Perth may be one of the most remote capital cities in the world, but for lucky West Coast Aussies it means vast wilderness and fewer crowds! Check out our top picks for easy day hikes near Perth!


We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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A challenge on the trails doesn’t have to include a half-day drive on country roads or an international stamp in your passport. We have some of the most breathtaking trails in the world right here in our backyard, and there’s something to be said about the power of a short and sweet trail adventure to refill the joy cup of life.

If you’re super keen, have a week off, and want a challenge, you could complete these on seven days in a row. Sleeping in your own bed each night and seeing the best of what Perth has to offer sounds like an excellent plan.

But I digress. These are the seven best day hikes closest to Perth and the Perth Hills, in Australia’s South West corner! Let’s goooooo.

1. Bibbulmun Track, Kalamunda to Mundaring

Nearest Town: Kalamunda from the start, Mundaring from the end
Hike distance: 19km
Driving distance from Perth CBD: 30 minutes

With one of the longest trails in Australia tucked pleasantly in the Perth Hills, the 1,000km Bibbulmun Track is one for the record books. The trail takes in the spectacular scenery of Australia’s south-west, which incidentally also happens to be one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

If you don’t have a spare six weeks up your sleeve to hike the entire track (or the energy to run it end-to-end!), then there are plenty of shorter options for day and multi-day walks – be warned, though, you may just want to keep going and going!

To see the best of the Bibbulmun, take a day hike on the small portion of the iconic track from Kalamunda, the Northern Terminus of the trail, to Mundaring.

Enjoy the unique trail huts spotted along this section, which give multi-day trekkers somewhere cosy to rest, or day hikers a nice seat to enjoy lunch.

 

Hikes in the Perth Hills, Kate Gibson, creek, rocks, bush

 

Not only does this section of trail provide incredible floral pleasantries on a sunny spring day, it also gives Explorers the chance to adventure across the 42m high dam wall over Mundaring weir.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

2. Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail, Serpentine National Park

Nearest Town: Serpentine
Hike distance: 15km
Driving distance from Perth CBD: 50 minutes

Carved into the granite hills along Gooralong Brook, this advanced rocky trail to Kitty’s Gorge is the true gem in the crown of Serpentine National Park. Starting at the Jarrahdale Cemetery, this unique trail hugs the edge of the gorge. If you don’t relish the chance to stop and stay a while at the halfway point of Serpentine Falls before heading back, there may just be something wrong with you.

Meander the waters edge, hidden amongst the tall slender Jarrah trees, and retreat to the shade for a cuppa to take in the quintessential essence of the WA bush, while pondering just who ‘Kitty’ might be.

 

 

(We can give you that answer, but scroll a moment, if you prefer to sit and ponder. It was a cow who went wandering and was found many days later, safe and sound in the gorge).

Read more: These Are The Best Adventures Near Perth

3. Eagle View Hike, John Forrest National Park

Nearest Town: Mundaring
Hike distance: 2-15km
Driving distance from Perth CBD: 40 minutes

As Western Australia’s first National Park and one of Australia’s oldest conservation areas, John Forrest National Park conveniently located in the Perth Hills, has plenty to offer. After an easy 30 minute drive from the CBD, you’ll arrive in the beautiful John Forrest National Park ready to tackle one of Perth’s most popular hikes; the 15km Eagle View Walk.

With a unique array of trails on offer, you’ve got the flexibility to walk a little or walk a lot on the Eagle View Hike, or lessen the distance entirely on a shorter trail. Pack a picnic to enjoy coffee and conversation atop one of the two waterfalls while you enjoy the views.

The heritage of this beautiful Park is worth a read as you stop to catch your breath. But if ghostly stories aren’t your thing, you might want to take the detour trail around the 300m long heritage railway tunnel.

 

 

Arguably one of the most diverse trails near Perth, the Eagle View Hiking Trail offers views of the coastal plain, Perth city, and the ocean in the far distance. The track passes through a range of relatively pristine habitat, weaving its way through valleys and along creeks, past waterfalls and large granite boulders.

To get the most of the trail, go in August or September when the waterfalls are at their peak and the wildflowers are out. The walk comes with the added bonus that there’s a quaint country pub near the main car park of the National Park. The perfect ending to a great day of hiking.

 

 

From flora for days to wildlife watching, wander on and marvel at the beauty around you. There’s an adventure to be had for all levels of exploration at John Forrest National Park.

Love flora? Where To Find Wildflowers Near Perth

Nearby Accommodation

4. Numbat Trail, Paruna Wildlife Reserve

Nearest Town: Gidgegannup
Hike distance: 6.5km-12km
Driving distance from Perth CBD: 1 hour

The cat, or should I say, the Numbat is out of the bag. For those in the know, this is Perth’s best hike – just don’t tell anyone I told you.

