Just 40 minutes after pounding the pavement of Perth’s CBD, you can be wandering the peaceful trails in Perth Hills Mundaring. Whether you’re after an easy waterside walk or a challenging national park hike, this region has plenty to pick from – towering bushland, ancient granite outcrops, native wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, oodles of history and jaw-dropping views.
The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail winds through historic points (like old station platforms) and nature-packed bushland. Taking the same route as the Eastern Railway once led, this 41km loop links Mundaring with several of its villages. The flat, wide gravel trail is a local favourite for a stroll or an easy cycle between the hills’ historic townships.
John Forrest National Park, WA’s oldest, is home to a network of walking trails for all abilities. Choose an easy 300m wander around the pretty Jane Brook Promenade, or tackle the rugged 16km Eagle View Walk Trail, which earns its name with panoramic lookouts over the coastal plain.
The Railway Reserves passes through the park, and you can follow this to the Swan View Tunnel (6.2km return). Kids love walking through the spooky old tunnel! The 4.5km Wildflower Walk is a popular trail to take in spring, highlighting the diversity of the park’s flora.
Lake Leschenaultia, a former railway dam in Chidlow is a tranquil spot where mirror-flat water is framed by eucalypts. After completing the easy 3km lake loop, tuck into a picnic on the white sandy banks or take a dip.
Found in Beelu National Park, near Mundaring Weir, the moderate 3.5km Portagabra Track is a gem for those who want to escape the crowds. It leads you through dense forest and across granite outcrops, offering a “deep bush” feel only a short drive from the Mundaring’s centre.
A visit to the Perth Hills isn’t complete without seeing C.Y. O’Connor’s engineering masterpiece. The 1.2km Weir View Walk offers a front-row seat to the massive concrete wall and the vast expanse of water it holds back. This trail is best followed by a pub lunch at the historic Mundaring Weir Hotel.
Mundaring’s trails are a diverse collection of bushwalks that capture the rugged beauty and peaceful forest charm of the Perth Hills. Which will you walk next?
Feature image Credit: Life of Py