Discover the best urban walk trails around Perth
If you’re looking for a new spot to walk in Perth without venturing too far from the city, why not explore our list of urban walk trails in the metro area. Offering everything from peaceful riverside strolls and leafy bushland escapes to scenic loops with stunning city skyline views these ten trails showcase Perth’s perfect mix of urban outdoor adventure. Whether you’re after a casual family outing, a dog-friendly path, or a brisk workout with a café stop along the way, there’s something for everyone. So, pull on your walking shoes and hit one of these walk trails around Perth!
Canning River Regional Park, Wilson
Just 20 minutes from the Perth CBD, Canning River Regional Park in Cannington is a leafy 6km stretch of bushland along both sides of the Canning River. Start at Kent Street Weir and grab a coffee from Canning River Café before exploring a network of walking and cycling trails through salt marshes, paperbark forests and open grasslands. Highlights include the short Banksia Hill Loop, the riverside Woodloes Walk to Mason’s Landing, and the scenic Butterflies, Birds & Bridges Trail. Dogs are welcome on lead, and you’ll find picnic spots, BBQs, toilets, a pump track and plenty of birdlife along the way.
Peninsula Loop, Maylands
The leafy Maylands Peninsula offers a relaxed 5km loop and one of the best riverside walk trails packed with history, nature and great coffee. Start at the old Maylands Brickworks, then follow the path past Lake Bungana, heritage-listed Tranby House, and through Maylands Foreshore Reserve alongside the Swan River. It’s flat, pram and scooter-friendly, with plenty of spots to stop and explore with salt marshes, playgrounds and interpretive signs. Peninsula Farm Café is a popular pit stop for breakfast or coffee with a view. You’ll also find BBQ facilities, toilets and shady spots to linger, making it ideal for a family outing or peaceful solo stroll. Just don’t forget the mozzie spray!
Tomato Lake Loop, Kewdale
Just 20 minutes from the city, Tomato Lake is a hidden gem in Perth’s suburbs. The flat 1.6km loop circles a peaceful lake, with wetlands, shady parklands and a timber boardwalk perfect for birdwatching. Great for walking, biking, or a stroll with the kids and dog (on-lead), the area also features a playground, BBQs, picnic spots and a lakeside café (closed Tuesdays). With over 80 bird species and extra trails to explore, it’s a refreshing nature escape without leaving the ‘burbs. A top pick for easy urban walk trails with coffee close by!
Melville Water Riverpark Trail, Applecross
This picturesque 6km loop through Applecross is perfect for a walk or jog, with Swan River views, leafy streets and great café stops. Beginning at Canning Bridge near the historic Raffles Hotel, follow the river past the South of Perth Yacht Club and Point Heathcote, across the Point Dundas Boardwalk and through Jeff Joseph Reserve to the Applecross Jetty. Loop back via McDonald and Dee Roads, with a detour to Ardross Street for coffee at Crumbs, Cioccolato Espresso or Nic & Kolo. Dog-friendly and flat, with playgrounds and toilets, this Applecross urban walk is perfect for families or solo explorers. For those wanting more, the full 16.4km Melville Water Riverpark Trail extends all the way to Fremantle.
Heirisson Island Loop, Victoria Park to East Perth
This tranquil 5km loop features native bushland, city skyline views, and a chance to spot Western Grey Kangaroos – right in the heart of Perth. Start at McCallum Park in Victoria Park, cross the new Boorloo Bridge, and take the stairs down to explore the island’s flat limestone trail. The loop around the western side is family-friendly and feels more like a nature escape than an urban stroll. After your walk, unwind with a picnic or quick workout at McCallum Park, which has toilets, BBQs and playgrounds. It’s a free, relaxing way to reconnect with nature, just leave the pets at home for this one!
Bridges Walk, South Perth to Perth CBD
For a walk that showcases the best of Perth’s riverfront, the Bridges Walk (also known as the Swan River Loop) is a must. This popular 10km trail links the Narrows and Causeway Bridges, taking you past iconic landmarks like Elizabeth Quay, Barrack Street Jetty, Riverside Drive and the scenic South Perth Foreshore. The flat, well-maintained path is ideal for walking, running or cycling, with picnic spots, playgrounds and cafés dotted along the way. Keep an eye out for black swans, dolphins, and even kangaroos on Heirisson Island. You can start the loop from several locations – public transport access is easy via Elizabeth Quay Station, or opt for free parking on the South Perth side. With sweeping river views and plenty of pit stops, it’s no wonder this is one of Perth’s favourite urban walk trails.
Windan Bridge Loop, Burswood to East Perth
If the Bridges Walk is a little too long for you, then another popular urban walk trail around Perth is the Windan Bridge Loop that offers an easy 6km loop of the north-eastern stretch of the Swan River. The route runs through East Perth’s art-filled foreshore, across Windan Bridge and back along the river past Optus Stadium, Crown Perth and the lush Chevron Parklands. A highlight of this route is crossing the new Boorloo Bridge, a dedicated pedestrian and cycle path connecting South Perth to East Perth. You’ll also pass Heirisson Island, home to a small mob of Western Grey Kangaroos. With coffee spots in East Perth, public art, playgrounds and river views all the way, it’s an energetic yet accessible trail that shows off Perth’s natural and urban beauty in equal measure.
Bold Park, City Beach
Just 8km from the CBD, Bold Park is a sprawling 442-hectare bushland escape that feels worlds away from the city. With over 15km of walking trails winding through coastal woodlands and limestone heaths, it’s a favourite for nature lovers, dog walkers and weekend hikers. Reabold Hill is a highlight, offering a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk to a lookout with sweeping 360° views of Perth and the coastline. For a scenic challenge, tackle the 5.1km Zamia Trail or the shorter, steeper Tuart Walk. Dogs are welcome on-lead, and trails are well-marked but note, there are no toilets within the park (head to nearby Perry Lakes Reserve for amenities). Whether you’re chasing wildflower blooms, a solid workout, or some quiet time in nature, Bold Park is a beautiful spot for a walk.
Karda Bidi Trail, Nedlands
A 5km riverside loop packed with nature, history, and excellent coffee options. Start at the UWA Boat Sheds, stroll along Matilda Bay Foreshore with chances to spot dolphins and enjoy a caffeine fix or brunch at Bayside Kitchen. Pass through J.H. Abrahams Reserve, where nature play meets Noongar and aviation history, before heading up Broadway with optional café stops at Little Way or Something French. Loop back via Edward Street or take a leafy detour through the University of Western Australia’s picturesque campus before returning to your starting point. urban walk trails is flat, family-friendly, dog-friendly and perfect for a peaceful solo walk or weekend catch-up.
Lake Monger – Galup Loop, West Leederville
A favourite city escape, this convenient loop circles a large, peaceful lake surrounded by native bushland and framed by stunning views of Perth’s skyline. Just minutes from the CBD in West Leederville, it’s one of Perth’s most popular urban walk trails. Offering a flat and easy 3.5 kilometre path, ideal for walking, running or cycling and food trucks like Açai Corner or What the Flip often parked nearby, there are plenty of options to refuel post-walk. The area also offers BBQs, playgrounds, and shaded picnic spots, making it a great choice for families or a sunset catch-up with friends. Rich in natural beauty and local history, Galup (previously know as Lake Monger) is more than just a walk, it’s a little pocket of calm in the middle of the city.
Need more inspiration for your next weekend outing? Check out our guide to the 8 best things to do in South Perth or explore 10 incredible bush trails to hike around the metro area!
