Offering a similar climate and lifestyle to South Africa, although more Cape Townish/Mediterranean, Perth has become a favourite destination for South African expats, while also offering us what we love the most – sunny skies and loads of healthy outdoor activities, including hiking into nature.
If you’ve loved hiking along the breathtaking trails on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town or the towering majestic peaks of the Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal, Perth may not match them in sheer height and grandeur, but the magnificent Darling Range spread along on the eastern outskirts of the city comes pretty darn close. Encompassing 22 national parks and the famous Perth Hills, the entire mountain range stretches southwards for nearly 350 kms all the way to Albany offering thousands of miles of superb hiking trails with magnificent views to be enjoyed along literally every step of the way.
Around Perth alone there are over 300 trails to explore. Some lie within the city or less than an hour’s drive from the CBD. Some trails are short taking a few hours to cover requiring very little effort, while others are more challenging, stretching over great distances with steep elevations, requiring multi-day hikes and varying levels of fitness.
Hiking landscapes in and around Perth include scenic mountainous and forested terrains, meticulously landscaped public parks as well as coastal and even an underwater trail. As you may have been accustomed to in South Africa, there is something here for everyone too.
So if you’re wanting to clear your mind and escape from the city for a day or so and immerse yourself in nature and tranquility, below are just a handful of trails in and around Perth to include on your hiking bucket list.
7 Awesome Hiking Trails Around Perth to Explore
John Forrest National Park
Situated a mere 30 minutes’ drive east of the city centre, John Forrest National Park offers a number of stunning hiking trails ranging from 2.5 kms to 41 kms. The various routes take you through picturesque hills and valleys, meadows and dense forests dotted with waterfalls, a dam and historical landmarks while offering superb views of the Swan Plain, the city and the ocean in the distance. Local wildlife including western grey kangaroos can be spotted along the trails.
The park can be visited all year round but spring time between August and November is the best time when millions of wildflowers bloom, exploding the entire countryside in a vibrant feast of colour.
The 4.6 km Wildflower Trail and the 16 km Eagle View Walk are extremely popular for day hikers, while the short and rather charming 300 metre paved Jane Brook Weir Walk is ideal for families with babies in prams and wheelchairs. The 41 km Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is for serious hikers, following the route of the old Eastern Railway taking you through pristine landscapes, quaint communities and various historical landmarks. You can choose to complete the complete circuit over several days or choose certain sections, depending on time available and level of fitness. All trails are clearly marked.
Facilities in the park include parking, picnic and barbeque areas, toilets, café and water access points. Activities include hiking, cycling, picnicking and horse riding. Entry fee to the park is $17 per vehicle ($10 with Concession) with up to 12 occupants.
The Bibbulmun Track
Stretching over 1,000 kms from Kalamunda in the north to Albany on the south coast, the Bibbulmun Track is one of the world’s most famous long distance hiking trails drawing serious hikers from across the globe.
South African expats in Perth are fortunate to have numerous sections of this magnificent trail on their doorstep to enjoy the freedom and lust for the great outdoors they have been accustomed to back home.
One popular section that offers a series of trails is found at Sullivan Rock, roughly 22 kms east of Jarrahdale next to the Albany Highway south of Perth. Several trails ranging 10-36 kms from there lead to Mount Vincent, Mount Cuthbert and Mount Randall to the north and Mount Cooke to the south which, at an elevation of 582 metres, is the Darling Mountains’ tallest peak. For South Africans, that may not compare to the over 3,000 metre peaks of the Drakensberg, but the views from all these peaks are simply breathtaking too.
The trails are rated grade 3 with the terrain being mostly gum forests, dotted with huge granite rocks with a fairly steep elevation gain of over 500 metres requiring some bushwhacking and a moderate level of fitness. The area is also particularly popular for bird enthusiasts and landscape photographers.
The trails are open throughout the year, but can be extremely challenging in the heart of summer. There is no entrance fee to these trails but guided hikes cost from around $50 per person and several campsites are available for overnighters. No pets are allowed on the trails.
Serpentine National Park
Staying in the vicinity but moving about 35 kms to the east, is another popular national park which offers exceptional hiking with the most notable landmarks being the number of waterfalls including the main picturesque Serpentine Falls as they cascade down the slope of the large rounded granite face. The mostly wooded terrain of the Serpentine National Park is teeming with wildlife, including kangaroos and with over 70 species of birds, it is a birder’s heaven.
Several hiking trails ranging up to 14 kms can be enjoyed here by hikers of all fitness levels. There are several steep sections amongst the dense forests and large granite outcrops to negotiate. The best time is in spring when the Gooralong Brook and Serpentine River are in full flow and brightly coloured wildflowers are in full bloom carpeting the entire forest floor.
The park can be accessed through the eastern entrance near the Jarrahdale Cemetery or through the western entrance at the car park. Facilities include parking, public toilets, and picnic and barbeque areas. Entry fee is $17 per vehicle.
A the end your hike reward yourselves with a meal or drink at the highly-acclaimed Millbrook Winery and Restaurant, nestled on the south-western edge of Jarrahdale overlooking a picturesque lake, forest and vineyards. You’d swear you’re back in the Cape winelands of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl.
