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The best walks and hikes for an active day in Perth

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)

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

a bicycle trail in John Forrest National Park, Perth
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 Bibbulmun Track Northern Terminus, Kalamunda
The legendary Bibbulmun Track winds through Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Distance: 1734 kilometres one-way (or return sections)

Getting there: 40 minutes from Perth.

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.

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4. Zamia Trail, Bold Park

Distance: 5.1-kilometre loop (1.5 hours)

Getting there: 15 minutes from Perth CBD

Accessibility: Grade 3 – compacted limestone, moderate inclines

Facilities: Carpark, scenic lookouts, rest benches

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

swimming in the natural pool at Serpentine Falls, Perth
Swim in the natural pool at Serpentine Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Distance: 16.5 kilometres return (or 14-kilometre loop depending on route) (46 hours)

Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.

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

Serpentine Falls from above
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.

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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

Lesmurdie Falls, 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

th Avon Valley as seen from 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.

 

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Kirsty Petrides
Kirsty Petrides is a writer, wine-lover and cheese enthusiast. Whether she’s hunting down the best restaurant in Albania, foraging the Marrakech markets for spices or camping in the middle of Patagonian wilderness, she loves to seek out the authentic side of the places she visits, and share that with readers through her writing.
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Exploring an icon: inside the massive upgrade to Broome’s famous Cable Beach

(Credit: Tourism WA)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    With unhurried mornings, long, sun-filled afternoons, evenings shaped around sunset, this iconic beach offers an all-day experience (and it’s about to get even better).

    As the sun slowly rises over the languid waves and fine sand of Broome’s Cable Beach, the morning colours shift from rich apricot to pale gold and frosty pearl. Remnants of life reveal themselves in the subtle shadows – crab claw marks, towel impressions, footprints. Life here is unhurried, but don’t be fooled. This town is continually shifting like the desert dunes that surround it.

    And with a $75 million upgrade – offering easier and more inclusive access for people of all abilities – it’s getting even better.

    Cable Beach upgrade foreshore redevelopment stage 1
    Discover the Cable Beach redevelopment.

    The addition of comfortable and welcoming spaces has begun (and will continue). This means visitors will be able to spend longer enjoying this beautiful environment, while knowing that the upgrade will create a more environmentally protected setting that preserves the natural character visitors come for. Come sunset, soak it in all the better thanks to the already improved foreshore areas, made for lingering while the light changes. And for the kids, a new splash park and accessible dry playground will make it easy to while away the hours.

    Think you know what a day at this beach is like? Think again.

    Morning colours

    car on cable beach at sunrise
    Cable Beach comes alive after sunrise. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    As the sun colours the sky, Cable Beach shows signs of life (and not just the aquatic kind). Locals and visitors alike float in the cool water as it laps the shore, landlubbers explore the coast on foot, runners pace and beachside yoga classes bring quiet movement to the day.

    When the sky is blue and the sun is firmly in position, head down to the well-known Cable Beach House for a long, slow breakfast overlooking the ocean. Think fresh tropical fruit, eggs cooked your way and strong coffee in the warm morning breeze.

    Afternoon adventures

    camel train on cable beach in broome at sunset
    Join a camel train at sunset. (Credit: C J Maddock)

    When you’re ready to explore, carve a path along the Minyirr Park Trail – a gentle 1.5-2km track through coastal bushland with spectacular views of the dunes. Refuel at the nearby Spinifex Brewery for lunch with its low-key, outdoor beer garden. There’s even an outdoor playground if you’re travelling with young humans.

    Walk off your lazy lunch by watching (or joining) one of the beach soccer or volleyball games, or even try Silent Beats Broome – a silent walking disco through the dunes. Or book a spot on the famous camel trains, watching the sun drop below the horizon along the way. They’re a constant reminder of the fascinating history, landscape and cultural mix in this part of the country.

    Evening degustation

    server at Cable Beach Club
    Stop into the Cable Beach Club. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    As the day closes, watch the world-famous Cable Beach sunset from the appropriately named Sunset Grill at Cable Beach Club. This open-air terraced dining spot overlooking the beach is the kind of place where the view takes centre stage.

    While you sip on a lychee, lime & lemonade mocktail or a local beer, enjoy the bustle of life and nature outside as the day comes to an end.

    For dinner, nab a table at the Bali Hai Cafe, where they offer pan-fried crispy barramundi, Abrolhos Island scallops and deep-sea snow crab. When you’re ready for bed, check in to Pinctada Hotel Broome – a lush, tropical resort with palm-dotted gardens and a large, lagoon-style pool to cool off in.

    Beyond the beach

    Beyond the wide, open beach and never-ending sky of Cable Beach, there are many more reasons to visit North West Australia. These are just a few.

    Unmatched experiences

    Shinju Matsuri Festival's popular Long Table Dinner on cable beach
    Join Shinju Matsuri Festival’s popular Long Table Dinner. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    Engage with the history of the land and its people on an Indigenous cultural tour exploring everything from the local wildlife to the tastes of bush tucker. To understand the importance of pearling to this town, take a tour of Chinatown, or head outside of town to the live pearl harvests at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, one of Australia’s oldest pearl farms.

    Learn why Japanese pearlers were central to Broome’s pearling success and visit the largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, where 900 Japanese pearlers were buried – a testament to the risks and rewards of this dangerous profession.

    And book ahead every spring for when communal tables, freshly cooked local fare and festoon lighting fill the beach for the extremely popular Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach. It’s a highlight of the Shinju Matsuri Festival, along with the Floating Lanterns Matsuri, where you can personalise a lantern and gently release it into the sea to honour those you love.

    Dining discoveries

    Matso’s Broome Brewery
    Settle in for Matso’s famous ginger or mango beer. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    Further your culinary adventure at the laid-back Sunday Sesh at Matso’s Broome Brewery. Chow down on smoked crocodile or Aussie barramundi while kicking back to a local DJ as the heat of the day fades.

    For more tunes, the beautiful outdoor Bay Club at the Mangrove Hotel is a great choice for dinner with live music, DJs or an event that stretches on into the early hours. Still hungry? Pop by Johnny Sausage for Italian-influenced meals paired with impeccable wines.

    Natural beauties

    Gantheaume Point cabnle beach broome
    Experience the striking colours of Gantheaume Point. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    Avoid the crowds and head to Town Beach for a quieter vantage point to see the phenomenal Staircase to the Moon – a natural illusion where the rising full moon is reflected on the tidal flats, creating a shimmering ‘staircase’ stretching up to the sky.

    Just south of Cable Beach are the deep red cliffs and dramatic ocean views of Gantheaume Point, where 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be seen, revealed at low tide. Or head to Roebuck Bay to visit the internationally significant wetlands, where vast tidal flats are home to shorebirds and coastal fauna.

    Between October and March, watch turtles nesting and hatchlings emerge from the sand. You’ll be holding your breath as they make their way down to the shoreline, ready to start their life in one of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.

    For more on Cable Beach and Australia’s North West, visit australiasnorthwest.com.