Don't get us wrong, here at Urban List, we do love a good long day hike, but some days you need a short and sweet, bite-sized chunk of nature and exercise—you, know, the kind of walk you can smash out early before retiring to the couch or pub.
To fill us in on the best short walks in Perth/Boorloo, we asked an expert, Kate Gibson from The Hike Collective, for her top recs. Fill up your water bottle and lace up your sneakers, here are the best hikes under 4km around Perth.
Glen Brook Dam Trail
John Forrest National Park, Hovea WA 6071
Tucked away inside John Forrest National Park, the crystal clear waters of the Glen Brook Dam are ready for you. The trail loops around the dam itself, with cute bridge crossings and rock hoppings to encourage a little adventure. You will also find cute 1930s picnic shelters, known as fairy villages throughout John Forrest National Park, with one located right on this trail.
Lesmurdie Falls Walk
160/186 Falls Rd, Forrestfield WA 6058
Image credit: Lesmurdie Falls | Perth Hike Collective
This popular spot in Kalamunda is home to arguably the best waterfall in the Perth Hills, and this walk will give you an opportunity to explore both the bottom of the falls and the lookouts at the top. This trail at Lesmurdie Falls adds some climbs to the spectacular city views and will give you ample opportunity to take in the beautiful natural surrounds.
Whistlepipe Gully
Northern end of Lewis Road, Forrestfield WA 6058
Old house ruins, granite outcrops and city views. These are just some of the epic collections that you will find at Whistlepipe Gully. This spectacular trail runs along the Whistlepipe Gully, weaving and winding through woodlands and over rocky outcrops. The trail provides such an array of wildflowers in the springtime and is a family affair kind of thing.
Bells Rapids River Walk
Orlov Trail, Cathedral Ave, Upper Swan WA 6069
Image credit: Bells Rapids | Perth Hike Collective
One of our top picks for a winter and spring hike has to be Bells Rapids. The 2.6km River Walk along the river's edge is the perfect way to experience nature and take in the iconic Bells Rapids at the same time. This Swan Valley hotspot is a popular viewing destination for the annual Avon Descent, and the sounds of the rapids during the winter months is not to be missed.
Trigg Bushland Reserve Loop
88 Lynn St, Trigg WA 6029
The Trigg Bushland Reserve Loop is a beautiful loop that showcases unique wildflowers, coastal views, and plenty of epic wildlife. For an extra bonus, explore the trail in the late afternoon so you can watch one of Perth’s epic sunsets over Trigg beach after your hike.
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Kings Park Law Walk
Fraser Avenue, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, West Perth WA 6005
Image credit: Kings Park Law Walk | Perth Hike Collective
For those looking for something close to the city, the Law Walk in Kings Park ticks all the boxes. It provides a beautiful walk in nature, stunning views across the Swan and Canning rivers, historical importance and stories to educate and entertain, and the most phenomenal display for wildflowers in spring. The sloping trails and promenades will give the entire family a fun day out, and with local cafes and playgrounds just a stone's throw from the trail, you can easily make a day of it.
Noble Falls Walk
2621 Toodyay Rd, Gidgegannup WA 6083
Head out to the hills for this magnificent mini waterfall experience in the heart of Gidgegannup. An exciting way to explore nature, the Noble Falls Walk gives adventure seekers the opportunity to witness one of Perth’s best water shows, with winter rainfall gushing down the Wooroloo brook. An added bonus, this trail is dog friendly so pack a picnic and your pooch and make a day of it.
Piesse Brook Interpretive Trail
Piesse Brook WA 6076
A beautiful winter and spring hike, Piesse Brook Interpretive Trail is not only a beautiful hike to the iconic Rocky Pool, but it’s educational too, with plaques lining sections of the track to provide information on local wildlife and flora. We suggest checking this one out after a downfall of rain to see Rocky Pool in its magnificent beauty. Find this trail at the end of Schipp Road in Piesse Brook.
Wetlands Walk Trail
Yanchep Beach Rd and Indian Ocean Dr, Yanchep WA 6035
Located in the history-rich Yanchep National Park, you can meander around Loch McNess on a 2km loop and take in the wetlands, and even take a special detour to the Koala boardwalk and witness the adorable colony of koalas.
Stacey's Loop Trail
Jarrahdale WA 6124
Located in Serpentine National Park, the Stacey's Loop trail winds through beautiful jarrah forest and crosses over several bridges crossing Gooralong Brook. It provides a fantastic opportunity for hikers to unleash their inner adventurer as you escape the hustle and bustle and revel in nature's beauty.
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Main image credit: Trigg Beach | Louise Coghill
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