No Walk In The Park: The Hardest Hiking Trails In Perth

hardest walking trails perth
Challenge Accepted!

No Walk In The Park: The Hardest Hiking Trails In Perth

Challenge Accepted!
hardest walking trails perth
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The most intense walking trails of Perth.

Are you up for the challenge of the hardest Perth walking trails?

With some of the best walking conditions on earth right here in Western Australia, we thought it was only fitting to share the most challenging trails around Perth to get out and enjoy.

This comes with a word of warning though, as these trails are no walk in the park.

Kittys Gorge and Baldwins Bluff Combo

Distance: 17 – 22 km (depending on your variation)

Serpentine National Park is home to one of the much-loved trails of the Perth Hills.

Kitty’s Gorge showcases beautiful Jarrah forests as you follow Gooralong Brook to the famous Kitty’s Gorge, and on to Serpentine Falls. This trail as a return will clock up 17km, or you can add the heart pumping 5.6km add on and head up to Baldwins Bluff after checking out the falls, before returning to Jarrahdale, or you can break it all up and experience two separate hiking adventures, each one both rewarding and challenging.

With so much variety along this trail, not only will you get an adventure, but you will be rewarded with amazing scenery.

Eagle View

Distance: 15km

With a name like Eagle View, you would expect to see beautiful views, wildlife, and maybe some eagles?

Well, you won’t be disappointed with the magnificent Eagle View Trail in John Forrest National Park. This 15km bushwalkers delight showcases magnificent views, a variety of terrain and walking conditions, and boasts spectacular wildflowers in the spring.

Numbat Trail

Numbat Trail - 12km intense Perth Walking Trail
Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary | Source: The Hike Collective

Distance: 12km

Located in the magnificent Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary in Gidgegannup, the Numbat Trail is a 12km trail providing a wonderful challenge for experienced walkers, and will reward you with a wider variety of natural beauty from creek lines to wildflower displays.

Although not the longest trail on this list, the Numbat Trail will take an average of 4-5 hours to complete with its challenging inclines and staircases.

The sanctuary itself is characterised by extremely steep slopes, numerous streams and creek lines, and areas of exposed granite. Although Paruna is open to the public, it is by appointment only and is only accessible from May to October each year.

Rocky Pool

Distance: 5km loop

This 5km short but feisty loop is located at the end of Spring Street, just out of Kalamunda, and will challenge your downhill abilities on tricky gravel terrain.

Get ready for downhill slopes sure to test even the most steady of hikers. In the winter months, this is a highlight for locals and visitors but quickly dries up in summer.

Bibbulmun Track

Mt Cuthbert | Source: The Hike Collective

Distance 1,003km

Ok, so you might not be up for the epic challenge of completing a Bibbulmun Track End to End, but how about a day trip or overnighter?

There are purpose-built huts and campsites along the track which break it up into bite-sized chunks, without taking away from the challenge of hiking
such an iconic track.

We have some favourites that are close to Perth, including Mt Cooke,
below.

Mt Cooke

Mt Cooke - 22km hard Perth walking trail
Mt Cooke | Source: The Hike Collective

Distance: 22km

This intense day hike takes you to the top of Mt Cooke and back, to one of the highest points on the Darling Scarp at 582 metres.

Starting at Sullivan Rock, this beautiful section of the Bibbulmun Track journeys along rocky outcrops, and winding trails, where every step may leave you gasping for air. As you reach the summit you will be amazed by the space, and serenity of Mt Cooke.

The exploring doesn’t stop there, and if you are lucky enough to know where to go, you might stumble upon the elusive Mt Cooke Cave. This is definitely not part of the Bibbulmun Track, and can not be easily found, so we recommend joining the experts to get the full experience.

King Jarrah Loop

Distance: 18km

If you have a bit of time on your hands, then head out to Dwellingup for a full day of adventure bliss on the King Jarrah Loop Trail.

At 18km, it is worth every step as you find yourself exploring steeply forested valley slopes and rock-rimmed pools of the Murray River on your way to visit the magnificent 250-year-old Kings Jarrah Tree himself.

This hike weaves through narrow forest passageways and also traces the former transportation routes of the once vibrant timber industry.

Please note: With all trail adventures, we always recommend letting someone know where you are at all times, and make sure you have enough water. These more intense trails require a little more prep to make sure you get the most out of your day out in nature.

Want to discover Perth surrounds and WA by foot visit hikecollective.com.au

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