Perth's Ultimate Kid-Friendly Hiking Guide for the School Holiday Finale
As the April school holidays draw to a close, many Perth families are searching for engaging activities to keep children entertained before the return to school routines. Perth, often celebrated for its stunning beaches, also boasts an array of underrated hiking trails perfect for families seeking outdoor adventures. This guide compiles the best kid-friendly hikes in the metro area, ensuring your little ones enjoy their last days of freedom in nature's playground.
Why Perth Hikes Are Perfect for Families
Perth Hiker Girl, a local hiking influencer on Instagram, emphasizes that Perth's natural beauty is "definitely not appreciated enough," especially with cooler April weather replacing beach days. She notes, "WA doesn't get enough credit for the number of waterfalls, beautiful trails alongside flowing creeks, and landscape views." Unlike larger cities like Sydney, Perth offers quick access to nature, making it ideal for family outings. She describes nature as "the original playground," highlighting its benefits for children's mental and physical development. Key considerations include choosing trails based on walking ability and patience levels, with flowing creeks providing exciting stimuli for kids.
Top Kid-Friendly Trails in Perth
Lesmurdie Falls Trails
Located in the hills, Lesmurdie Falls offers multiple routes suitable for various ages. The Falls Trail is a Class 2, 640m return walk, while the Cascade Trail is a Class 3, 300m return route, with the Department of Conservation recommending a 30-minute allowance. For older children, the Shoulder Trail (1.5km) and Foot of the Falls trail (2km), both Class 3, take about an hour. The more challenging Valley Loop Trail is a Class 3, 3km walk requiring approximately 2 hours. Remember to bring drinking water, as none is available on the trails.
Glen Brook Trail
This 4.5km loop in John Forrest National Park is rated as a moderate Class 3, best for older kids, though shorter trails near the car park cater to younger ones. Trails WA estimates the loop takes 1 to 3 hours, passing through the park's southern section and Glen Brook.
Kalamunda Fairy Door Trail
A magical adventure in the Hills town, this trail involves finding fairy doors around Kalamunda's centre. Families can pick up maps online or at the Kalamunda Visitor Centre. The trail is conveniently located near cafes and shops, allowing for coffee and treat breaks as rewards for the kids' exploration efforts.
Law Walk Loop — Kings Park
For those staying closer to the city, the easy Class 1 Law Walk in Kings Park starts at the Visitor Information Centre on Fraser Avenue and extends to Dryandra Lookout over Matilda Bay. This 3.1km mix of paved and sandy paths includes the Federation Walkway glass bridge, offering thrills for brave children. Informative signs about native plants provide educational opportunities along the way.
The Spectacles, Kwinana
Ideal for geocaching enthusiasts, this wetland area features two easy trails with GPS-received containers to discover. The 3.5km Banksia Trail winds through bushland with banksia and sheoak woodland, while the 5km Aboriginal Heritage Trail loop offers insights into Aboriginal flora and fauna interpretations. Additional features include a bird hide and a paperbark trail diversion.
Jenna Biddi Yorga (Blackwall Reach), Bicton
This scenic 4km paved path along the Swan River runs from Bicton Baths to Point Walter and back. Children can enjoy lookouts from limestone cliffs to spot dolphins, with a cafe at the halfway point providing a treat. Families can end the walk at 2km if transport is arranged, or complete the round trip easily.
For more details on these trails, visit Trails WA. Embrace the outdoors and make the most of Perth's incredible backyard before school resumes.
