The best hiking trails in Perth Hills (within a half-hour of Perth city)

Hiker looking down at trails with Perth Hills in back ground and sunrise or sunset in background

Whether you're chasing waterfalls, climbing peaks or wandering through wildflower-filled gullies, this list of best hiking spots near Perth will match your energy and interest.

The views, the wildlife, the weather, the big blue dome above as you hike on one of the Perth Hill’s premier hiking trails. We love an adventure outside of Perth, and the half-hour venture to the trails in the Perth Hills is the day trip that absolutely anybody can get around . 

If you don’t have the time to get to the Great Southern or the far north of WA, there are a tonne of rugged escarpments, waterfalls, peaceful bushlands and sweeping valley views all within a 60km drive of the Perth CBD. You might just be getting into hiking or have years of trail dust under your boots, but either way there’s a Perth Hills hike on offer for everyone. 

Here’s our list of the 20 best Perth Hills hiking trails—all within 60km of the city.


Golden Helena Valley Loop (Beelu National Park)

A WA local favourite, this gorgeous loop trail in the heart of Helena Valley blends a mostly flat bushwalk through the tall Jarrah trees with profound viewpoints of the Helena Valley and Mundairing Weird. No matter what day of the week, you’ll likely share the trail, given Beelu National Park is home to plenty of kangaroos. 

The 3-5-hour hike is ideal for early mornings, the fog presenting a sort of mysterious, eerie atmosphere before the blue skies take hold. Otherwise, a late arvo hike when the light filters beautifully through the trees is a huge winner when you’re dying to get out for a hike in the Perth Hills.

  • Distance from Perth: 25km
  • Hike length: 12.1km loop

Whistlepipe Gully & Lesmurdie Falls Loop (Forrestfield)

Combining two of the Perth Hills’ most scenic features, this loop trail offers a beautiful blend of waterfalls, granite boulders and sweeping valley views. Starting from the Lewis Road trailhead, the path follows Whistlepipe Gully upstream past the ruins of a unique old house built into the rocks, before linking up with Lesmurdie Falls—a local favourite, especially in winter and early spring when the water flows strongest.

View from foot of Lesmurdie Falls in Perth Hills, with hiking trail on right and stream collecting at photographer's foot on a blue sky day.

The terrain is mostly moderate with some rocky, uneven sections, making it a satisfying but accessible option for most hikers.

  • Distance from Perth: Approximately 22 km
  • Hike length: 5.5 km loop

Piesse Brook Circuit (Kalamunda National Park)

In the heart of the immense Kalamunda National Park, the Piesse Brook Circuit is a relatively easy hike, winding through granite outcrops and lush gullies. While it’s far from extreme, Piesse Brook Circuit isn’t void of steep sections either. The gradients are worth it though, for the sweeping views and creek crossings—especially lovely after rain—will have you forgetting you’re only half an hour from Perth city. 

Perfect for intermediate hikers, you can even tack on a visit to Rocky Pool if you fancy a dip in a swimming hole outside of Perth. Piesse, by the way, is pronounced like “peace”.

Rocky Pool hiking trail in the heart of the Perth Hills on a sunny blue sky day with stones in the middle of creek.
  • Distance from Perth: 30km
  • Hike length: 5km to 10km depending on route

Paulls Valley trails (Kalamunda National Park)

Paulls Valley features a network of trails through jarrah and marri forest, often shared with mountain bikers. Highlights include open valley views of Mundaring and shady bush paths. 

It’s a great pick for flexible hike lengths and forest immersion, from the mighty Bibbulman Track to the Kalamunda Circuit and Paulls Valley Loop. For a reward post-hike, park near the Mundaring Weir Hotel before finding a trail head—you’ll be thirstier than a dried dam after your bushwalk and a pint of Swan Draught will hit the spot just right. 

