The best day hikes near Perth

Kitty’s Gorge Trail traces the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook, with remarkable granite outcrops and waterfall views. The trail has loose sections, short steep hills, uneven ground and steps – lots of them, so it does require a degree of fitness. There are two access points: one is from the car park opposite the cemetery in Jarrahdale, and the other is from the Serpentine National Park Falls car park. The Serpentine Falls gates are open between 8.30am and 5pm, so be sure to allow enough time to get back to your car before they close.

Where: Starts at Jarrahdale Cemetery car park or the Serpentine Falls car park, Serpentine National Park
Drive time from CBD: 1 hr
Distance (return): 17km
Duration: 3–5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

If you’re looking for something a bit closer to home, the Bold Park Zamia Trail is a great option. The trail is a very achievable 5.1-kilometre loop with varying gradients, and is home to more than 300 species of plants and wildlife, including birds, mammals and reptiles – so keep your eyes peeled.  Bring your furry friend – but make sure you pick up their poo and keep them on their leash – and enjoy the lovely contrast of both city and ocean views. The Zamia Trail is sprinkled with park benches, perfect to perch and enjoy morning tea or lunch.

Where: Starts at Reabold Hill car park, Kings Park, City Beach
Drive time from CBD: 14 mins
Distance (return): 5.1km
Duration: 1 hr 35 mins
Difficulty: Easy

Located in the Mundy Regional Park, the Lesmurdie Falls offers several walking trails of varying difficulty levels, from the 640-metre return Falls Trail to the 1.5-kilometre Lesmurdie Brooke Loop or the three-kilometre Valley Loop Trail. Our number one rec, the Lesmurdie Falls Track, follows the brook until it reaches a bridge at the top of the falls. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Perth city skyline and Rottnest Island. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can follow the trail down to the picnic area at the base of the hills, and another short trail leads to the base of the falls. The waterfall takes a magical, almost New Zealand-like appearance with the lush vegetation that grows from where the brook hits the base. The climb back to the car park is short but steep, so treat yourself with a picnic when you arrive back at the car, or enjoy a treat in the Kalamunda Village.

Where: Starts at Lesmurdie Falls car park off Falls Road
Drive time from CBD: 30 mins
Distance (return): 2km
Duration: 1–3 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

You have probably heard of Bells Rapids before, as it’s one of the best spots to watch the Avon Descent. This 2.75-kilometre loop is a combination of the easy Bells Rapids River Walk and the more difficult Goat Walk. The trail traces the river and then climbs the hill with some steeper, rocky sections. And keep an eye out for the Buttocks Boulder! The best time to visit is July to November to catch the best water flow and beautiful wildflowers. Pack your picnic basket and bring the family along for a taste of nature. You might even spy a kangaroo.

Where: Starts at the car park on Cathedral Ave, Brigadoon, Swan Valley
Drive time from CBD: 45 mins
Distance (return): 2.75km
Duration: Less than 1 hr
Difficulty: Moderate

Kings Park is a walker’s paradise, comprising 400 hectares of grassed parkland, botanical gardens and native bushland. There’s much to explore, with more than 3,000 species of flora unique to WA, stunning Swan River skyline views, and walking trails to suit everyone’s wants and needs. One highlight is the Boodja Gnarning Walk, which explores the connection the native Aboriginal people of the southwest, the Nyoongar people, have with the land via interpretive signage panels and artwork. The initial one-kilometre walk breaks into two paths, including the 2.4-kilometre Maarm (male) Track and the 1.8-kilometre Yorga (female) Track, although both are open to all genders. The Maarm Track showcases the land and trees the Noongar people used for tools, shelter, hunting and spiritual purposes, while the Yorga Track highlights the traditional roles and responsibilities of Noongar women, such as the gathering of food and medicines. 

