Perth is known for being one of the world’s most isolated capital cities with over a million-person population. It’s also known for having more sunny days than most other capital cities in the world. Both these reasons make Perth an ideal place to hit a nature trail.
From strolls alongside snaking Swan River and walks beside stunning coastline where you might spot dolphins or whales, to trails through beautiful bushland filled with wildflowers, birds and reptiles, ahead, we’ve rounded up what we consider to be 10 of the best Perth walks. Let’s hit the tracks, shall we?
Law Walk Kings Park
If you don’t have time to head outside the city for a stroll, Kings Park, the 399.9-hectare park in Perth, one of the largest inner city parks in the world, has a series of walking tracks. Law Walk is a 2.5km circuit walk that takes roughly 45 minutes to complete. It offers views of the Swan River, as well as the biodiversity along the Mount Eliza escarpment. It does have some steep sections.
Eagle View Walk Trail
Located within John Forrest National Park, a 40-minute drive from Perth, the Eagle View Walk Trail is a challenging 15km circuit walk. It offers views of the Swan Coastal Plain, the Perth skyline and the ocean in the distance. You’ll pass waterfalls, creeks and wildflowers. Stop for a picnic at Hovea Falls. Walkers must register at the ranger’s office before they head off and on their return.
Bells Rapids Walk Trail
A 40-minute drive from Perth, Bells Rapids Walk Trail in suburb Brigadoon in the Swan Valley is 5.5km in total but can be completed in part — the River Walk is an easy 2.5km, while the Goat Walk is a more difficult 3km. The walk goes through countryside and coastal plains, and along waterfalls and deep ravines. Spot paperbark trees, flooded gum trees and grape grevillea.
Cottesloe Beach Trail
The Cottlesloe Beach Trail, also called Cottlesloe Foreshore Walk and Cottlesloe Coastal Walk, is 3.5km-long and takes about two hours to walk. The foreshore path has sculptures you can admire, and on clear days, you can see out to Rottnest Island. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Burswood Park Heritage Sculpture Trail
Perth’s Burswood Park has several trails, including the Burswood Park Heritage Trail, which takes about 3- to 40 minutes to complete. It meanders through the park and along the riverfront, showcasing bronze sculptures designed and produced by artists Joan and Charles Smith and acquired between 1989 and 2002, as well as other public works and landmarks.
Echidna Trail
Echnida Trail is a 11km circuit hike in the Walyunga National Park that takes about three hours to complete and starts and ends at Walyunga Pool. The trail follows the Avon River before passing through woodland and then offering views of the Avon Valley from Woodsome Hill. Hike in late winter and spring and you’ll be treated to the sight of stunning wildflowers.
West Terrace Walk
West Terrace Walk is a 4km loop in free-entry Mundy Regional Park. With several steep climbs and descents, a good level of fitness is recommended. The walk can be linked to a few other trails for a longer, more challenging hike. The hike offers views of the city and, in late winter and spring, of wildflowers.
Noble Falls Walk Trail
Noble Falls Walk Trail in Gidgegannup, a 45-minute drive from Perth, is a 3.6km walk, running along Woorooloo Brook. The walk starts at Noble Falls picnic and parking area off Toodyay Road. Cross the footbridge, turn left and then follow the Woorooloo Brook, heading past Noble Falls.
Ngank Yira Bidi
The Wadjemup Bidi walk on Rottnest Island covers 45km, so you’d need to dedicate a few days if you wanted to do the whole thing. It’s made up of five trails, though, which you can do separately — Ngank Yira Bidi being one of them. It’s 10km one way and explores the two batteries of naval guns that tell a different Wadjemup story.
Penguin Island Boardwalk Walking Trail
Penguin Island is 700m, five-minute ferry ride, off the coast of Rockingham, part of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. On the island, you’ll find 1.5km-circuit Penguin Island Boardwalk Walking Trail, which takes roughly 45 minutes to complete and starts and ends at Island Discovery Centre.
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