The model, actress, brand ambassador, businesswoman and philanthropist on her secret spots to swim, shop, eat and stay and her favourite place in Perth to take her family while on holiday.
As a child, our family holidays were always to…
The south-west, mainly Bunbury. We stayed at the Bunbury Village caravan park, which was a heap of fun and also Lighthouse Beach Resort (now the Quality Lighthouse Hotel), which was on the beach. Busselton was also a popular spot to visit. One of my earliest holiday memories is visiting Busselton Jetty, which happens to be the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere.
Have a relaxing beach day at Cottesloe Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Now, if I have time for a short break back in WA, I head straight to…
See my family. If I am only in town for a short spell, my priority is to spend as much time as possible with family and loved ones. As recent times have taught us, with the way the world is, we don’t know when we will ever be prevented from seeing our loved ones, so taking the time while you can has never been more important.
My local’s tip for visitors to my birthplace of Perth is…
To have a swim at Cottesloe Beach, a picnic in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, a stroll around Fremantle Markets and a trip over to Rottnest Island.
Strolling in Fremantle Markets is a must!
My favourite place to dine in WA is…
Bib & Tucker. The setting, the food, the service are all fantastic. My favourite dishes are the fish tacos, and the pumpkin gnocchi. The banoffee bombe Alaska for dessert is a must!
My favourite place to stay in WA is…
Crown Perth is exceptional. There are three hotels to choose from for your accommodation and an array of dining options and pools for the kids to play in. Also, it’s within close proximity to the city.
Crown Perth is Megan Gale’s favourite place to stay in Perth.
I try to travel more consciously by…
Supporting local businesses, eating local produce and packing light. I make time to be with loved ones, while ensuring I take little moments for myself and try to be mindful of my health, wellbeing and fitness.
When I’m on the road, I’m listening to…
Such a variety of music, it’s crazy. I’ve always had mixed tastes when it comes to music – I love everything from rock to R’n’B, hip-hop music to 1970s’ funk, and chill-out tunes. I’ve created some pretty cool playlists over the years.
My last holiday read was…
Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road by Kyle Buchanan. A while back, I contributed several short passages in the book, as did most of the cast and crew of Fury Road, and I acquired a copy of the book just before my last trip away. It was good to see different perspectives of the individuals involved in this epic production.
“It was good to see different perspectives of the individuals involved in this epic production."
My travel wardrobe always consists of…
Lots of layers. The weather can be so unpredictable these days, so I take different items that I can mix and match. As I get older I tend to travel with less clothes as the kids like to take a lot of stuff!
My carry-on is usually filled with…
Apple AirPods, my phone, a book, my wallet, snacks if I’m with the kids, and a few key beauty essentials to freshen up before landing.
My souvenir of choice is…
On my last trip I bought some beautiful hand-crafted sandalwood beads made from sustainably farmed wood sourced from Kununurra. They were from Heartwood Natural Harmony in Cottesloe.
Busselton Jetty which happens to be the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere.
My ultimate ‘best mum in the world’ tip is…
Taking the kids to Adventure World. I used to love going there as a kid and on our last visit we took them there and they had a ball.
The one place in WA that I want to visit is…
The Ningaloo Coast; I’d love to swim with the whale sharks and manta rays and see the humpback whales. I think it would be an incredible experience and it’s definitely on my bucket list.
From coastal boardwalks to wildflower-rich bush trails, Perth offers hikes to suit both casual walkers and experienced adventurers.
Whether you’re craving a gentle stroll to spot wildflowers or a lung-pumping climb for panoramic views, there’s a walk or hike for every mood and fitness level. Lace up your hiking boots, pack water and get walking. We’ve rounded up 12 of the best hikes and walks in Perth.
In short
If you only do one serious hike, make it the Eagle View Trail in John Forrest National Park for waterfalls, wildflowers and city skyline and even ocean views. If you’ve only got time for something shorter, hit the Zamia Trail in City Beach for short steep climbs offering sweeping views.
1. Sullivan Rock to Mount Cooke (Darling Range)
Walk to the highest point in the Darling Range, Mt Cooke. (Image: DBCA)
Distance: 18.4 kilometres return (8 hours)
Getting there: 1 hour from Perth
Accessibility: Grade 4; hiking experience recommended due to steep final climb.
Facilities: Campground, public toilets, shaded rest areas, water access at Mount Cooke.
This hike begins through creeklined forests of sheoak, banksia, and jarrah, steadily working its way up to the summit ridge of Mount Cooke. The payoff is a sweeping panorama over the Darling Range, especially dramatic at sunrise, and a chance to camp overnight if you want the peace of dusk and dawn.
2. Eagle View Trail, John Forrest National Park
Traverse scenic vistas on two wheels. (Image: Kevin Smith)
Distance: 15-kilometre loop (56 hours)
Getting there: 40 minutes from Perth.
Accessibility: Grade 34; decent fitness required for climbs and undulating terrain.
Facilities: Picnic spots, public toilets, shaded areas; kiosk closer to Ranger’s Office.
