Perth has a slew of activities for any traveller, but getting the most out of Perth sometimes means getting out of the city itself, and heading to areas with less development, fewer crowds, and more nature, harking back to less modern and much simpler times.
Kings Park and Botanical Garden
If you only have time for one nature outing when you visit Perth, let it be to Kings Park. One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park is well-known for its scientific research and horticulture, as well as its commitment to public education and conservation efforts - two-thirds of the park’s 400 hectares are protected as bushland, thus providing a haven for biodiversity.
There’s an endless list of things to do at Kings Park, whichever time of year you visit, however many people you bring, however old you are. From simple walks around the curated gardens, jogs in the bushland, picnicking on the grounds while listening to an outdoor concert in the warmer months, admiring the sailboats on the water of the Swan River, and much, much more, you will almost never run out of a new way to experience the outdoors in Kings Park.
It’s also where you’ll find the Western Australia Botanic Gardens, with more than 3,000 species of Western Australia’s unique flora thriving on the grounds. Unlike many other botanic gardens in the world, the WA Botanic Gardens focuses primarily on their native species of flora and fauna, which are rarely found in other parts of the world. The Conservation Garden, in particular, is where the state’s rarest species, as well as their most critically endangered. And in the heart of the garden lies Beedawong, a stone amphitheatre designed by Nyoongar artist Richard Walley and landscape architect David Smith, where cultural performances by the aboriginal Nyoongar people are held throughout the year.
And if you happen to be in town in September, you’re in for a treat in the form of the Kings Park Festival, Australia’s largest wildflower show and exhibition. The month-long festival consists of a series of small events, from walking tours amidst the Park’s famous wildflowers in full bloom and outdoor wellness activities, to live performances by local artists and art and photography exhibitions, and more.
Walking Trails
In Australia, walking trails are split into two, done on actual walking paths, and bushwalking trails, which are walks through natural areas. As the capital of the largest state in Australia, Perth has some good options for either type of walking. For those who aren’t too experienced or prefer to take things easy, start with a walking trail. Often flatter and more open than bushwalking trails, walking trails are the perfect way to start your morning, end your day, or even to spend your whole day.
Lotterywest Federation Walkway
Start easy with the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. Part of the Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, this walking trail has been one of Perth’s most popular since it opened in 2003. This walkway is unique due to its elevation - it stands 52m above the ground, an arch bridge of glass and steel amidst a eucalyptus canopy, with views of the Swan and Canning rivers. The bridge also restricts jogging, running, cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading and scootering, so all visitors are pretty much just ambling along the path.
Bibbulman Track
For something more challenging, there's always the Bibbulman Track, one of the world’s great long-distance walking trails. The trail stretches 1000km from the Perth Hills down to the south coast, and is broken down into 9 sections, with the first section, the Darling Range, starting just outside of Perth. Of course, this trail is a pretty big undertaking, but even walking a small part of it is well worth the effort, as you’ll be treated to a mix of jarrah, marri and wandoo forests, native to Australia and not found anywhere else in the world, as well as other spectacular vistas along the rest of the trail.
Bells Rapids Trail
If you’re up for something more adventurous, get ready to head out into some bushland. In other parts of the world, bushwalking would be synonymous with hiking or trekking, and it’s just as strenuous, so remember to wear good shoes, bring a bottle, some sunscreen and a hat, and keep your eyes open while you walk.
The Bells Rapids trail is about a 40 minutes drive outside of Perth’s CBD, and is great for a hike by the river. The 5.5km loop, split into the 2.5km River Walk and the 3km Goat Walk, is fairly short as walking trails go, but as it’s still natural land, there are some steeper parts and uneven terrain, but you're sure to be rewarded with fantastic riverside views, and maybe even an encounter with one of the area’s grey kangaroos. If you're visiting in August, you might also be able to catch the Avon Descent, a 2-day white water racing event along the Swan and Avon rivers - Bells Rapids is one of the best places to view the races.
