The best walks in Perth

If you enjoy fresh air and keeping fit, then there’s no better way to explore Perth than on foot. The city’s’ location on the Swan River and its superb coastline make for many great walks around Perth.

Here’s a list of the best Perth walks that showcases the river, coast and city from their best angles.

All walks are easily accessible by car or public transport. However, if you prefer to run or bike, any of these walks can easily be turned into running or bike trails.

Matilda Bay – Crawley

Matilda Bay, Perth

Matilda Bay is one of Perth’s prettiest riverside walks

For a Perth riverside walk, head to beautiful Matilda Bay in Crawley. Matilda Bay is an easy five minute drive from the Perth CBD or easily accessed by the free CAT bus.

Once there, you can make this walk as long or as short as you want. The walking trail will take you from the iconic blue Boatshed, past the Perth Yacht Club (home of Australia II, the winner of the 1983 America’s Cup) and Pelican Point. Enjoy lovely views of the Swan River and the city along the way.

On your way back you can cross the road and meander through the manicured grounds of the University of Western Australia.

Starting Point: Matilda Bay reserve, Hackett Drive.

Kings Park, West Perth

Treetop walk Kings park

The Treetop Walk in Kings Park

Kings Park is one of Perth’s premier tourist attractions and is a great spot to explore on foot. There are a variety of self guided walks in Kings Park that can be done at your own pace. These include the Botanic Garden trail , Bushland Nature Trail and the Law Walk that will take you across Federation Bridge and over the treetops.

Kings Park also has daily guided walks that give more insight about West Australia’s unique flora and fauna and seasonal wildflowers.

Maps and walking trails are available at the Kings Park Visitor Information Centre.

Starting Point: Fraser Avenue, Kings Park

Windan Bridge Loop, East Perth

For a great Perth urban walk, take the Windan Bridge Loop and explore East Perth and the Swan River. This walk will take you past Heirrison Island, Optus Stadium, Burswood and East Perth where you can find cafés, galleries and public art.

You can also take a walk through the nature reserve at Heirisson Island where you might also come across one of the resident Kangaroos.

The full trail is 6.2 km but you can shorten the walk by crossing the Matagarup Bridge.

Starting Point: Riverside Drive Carpark, Burswood or Perth Stadium are good access points.

Sunset Coast Drive, Trigg to Sorrento

Perth coastal walk

Bring your swimsuit on this superb coastal walk in Perth

For the best coastal walk in Perth head to Sunset Coast Drive in Perth’s northern suburbs. This spectacular coastline, stretches from Trigg to Hillary’s Boat Harbour. Along the way, you’ll pass surf breaks and some of the most stunning Perth beaches this side of Rottnest Island.

Make like a local and enjoy a morning walk followed by a coffee at one of many coastal cafes along the way. Alternatively, head down for a sunset walk and enjoy a pizza or fish and chips while you watch the sun go down.

Starting Point: Anywhere along the coast from Trigg to Sorrento.

Bridges Walk

The Bridges Walk is a 10km loop walk that showcases some of Perth’s most popular city attractions. The riverside walk leads you along the banks of the Swan River and across the Narrows and Causeway Bridges.

The Bridges walk trail traverses the South Perth Foreshore, Elizabeth Quay, Barrack Jetty and Riverside Drive with plenty of café and restaurant options along the way.

Starting Point: Langley Park, Elizabeth Quay or anywhere along the South Perth foreshore are good options.

Scarborough to Trigg Beach Walk

Perth is blessed with a spectacular coastline and there’s no shortage of great walks along the beach. For one of the most easily accessible beach walks in Perth, head to Scarborough Beach. From there is a lovely walk north along the shoreline towards Trigg.

Watch the surfers along the way as you stroll along the beach. Once you’ve arrived at Trigg walk up the path for a coffee or bite to eat at Canteen or Bronte’s.

There you have it, some of the nicest walks to do around Perth.

Starting Point: Scarborough Esplanade or Trigg Beach near the Surflivesaving Club.

Heirisson Island

Heirisson Island is located near the Causeway a short distance from Perth city between East Perth and Victoria Park. The island is important for the local Noongar people and has a statue of Yagan who was an important Noongar warrior.

There’s an easy 4.7 walk trail that loops around the island. The bonus attraction are the kangaroos on Heirisson Island which can be found on the fenced southern side of the island.

Starting Point: Heirisson Island Parking (off the Causeway)

 

 

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