Exploring Perth on foot is a great way to get to know the city and its many hidden gems.
From peaceful lakeside strolls to challenging hikes, there is something for everyone.
Here are 15 of the best walks and hikes in Perth.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new adventure, or a visitor wanting to experience the beauty of the city, you’ll find something to suit your needs.
Get ready to explore the stunning landscape of Perth!
Kings Park
You’ll feel like you’re in paradise when you explore the lush gardens and sweeping views of Kings Park! Located in the heart of Perth, this sprawling 400-hectare park offers something for everyone – from breathtaking views over the city skyline to tranquil botanical gardens.
Kings Park is the perfect place to take a peaceful stroll and take in the beauty of Western Australia’s wildflowers. The park’s many walking trails wind through native bushland and offer an array of spectacular sights. Take your pick from the easy-going Lotterywest Federation Walkway, or explore the more rugged trails around the Swan River. Whatever your level of fitness, you’ll find a path that’s right for you.
With a variety of picnic areas, playgrounds, and restaurants, Kings Park is the perfect spot for a day out in nature. So grab your friends and family and come and explore this wonderful park – you won’t regret it!
Swan Valley
Take a stroll through the Swan Valley and you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, dotted with wineries and cafes. This picturesque region is located just 25 km from the city of Perth, making it a great day trip choice for those who want to get away from it all without travelling too far.
The Swan Valley is home to some of the best wineries in Western Australia, such as Sandalford and Mandoon Estate, where you can sample the finest local wines. The valley is also known for its delicious fresh produce, with plenty of markets offering everything from seasonal fruits to olives and locally made cheese.
The Swan Valley is also a paradise for wildlife lovers, with a wide array of native birds and animals to spot. There are plenty of trails in the area, making it easy to explore the stunning landscape and appreciate the region’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, the Swan Valley has something for everyone.
Perth Hills
The Perth Hills offer up some stunning scenic views, perfect for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike, the hills have plenty to offer.
With plenty of trails and paths to choose from, you can explore the wonderful landscape, from the wildflowers growing in the valleys to the rugged, rocky peaks.
The trails can be quite challenging, but the rewards are worth it.
As you explore, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as well as the city in the distance.
You can even take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch or a dip in one of the local swimming holes.
There’s no better way to experience the beauty of the Perth Hills than to take a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike.
Marmion Marine Park
Exploring the Marmion Marine Park is an incredible way to immerse yourself in nature and discover all the park has to offer. The park is located in the northern suburbs of Perth and is a paradise for walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
It features a wide range of attractions such as rocky headlands, lagoons, sandy beaches, and wetlands. The Marmion Marine Park also offers a range of activities, including fishing, bird watching, and whale watching. There are plenty of lookouts and picnic areas, so visitors can take in the stunning views.
The park is home to a diverse range of bird species, including the endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, and is a great spot for wildlife viewing. Walkers can take in the coastal scenery, from the rocky headlands to the lush wetlands and lagoons.
There are plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from short walks to longer hikes. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a challenging hike, the Marmion Marine Park is sure to have something to offer.
Rottnest Island
Just off the coast of Perth lies the beautiful Rottnest Island, a paradise for outdoor adventurers. It’s no surprise that Rottnest is one of the most popular day trips from Perth. With its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and historic sites, Rottnest has something to offer whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a challenging hike.
The best way to explore the island is on foot. You can easily spend a day wandering around the island with over 60kms of trails. The Wadjemup Walk trail takes you around the entire island and offers stunning views of the ocean and coastline. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the secluded corners of the island or take a dip in one of the many secluded bays.
With so much to see and do, Rottnest Island is the perfect spot for a day out with nature.
Bold Park
Leaving Rottnest Island behind, I found my next destination: Bold Park. This stunning natural area is located in the northern suburbs of Perth and offers a range of walks and hikes through its bushland, wetlands, and coastal areas. It’s a great place to explore with family or friends, as there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The park boasts some of the most stunning coastal views in the area, with its limestone cliffs and white sandy beaches. I chose to do the Coastal Walk, which is a 3.5 kilometer loop that takes you along the coastal cliffs, over rocky headlands, and through the bush.
As I walked, I was surrounded by the sounds of birdsong and the smell of wildflowers in bloom. Along the way there are plenty of chances to spot wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and sea lions. I even caught a glimpse of a humpback whale on my journey. It was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget!
Yanchep National Park
Heading north of Perth, I ventured to Yanchep National Park to experience the stunning beauty of Western Australia’s native bushland. Meandering through the park, I was immediately taken aback by its incredible landscape, comprised of coastal heath, paperbark swamps, and granite outcrops.
The area is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and over 200 species of birds.
One of the highlights of Yanchep National Park is the Crystal Cave, a large limestone cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites. I was amazed to find out that the cave has been around since the Ice Age, and now serves as an educational and recreational site for visitors.
There are also plenty of walking trails in the park, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. I took the two-hour loop through the wetlands and forests, and was rewarded with a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean.
Swan River
Cruising down the shimmering Swan River is one of the best ways to take in the stunning sights of Perth. The river winds its way through the city, providing spectacular views of the skyline, the iconic bell tower, and the lush green parks that line the riverbanks.
