5 Best Day Hikes to Explore in The Perth Hills

As the owner and founder of day hike guiding company The Hike Collective, Kate knows the Perth Hills pretty damn well. She’s picked out her top five day hikes in the Perth Hills that are perfect for a day trip from Perth itself. Let’s dig in!

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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.

We tackled some of the trails close to Perth, in Australia’s South West corner, to bring you the five best day hikes in the Perth Hills.

1. Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Mundaring

Nearest Town: Kalamunda from the start, Mundaring from the end
Distance: 19km

With one of the longest trails in Australia tucked pleasantly in the Perth Hills, the Bibbulmun Track is one for the record book. Take on a small portion of the iconic 1,000km track with a day hike from Kalamunda, the Northern Terminus of the trail.

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

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

Nearest Town: Serpentine
Distance: 15km

Carved into the granite hills along Gooralong Brook, this trail is the true gem in the crown of Serpentine. Starting at the Jarrahdale Cemetery, this unique trail hugs the edge of the gorge, and urges Explorers to stop and stay a while at the halfway point of Serpentine Falls before the return.

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: Remember to leave no trace!

3. Eagle View, John Forrest National Park

Nearest Town: Mundaring
Distance: 2-15km

Find yourself in Western Australia’s first National Park and one of Australia’s oldest conservation areas when you head to John Forrest National Park for a day on the trails. With a unique array of trails on offer, you can enjoy coffee and conversation atop one of the two waterfalls, or pack a picnic and push your limits on the Eagle View Trail.

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.

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.

Read more: Hiking First Aid Kit

4. Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary

Nearest Town: Gidgegannup
Distance: 6.5km-12km

Ridgelines and inclines are daunting prospects for many first-time adventurers and create a pang of excitement for those well-versed in undulating trails. Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary provides both of these in spades, but with a shorter option for first-timers, and is the perfect backdrop for a multitude of steps.

The well-maintained private wildlife sanctuary offers two trails worth the drive up into the hills, including the 6.5km Quenda trail and the 12km Numbat trail. Both options will pump the heart and lose your breath.

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.

5. Mount Cooke

Nearest Town: Jarrahdale
Distance: 22km

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.