kings Park Bushland Trails

If you’re after something more accessible, Kings Park offers a bushland experience right in the heart of Perth. While many visit for the manicured gardens and city views, the lesser-known bushland trails are where the magic happens, especially in autumn.

The Law Walk, and the Boodja Gnarning walk are all excellent choices. These trails wind through remnant banksia woodlands and native bush, offering peace and a surprising sense of wilderness within city limits.

Autumn light transforms the landscape here—there’s a softness to the foliage, and the early sunsets cast beautiful long shadows across the paths. It’s a great choice for a post-work hike or an easy morning out.

What to Pack for an Autumn Hike

With changing temperatures and variable conditions, packing the right gear for an autumn hike is essential. You don’t need much, but what you bring should be versatile, weather-appropriate, and sustainable wherever possible.

Here’s a checklist of what to bring on your next hike this season:

Layered clothing:
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry. Add a fleece or mid-layer for warmth and top it with a windproof shell or light rain jacket. Autumn weather can change quickly, and layering means you can adapt as you go.

Comfortable footwear:
Trail shoes or lightweight hiking boots with good grip are ideal. Make sure they’re worn in and pair them with breathable, cushioned hiking socks.

Headlamp or torch:
With daylight hours shrinking, always carry a light source—even for shorter hikes. It’s easy to misjudge time on the trail.

Water and snacks:
Stay hydrated, even in cooler weather. A reusable water bottle or hydration bladder is essential. Pack energy-rich snacks like trail mix, fruit, or homemade granola bars. For extra comfort, bring a thermos with warm tea or coffee.

Navigation tools:
While many trails are well marked, it’s good practice to have a map or offline trail app like AllTrails.

Small first aid kit:
Include blister treatment, band-aids, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal medication.

Extra items to consider:
A buff or beanie for windy days, lightweight gloves, a packable picnic blanket, and a dry bag or zip-lock for valuables in case of light rain.

Autumn Hiking Experiences to Add to Your List

Autumn is an invitation to explore with new eyes. If you’re looking to get more out of your hikes, consider incorporating these ideas into your adventures:

Revisit a summer trail:
Seeing a familiar trail in a different season can change your whole perspective. Notice how the light shifts, how the air feels, and how the sounds of nature evolve.

Try a sunrise or sunset hike:
The lower sun angles of autumn mean longer golden hours. Early mornings are less harsh, and evenings are cool and quiet. Choose an east-facing or west-facing trail for the best light show.

Pack a thermos and take your time:
Autumn lends itself to slower movement. Bring a warm drink, pause mid-hike, and sit for a while. Let the stillness of the bush wash over you.

Join a guided experience:
The Hike Collective offers guided hikes throughout the season—perfect if you want to explore new trails with confidence, meet like-minded people, or simply take the guesswork out of planning.

Document your hikes:
Autumn brings incredible photography opportunities. Capture the changing leaves, the misty ridges, or the details of bark and moss. Share your journey, or keep it as a quiet memory for yourself.

Let the Season Lead You

There’s something grounding about hiking in autumn. It encourages presence, patience, and appreciation. You don’t have to go far or fast—just find a trail, breathe deeply, and let nature do the rest.

So whether you’re chasing waterfalls in the Perth Hills, wandering along riverside paths, or finding a pocket of quiet in the city bushland, make this your season of connection. Nature is shifting. Let it shift something in you too.

And if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Browse our latest trail experiences, explore upcoming guided hikes, or read more about how to hike with confidence and joy, no matter your level.