Ellis Brook Valley
For a more colourful trip, head on down to the Ellis Brook Valley, about half an hour south of the CBD. With four walking trails that vary in difficulty, you'll have a couple of options of how you want to experience this valley, which is known as one of the richest wildflower locations in the Perth Metropolitan Area, as well as a breathtaking waterfall. In addition to the flora, the valley also has an abundance of fauna, so you'll see cockatoos, pardalotes, possums and more.
Lake Monger
Lake Monger, known as Keiermulu to the Nyoongar people, is a large urban wetland just 5km outside of the city. A popular destination for birdwatching, walking and cycling, Lake Monger is also home to the famous black swans of Perth, from which the Swan River got its name, as well as several other bird species’.
According to Nyoongar lore, when the Wagyl, the Nyoongar version of the Rainbow Serpent of Australian Aboriginal mythology, was journeying to the sea, it deviated from its path and emerged from the ground, thus creating the lake. The Wagyl is also believed to be responsible for the Swan and Canning Rivers that run through Perth. It is this aspect of the Nyoongar peoples’ culture that the lake and a large part of the reserve as registered with the Department of Indigenous Affairs as an Aboriginal heritage site of historic and mythological significance.
The lake is a popular destination for morning walks and jogs, with its idyllic landscapes and mostly flat terrain. If the weather looks good, pack a picnic, spread a blanket and while away your afternoon by the lakeside - the park is well-maintained, and the people are very friendly, so you’re almost guaranteed a good time.
Cycling Trails
Walking with your own two legs is fun, but sometimes you just want to get on some wheels and pedal your way instead. Perth has some excellent cycling trails, both in and just out of the city.
The Swan Valley Heritage Cycling Trail is an excellent place to start - rent a bike from the city and take the train to the town of Guildford, where the trail begins. Whether you choose the 4km, 30km or 32km option, you'll pass by fresh produce stalls, wineries and galleries, and it’d be a crime to not stop at least once to sample what they have to offer.
For the early birds, try the Swan River Three Bridges Loop, which starts in the CBD and runs parallel to the river, until you reach Canning Bridge, a great spot to catch the sunrise, after which you’ll loop and cycle all the way back to the CBD, a whopping 43km trail that's sure to get your heart pumping and keep you energised for the rest of the day. Make sure to get a bike with a bell and wear your helmet at all times - the trail is popular and busy, so be aware.
John Forrest National Park
A national park in the Darling Scarp east of Perth, the John Forrest National Park is the first national park in Western Australia. Originally known as Greenmount National Park, the John Forrest National Park is one of the best places to get up close and personal with Australia’s natural landscape and wildlife.
Start your day by visiting the John Forrest Wildflower Tavern and Restaurant, which has been serving visitors to the park since the late 1970s. Their outdoor courtyard is particularly special - not only is a landmark for visitors, it’s also a popular place to meet the park’s wildlife, especially the kangaroos. The kangaroos native to the park’s land are known to come out to the courtyard seeking food, along with the occasional birds and bandicoots.
Follow that up with a walk down one of the many trails the park has to offer, all of which start from the main picnic area. One of the most well-known trails is the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, known locally as the Bridle Trail or Bridle Track, which is named after the railway line that once passed through the area, and whose tracks still remain on the ground. The trail also has the benefit of taking you to one of the two waterfalls in the park, the National Park Falls, which drops 700m and makes for a spectacular view when the run cascades onto the rock below.
Alternatively, you could walk the Eagle’s View Trail, which is the park’s longest at 15km and offers sweeping vistas of the city and the occasional wedge-tailed eagle, as well as pretty wildflowers along its route in the spring. The trail is manageable for most, but it does have some steep parts, so remember to wear sturdy shoes. By contrast, the Jane Brook Promenade is the shortest trail in the park but is equally satisfying in its own way. The paved trail is ideal for beginners and casual walkers, and walking down to the Jane Brook Dam will find quaint wooden huts where you can take a break or simply enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
Wherever you go and however you choose to do it, no trip to Perth would be complete without at least some immersion into the city’s nature, a key feature of this isolated city.
