BUSHWALKING
At twice the size of Western Europe, WA is huge, so it's little wonder the vast landscape is packed with trails – more than 700 of them. The immense number of hiking options offers an experience for every fitness level.
Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track starts in the Shire of Kalamunda, and continues down the coast for almost 1000km to Albany. It's suitable for walkers of all fitness levels, and there are numerous access points (the northern end is on the northeast side of the roundabout at Mead Street, Railway Road and Mundaring Weir Road). The track's entire length takes six to eight weeks to complete, and some of the most challenging terrain can be found early on in the Perth Hills.
Kitty's Gorge
This 14km loop in Jarrahdale is incredibly scenic and best walked in spring so you can admire the wildflowers and running water (check out the waterfall). TIP The Jarrahdale Heritage Society runs guided walks throughout spring (0429 810 617).
Railway Reserves Heritage Trail
Add a cheeky drink to your wildflower wanderings along this 41km track by visiting the pubs that you'll pass along the way. There's the Mundaring Hotel, Sawyers Valley Tavern, Inn Mahogany Creek, Parkerville Tavern, Chidlow Inn Tavern, John Forrest Tavern and the Mt Helena Tavern.
Eagle View Walk
The Eagle View Walk is a very popular 15km loop around John Forrest National Park, offering spectacular views
across the plain to the city skyline and ocean in the distance. The walk, which is of moderate difficulty, takes five to six hours to complete.
Lesmurdie Falls, Perth Hills
The Lesmurdie Falls Bush Walk can be a bit difficult in parts, but is fairly short at just 2km, and hikers are also rewarded with pretty views of the falls. The two-hour walk is located in the Lesmurdie Falls National Park. It follows Lesmurdie Brook to a bridge at the top of the falls, where a lookout provides a wonderful vista over the waterway and to the city on clear days.
Oak Park Reserve, Goomalling
The Oak Park Reserve in Goomalling has a natural and cultural-heritage 3km walking trail. During wildflower season you'll be able to spot the rare blood red spider orchid.
Dwellingup
Many bushwalking trails weave past the Forest Heritage Centre, which sits in Dwellingup's native jarrah forest. Dwellingup is the first 'track town' along the Bibbulmun, taking 12 days to get to from the route's starting point in the Perth Hills. This portion takes walkers through the Murray Valley, following the river, with views of farmland
and undulating hills.
The Lakes Walk
Sure there are a lot of beaches at Rottnest but there are lakes, too. This 9.2km trail makes the most of them (keep your eyes peeled for seasonal birds). The walk also encompasses Little Parakeet Bay and Bathurst Lighthouse.
Dryandra Woodland Woylie Walk
This short 5.5km stroll is good for the kids (if they don't mind a long walk). Look out for numbats, echidnas and woylies.