The 5 Best Hikes Near Perth
With a combination of a great coastline, the Darling Scarp and some amazing national parks, Perth has some great hiking trails to explore. Below is the cream of the crop that will provide a good challenge along with some pretty locations to photograph.
Eagle View Walk Trail
Located on the edge of the Perth Hills with some amazing views of the Swan Coastal Plain, the 15km Eagle View Walk Trail is the crown jewel of John Forrest National Park. Enjoy a stroll along Jane Brook, discovering waterfalls and rapids as you head towards a big climb up towards the excellent views of the Perth CBD. From there you return via some lovely Jarrah and Wandoo forest that is filled with wildflowers from early winter through to late spring. Once you’ve finished, enjoy a meal and beverage at the tavern where you can hang with the local kangaroos that call this place home.
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Where – John Forrest National Park
Length – 15km (Loop)
Difficulty – Moderate
Best Time to Visit – Autumn Through Spring
Wadjemup Bidi
The Wadjemup Bidi is the name of the trail network on Rottnest Island and is one of the best ways to explore the island. With five walking trails to enjoy, they cover all the best bits of the island and many places you can only reach by foot. All accessible along the bus stops around the island, you can pick and choose which ones you want to do without worrying about how to get back to the main settlement. Bring your flippers and snorkel to enjoy one of many fantastic snorkelling spots around the island or simply lay your towel down on a secluded beach and relax in the sun.
Where – Rottnest Island
Length – 6km to 9.5km (One Way)
Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit – All Year Round
Kitty’s Gorge
Hidden away in the hills near Jarrahdale, the Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail is a delight to hike when the waters of Gooralong Brook and the Serpentine River are flowing. Explore the lush forests and granite gorges that have been carved into the landscape over millions of years with a great variety of wildflowers lining the trail from winter into spring. The Pièce de résistance of the trail is the turnaround point at Serpentine Falls, a little slice of the Pilbara in our own backyard. A popular area during the warmer months for those looking for a natural swimming spot, enjoy the excellent BBQ facilities if you have a car parked at either end.
Where – Serpentine National Park
Length – 17.5km (Return)
Difficulty – Moderate
Best Time to Visit – Winter Through Spring
Mount Cooke – Bibbulmun Track
One of the best day hikes on the Bibbulmun Track, explore the highest point in the Darling Range that hasn’t been taken over by bauxite mining. Starting at Sullivan Rock just off Albany Highway, enjoy a flat section of walking through the soft grey Jarrah forest before reaching the Mt Cooke Campsite. Have a rest here and then it’s a long climb up to the ridge of Mount Cooke where you’ll discover large granite boulders, expansive views over the forests to the east and a bevy of wildflowers in every nook and cranny. There’s a not so secret cave to be found if you know where to look, make sure you sign the book if you see it. If you’re looking for a shorter loop that takes in the summit then park near the Cooke Plantation and find the trail next to the brook.
Where – Sullivan Rock off Albany Highway
Length – 20-22km (Return)
Difficulty – Moderate to Hard
Best Time to Visit – Autumn through Spring
Numbat Trail
Located on private land in the Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, the Numbat Trail is the longest of the three trails on offer here and is the best day hike in Perth. You will need to organise payment beforehand to get the entry code for the gate but once you’re inside it’s a world of fantastic forests, plenty of hills, lots of streams and rapids to explore plus an amazing wildflower display from late winter through spring. A safe haven for wildlife, there is a good chance you’ll see a mob of kangaroos jumping around, an echidna fossicking in the late afternoon or one of many species of birds that call this place home. This is becoming a popular spot for hiking so make sure you book early and the walking season is only open from May to November each year.
Where – Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, Gidgegannup
Length – 12.5km (Loop)
Difficulty – Hard
Best Time to Visit – Winter through Spring
Visit : Perth | Western Australia
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