Wildflowers on display. Image Credit alx.ju_soztraly
John Forrest National Park, one of Western Australia’s oldest conservation areas, has been a favourite for families and nature lovers for generations. Established way back in in 1900, the land was initially called Greenmount National Park. In 1947, the spot was renamed after the state’s first Premier, Sir John Forrest. This heritage-rich area of the Perth Hills offers a perfect mix of history, and nature-based fun for all ages.
Credit: Exploringwiththepotiphartribe
Exploring John Forrest National Park is always an adventure in the Perth Hills. Known for epic walk and cycling trails, the National Park is packed with trails that cater to many different abilities. There are shorter walk trails for families of little kids too – like around the pretty Glen Brook Dam.
The Eagle View Trail is a challenging 16-kilometer loop offering sweeping views of the Swan Coastal Plain, ideal for experienced hikers. But if you’re visiting with little ones, the shorter and easier trails are just as scenic. The new 16km Noolbenger Off-Road Cycle Trail is proving a big hit with adventure cyclists and trail runners.
Image Credit: Ashley Cooper
The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, which follows the route of an old railway line, passes through the historic Swan View Tunnel. This exciting detour for children and adults alike is said to be haunted by workmen who died during construction, making it a spooky spot indeed. Be sure to take a torch and wellies!
Swan View Tunnel. Image credit: A Carlin
Seasonal highlights make John Forrest National Park extra special. Visit during spring to see vibrant wildflowers all around the park, including iconic kangaroo paws, donkey orchids and other native blooms. The winter months offer flowing waterfalls, like the stunning Hovea Falls and National Park Falls, creating beautiful spots to relax or take photos. Wildlife is also abundant throughout the year, with kangaroos, bandicoots, and colourful birds often spotted around picnic areas and trails.
Hovea Falls Image credit: Down Under Discoveries
Kids will love the park’s open spaces, where they can run around, explore, and maybe even spot a few kangaroos hopping about. They’ll enjoy climbing on the giant bobtail too, which can be found at the nature playground. Shady picnic spots are great for taking a break and enjoying a packed lunch, or BBQ, while soaking in the serene surroundings.
Image Credits: Explore Parks and Exploringwiththepotiphatribe
Image credit: PerthMumAdventures
Looking to the future, there’s exciting things coming to JFNP! A new park hub complex development has already brought a picnic area upgrade, and there’ll be a café and other additions built over the next few years too.
Want to delve deeper? Be sure to join a guided hike of the National Park, with Off the Beaten Track WA or The Hike Collective. Their expert local guides have plenty of fun facts about the area to pick up along the way.
Just minutes from Midland and Mundaring, John Forrest National Park combines natural beauty, a whole load of of history, and plenty of family-friendly activities, so close to suburbia! This makes it a perfect spot for a memorable day out in the Perth Hills.
Find John Forrest National Park at Park Road, Hovea.
A National Park fee applies if arriving by car.