The journey is a great way to explore the city and get some fresh air. Along the route, you’ll spot plenty of wildlife, from pelicans to dolphins, depending on the time of day.
There are several rental companies that offer boat trips, as well as guided tours, giving you the chance to learn about the history of the area.
You can also take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the river, taking in the sights and sounds of the city as you go.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cruise or an adventurous outing, the Swan River is the perfect place to get out and explore Perth.
Stirling Range National Park
Discover the stunning beauty of the Stirling Range National Park as you explore its breathtaking landscapes and views.
Spanning over 90,000 hectares, the Stirling Range National Park is the largest national park in Western Australia. It offers over 30 peaks, including the highest peak, Bluff Knoll, which stands at 1,099 metres.
The park is known for its diverse and stunning flora and fauna, ranging from wildflowers to marsupials. It is also home to a variety of birds and reptiles.
The park offers a number of walking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The Bluff Knoll Trail is one of the most popular hikes, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Other trails, such as the Balbarrup Trail, take you through lush forests and across crystal clear creeks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventure, the Stirling Range National Park has something for everyone.
Bibbulmun Track
Explore the stunning Bibbulmun Track and immerse yourself in the beauty of Western Australia.
Stretching for nearly 1000km from Kalamunda near Perth to Albany on the south coast, the Bibbulmun Track is one of the world’s great long-distance walk trails.
As you traverse through the forests and hills, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the state’s lush bushland and spectacular coastline.
The track is divided into sections, ranging from one day to five days in length, allowing you to choose the right level of challenge for you.
You’ll experience the changing seasons, emerging wildflowers, and an abundance of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of this special part of Australia.
The Bibbulmun Track is a truly unique experience, and one that will be remembered for years to come.
Fremantle
Take in the bustling atmosphere of Fremantle, and experience the vibrancy of this iconic port city.
Stroll through the historic streets of the city, taking in the sights and sounds of the locals. The 19th-century limestone buildings and monuments, the cobblestone streets, and the charming cafes and boutiques make for a pleasant day out.
You can also explore the rugged coastline, including the beautiful white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and the many trails along the Indian Ocean. These trails offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the city of Fremantle.
There are also many historic sites to explore, including the Fremantle Prison and the Fremantle Markets. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, Fremantle has something for everyone.
Lake Monger
Experience the tranquil beauty of Lake Monger, a stunning urban lake located in the heart of Perth. This picturesque lake is home to a number of wildlife species, including black swans, pelicans, and various species of ducks.
Its serene surroundings make it a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling. The lake is encircled by a walking track that takes you around the whole circumference of the lake, providing stunning views of the lake and its surroundings.
This is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Monger. There is also a playground and a cafe located within the park, making it a great spot for families.
So if you’re looking for a tranquil place to take a relaxing walk, then Lake Monger is sure to provide the perfect setting.
Yellagonga Regional Park
Leaving Lake Monger behind me, I headed to Yellagonga Regional Park. Located in Perth’s northern suburbs, it’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and take in the natural beauty of Western Australia.
There’s a wide variety of trails that are perfect for a gentle hike, ranging from short loops to longer tracks. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, so it’s a great place for nature enthusiasts of all levels.
The park also offers plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities – you can expect to see many different species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as wildflowers and other native flora.
There are plenty of picnic spots dotted around the park, so you can take a break and relax while you enjoy the scenery. Yellagonga Regional Park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Western Australian Outback.
Lesmurdie Falls
Not far from Yellagonga Regional Park lies Lesmurdie Falls, a breathtaking waterfall that cascades down the rocky escarpment into a pool below.
This is a must-see destination for anyone who loves the outdoors, especially in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, adding a splash of colour to the surrounding bushland.
It’s a great spot for a picnic, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the views.
The falls are easily accessible from the carpark, with a short walk through the bush taking you to the base of the falls.
From there, you can take a leisurely stroll up the hill to the top of the falls, or scramble up the rocks for a closer view.
The clear, cool waters at the base of the falls are perfect for a dip, and it’s a popular spot for locals to cool off after a hot day.
A visit to Lesmurdie Falls is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Perth.
John Forrest National Park
Just a short drive away from Lesmurdie Falls lies John Forrest National Park, a stunning natural escape that’s sure to delight you.
This national park is a great place for bushwalking, photography, nature appreciation, and picnics.
With over 130 hectares of bushland, there’s plenty of room to explore and discover.
The park features an extensive network of trails that range from easy to difficult.
You can even follow the old railway line, which has been converted into a walking track.
Along the way, you’ll come across a variety of different plants and animals, including many species of birds.
There are plenty of lookouts for you to admire the amazing views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
You’ll also find a number of other attractions, such as a historic stone cottage, an education centre, and a café.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike, John Forrest National Park is sure to have something perfect for you.
Conclusion
As you can see, Perth is full of lovely walks and hikes, no matter what your experience level.
From the relaxing strolls of Kings Park and Swan Valley, to the more challenging treks of the Perth Hills and Marmion Marine Park, there’s something for everyone.
And don’t forget the stunning views of Rottnest Island and Lake Monger, and the breathtaking vistas of Yellagonga Regional Park, Lesmurdie Falls, and John Forrest National Park.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced hiker, Perth has you covered. So lace up your walking boots, grab your water bottle, and head out for an adventure.
You won’t regret it.