Winding through valleys and woodlands, this trail delivers a little bit of everything – from creekbeds and pretty waterfalls to sweeping views to Perth CBD and the Indian Ocean in the distance. The Jane Brook section also blossoms in wildflowers come spring.
3. Whistlepipe Gully Trail, Mundy Regional Park
Distance: 3.5-kilometre loop (1.5 hours)
Getting there: 30 mins from Perth CBD
Accessibility: Grade 3 – uneven surfaces, some hills
Facilities: Limited street parking, no toilets on site
Tracing the course of a gully, this short but picturesque walk takes you past granite boulders and the remnants of an old stone house. It’s particularly beautiful from July to November when the river flows and wildflowers bloom.
3. Bibbulmun Track: Kalamunda to Mundaring Weir
The legendary Bibbulmun Track winds through Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Accessibility: Grade 4; steep sections and loose gravel in parts.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, water access along the track.
A taste of the legendary Bibbulmun in just a few hours – this stretch leads you through dripping forest, across babbling streams, over wooden bridges and rocky features. It’s not the full multiweek trail, but you’ll feel the essence: remoteness, changing terrain and a satisfying sense of distance. Perfect if you want to push your legs without committing to days.
This well-marked trail loops through native bushland in Bold Park, offering sweeping views across the Indian Ocean and Perth city skyline. There are several lookout points to pause and take it in, and it’s a peaceful walk year-round.
5. Kitty’s Gorge, Serpentine National Park
Swim in the natural pool at Serpentine Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Accessibility: Grade 3; some steep steps and loose gravel terrains; slippery when wet.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, shaded spots.
This trail gives rewarding variety – cascading creeks, waterfalls, granite outcrops, dense bushland. There are scenic diversions like Stacey’s Loop, and quieter moments if you start from Jarrahdale. Keep an eye on the time, because returning along steeper ascents can test your legs.
6. Jorgensen Park Trail, Kalamunda
Distance: 2.7-kilometre loop (1 hour)
Getting there: 30 mins from Perth CBD
Accessibility: Grade 2 – former golf course, easy terrain
Facilities: Carpark, nearby toilets
An easy-going loop that follows old Kalamunda Gold Club fairways and weaves through bushland, occasionally intersecting with the Bibbulmun Track. The trail takes you through dense bushland that opens up onto stunning valley views.
7. Baldwin’s Bluff Trail, Serpentine National Park
Soak up sweeping views of Serpentine Falls and the valley below. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Distance: 6-kilometre loop (2 hours)
Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.
Accessibility: Grade 4; steep in parts, rocky surfaces; best for hikers with good footwear.
Facilities: Picnic areas and public toilets; same park amenities as Kitty’s Gorge.
Less travelled than its neighbour Kitty’s Gorge, Baldwin’s Bluff offers solitude. The climb to the summit yields sweeping views of Serpentine Falls and the valley below, framed by jarrah and marri woodland. It’s a compact hike but doesn’t skimp on impact.
8. Trigg Bushland Reserve Trail
Distance: 3.4-kilometre loop (40 minutes)
Getting there: 20 mins from Perth
Accessibility: Grade 2 – compacted paths, some undulations
Facilities: Informal parking, trail signage
Tucked between suburb and sea, this coastal bushland trail is a springtime favourite with wildflower enthusiasts. You’ll be treated to sea glimpses from elevated spots, and the loop’s short length makes it ideal for a brisk walk or an easy nature escape.
9. Palm Terrace Walk, Forrestfield
Walk to the spectacular Lesmurdie Falls in the Mundy Regional Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Distance: 5.5-kilometre loop (13 hours)
Getting there: 30 minutes from Perth.
Accessibility: Grade 3; sections of steep climb; some loose gravel.
Facilities: Public toilets, picnic spots, water access, scenic lookout points.
An underrated gem in the Perth Hills, this loop delivers views you’ll remember – especially if you take the detour to Lesmurdie Falls. The trail edges past ridges and valleys, through native bush, offering quiet moments away from the crowds. Best when the wildflowers bloom.
10. Numbat Trail, Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary
Take in spectacular views of the surrounding Avon Valley. (Image: Tiff Watson)
Distance: 12-kilometre loop (35 hours)
Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.
Accessibility: Grade 3; some steep switchbacks and rough terrain.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas; booking may be required in certain seasons.
This trail is a rich mix of wildlife, water and elevation. You’ll begin by the lake, climb through White Gum Forest up to a lookout, then wind through woodlands and ridges. In the green season it’s lush, alive with birds and blooms – a real immersive nature escape.
11. Sixty Foot Falls, Ellis Brook Valley Reserve
Distance: 2-kilometre loop (1 hour)
Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.
Accessibility: Grade 4; steep sections especially on ascent/descent; watch for slippery parts after rain.
Facilities: Car park, picnic areas, public toilets and lookouts with views.
Don’t underestimate this short trail – the climb is steep, but the reward is big: views over Ellis Brook Valley, striking falls (especially after rain), and varied terrain that keeps each step interesting. A perfect quick but satisfying hike.