Where: Starts at Forrest car park, Kings Park, Perth City
Drive time from CBD: 5 mins
Distance (return): 2.8–3.4km
Duration: 50–90 mins
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Wander through the forests around Dwellingup to see some of the best Jarrah and Marri trees. The King Jarrah Walk Trail begins at the edge of the forest near Nanga Mill Campsite. The track will take you up through the hills and incredible jarrah forests, before descending to trace the banks of the Murray River. Expect some steep sections on the western side of the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for the 400-year-old Jarrah tree – from which the trail got its name – and the old logging railway formation with cuttings and old bridge sites. The best time to visit is autumn through to late spring, as the summer months will prove too hot for the vigorous walk. 

Where: Starts at Nanga Mill, Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup
Drive time from CBD: 1 hr 30 mins
Distance (return): 17.8km
Duration: 5 hrs
Difficulty: Hard

Jump on the ferry from Perth, Hillarys or Fremantle to make your merry way across the ocean to find yourself on Rottnest Island. Spanning 45 kilometres and weaving its way around the island, the Bidi — which means "trail" or "track" in Noongar — is made up of five fantastic walks. The ten-kilometre (one-way) Bickley Bay Trail (Ngank Yira Bidi) navigates the southeast corner of the island, from Thomson Bay to Oliver Hill. Another highlight is the 9.5-kilometre Lakes Trail loop (Gabbi Karniny Bidi) through Rottnest Island’s salt lake ecosystem. Stop for a dip in the tranquil waters of Little Parakeet Bay and head towards Geordie Bay, where you can catch the free shuttle back to town, if you prefer a short walk, or backtrack to Vlamingh Lookout to complete the eight-kilometre return trip. Keep your eyes peeled for the island’s most popular resident, the quokka.

Where: Rottnest Island
Travel time from CBD: Rottnest ferries take approx. 25 mins from Fremantle, 45 mins from Hillarys Boat Harbour or 90 mins from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty
Distance (return): various (from 8–20 km)
Duration: 2–6 hrs
Level of difficulty: Medium

The picturesque walk along the Wooroloo Brook is stunning all year round, with colourful wildflowers in Spring and a bubbling waterfall in the cooler months. The bush track begins at the Noble Falls picnic and parking area, off Toodyay Road. Cross the footbridge and turn left to follow the Woorloloo Brook and head past Noble Falls. The trail is family-friendly for those with little or no bushwalking experience, and you can also bring along your furry friend.

Where: Noble Falls picnic and parking area off Toodyay Road, Gidgegannup
Drive time from CBD: 50 mins
Distance (return): 3.6km
Duration: 1 hr
Difficulty: Easy

The Bibbulmun Track spans more than 1,000 kilometres from Albany to the Perth Hills and attracts more than 80,000 hikers each year. Some hard-core bushwalkers choose to trek the entire six-to-eight-week journey, although most opt to cover a smaller distance. But you don't have to go for a long time to have a good time, as there are a variety of short – in comparison, that is – day walks. A great place to start is the Camel Farm to Hewett’s Hill section in the Perth Hills. The trail is bursting with wildlife, making it ideal for those with a taste for birdwatching. Try to time your walk during the wildflower season from August to November.

Where: Camel Farm, Kalamunda
Drive time from CBD: 35 mins
Distance (return): 5km
Duration: 1–3 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

Bluff Knoll is located in the southwest region and is the most popular trail in the Stirling Range National Park. The trail is well signed and takes you 1,098 meters above sea level to simply spectacular views at the top of Bluff Knoll. You’ll start from the southern end of the Bluff Knoll car park, where the trail drops down to a creek before venturing across a mountain offering amazing views over the ridge to the south coast. The trail turns left to follow the ridge to the summit, and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with the 360-degree countryside views. The lower slopes are covered with eucalypt, banksia and grass trees, and more than 1,000 species of flowering plants, including mountain bells and the queen of sheba orchid. There is a $15 entry fee to enter the Stirling Range National Park. 

Where: Starts at the car park at the end of Bluff Knoll Road, Stirling Range National Park
Drive time from CBD: 4.5 hrs
Distance (return): 6.8km
Duration: 3–4 hrs
Difficulty: Medium to hard