Perth Hills Walking Trails

Whilst you're in the Perth Hills, retreat to the national parks and try one of the many walking trails. 

Indulge your love of the natural environment with a bush walk in the Perth Hills. The region is blessed with a series of more than 40 bike and walk trails, as well as scenic lookouts and picnic spots. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a casual stroll, the Perth Hills is the perfect place to get out into nature with walking trails that range in difficulty and distance. Find the best Perth Hill walks below.

The Kep Track 

Distance 75km | Difficulty Easy
The multi-use Kep Track uses the rail formation between Mundaring to Northam and can be followed by foot, bike or on horse-back. It is aligned to the Golden Pipeline Drive Trail, which continues from Mundaring Weir to Kalgoorlie. You'll find trail heads at Mundaring Weir and Northam and multiple access points along the way. The Kep Track hiking trail passes through Mundaring, Sawyers Valley, Mount Helena, Wundowie, Bakers Hills and Clackline. Find out more.

The Bibbulmun Track 

Distance 1000km from Perth to Albany | Start Kalamunda, north east of Perth
The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walk trails, stretching nearly 1000kms from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany. This popular hike winds through some of the most beautiful natural areas of the State's south west and is easily accessible, passing through seven rural communities and popular tourist destinations. Find out more.

Railway Reserves Heritage Trail 

Distance 41km loop | Difficulty Easy
The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail follows the route of the old Eastern Railway, passing through quaint hills towns and covering a wide range of terrains with scenic views and numerous points of historical and natural significance. The trail spans from Bellevue to Wooroloo and can be joined at various access points. It can be travelled in half a day to full day sections or over several days and is well signposted with distances and elevation charts. Find out more.

Araluen Botanic Garden Walks

• Contour Board Walk: Distance 800m - suitable for wheelchairs. The path takes you from the viewing platform across the western hill crossing the creek at Westrek Bridge and continuing to the Chalet Healy. The walk is easily accessible for visitors as a boardwalk takes the path over the steeper sections.
• Three Bridges Walk: Distance 1km - suitable for wheelchairs. This trail takes walkers along a hard clay path and over three bridges. During springtime daffodils and other flowers line the walk plus many flowering plants and shrubs. The walk follows Stinton Creek, which is a permanent flowing watercourse.
• Heritage Walk: Distance 600m - not suitable for wheelchairs. This easy walk trail takes you past heritage buildings and old structures, such as Totterdell Cottage built in 1931. This walk is an interactive walk and great for children to learn more about the plants in Araluen.
• Bush Walk: Distance: 1km - 3km - not suitable for wheelchairs. This walk takes you through the undeveloped area of Araluen Botanic Park. This is a hard walk which has steep trails and limited signage. The bush area features some unusual rock formations and wildflowers. This walk is from one to three kilometres and is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Syd's Rapids and Aboriginal Heritage Walk Trails 

Distance 6.4km return | Time 3 hours | Difficulty Easy
These family-friendly walk trails, located where the Walyunga National Park joins the Swan River (40km north east of Perth), provide interpretation on the indigenous history, plants and animals and the history of white water rafting in this beautiful region. The 5.2km Syd’s Rapids Trail leaves from Boongarup Pool and is a flat easy walk up to the rapids - fantastic for rafting and canoeing. The easy 1.2km Aboriginal Heritage Trail meanders along the riverbank, between Walyunga Pool and Boongarup Pool, and allows people to learn about Aboriginal myths and legends and see the park's plants and animals through the eyes of the original inhabitants. Find out more.

Perth Hills Eagle View Walk 

Distance 15km loop | Time 5-6 hours | Difficulty Moderate
This walk around John Forrest National Park, offers great views across the Swan Coastal Plain to the city and ocean in the distance. The trail is a bushwalkers delight, covering a variety of pristine habitats, passing beautiful waterfalls and wildflower displays in Spring. Signs every 2km advise how far you've travelled and Hovea Falls is pretty for a picnic lunch when the water is flowing. Entry fee to National Park applies. Find out more

Lesmurdie Falls Bush Walk 

Distance 2km | Time 1-2 hours | Difficulty Moderate
Lesmurdie Falls, located in the Lesmurdie Falls National Park, are one of the more spectacular waterfalls on the Darling Range escarpment. The trail starts at the top of the falls with a short walk to the viewing platform. For a longer walk follow the trail to the base of the falls where the lush vegetation grows. Best in winter and spring, the trail follows Lesmurdie Brook until it reaches a bridge at the top of the falls where a look out provides stunning views across the falls and to the city on clear days. Find out more

The Mount Dale Walk Trail 

Distance 2.5km | Time 1-2 hours | Difficulty Moderate
This trail follows the contours of Mount Dale to its peak, where walkers enjoy panoramic views of the Darling Ranges. Venture through beautiful jarrah forest taking in the sights of Mount Cooke to the south and the farmlands to the east. The lower recreation site at Mount Dale provides a pleasant spot for family picnics and the area is prolific with wildflowers in spring and wildlife. Entry fees to Helena National Park apply. Find out more.

Macora Walk Trail, Byford Hills 

Distance 2.7km (loop) | Time 30-40 minutes | Difficulty Easy
This short byford hills bush walk trail provides breathtaking views of the Hills and gives you a chance to stroll amongst WA’s finest flora, including jarrah and marri trees, grass trees, myrtles, wattles, fringe lilies and more. Some of the outcrops along the trail are thought to be upwards of 400 million years old. The trail commences at Macora Falls and returns via Walters Road, Burrell Street, Stevenson Place and Bradshaw Road.

Image credit: Ailsa McDonald