Perth has bushland in the middle of the city, waterfalls in the hills and the start of a famous long-distance track less than an hour away. Here are six walks worth doing and the kit that suits the WA sun.
Sun and water come first here, then the kit for rocky hills tracks.
Supportive boots and shoes for rocky, uneven tracks.
Bottles and insulated flasks to keep water cool.
Wide-brim sun hats and caps for open tracks.
Day packs with room for water, layers and snacks.
Short and long-sleeved tops for warm-weather walking.
Single poles and pairs to steady steep descents.
From a city bushland stroll to a full day in the Darling Range, roughly in order of effort.
An easy 1 km loop through the bushland that covers about two thirds of Kings Park, suitable for families and people with disabilities. In spring the grey-green bush turns to wildflowers.
Good to knowAllow about 25 minutes. For a little more effort, the Law Walk runs about 2.5 km one way and takes around 45 minutes.
A short Class 2 walk of about 640 m return beside Lesmurdie Falls, with several lookouts over the waterfall and wide views across the Swan Coastal Plain. It starts from the Falls Road car park, about 22 km east of Perth.
Good to knowIt is at its best in winter and spring, when the falls are flowing. There is no drinking water at the picnic area, so bring your own.
An easy walk of about 2 km return from the main picnic area, following the old Eastern Railway line to Hovea Falls. The falls are seasonal and flow after good rain.
Good to knowKeep going to the Swan View Tunnel, about 5 km return from the picnic area, to walk through WA's only historic railway tunnel. Park entry fees apply and dogs are not allowed in the park.
A grade 3 walk of about 5 km return from the Trails Hub on Paulls Valley Road, through mixed hills forest to Hewett's Hill, the first campsite heading south on the Bibbulmun Track. It is an easy way to sample a famous long-distance track in a morning.
Good to knowFollow the Bibbulmun Track markers, which are signed in both directions, and return the same way. For a bigger day, the Bibbulmun Track Foundation lists a return walk from the Northern Terminus in Kalamunda to Hewett's Hill of about 20.4 km.
A Class 4 bushwalk of about 7 km one way between the Jarrahdale Cemetery car park and Serpentine Falls, following the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook past granite outcrops, woodland and waterfalls. Walking it as a return trip makes a solid half day.
Good to knowExpect rough, rocky and steep sections, and good fitness helps. The car park is about an hour from Perth, pets and bikes are not allowed, and park entry fees apply if you start from the Serpentine Falls end.
A 45 km walk trail split into five sections that thread across the island past coastal headlands, inland lakes and lookouts. You can walk one section in a day trip or link several together.
Good to knowThere is little shade on much of the island, so pack plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen. A train runs on the island, so take care at railway crossings and keep off the tracks.
Perth summers are hot and dry. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation advises against extended walks between December and the start of March, and suggests skipping day walks on hot, windy or high fire danger days.
Many trailheads, including Lesmurdie Falls, have no drinking water. Carry enough for the whole walk and a little extra, especially on exposed sections and island trails.
The Perth Hills waterfalls flow mainly after autumn and winter rain and can slow to a trickle in summer. Late winter and spring also bring wildflowers to Kings Park and John Forrest.
Trails can close for prescribed burns, bushfire or maintenance. Check Parks and Wildlife alerts and the fire danger rating before you head out, and tell someone your plans.
Kings Park and Lesmurdie Falls are short and easy. Build up to the Bibbulmun Track or Kitty's Gorge once you know your pace.
WA trails use classes, with Class 2 on smooth easy paths and Class 4 on rough, steep or rocky tracks that suit fit, experienced walkers.
Stay behind barriers at waterfall lookouts, and never climb or jump from the falls. Rock near water is often slippery.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking boots or shoes | Support on loose gravel and granite | Choose a grippy sole for steep descents |
| Water bottles | Many trailheads have no drinking water | Carry more than you expect to drink |
| Sun hat | Shade on open tracks | A wide brim protects ears and neck |
| Day pack | Room for water, food and sunscreen | Pack the heaviest items close to your back |
| Breathable top | Keeps you cooler in the heat | Long sleeves add sun protection |
| Trekking poles | Steadier on steep, rocky ground | Shorten them for climbs, lengthen for descents |
The cooler months are the most comfortable. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation says any time between April and early November suits walking, and advises against extended walks from December to the start of March because of heat and extreme bushfire risk. Waterfalls in the Perth Hills run mainly after autumn and winter rain, and spring is wildflower season in Kings Park and John Forrest National Park.
The Bushland Nature Trail in Kings Park is an easy 1 km walk suitable for families. Lesmurdie Falls is another short, easy option with big views over the coastal plain. Once those feel comfortable, the walk from the Trails Hub to Hewett's Hill gives you about 5 km on the Bibbulmun Track with a clear, well-marked path.
Not in national parks. Dogs are not permitted in John Forrest National Park, Kitty's Gorge does not allow pets, and the Bibbulmun Track Foundation notes dogs are not allowed in national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves or drinking water catchments, which cover much of the Track. Some regional parks are different, and Trails WA lists the Lesmurdie Falls walk as dog friendly on a lead. Fox baits are used in some bushland, so check the rules for each place before you bring a dog.
Walking the Bibbulmun Track itself is free, and its campsites do not take bookings. Some national parks, including John Forrest and Serpentine, charge a vehicle entry fee, and annual park passes are available. Check Parks and Wildlife Service WA for current fees and any alerts before you go.
Kings Park is close to the city centre, and Transperth buses run to Kalamunda, near the Bibbulmun Track's Northern Terminus. Rottnest Island is reached by ferry, and printed Wadjemup Bidi maps are available from the island's Visitor Centre. Most Perth Hills walks, including John Forrest, Lesmurdie Falls and Kitty's Gorge, are easiest to reach by car.
Pick a walk, check the fire danger and pack more water than you think. We have the kit to get you out on the trail.
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