  • Distance from Perth: 30km
  • Hike length: 5km to 15km (or 1,000km if including the Bibbulman)

Jarrahdale trails (Jarrahdale)

Hiker with baby in carrier on his chest while walking on Perth Hills hiking trail on blue sky day

We love, love, love Jarrahdale. It’s a family favourite of this author and it’s a gem of a historic town with awesome hiking access (plus a bunch of other awesome adventure activities, like climbing and 4WDing). For hikers, Jarrahdale is home to Kitty’s Gorge, Stacey’s Loop and sections of the Munda Biddi Trail. From waterfalls and quaint streams, to tall trees and ridiculous views of the seemingly endless jarrah forest, it’s no wonder it’s a favourite of Perth Hills hikers. 

The region is also excellent for bouldering and rock climbing, so prepare to swap hiking boots for climbing shoes if you’re a fan of verticals. 

  • Distance from Perth: 45km
  • Hike length: 1.9km to 17km

Mount Cuthbert & Mount Vincent (Darling Ranges)

These ‘twin peaks’ offer one of the Perth Hills’ more challenging hikes, starting at Sullivan Rock. You’ll summit two peaks with rewarding views of the ranges and beyond once you’ve hiked to the top. Best tackled in cooler weather with good shoes.

  • Distance from Perth: 55km
  • Hike length: ~10km loop

Kitty’s Gorge Track (Serpentine National Park)

Back to Jarrahdale, this is one of Perth Hills’ hiking community’s most beloved trails, and the longer of the two most popular bushwalks in Serpentine National Park (the other is listed below). Starting from Jarrahdale Cemetery, the first part of the walk is mostly downhill. You’ll follow the Gooralong Brook until the mighty Serpentine Falls greets you. August to November will not only ensure amazing views of the falls after winter’s downpours, but glimpses of WA’s national treasure: the Perth wildflowers. 

  • Distance from Perth: 60km
  • Hike length: 1.9km

Stacey’s Loop (Serpentine National Park)

The baby sister to Kitty’s Gorge Track, Stacey’s Loop offers a much shorter stroll through similar scenery, so it’s perfect if you’re lacking the time or energy for a ~17km hike. Stacey’s Loop also starts at Jarrahdale Cemetery and winds its way through Serpentine National Park’s smooth rocky boulders and jarrah forest. It’s a short walk, but you’ll have plenty of Instagram-worthy viewpoints of the Perth Hills without even breaking a sweat. 

  • Distance from Perth: 60km
  • Hike length: 1.9km

FR Berry Reserve Trail (Gidgegannup)

A lesser-known gem in the hills, FR Berry Reserve provides a peaceful out and back walk through granite outcrops and rich varieties of wildflowers. It’s one of the best wildflower spots in the Perth Hills, with a huge range of varieties on show during the spring months. The short trail is best for those after a bit of solitude from the city and a tonne of birdlife and native flora. Hikers with four-legged friends love it here, as FR Berry Reserve Trail is dog-friendly.

  • Distance from Perth: 40km
  • Hike length: ~3km

Eagle View Trail (John Forrest National Park)

Group walking in the distance on hiking trail in John Forrest National Park, on a cloudy day with beautiful and large trees hanging above.

Talk about classic Perth Hills hiking trail, the Eagle View Loop Trail is one of the best for expansive views of the stunning John Forrest National Park and the Swan Coastal Plain. You can even see glimpses of Perth city from various viewpoints. WA wildlife is ever present, and you’ll enjoy the sound of rushing water in your ears during and after the winter months, with plenty of falls along the 16km route. 

A challenging but rewarding day hike through one of WA’s oldest national parks in the Perth Hills and favourite hiking destinations in Mundaring. Even if you don’t choose Eagle View Trail specifically, you’ll have plenty of other options for beautiful bushwalks in John Forrest’s network of hiking trails. 

  • Distance from Perth: 24km
  • Hike length: 16km loop

Bibbulmun Track — Kalamunda to Mundaring Weir Walk (Kalamunda)

The northern terminus of the famed Bibbulmun Track starts in Kalamunda, and this is one of the best sections to introduce yourself to the Perth Hills’ premier long-distance trail. 

The Kalamunda to Mundaring Weir section sees you visit Jorgensen Park, a Kalamunda favourite for dogs and their owners, before heading off along a steep descent to the Bibbulman and into the bosoms of Piesse Brook and Paulls Valley (two favourite regions we’ve already tackled in this post—yes, this trek is that big). 

