Fitness

15 Of The Best Hikes Near Perth To Tackle In 2023

By Kate Gibson
26th Jun 2023

a few hikers sitting on top of a hill looking out on Perth

Whether hiking is your jam or you're just keen to give it a go sometime, there's plenty of awesome hiking adventures to be had in and around Perth. 

From waterfalls and wildflowers, to the best for first-timers, adventurers, or enthusiasts, we've partnered with Kate Gibson at The Hike Collective and her database of over 30,000 hikers to get the inside scoop of the best trails for hiking around Perth.

Here are the best hikes around Perth.

Yanchep National Park

Yanchep

Never strayed from the safety of the footpath? Don’t let that stop you from giving the bush trails a try, because the gorgeous trails of Yanchep National Park take the cake as the best beginner-friendly trails of Perth. Well, one trail in particular. Boomerang Gorge is a collapsed cave area that can be explored as part of the short and sweet Dwerta-Mia trail.

The team at the Hike Collective like to also include a section of the Woodlands Trail and a visit to the koala boardwalk before visiting the wetlands to tie it all into a blissful 4km trail.

people hiking in lush bushland in Yanchep National Park

Mount Cooke (Sullivan Rock To Mount Cuthbert)

Jarrahdale

Ok, so you have dabbled at hiking and looking for your next challenge? Heading onto the Bibbulmun Track for a one-day adventure is a must-do, with a particular section taking out the best intermediate hiking trail near Perth.

Take a scenic drive out to Mount Cooke, an hour out of Perth, to adventure the 10km return section known as Sullivan Rock to Mount Cuthbert. This section will bring you some pretty incredible views, and a series of “are we nearly at the top” thought bubbles as you journey two peaks’ to get to the expansive granite outcrop of Mount Cuthbert. 

Chances are you will come across an ‘end-to-ender’ on your journey too to give you some inspiration to take on the next challenge once you have well and truly caught the hiking bug. 

a hiker sitting at the top of Mount Cuthbert looking out over forests

Bibbulmun Track

Kalamunda

While we're speaking about the Bibbulmun Track, we're also big fans of the close-to-home section from Mundaring Weir Hotel to the Golden View lookout (7.4km all up). It captures beautiful outlooks to Mundaring Weir and Lake CY O’Connor, which play majorly important parts in WA’s history. Do it on a Sunday and finish with a spit roast and Sunday sesh back at the Mundaring Weir Hotel.

Kitty's Gorge

Serpentine

If you are up for an all-day trail adventure, Kitty’s Gorge trail is the one to beat. At 15km return in distance, this trail has everything you might want in an advanced adventure, including gorges, running streams (at the right time of year, of course), Serpentine Falls, and even a cemetery. Our recommendation is to start at the Jarrahdale end of the trail, to enjoy a lunch stop by the falls at the halfway point. Trail experience is highly recommended before tackling this more technical trail. 

a person hiking a rock face along the Kitty's Gorge hiking trail

Bells Rapid Walk Trail

Swan Valley

Check out the most exciting point of the Avon Descent event on the Bells Rapid Walk Trail with boulders lined like spectators overlooking the bubbling rush of the river beneath them. Two options, the River Walk (2.5km) or Goat Walk (3km), are on offer and if you take Goat Walk, be sure to try and spot the ‘cheeky’ Buttock Boulder along the way. 

Echidna Trail

Swan Valley

If you're keen to up the ante, this 10km hike out in the Walyunga National Park has the goods. There's a few steep climbs to tackle but you’ll be rewarded with some exceptional views of the Swan Valley once you reach the summit, with up-close views of the Avon River and the odd kangaroo mob spotting along the way too. The National Park opens between 8am and 5pm, and be prepared to fork out $13 upon entry.

Lesmurdie Falls

Kalamunda

If you didn't make the trip out to Kalamunda to explore Lesmurdie Falls in last year's wet winter, then we urge you to chuck on your best waterproof boots and head out to the spectacular picnickers' hotspot this year. On a good day, you'll be blessed with views all the way out to Rottnest and if you time it right you can catch one of the best sunset views over the city.

three people help each other cross a small flowing stream

Bold Park (Zamia Trail)

City Beach

For a gratifying hike super close to the CBD, you can't go wrong with the Zamia Trail in Bold Park. Located in City Beach, the trail covers over 5km of undulating terrain and serves up both city skyline and coastal vistas from the top of Reabold Hill—the highest natural point along the metropolitan coastline.

