The Best Walking Trails Close To Perth
Tired of staring into oblivion on your local gym’s treadmill but don’t want to go to far out of the city for a scenic walk? Here’s a selection of walking trails around the Perth metro area (mostly) that’ll make for a splendid (and fresh air-filled) morning or afternoon stroll.
Canning River Regional Park
A short 20 minutes from the CBD you’ll find the rich wetland ecosystem that is Canning River Regional Park, smack bang in the middle of Shelley and Nicholson Road Bridges. Flush with native flora and fauna (there’s almost a hundred different species of birds here), the trail is a wheelchair-friendly 4km loop. Several other walks splinter off this one, and if canoeing is your thing make sure you bring one along.
Photo via @flettygirl86
Herdsman Lake Loop
Perth’s northern suburbs are filled with various wetland areas that make for great walks, and Herdsman Lake is one of the best. With plenty of birdspotting to be done (and keep an eye out for snakes!), the 8km trail has a variety of boardwalk sections, picnic areas and the Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre if you’re really in the mood for some knowledge. If you’re looking something a tad smaller, Lake Monger a little further south is another popular option.
Photo via @thowsandwords
Scarborough-Trigg Heritage Trail
For an epic blend of beach and bush, the Scaborough-Trigg Heritage Trail is a stunner. With three loops combining over the course of 7.5km, you can read up on the human and natural history with signposts as you go along.
Photo via @kissylalalala
West Coast Highway
If it’s all beach you’re after, you can’t go past the West Coast Highway walk that runs basically all the way from Hillarys Boat Harbour, along the northern beaches, Trigg, Scarborough and City Beach (or further south to Swanbourne and Cott if you’re up for it). Riddled with plenty of cafés and other pitstops (plus a fair share of fellow walkers/bike riders/puppies), it’s as good it gets for the metro coast.
Photo via @abbymccc
Melville Water Riverpark Trail
This is a pretty serious 16km stretch from the Freo Traffic Bridge to Canning Bridge, although can be easily divided up into different sections (the Blackwall Reach-Point Walter run, for instance). Along the way take the time to familiarise yourself with the interpretation facilities at Bicton Baths, Point Walter and Heathcote to learn about the Riverpark’s ecological, historical, and Noongar cultural and heritage values.
Photo via @wheresshelly
Garangup Park/Masson Mews/Minim Cove Park
On the opposite side of the river is an epic stretch path running basically from Gilbert Fraser Reserve in North Fremantle all the way along the river to Chidley Reserve in Mosman Park (and onwards from there if you’re feeling frisky). Best bet is to park at Garungup Park in Minim Cove and head north or south along the path from there. Along the way you’ll find little secret coves and beaches to check out and stunning views across the Swan River to bask in.
Photo via @townofmosmanpark
Swan River Loop
This 10km trail is one of Perth’s most well-known and most popular, and also one that keeps offering new experiences with the advent of landmarks like Elizabeth Quay and Optus Stadium. You can also explore Heirisson Island (and catch a kangaroo or two), or simply take in the plethora of city views that make Perth – dare we say it – ok!
Photo via @davidmnapier
Bold Park
Bold Park is a huge and un-tapped area of inner city bushland that features over 15km worth of walking trails and a variety of different lookouts with views of the city and coast. It can be easy to slip by this treasure as you make your way to the beach from the city, but with an abundance of wildlife and native plants, it’s more than worthy of stopover.
Photo by The Life of Py. Check out his great article on Bold Park here!
Lake Joondalup
For our kings and queens in the north, Lake Joondalup is a solid 16km walk/bike path in the Yellagonga Regional Park, littered with all kinds of wildlife including kangaroos, long-neck turtles, and the occasional snake. There’s plenty of picnic spots with fantastic lake views, the perfect place to make a proper afternoon of it.
Photo via @jayden_brand
Kings Park
The pride of Perth city, Kings Park is filled with a lush variety of different walks, but it’s hard to go past the much-adored Law Walk. The 2.5km loop offers unparalleled views of the Swan River and Perth city while providing an incredible insight into biodiversity and history of the area. Head HERE to find out more about this walk and the others available in Kings Park.
Photo via @j.friend_photography
Wireless Hill Park
Wireless Hill Park provides an incredibly unique opportunity to experience all the benefits of bushwalking including native animals and wildflowers but in a metro area. With spectacular views of the Swan River and city centre it’s a beautiful walk any time of the year, but gets even better in wildflower season.
Photo via @asanadventures
Matilda Bay Reserve
A fave during the warmer months for its picnic, swimming, fishing and crabbing potential, it’s also a stunning walk from the Crawley Boatshed all the way down to the Nedlands Yacht Club. Make sure you keep an eye out for the dolphins that frequently inhabit the beaches along this area, or stop off for a coffee at one of several cafés along the way.
Photo via @photographyeza
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