Perth is blessed with some of the best walking trails and hikes that are perfect year-round.

Perth offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy nature and explore new places. Whether you are looking for a scenic stroll along the Swan River, a challenging hike up the highest peak in the Darling Range, or a coastal adventure on Rottnest Island, there is a walking track for you. For those wanting to get off the beaten track, we have discovered Perth’s best walking trails.

Here you will discover hidden gems like waterfalls, gorges, wildflowers and plenty of wildlife. Perfect for any season, embrace the outdoors with a dose of sunshine and exercise thanks to our list of the best secluded walking trails and hiking tracks!

Bibbulmun Track

Explore Western Australia’s natural beauty with the strenuous yet rewarding Bibbulmun Track – a 1000-kilometre walking trail that takes you from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills down to Albany. Although few have hiked the complete length of the track, which generally takes six to eight weeks, we highly recommend completing one of the shorter Bibbulmun Tracks. These will take you through a diverse and scenic landscapes, including dense forests, stunning coastal cliffs, and picturesque views of Lake CY O’Connor. With plenty of different tracks, you’ll find the perfect walking trail regardless of your experience and fitness levels. One of the best long distance walking trails in the world, we guarantee that trekking through Bibbulmun is the best way to experience Western Australia.

Cape to Cape Track

The Cape to Cape Track is a scenic coastal walk that connects to two lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the southwest of Western Australia. This 123-kilometre hike is one of the most tranquil and peaceful secluded walks you can experience in Perth, where you will often stand upon cliffs overlooking beaches with turquoise and deep azure waters. Otherwise, visitors can opt to walk through forest and bushland and follow paths bordered by wildflowers and unique rocks, as well as abundant wildlife and wildflowers. Cape to Cape can be completed in either a one-, five-, or six-day hike with several campgrounds and hostels available for overnight stays within town. Alternatively, you can complete shorter day hikes. Either way, you really can do no wrong when hiking along the Cape to Cape, especially when you have the most beautiful region in Western Australia to explore. One of the best Perth hikes and walking trails!

Sullivan’s Rock to Monadnocks Campsite Track

This walk from Sullivan’s Rock to the Monadnocks Campsite is every part peaceful as it is calming and relaxing. When driving along Albany Highway, it can be difficult to ascertain where the hike begins but once you find the right turn off into the Sullivan Rock carpark, you should be on your merry way! This 15-kilometre hike starts at Sullivan’s Rock, a short 100-metres away from the road, before taking you across Mount Vincent and Mount Cuthbert where, soon after, you will reach the Monadnocks Campsite for a well-deserved break! Along the walk, you will find wildflowers lining the path, kangaroos hiding in the shrub and some spectacular views overlooking a blanket of green bushland that extends for kilometres beyond the horizon. Those wanting a dose of nature to brighten your week, and around five years to spare, visit this extraordinary scenic trail as soon as you can!

Burswood Loop Bridges Walk

The Swan River is Western Australia’s pride and joy. And now it has Elizabeth Quay and Optus Stadium sitting on its edge —  the perfect spot to release some energy. The first route around the river begins in Burswood and takes you alongside the shadows of Optus Stadium, through to the beautifully manicured gardens of Claisebrook Cove, past Trinity College before circling you back towards Burswood over the Causeway. For a longer route, you can continue on past Elizabeth Quay, the Riverside Drive and the beautiful South Perth Foreshore, making this the ultimate sight-seeing trail around Perth and the Swan River. To make this run even sweeter, you should time it up with the sunrise or sunset – it doesn’t matter where you are along the route, you will have the most beautiful view across the river. One of the best scenic walking tracks in Perth city, make a habit to trek through Bruswood Loop!

Wadjemup Bidi

If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of Rottnest Island on foot, then tie up your laces for one of the best walking trails close Perth. This 45-kilometre trail will let you explore the island’s coastline and inland lakes, offering stunning views and the chance to get up-close-and-personal with some of the critters that call Rottnest home, including the adorable quokka. This is an easy track for beginners to trek through, with low difficulty and plenty of ways to learn about the history and culture of this stunning island!

Looking to get off the beaten track? Check out these Top 9 Completely Unique Things to do in Perth. Stroll don’t walk through these Best Lavender Farms in Western Australia.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

Feature image: Photographed by Frances Andrijich. Image via Tourism Western Australia.

This article was first published on April 07 2020. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on March 30 2023.