The Swan Valley
Situated on the northeastern edge of Perth, the Sawn Valley is one of the prettiest and most charming regions of WA, with wineries, breweries, distilleries, vineyards, fruit orchards, quaint restaurants and farm stores dotted along the rolling hills and valleys. In between all this splendour, lie nature parks and hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails passing bushlands, placid lakes, towering cliffs, rushing rapids and waterfalls, making it a most popular destination for the locals. For South African expats, the Swan Valley is the closest thing to the Cape’s Winelands.
It will be futile trying to list the best hikes in this truly glorious landscape as they are all magnificent, each being special in their own unique way. The Bells Rapid Park in Brigadoon is an excellent choice offering trails of around 5 kms with some of the best views of the Swan River gushing through huge boulders, especially during winter and spring when the river is in full flow. The long footbridge is possibly the best spot to view the white water roaring down below.
The trails consist of some easy flat sections along the river as well as some challenging parts with steep inclines up into the hills. Local wildlife is abundant here including grey kangaroos and loads of birdlife. Public parking and toilets are available and there is no entrance fee.
Avon Valley National Park
The Avon Valley National Park situated a little to the northeast offers a peaceful escape from the city with several fascinating hiking trails and overnight camp sites. The park encompasses an area of 44 km² consisting of a densely wooded plateau with both sides of the valley sloping steeply towards the Avon River, which runs literally through the entire park. Kangaroos and echidnas are often spotted in the forests, while rock wallabies tend to hang out around the numerous granite outcrops that dot the landscape which also supports a rich birdlife.
An 18 and a 7.6 km loop trail are the most popular hikes here, both of which being fairly challenging due to the steep contour of the terrain with a fair amount of scrambling up and down granite rocks and boulders also been required. Thorough planning of the route is advisable as some sections along the river are not clearly signposted.
The best time visit the Avon Valley is from autumn to spring, with the summers being extremely hot, dry and taxing on long hikes. Entry to the Avon Valley National Park costs $17 per vehicle ($10 with concession).
King’s Park
If you’re wanting to spend the day in the outdoors without having to travel too far, look no further than Perth’s flagship park and botanic garden – King’s Park right in the heart of the city. Being one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks, the 4 Km² botanical gardens are a popular destination for walkers and runners allowing people of all fitness levels to tackle several set out themed trails. You can move at your own pace on paved pathways past manicured lawns and flower gardens, woodlands and bushlands, lakes and fountains and numerous historical, war and cultural statues, plaques and memorials, with scenic views each step of the way.
If you find these trails not challenging enough, you can tackle the 101-step spiral staircase of the DNA Tower or if you really want to feel the burn, pound the 242 steps of Jacob’s Ladder leading down to Mounts Bay Road over 40 metres below.
Holding most of Australia’s and some of the world’s most famous plants, South Africans will be impressed with the South African Memorial, honouring WA soldiers who fought and died during the Boer War (1899-1902). The memorial is adorned with proteas and other plants of our mother land.
King’s Park will also undoubtedly bring fond memories of Kirstenbosch Gardens for Capetonian expats with the backdrop of Table Mountain being replaced by panoramic views of the gorgeous Sawn River and Perth’s unmistakable skyline. One difference being that entrance to King’s Park is for free.
Finish off your preferred hike with a meal at one of the several cafes surrounded by nature and scenic views. Picnic, barbeque, children’s play areas and public toilets are scattered across the park making King’s Park an ideal venue for families to spend an entire day, walking, training, relaxing or meeting up with friends while enjoying nature.
Coogee Maritime Trail
If you’re looking for a “hiking” trail with a difference, just swap your hiking boots for a pair of goggles, snorkel and flippers and head to the Port Coogee Marina a few kms south of Fremantle.
The Coogee Maritime Trail entails a slow relaxing 600 metre long snorkel in shallow water ranging from one to seven metres in depth, with the highlight being the historic Omeo wreck which is teeming with fish and other marine life. The trail is easily accessible, starting at the bottom of a staircase leading straight into the water, with the wreck lying a few fin strokes from the shore. Scattered on the sandy seabed surrounding the wreck and along the breakwater wall lies an artificial reef and an underwater art gallery, consisting of an anchor, replica cannon, a sea lion sculpture and other maritime objects. The entire trail is clearly marked with a series of yellow buoys and has become a vibrant ecosystem attracting myriads of fish, plant life and various other sea creatures.
The water is usually calm and crystal clear making it ideal for underwater photography, children and complete novice snorkelers. The best time to do this trail is during the summer when it may be too hot to be trudging through the dusty land-based trails. And the best part is that it is for free.
Ample parking is available next to the staircase, but it’s wise to get there early to ensure a spot or before the wind picks up. End your “snorkelling hike” with a picnic on the adjacent grassy parks or with a hearty meal or cup of coffee at one of the cafes at the Coogee Marina.
And that’s my round up of 6 of the best hiking trails around Perth plus the bonus snorkelling trail at the Omeo Wreck.
What’s your favourite spot for a walk or hike around Perth? Share it in the comments for others to discover and enjoy!
Hiking in summer? Check out my list of Australian summer essentials you need before you set off!
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