The 5 Best Hikes Near Perth Western Australia
The 5 Best Hikes Near Perth Western Australia
Posted on
We have some great day walking trails right on our doorstep here in Perth and there’s nothing better for recharging the batteries than heading out for a day of bushwalking. Plus, these day walks are a fantastic way to train for our longer, guided walking tours like the Cape to Cape Track, the Bibbulmun Track or in the Stirling Ranges.
Here are the official Inspiration Outdoors top five best hikes near Perth. Read on to get the lowdown on where, when and how to do the best bush walks that Perth has to offer. We also run $35 guided day walk tours of some of the below hikes. Click here for more information.
5. The Bold and the Beautiful – Bold Park
Did you know that Bold Park is bigger than King’s Park? And, if you live in Perth, it’s right under your nose. This is a great one to start with if you’re new to bush walking, time poor, or if you just want to get out into nature without going too far. Bold Park has over 15 km of walk trails, many of which are on fully formed surfaces. Highlights include great views of the city and coast, remnant bushland, bird life and spring wildflowers.
Where: Bold Park, Oceanic Drive, City Beach.
Length: Up to 15 km of walk trails.
Difficulty: Easy. Formed path (but not all paved)
Best Time: April – November.
Click to download the trail notes bold_park_trail_map
4. Not so scary – Ghost House Trail, Yanchep National Park
This is a fabulous 10 km loop walk around the wetlands of Yanchep National Park, about 40 minutes north of Perth. It’s flat and easy going with a shelter and toilet half way – perfect for a lunch break.
The walk is best done in winter or spring when there’s some water in the lakes, but Autumn can be pretty too. Highlights include views over the wetland, emu and kangaroo sightings, and wonderful limestone formations near the shelter. Plus you can have an ice cold beer or a coffee at the inn when you finish. One of the best hikes near Perth? Definitely!
Where: Wanneroo Rd, Yanchep.
Length: 10 km loop trail.
Difficulty: Moderate. Easy to navigate. Not too many hills,
Best Time: Winter and spring.
Click below to download the Park Notes from the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
Come on this walk with Inspiration Outdoors
3. Up with the birds – Eagle’s View Trail, John Forrest National Park
This is one of our absolute favourites. Many would claim this to be one of the best walking trails near Perth. Only 30 minutes east of Perth, Eagle’s View Trail is a 15 km moderate to challenging loop walk. There are great views over the coastal plain, lovely spots along the Jane Brook and stunning wildflowers in spring.
The best time to walk is late winter and early spring, when there is water in the brook but it’s a great training walk for any of the cooler months. Wear good shoes as there are a few slippery bits coming down pea gravel hills.
For more info on this walk, see our previous blog.
Come on this walk with Inspiration Outdoors
2. Echidna Spotting – Paruna Wildlife Reserve, Numbat Trail
Aaah Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, what a wonderful place! There are three walks of different lengths and difficulty at Paruna. At 12 km, the Numbat Trail is the longest (and the best). There are a number of hills but the stunning views over the Avon Valley make it all worth the effort. As a bonus, you have a good chance of seeing echidnas, kangaroos, emus and more.
The park is managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and you have to contact them to gain access. DO NOT just turn up as you need the code to get in the gate! Email them at [email protected]. Entree fee is $5 per person.
Where: Avon Rd, Avon Valley.
Length: 12 km loop trail.
Difficulty: Challenging. Easy to navigate but lots of ups and downs.
Best Time: Spring. Please note that the reserve isn’t open for a number of months over summer and autumn because of the threat of bush fire.
Come on this walk with Inspiration Outdoors
1. And the winner is… Sullivan’s Rock to Monadnocks Campsite, Bibbulmun Track
Drum roll, queue the classical music, dim the lights… the best hike near Perth has got to be Sullivan’s Rock to Monadnocks Shelter on the Bibbulmun Track. Taking in Mount Vincent and Cuthbert as well as one of the best campsites on the Bibbulmun Track, this is a great day out.
Rather than walk back to Sullivan’s Rock on the Bibbulmun Track (over both ‘mountains’ again) you can make it a loop walk by taking a fire break back from Monadnocks. Make sure you have a map (and know how to use it) if you choose this route as the fire break isn’t signed.
Either way you walk is around 12 km. With those hills, plan a night on the couch in front of the TV after doing this one. The views are definitely worth it though and this is a great place to see echidnas.
Where: Sullivan’s Rock is on Albany Highway, 9 km past the Jarrahdale turn off. Park on the west side of the hwy at Sullivan Rock recreation area.
Length: 12 km loop trail or return.
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging. Easy to navigate but you have to climb some mountains.
Best Time: June-October.
For more detailed info on this walk see our post The best bush walk in Perth? Sullivan’s Rock to Monadnocks – Bibbulmun Track
Come on this walk with Inspiration Outdoors
So there you have our list of the Best hikes near Perth. If you have done any of these walks, or you have a favourite walk of your own, please leave us a comment – we love to hear from you.
Looking for something longer?
Bibbulmun Track – Walpole to Denmark
Bibbulmun Track – Albany to Denmark
