Best Hiking Trails Around Perth

One of the biggest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park was once an important meeting place and campground for the indigenous Noongar people, and is known for its panoramic views, botanical gardens, lush bushland, and treetop walkway. Showcasing the best of the park, the 1.5mi (2.5km) Law Walk is one of the most picturesque hiking trails in Perth. Make it even more iconic by starting at the famous Blue Boat Shed and entering the park via the Crawley Steps.

Traversing the highest natural peak on the Swan coastal plain, along with lush bushland, towering trees, and pine forests, the 3.4mi (5.5km) Zamia Trail at Bold Hill is worth it for the epic city and coastal views alone – though everything else helps too: there’s nothing like the promise of a post-hike swim then fish and chips at City Beach to keep you motivated on that final steep climb uphill! The well-signposted trail begins at the top of Reabold Hill Summit, 15 minutes drive from Perth.

A 40-minute drive from Perth through rolling hills and countryside, Bells Rapids makes for a scenic escape from the city and is the perfect way to kick off a day of wine tasting in the Swan Valley. When you arrive, head over the bridge and follow the signposts. If time allows, combine the trails and do a big 3mi (5km) loop, making sure not to miss the aptly named Buttock Boulder.

Hidden away in the Perth Hills near Kalamunda, Whistlepipe Gully is one of Culture Trip’s favourite hiking trails in Western Australia. With a cascading stream, shady forests, a giant granite outcrop, old ruins, and amazing views over the city, the 2mi (3.5km) walk is especially picturesque at sunset. Head to Lewis Road car park in Forrestfield, about a 25-minute drive from the city. From there, follow the trail up the hill.

Just 35-minutes from the city, Ellis Brook Valley Reserve is home to the spectacular Sixty Foot Falls and the Old Barrington Quarry. There are a few different hikes to choose from, but the 1.3mi (2.1km) Sixty Foot Falls trail is arguably the best. Don’t be put off that the waterfall only flows during the winter, the quarry is one of the most photogenic places around Perth, with turquoise waters surrounded by red rocks and green trees. The reserve is also famous for its amazing wildflowers in spring.

If you feel like braving a longer hike, it doesn’t get much better than the 10mi (16.5km) Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail. Located in Jarrahdale, about an hour’s drive south of Perth, the trail follows the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook through lush forest and rocky paths up to the top of Kitty’s Gorge, eventually reaching Serpentine Falls, where you can recharge with a cooling dip. You can either start the trail from the car park by the cemetery in Jarrahdale or the Falls car park in Serpentine National Park.