Pull on your gumboots! Winter is upon us, and what better way to spend a weekend or school holiday adventure than in the Perth Hills. It’s tempting to stay indoors on a chilly day, but that’s the best time to explore the trails of the Perth Hills. Get your kids off screens and into nature this winter, and take them on a mini hike on a trail suitable for beginners. Our guide has the best short trails 5 km and under – perfect for little legs.
Railway Reserves Heritage Trail | image credit Amanda Carlin
Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, Mundaring (41km loop, easily walked in shorter sections)
There’s lots of family friendly features along the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, which is best-enjoyed in bite-sized sections. Highlights include the old Swan View Tunnel (fun to explore, take a torch!), as well as many parks and pubs with playgrounds including The Parkerville Tavern, Mount Helena Tavern and Mundaring Sculpture Park. The trail is also great for a bike ride.
Kalamunda Fairy Door Trail | image credit Buggybuddys
Kalamunda Fairy Door Trail
Don your fairy wings and discover the hidden fairy world in Kalamunda! Little fairy finders will need to keep their eyes peeled for the magical doors, as you take a stroll through the town centre and Stirk Park (stop for a play at the adventure playground too). With over 20 doors to find, it’s good free family fun. Grab a fairy map for your hunt at the Perth Hills Kalamunda Visitor Centre, next to the Kalamunda Library.
Roley Pools | image credit @thowsandwords
Roley Pools Heritage Walk Trails, Roleystone (from 1km to 3.2km)
Roley Pools are a fun place to explore year-round. Four trails wind along the Canning River, over large granite rocks (that look like something out of the land of the dinosaurs) and the creek is perfect for a paddle (take a change of clothes). Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos and wallabies. Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail too, so the whole family can come along.
Stacey’s Loop Trail | image credit Off the Beaten Track WA
Stacey’s Loop Trail, Jarrahdale (2km loop)
Found in Serpentine National Park (a national park entry fee applies), the Stacey’s Loop trail winds through dense jarrah forest and crosses bridges over Gooralong Brook. Little hikers can use their senses (and wild imaginations) to listen out for birds and animals on this fun nature adventure.
Noble Falls Walk Trail | image credit @perth_mum_explores
Noble Falls Walk Trail, Gidgegannup (3.6km loop)
Jump in puddles at Noble Falls! This easy loop trail begins at the Noble Falls picnic area, and follows the Wooroloo Brook past the cascading Noble Falls and through the bush. The trail takes about 45 minutes to complete, making it ideal for younger children with short legs, and shorter attention spans. Why not BYO sandwiches to enjoy in the Noble Falls picnic area.
Lake Leschenaultia | image credit Amanda Carlin
Lake Leschenaultia Loop, Chidlow (3km)
This flat 3km trail around Lake Leschenaultia is an easy hike for the kiddos. The gravel path is suitable for prams and bikes too. Grab a free “Bird Bingo” sheet from Lake Lesch’s camp office and see what the kids can spot amongst nature, as they walk. Lake Leschenaultia is open all year round and is popular for its MTB trails, BBQ facilities, playground, swimming and weekend canoe hire in summer. Why not camp there and make a weekend of it?
Lesmurdie Falls | image credit Chelle Fisher
Lesmurdie Falls (2.4km loop)
Depending on how far your family likes to wander, there’s trails at Lesmurdie Falls from 650m to 3kms long, making this spot a top toddle for little ones. Late winter and early spring are the best times to visit Perth’s biggest waterfall. The five walking trails mainly begin at the Falls Road car park, where there are toilets, water, and picnic facilities too.
Armadale Settlers Common | image credit @koarliebear87
Armadale Settlers Common, Bedfordale (1km to 10km)
Take your pick from a range of trails suitable for all ages at Armadale Settlers’ Common. You can even bring your pram and explore the wheelchair-accessible Jeeriji Trail – where you can also spot a hollow towering tree, that the kids will love. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll with the dog, a yummy picnic, or even a geocaching treasure hunt, this lush 383-hectare bushland reserve has got all bases covered for the family.
Mundlimup Timber Trail | image credit _davidgold_
Mundlimup Timber Trail, Jarrahdale (3km loop)
The kiddos can discover nature along the flat Mundlimup Timber Trail. This short and easy Perth Hills trail is packed with wildflowers (in season), wildlife and historical points of interest like Log Landing and the old saw pit. Starting at the picnic area of the 1890s timber tramway, follow the trail over a bridge and up some steps and see what you find!
FR Berry Reserve | image credit The Long Way’s Better
FR Berry Reserve (2.7km return)
The kids will be mesmerised by the red rocks of FR Berry Falls. Wooroloo Brook flows through Noble Falls, which is spectacular in late winter. Dogs are allowed to walk along the trail loop at this reserve too, so be sure to bring the fur fam too. Find a peaceful spot by the water’s edge and soak up nature with your family.
Glen Brook Dam | image credit @perth_mum_explores
Glen Brook Dam Trail, Hovea (4.5km or 2km loop)
The waters of John Forrest National Park’s Glen Brook Dam are a great spot to walk around. The trail loops around the dam, with bridges, and hopping over rocks making it a fun little adventure. Sweet 1930s picnic shelters, known as fairy villages, are found throughout the National Park. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for plenty of kangaroos.
Kalamunda ArtWalk | image credit City of Kalamunda
Kalamunda ArtWalk
If you’d prefer an easy urban stroll, take a wander around the charming Perth Hills town of Kalamunda. The self-walk Kalamunda ArtWalk begins with a free map which can be picked up from the Perth Hills Kalamunda Visitor Centre, next to the Kalamunda Library. Follow the trail to uncover vibrant murals, street art, sculptures, and more. If your kids love art, drop by the Zig Zag Gallery too, located adjacent to the Visitor Centre.
Araluen Botanic Park | image credit Araluen Botanic Park
Araluen Botanic Park, Roleystone (800m)
A blooming beautiful place to take a wander at any time of year, Araluen Botanic Park has a few walk trails. Their “Contour Walk” is relatively easy – be sure to pick up a map at the park. The Contour Walk is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The path takes you from a viewing platform, crossing the creek at Westrek Bridge and continuing to the Chalet Healy. Araluen often holds school holiday activities too, see their website for more.
Macora Walk Trail | image credit @exploringwiththepotiphartribe
Macora Walk Trail, Byford Hills
The rocky Macora Walk Trail, also known as the Byford Hills Walk Trail, has challenging slopes (which you might want to keep in mind if your kids are little). Your burning calves will be rewarded with a beautiful view at the top. Its short length makes it a great spot for the kiddos to explore, after a good rainfall, to see the Macora Falls flowing over the 400 million-year-old rocky outcrops. Dogs are welcome on this trail too.
Possum Loop Trail, Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary | image credit @will_roocke
Possum Loop, Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, Gidgegannup
The Possum Loop trail is the easiest of the sanctuary’s three trails – so perfect for taking the kids on a hike. Wander along creeks, and through woodlands to the lookout. Possum Loop is perfect for families looking for an short, scenic trail to tread. Never visited Paruna before? You’ll need to book on the Australian Wildlife Conservancy website and use a pin code to enter the beautiful Wildlife Sanctuary.
Taking a family walk in the Perth Hills is a few hours well spent. Be sure to refuel at on of our many kid-friendly cafés or pubs afterwards. Happy hiking!