Catelin Forbes
There's no better place than Perth for experiencing the joys of nature. The place is rife with loads of self-guided walking trails which meander around stunning environs. Read on for the best hikes.
If you enjoy the sea and its invigorating ambiance check the three main coastal trails in Perth. These are the Yanchep National Park Ghost House Walk Trail, Reabold Hill Summit Boardwalk and the Penguin Island Boardwalk Trail.
Discover the fascinating culture and history of the Yanchep National Park on this trail. The park is located about an hour from the northern end of Perth and is a must if you are into adventures across wetlands and its lures. You also get to check out the vestiges of the 'Ghost House'. This is a full day's trail 9.2kms in distance; it is an easy trail which amateurs can take on with ease.
Reabold Hill is regarded as the highest point of the Swan Coastal Plains located in Bold Park. It is an easy climb of 500m which takes just 5 minutes; at the top you are well rewarded with breath-taking views of the ocean, Perth and beyond to the Darling Scarp.
This is a 1.5km loop trail categorised as 'easy'; the trail takes about 1-3 hours to complete. Starting at the Penguin Island Discovery Centre the trail promises you first hand views of the local Fairy Penguins and trails across exotic species of plants and wildlife.
There are several Kings Park Trails; many of these offer you treks across the Perth CBD and are easy to take on if you are staying at a boutique hotel Perth is well known for and If you are intent on spending a majority of your Perth holiday exploring the marvellous hiking trails, check out a hotel that's home to a good spa; as you can then look forward to total relaxation after a rewarding day of exploring the beautiful walking trails of Perth.
There's a choice of 2 walks to be taken up at the Botanic Gardens; the short walk which will take about 20 to 40 minutes and the long walk which will last for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Either way the gardens are quite close to the Shambhala spa of COMO The Treasury, Perth – if you are planning on some relaxation later on. It is advisable to take on the longer walk offering you a chance to discover the Water Gardens, the Lotterywest Federation Walkway and Pioneer Women's Memorial Fountain.
This is a fabulous urban bushland walking trail; home to a biodiverse environ. Enjoy the scenic views across Swan River and look forward to discovering the verdant surroundings of the Mount Eliza escarpment. The walk is moderate to easy and is a 2.5km loop trail that will take around 45 minutes. There are in total 8 trails around the Kings Park precinct so start planning; find the perfect Perth hotel and start exploring.
