Things To Do With Kids

10 Of Perth’s Best Bush Walks To Tackle With Kids

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We set out to find Perth’s best trails for the little legs. What we also discovered along the way, is that mother nature really is the best babysitter. We put the trails to the test with a four year old in tow, and the outcome is the best kid-friendly bush walks near Perth. 

For The Littlest Legs

Discovery for the youngest ones is best experienced through touch and imagination. These trails have small steps, cubby spots, or muddy play, and we recommend packing some spare clothes, so your kids can run wild and free. 

Whistlepipe Gully

An all time favourite for us, this 3km return hike follows the gully, passing by an old house ruins, where the kids can let their imagination run wild. Little bridges cross the water, and paths are a mix of narrow and wide, to capture their attention time and time again. 

Bells Rapids

Tucked conveniently in the Swan Valley, Bells Rapids canprovide a playground for your kids as they climb over boulders, or marvell at the rapids rushing below. The River walk ins a short 2.5km return, and meanders along the rivers edge. The best bit? You are a short drive from one of many wonderful breweries and wineries to visit post hike. 

Glenbrook Dam Walk

A lesser travelled trail in John Forrest National Park, the 2km dam loop trail is fantastic for many reasons. The first being phone reception is not the best, allowing for a true switch off. Maybe the older kids will hate this, but the little ones will love your undivided attention. Also amongst the reasons to give it a go, is the fairy villages of the National Park, which make a great spot for a picnic, or to let your kids imagination explode. 

Yanchep Wetlands Walk

At only 2km, this trail is not a huge physical challenge, but it does offer countless opportunities for the kids to find awe and wonder, and is short enough to sell it to them as a 30 minute activity. From koala boardwalks, to kangaroos for days, interacting with wildlife at this spectacular park will often be just what the doctor ordered. Another option is to extend this hike, or come back for another adventure, on the Boomerang Gorge trail. 

Boomerang Gorge Yanchep 

The national Parks collapsed cave network poses the perfect backdrop for imaginations to run free, and legs to be stretched. The meandering trail is short, at 2km, and allows the kids to discover the science between the making of natural caves, as well as learn about the aboriginal heritage of the park. 

For The Slightly Bigger Kids

Trying to get tweens out of the house and onto a trail can be a mission in itself, and capturing their attention once out there, even harder. Try your hand at reimagining adventure with these trickier trails that might see victory in the shape of a smile by the end. 

Southern Edge Rottnest Island

We all know the hassle of organising bikes, and bags for a weekend on Rottnest, but how about a short and sweet day trip to reignite your kids adventurous side. Head over on the first ferry of the day, and try your hand at one of the five sections of the adjemup Bidi trail network. With handy bus stops across the island, you can adventure until your heart's content, hopping on the bus to return to settlement for a swim and a sausage role to finish. Your tweens will thank you for a day off the screens. 

Lesmurdie Falls

Another short and sweet trail, at 4km, the Lesmurdie Falls loop will capture any child's adventurous spirit. Weaving down to the bottom of the falls, kids and adults alike will find happiness in the magnificent trails, city views, and limitless possibilities to discover. The bottom of the falls provides a playground to allow children an opportunity to spread their wings, before the uphill climb to the viewing platforms. There wont be any complaints coming out of their mouths on the way up, with all the puffing and panting going on. 

Mundaring Weir to South Ledge

Sharing story of people and place can be often overlooked a parents attempt to get the kids outside, but it is hard to ignore the incredible stories and masterpieces when out at Mundaring Weir. This 6km return hike is fantastic for later afternoon and takes in the weir wall, and the golden view lookout, to capture your kids attention, and allow them to take in the interpretive story plaques at the lookout on their way. 

Lake Leschenaultia Loop

A nature day with something for everyone can be found in Chidlow in the Perth Hills, including a selection of mountain bike trails, or a 3km loop hike around the lake, followed by swimming or kayaking. This adventure packed location will fill the cup of any tween or teen, and fill out the weekend itinerary nicely. Pack the tent, or hitch up the caravan and make a weekend of it, with a campsite available ( bookings essential). 

Heirisson Island

Close to the city, this trail will minimise time away from other activities or busy schedules, and tie in nicely with a day out in the city. At 2km, the loop provides place for relaxed conversation and beautiful backdrops of the Australian bush within a stone's throw of the city. Capture a glimpse of the resident kangaroos for another rare sight. 

With the little legs tuckered out, the lungs full of fresh air, and the minds delighted with daydreaming and discovering, your little ones will sleep the entire drive home! 

Hungry? Pull into one of Perth's best kid-friendly cafes on your way home.

Image credit: Supplied

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