A smorgasbord of colour is on display right now, and a road trip is the best way to see it.
Western Australia is home to some truly spectacular landscapes, which become even more breathtaking during wildflower season. More than 12,000 species bloom across the state in the second half of the year – 60 per cent of them found nowhere else on Earth. The floral display begins in the north and gradually moves south, transforming the landscape into a kaleidoscope of colour.
Below, four vibrant road trips that showcase a tapestry of seasonal wildflowers and quiet, heritage-rich country towns.
Wildflower Way
Best time to visit: August–September.
A blanket of pink wildflowers in Morawa. (Photo: Tourism Western Australia)
One of the most vibrant wildflower trails in Australia is the 309-kilometre Wildflower Way, which takes you from Dalwallinu through to Geraldton, passing through small towns including Morawa, Mullewa and Perenjori. Across three days, the trail will reveal a mesmerising floral display of everlastings, rare wreath flowers, golden wattles, orchids, scenic granite outcrops, peaceful farming towns, historic rail sites, quirky sculptures and beautifully preserved churches. There are 21 sign‑posted, interpretive sites to guide and offer fascinating insights into the land’s biodiversity, geology and culture.
Granite Loop Wildflower Trail
Best time to visit: September–November
Toodyay is a popular first stop. (Photo: Tourism Western Australia)
This whimsical 7‑day road trip loops around approximately 843 kilometres of seasonal wildflowers, geological sites and charming heritage towns. On display are vibrant everlastings, donkey and snail orchids and tinsel lilies, all painting the landscape in a dazzling patchwork of colour. But wildflowers aren’t the only spectacular natural wonders along the way – Beringbooding Rock, with its Indigenous rock art, and Elachbutting Rock, often called Wave Rock’s lesser-known sibling, are also highlights on the route.
Esperance Wildflower Trail
Best time to visit: September–November
White wildflowers blooming at Rossiter Bay, located in Cape Le Grand National Park. (Photo: Tourism Western Australia)
This spectacular coastal wildflower trail is more of a flexible scenic route offering a showstopping combination of vibrant wildflowers, pristine beaches and native bushland. A popular driving route stretches across about 200–300 kilometres with key stops including Cape Le Grand National Park, Pink Lake (Lake Hillier), West Cape Howe National Park, and Fitzgerald River National Park, which display Australian bluebells, lambertia, Dryandra, and fringe lilies.
South West Wildflower Trail
Best time to visit: August–November
Pincushion Hakea in bloom. (Photo: Tourism Western Australia)
The South West Wildflower Trail winds through scenic national parks, coastal cliffs and rich farmland. A common route from Perth takes you through diverse landscapes with key stops including Dwellingup, Collie, Donnybrook, Pemberton, Walpole, Denmark, Albany and Stirling Range National Park. Among towering Jarrah trees and dramatic coastlines, you’ll spot blankets of pea flowers, kangaroo paw, donkey orchids and eschenaultia. Keep your eyes peeled for emus, echidnas and kangaroos along the way.
To know before you go
Before you head out on your road trip, there are certain rules you should follow:
Always keep to marked trails when viewing to avoid damaging small flowers and delicate wildflower environments.
Don’t take anything but photos when out and about viewing – picking wildflowers is illegal and can land you a $2000 fine.
Do not enter private property to view.
Many wildflower routes go through remote areas, so ensuring you’re stocked up on food, water and fuel is a must.
Stay out of farming crops and pastures.
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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.