Kings Park

Perth

The best wildflower hiking trails can be found right in the heart of the CBD. With the world’s largest inner city park boasting a collection of over 24,000 wildflowers and plants in the spring season, Kings Park is the place to explore your wild (flower) side. Don’t stop at the incredible span of botanical gardens though, because the true magic happens when you step out onto the bush trails and see what’s growing behind the scenes. 

a Kings Park hiking trail surrounded by white wildflowers and trees

Wadjemup Bidi

Rottnest Island

We are all for a sea change in the summer months, and we can’t walk past the 45km trail network of Rottnest Island for the best coastal trail experience near Perth. You can break the ‘Wadjemup Bidi’ down into five sections, each highlighting a unique angle of the island, from the Salt lakes and lighthouses, to the Barracks and bunkers, or the West end, complete with fur seals, and the occasional whale.

For the perfect half day experience, the Lakes and Bays reigns supreme, or if you're keen to stay a while try the two-day glamping and trail experience or lux it up with a three-day stay at Samphire for a comfy bed to rest your achy body after a day of adventure. 

two people hiking along the coast on Rottnest Island

Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary

Gidgegannup

If you are hiking up any form of incline, the puffing and panting better come hand in hand with some climb-worthy views, right? For those looking for a unique and uncrowded climb-worthy view, you can’t go past the winner of this category, Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary. With three trails available, from 2km to 15km in length to target all levels of fitness, you can be sure to see the views for your preferred amount of output.

Paruna is a private sanctuary, tucked between Walyunga National Park and Avon Valley National Park, in Gidgegannup and is only open seasonally. You can get the goods of these trails from May to October but you'll need a booking to get in, so prepare accordingly or get the team at The Hike Collective to do the hard work for you. 

a hiking view point looking out onto rolling hills

Victoria Reservoir Walk Trail

Bickley Valley

From the oldest permanent water supply and the first dam in WA, to the pioneering of the timber industry in Australia and Australia's first wooden bridge, the Bickley Valley hosts three heritage listed sites within a 7km beginner-friendly Trail.

Do some research before you head out there though, because the trail signage and historical information is limited. You can enjoy a variety of trail distances, but our trail of choice is the Victoria Reservoir Walk Trail, including sections of the Mason & Bird and the Kattamorda trails. 

a timber walkway leading down to a dam

Scarborough-Trigg Heritage Trail

Scarborough and Trigg

Combine the surfer and fishermen-laden coastline of Scarborough and Trigg beaches with the serene bush trails of the Trigg Bushland Reserve and you’ve got one heck of a hike with huge thanks to Mama Nature. The Scarborough—Trigg Heritage Trail is sign-posted and made up of the three-loops totalling about 7.3km, making it one of Perth's best coastal walks to tick off your list.

Whistlepipe Gully 

Forrestfield

This popular gem runs off the end of Lesmurdie Falls and boasts amazing panoramic city views, enchanted woodland vibes and flowing streams (at the right time of year). Along the trail, you'll also get old house ruins with fascinating history too. A light 3.5km walking trail, Whistlepipe Gully is a great one for those with fur babies (or human ones for that matter) in tow.

Allen Park Bushland

Swanbourne

This pocket of Allen Park bushland with a small network of trails is a sight for sore eyes. Puff your way to the crest of Melon Hill and be rewarded with ridiculous views of the Indian Ocean extending to Rottnest Island. Make sure you take note of the lovingly restored bushland and the decorative tiles on the entry statement (thanks to passionate locals), and the cutesy buildings that house the Fellowship of Australian Writers WA. Start and finish your walk from Swanbourne beach so you can wriggle your toes in powder-like sand when you finish.

Want more juicy trail tips? The award-winning Perth based hiking company The Hike Collective are your go to on all things hiking in Perth, so pay them a visit or trail along on a hike.

Want more of the best Perth fitness activities? Here are some of the best bike trails in Perth.

Editor's note: Issued by RAC Insurance Pty Limited. T&Cs apply. Check the PDS and TMD at rac.com.au to see if this product is right for you.

Image credit: Supplied (The Hike Collective)

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