Set in the well-maintained Paruna Wildlife Reserve, a sanctuary set up to protect threatened plant and animal species, the 12km Numbat Trail will have you panting up and down its winding tracks as you pass powderbark forests, woodlands, gorges, creeks, and granite outcrops.

The rewards are panoramic views of the Avon Valley and plenty of chances to see echidnas, kangaroos, and emus.

 

 

If the idea of ridgelines and inclines are daunting prospects but you still want a walk that will pump your heart and take your breath away, the second walk at Paruna Sanctuary, the shorter 6.5km Quenda trail might be a better option for you.

Paruna provides a beautiful corridor between both Walyunga National Park and Avon Valley National Park, and showcases the endless possibilities afforded to a wildlife sanctuary’s hard work.

Make sure to book online before donning your boots and backpack as this private land can only be accessed with pre-booked gate codes. It’s open it to the public from May to October and the daily numbers of walkers are limited.

@kateonthetrails

@kateonthetrails

5. Mount Cooke Summit Hike, Monadnocks National Park

Nearest Town: Jarrahdale
Hike distance: 22km
Driving distance from Perth CBD: 1 hour ten minutes

As we go full circle on the Perth Hills, we’re taken back to the Bibbulmun Track, to have our breath taken away one more time.

The views from Mount Cooke truly are breathtaking, and at 582m above sea level, this is one of the highest points on the Darling Scarp.

 

 

While the hike to the top requires some previous mileage and a moderate fitness level, admiring an exceptional sunrise from the summit is a remarkable way to appreciate your efforts, with the dramatic boulders and granite outcrops providing a stunning canvas for a cuppa.

 

 

Leaving from the Sullivan Rock car park, you’ll find a fork in the Bibbulmun Track with a right-hand turn taking you on the right path to the Mount Cooke Summit.

The left turn will still see you making strides on the iconic track, and takes you to an equally breathtaking granite outcrop atop Mount Cuthbert. At only 10km return, this is a great test hike for the stamina required for Mount Cooke, or to wear in those new boots for the season.

Read more: What You Need in Your Hiking First Aid Kit

6. Bold Park, Perth CBD

Nearest Town: Perth
Hike distance: 0-15km
Driving distance from Perth CBD: 15 minutes

For those days when you need a nature fix but can’t be bothered leaving the city, there’s Bold Park. At 437 hectares, this is the biggest bushland remnant located in the Perth urban area. It’s much bigger than the more famous Kings Park.

Inside Bold Park, there are over 15km of walking trails to discover, offering expansive views of both the ocean and city. It’s also home to more than 1000 species of flora, plenty of birdlife, and seasonal wildflowers. Make sure you walk up Reabold Hill. It’s the highest point in the metro area!

Not bad for a piece of bush that’s virtually in the middle of the city. Even better, Bold Park is a skip and a hop away from the coast. Nothing like a refreshing dip in the ocean after a bout of bushwalking.

Read more: Kings Park: Exploring One of the World’s Largest Inner-city Public Gardens

7. Wadjemup Bidi Trail, Rottnest Island

Nearest Town: Fremantle
Hike distance: 45km
Driving distance from Perth CBD: 30 minutes + 30 minutes on the ferry

This one involves a ferry ride to beautiful Rottnest Island, but once you’ve glimpsed Rotto’s turquoise water, it will have been well worth the trip (and the price of the ferry ticket). Wadjemup Bidi is a 45km long track that traverses the island’s spectacular coastal scenery and pays homage to its cultural and environmental heritage.

There’s a good reason why Rottnest is Perth’s favourite getaway, and you won’t disagree once you set foot on this trail. It’s broken up into five connected trails so you can walk it all or choose a section or two. Make sure to pick up a map from the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre before you head out.

 

FAQs Perth Hills Day Hikes

How long is the Bibbulmun Track?

The entire length of the Bibbulmun Track is approximately 1000km. The section this article recommends stretches from Kalamunda to Mundaring and is 19km in length.

What is the shortest hike on this list?

The shortest day hike on this list is in the John Forrest National Park. It is home to a variety of short walks, with the shortest being just 2km in length.

Do I need to make a booking for any of these day hikes in the Perth Hills?

Yep, you’ll need to book before you visit Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary. Otherwise, the rest of the day hikes on this list can be visited at your leisure!

Do I need any special gear for these day walks?

You won’t need anything beyond the ordinary items we recommend for a day hike. If you’re unsure, check out this handy list of day hiking essentials that we prepared earlier!

What else can I do in Perth?

We’ve shared these recommendations because we genuinely rate them and want you to enjoy them too. Our writers use a mix of personal experience and research to compile these lists, and they’re also encouraged to be honest when things aren’t up to scratch. For more information on our approach, check out our Editorial Standards.