Experienced hikers only for this one. Don’t forget to scrub your boots at the dieback stations.

  • Distance from Perth: 30km
  • Hike length: 16km one-way

Sixty Foot Falls Trail (Ellis Brook Valley)

Black cockatoo in full flight in the Perth Hills, WA

There’s no better way to see the Ellis Brook Valley’s Sixty Foot Falls than turning the legs over at the short but stunning trail with the same name. Within 1km of the trailhead, you’ll find epic panoramic views and of course the incredible waterfall, indeed a must-see gem in the Martin region. 

The Sixty Foot Falls Trail is ideal for sunset hikes or a quick weekend challenge, leaving enough time to visit the nearby Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre.

  • Distance from Perth: 26km
  • Hike length: ~2km loop

Perth Observatory Loop (Bickley)

This quiet bush loop near Pickering Brook passes the historic Perth Observatory and offers you a very peaceful forest walk with glimpses of valley views. A good mid-length option for a morning hike, just a half-hour drive from Perth. 

  • Distance from Perth: 35km
  • Hike length: 10.9km loop

Ellis Brook Loop and Blue Wren Ramble (Ellis Brook Valley)

Back to the stunning reserve in Ellis Brook Valley, hikers can choose between several amazing trails that feed you right into the bush. This includes the 8km Ellis Brook Loop and the far shorter Blue Wren Ramble (2.8km). Known for spring wildflowers, waterfalls and birdlife, either one of these Perth hikes will give beginner bush walkers a sense of accomplishment. 

  • Distance from Perth: 26km
  • Hike length: 2.8km (Blue Wren) to 8km (Ellis Brook Loop)

Wungong Gorge Walk (Wungong)

A rugged, lesser-known trail through rocky escarpments and valley bushland. There are easier and more advanced routes here—perfect for hikers wanting something a bit wild while in the Perth Hills, given a lot of the track is unmarked.

  • Distance from Perth: 30km
  • Hike length: 6km to 14.9km

Armadale Settlers Common (Armadale)

A very relaxing network of well-maintained, often paved trails. Great for casual walkers or families wanting easy access to bushland without committing to a full hike.

  • Distance from Perth: 30km
  • Hike length: 1km to 5km

Honeyeater Hike (Bedfordale)

This moderate loop begins near the Christmas Tree Creek carpark and features jarrah forest, granite formations and scenic lookouts. Ideal for a quiet weekend hike with native birds aplenty.

  • Distance from Perth: 35km
  • Hike length: ~6km

Victoria Dam to Bickley Reservoir Trail (Bickley)

A historic and scenic bushwalk linking two reservoirs via forested tracks. Some steep sections provide a decent challenge, but the dam views and quiet bushland are worth it.

  • Distance from Perth: 25km
  • Hike length: ~6km one-way

Jorgensen Park trails (Kalamunda National Park)

Outlook of Paulls Valley from the Jorgansen Park hiking trail in Kalamunda, Perth Hills Wa.

Mentioned already, the Jorgensen Park trails is a family-friendly spot with shorter loops and Bibbulmun Track access. Despite the challenge being minimal, this is arguably one of mine and my wife’s favourite hiking spots in Perth. If the layout reminds you of a golf course, then no, you’re not crazy. The original Kalamunda Gold Club has been reclaimed by nature, with open space, shady forest and plenty of wildflowers in spring. Bring your dogs. 

  • Distance from Perth: 30km
  • Hike length: 2km to 5km

Don’t wait—explore the best hikes in Perth today

From easy rambles to all-day hikes, the Perth Hills is a treasure trove for trails and walking tracks. Just make sure you’ve all the right gear for your bushwalk, and always go with a buddy (or at least tell a mate when and we’re you’re going on a solo hike).

So lace up your boots, check the forecast and head on out—some of the best hiking in Western Australia is right here on Perth’s doorstep.

James Sunday

Known to go wherever the wind or cheapest airfare takes him, James has finally called West Australia home after years abroad. Bashful about his adventure CV, we'll do the boasting for James: if he's got a tip about WA explorations, listen very, very intently.