Holly MSWA

Holly’s Story: Pushing Limits And The Hardest Hiking Trails In And Around Perth

MSWA is all about supporting West Aussies living with a neurological condition. This is Holly’s story.

Holly Taylor was born in Kalgoorlie, raised on an Albany cattle farm, and moved to Perth in her early twenties. She’s always on the go; when she’s not running her full-time business as a thoroughbred trainer and horse whisperer, she’s training for ultramarathons and hiking, or quite literally climbing mountains. The strength of her character is palpable even though almost two years ago, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). 

“It was a big shock, but now it’s just part of life. I feel almost normal, almost,” Holly said.

“Three years or so before I was diagnosed, lots of weird things started happening. Spouts of vertigo, chronic sleeping problems, weird sensations, and I couldn’t feel my arms and legs. It would be quite full on for a few months, and then it would disappear.”

She had a stressful event about a month before her diagnosis which triggered a flare — what’s known as a sudden onset of new neurological symptoms or a significant worsening of existing MS symptoms.

“I completely lost the vision in my left eye. I was working full-time, running, and hiking, doing all the normal things so I had no idea what was going on.”

“I remember being in the hospital with a migraine from hell. The doctor told me I had MS — I was in disbelief. I was initially very upset by it because I didn’t know what MS was. But then I went into hyper-focus and thought ‘I’m going to beat it instead’. I went into full plan mode. I thought, ‘I’m going to get a personal trainer, and strengthen everything that was weakened by the disease.’ But, it wasn’t as easy as it sounds.”

“A lot of the initial training was to try and counteract the things I lost. I lost a lot of balance and strength, so a lot of the exercise was to hone in on certain muscles that weren’t performing like they used to.”

She got back into running and strength training, and while she still lives with a lot of nerve pain, numbness in her hands and feet, chronic sleep issues, and bad MS fatigue, she’ll be damned if it stops her. 

For hikers like Holly, looking to push their boundaries, Perth’s landscape offers no shortage of demanding trails that reward endurance with breathtaking scenery. From intense climbs to rugged terrain, these trails aren’t for the faint-hearted, or, on this occasion, for those with accessibility requirements. Whether you’re keen to tackle a shorter, steep loop or test your stamina on a multi-day trek, with Holly’s help, we’ve curated a list of the hardest hiking trails in and around Perth. Each one promises a challenging adventure through WA’s stunning natural landscapes. So, lace up, bring your grit, and dive into the ultimate hiking test with these iconic and tough trails.

Eagle View Walk

Holly’s story: pushing limits and the hardest hiking trails in and around Perth.
Credit: MSWA

Distance: 16 kilometres 

Time to complete: Five to six hours

With a name like Eagle View, it’s only natural to expect breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and perhaps even a glimpse of an eagle or two.

The Eagle View circuit walk in John Forrest National Park, located in the picturesque Darling Ranges, truly delivers on these expectations. Spanning 15 kilometres, this trail is a bushwalker’s dream, offering sweeping views over the Swan Coastal Plain, all the way to Perth city and the distant ocean. As Western Australia’s oldest national park, John Forrest is a historic and beautiful setting for a day of exploration.

Leaving the busy picnic areas behind, the trail starts along Jane Brook, gradually climbing to a vantage point with expansive views across the plain. From there, it meanders through valleys, creeks, and rolling hills, eventually reconnecting with the brook as it leads back to the main visitor’s area.

Throughout the hike, you’ll be guided by yellow triangle markers adorned with an eagle silhouette, reminding you of the trail’s name and the majestic beauty that surrounds you.

Kitty’s Gorge and Baldwins Bluff

“John Forrest National Park and Serpentine National Park with Kitty’s Gorge are really beautiful. I often go out there, park in the forest, and just walk around. There’s generally not great reception but it makes me so happy to be in my own world. I love adventure and trying to find new places and incredible views,” Holly said.

Distance: 17 to 22 kilometres (depending on your variation)

Time to complete: One to three hours

Serpentine National Park is home to one of the most beloved trails in the Perth Hills — Kitty’s Gorge.

This scenic trail meanders through lush jarrah forests and striking granite outcrops, tracing the path of Gooralong Brook to the iconic Kitty’s Gorge and on to the picturesque Serpentine Falls. Covering 17 kilometres return, hikers can also add a 5.6 kilometre extension up to Baldwins Bluff for sweeping views. You can take on the trail as one epic day hike or break it into two rewarding segments, each offering its own unique experience.

While there are a few steep and uneven sections that require a reasonable fitness level, especially for fast-paced hikers or trail runners, the effort is well worth it. The trail can be accessed from the carpark opposite Jarrahdale Cemetery or from the Serpentine Falls carpark, giving you flexibility for planning your adventure.

Numbat Trail

Holly’s story: pushing limits and the hardest hiking trails in and around Perth.
Credit: MSWA

“I grew on a big farm in Albany, so for me, hiking in nature is about grounding myself and getting back to my roots. I really, really enjoy going off into the unknown. It’s something I love to do for myself,” Holly said.

Distance: 12 kilometres 

Time to complete: Three to five hours

Nestled within the stunning Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary in Gidgegannup, the 12 kilometre Numbat Trail offers a rewarding challenge for seasoned hikers, showcasing a diverse landscape that includes picturesque creek lines and vibrant wildflower displays.

Though not the longest trail around, the Numbat Trail’s steep inclines and staircases mean it takes an average of three to five hours to complete, testing even the more experienced walkers. Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary itself is known for its dramatic slopes, multiple streams, and striking exposed granite features. Open to the public only by appointment from May to October, this sanctuary provides an exclusive window into WA’s rugged natural beauty.

It’s a tough trek, but for those ready to take it on, the sweeping views are more than worth it. The trail follows the Quenda Trail initially, with an optional spur loop if you’re feeling adventurous. If it becomes too demanding, you can skip the loop and return along the Quenda Trail.

Rocky Pool Walk

Distance: 5 kilometre loop

Time to complete: One to three hours

Rocky Pool Walk is a feisty, five kilometre loop in Kalamunda National Park, starting at the end of Spring Street just outside Kalamunda. This short but challenging trail will put your downhill skills to the test on sections of loose gravel and steep slopes.

The highlight of the walk is Rocky Pool, a natural swimming hole that was a popular spot for locals in the 1930s. While the descent is demanding, hikers are tipped with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys, especially stunning in the winter months when water fills the pool; however, it tends to dry up during the summer.

The trail, which also includes a portion of the Bibbulmun Track, offers seasonal wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and the beauty of Kalamunda’s diverse landscapes. Although the path is steep and can be slippery in places, Rocky Pool Walk is a rewarding adventure for those ready to take on the challenge and enjoy the spectacular valley views.

Bibbulmun Track

Holly’s story: pushing limits and the hardest hiking trails in and around Perth.
Credit: MSWA

“The Bibbulmun Track has some of the best views you’ll see in Perth — it’s one of my favourite spots to hike. There are lots and lots of sections that go through Perth that are absolutely unreal. We’ve got a few favourite sections close to Perth, including Mt Cooke (below) which is perfect for a quick escape without sacrificing the excitement,” Holly said.

Distance: 1,003 kilometres

Time to complete: Varies depending on the section

Maybe tackling the entire Bibbulmun Track end-to-end isn’t on your agenda — and we don’t blame you. But how about a day hike or an overnight adventure?

Purpose-built huts and campsites are peppered along the track, dividing it into manageable sections while preserving the thrill of hiking such an iconic trail.

Sullivan Rock to Mt Cooke (Bibbulmun Track)

Distance: 18.4 kilometres

Time to complete: Full day

This is one of several short hikes available on the Bibbulmun Track, a 1,000 kilometre trail stretching from Perth’s outskirts in Kalamunda to Albany on the south coast.

Starting at Sullivan Rock, just over an hour’s drive south of Perth, this section towards Mt Cooke is mostly flat, crossing a scenic creek system and passing through stands of sheoak, banksia, and jarrah trees. After reaching Mt Cooke campsite, the trail climbs two kilometres to the summit of Mt Cooke, the highest point in the Darling Range at 582 metres. While the summit itself offers limited views, continue to the southern side for breathtaking scenery.

For an overnight option, you can set up camp at Mt Cooke campsite and leave your pack before heading to the peak — a great overnight adventure for families with children aged eight and up.

Route options: Sullivan Rock car park to Mt Cooke campsite and back (13.4 kilometre return) or to Mt Cooke summit and back (18.4 kilometre return).

King Jarrah Loop

Holly’s story: pushing limits and the hardest hiking trails in and around Perth.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia

Distance: 18 kilometres

Time to complete: Six hours

Got a day to spare? Head to Dwellingup for an unforgettable adventure on the King Jarrah Loop Trail.

This challenging 18 kilometre loop winds through the beautiful Murray River Valley, once bustling with the timber trade. Today, it offers a peaceful escape into the heart of Jarrah forests, following scenic river views and leading to the “King Jarrah” — a grand 250-year-old tree standing nearly 50 metres tall.

Starting at Nanga Mill Campground, the trail takes about six hours to complete and can be tackled in either direction. Expect steep climbs on the western side, but the stunning views and rich history are worth every step. Along the way, you’ll encounter remnants of old railway cuttings, bridge sites, and the intriguing numbered “reference trees” once used by foresters to navigate.

The King Jarrah Loop Trail is perfect for those looking to explore lush valley slopes, serene pools, and narrow forest paths. As always, let someone know your plans, carry plenty of water, and prepare well for this rewarding day in nature.

Why is support for MSWA vital?

“I think a lot of people don’t really understand that MSWA is for a multitude of conditions. The support that they can offer people is huge. A lot of people live very isolated lives with quite severe disabilities,” Holly said.

“I’ve never had to deal with a neurological disease before, and initially, it’s really strange having to cope with that. It can be extremely isolating, so it’s important to get the right help. That’s what MSWA is all about.”

“When I was first diagnosed, I found MSWA really helpful in setting me up. They check in quite often, asking if I need any help with occupational therapists, physios, or anything at all. They are always really happy to offer that service, and there’s always someone to call. MSWA has been really helpful and it’s nice having the support there.”

“It’s actually amazing to see what you can do with the disease if you actually push yourself. The saddest thing I see is that a lot of people are too scared to try. Which is fair, but when I meet people who’ve been newly diagnosed, I always try to say, ‘Don’t be scared to push yourself a little bit and don’t be frightened to get a little bit of help to try and achieve something.’ It’s important to set a goal, it doesn’t matter if it’s mental or physical.”

The power of MSWA

Today, MSWA’s team of experienced nursing and allied health professionals provide information and a range of support from the time of diagnosis. In addition to direct care services, MSWA funds vital, innovative research projects into neurological conditions.

Two Australians are diagnosed with MS every day, with three out of four diagnosed being women. At MSWA, West Aussies living with neurological conditions are empowered to live their best lives, not limits. 

By donating to MSWA, you can help fund life-changing research to provide essential services for West Aussies, like Holly, living with neurological conditions.

This article was created in partnership with MSWA.
Featured image credit: MSWA brand shoot image
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