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You don’t have to travel far for your nature escapade with the best national parks near Perth!
Whenever life gets a bit too hectic, I love escaping to a national park. These natural havens offer the perfect break from the daily hustle and bustle, giving me the chance to recharge and cool my mind.
What’s really special about these parks is the incredible variety of landscapes. One moment, you’re wandering through dense forests filled with various flora and fauna; the next, you’re standing on cliffs, staring out at the towering skyscrapers of the city.
To share this joy with you, I’ve put together a list of the best national parks near Perth. I hope you experience the same sense of tranquillity that I do!
Kalamunda National Park
Photo credit: experienceperthhills
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/kalamunda-national-park
Address: Schipp Rd, Piesse Brook
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6100
Let’s start with Kalamunda National Park, a place that’s just a short drive east of Perth. It’s one of the nearest national parks and is a favourite spot of mine to relax and unwind after a long week.
What makes it so distinctly beautiful are its woodlands, which are filled with marri, jarrah, and wandoo trees. It also has a diverse wildlife, so there’s a good chance you’ll see kangaroos and black cockatoos during your visit here.
Personally, my favourite spot in Kalamunda National Park is the Rocky Pool, one of the natural freshwater pools near Perth, that’s great for taking a break after a lengthy stroll.
Other notable landmarks worth exploring here are Bibbulmun Track and Piesse Brook.
Pro tip: Try to go during spring. That’s when the wildflowers are in full bloom and transform this park with vibrant colours.
Yanchep National Park
Photo credit: marky_peat
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/yanchep-national-park
Address: Yanchep Beach Rd &, Indian Ocean Dr, Yanchep
Contact details: +61 8 9303 7759
Price:
- Standard vehicles – $17 per vehicle
- Large vehicles – $8 per person
- Motorcycles – $10 per motorcycle
I recommend Yanchep National Park to those who live in Perth’s northern suburbs. It’s located 42 kilometres north of the city centre and was officially recognised as a national park in 1957.
Its name comes from the Noongar word “Yandjip,” which refers to the bulrush reed found around the lakes here. Other notable flora one can find here include banksias, paperbark, marri, she-oak, and stunted jarrah trees.
While I have to admit that this park is a bit of a drive from my place, I’ve really enjoyed the few times I’ve visited here. One of the highlights for me is definitely the Crystal Cave. Its limestone formations are impressive and worth the trip.
Pro tip: If this will be your first visit to Yanchep National Park, it’s a good idea to join one of their Crystal Cave guided tours. It’s a 45-minute tour that will provide you with fascinating insights into the geology and history of the cave.
You can either buy your tickets at the McNess Visitor Centre or from this website.
John Forrest National Park
Photo credit: fun_love_travels
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/john-forrest-national-park
Address: Park Rd, Hovea
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6100
Price:
- Standard vehicles – $17 per vehicle
- Large vehicles – $8 per person
- Motorcycles – $10 per motorcycle
My list wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention John Forrest National Park, which is the first national park of Western Australia. Located just 24 kilometres east of the Perth CBD, it was named after Sir John Forrest, our state’s first premier.
Unsurprisingly, this place is host to various animals like kangaroos and echidnas. It also features a diverse range of landscapes, from woodlands to tranquil streams, that makes it a great place for exploration.
One of the must-visit places in this national park is the Swan View Tunnel, a 340-metre-long tunnel that used to be a railway line. There’s also Hovea Falls, a majestic waterfall that’s especially stunning in winter and spring.
Pro tip: Before checking out Swan View Tunnel, make sure to carry a good flashlight with you! The tunnel is quite dark and can be a bit eerie, so having a reliable source of light can help make your exploration here a lot easier and more fun.
Gooseberry Hill National Park
Photo credit: chutinlap
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/gooseberry-hill-national-park
Address: 1 Zig Zag Scenic Dr, Gooseberry Hill
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6100
Whenever I’m in the mood for some sightseeing, one of my preferred places to visit is Gooseberry Hill National Park. Located 21 kilometres east of the city, it was named after the cape gooseberries that grow in the area.
What makes this place so awesome is the Zig Zag Scenic Drive, a one-way road that offers spectacular views of Perth and the coastal plains. It follows the route of an old railway line and is commonly used to capture some cool shots of the Perth skyline.
Another standout attraction I love visiting here is Statham’s Quarry, a historic site that dates back to 1894. Its rock formations are very impressive and can even be used for rock climbing and abseiling.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to drive the Zig Zag Scenic Drive, make sure to go between 11 AM and 8:30 PM. The gates are locked outside these hours, and any vehicles still inside after 8:30 PM will be locked in overnight.
And remember, it’s a shared path, so be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians.
Beelu National Park
Photo credit: topdog2811
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/beelu-national-park
Address: Mundaring Weir Rd, Mundaring
Contact details: +61 8 9295 2244
Another park located east of Perth you should check out is Beelu National Park. It was originally known as Mundaring National Park before being renamed in 2008 to honour the Beelu Whadjuk Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land.
This national park is a fun spot to do some sightseeing because it has the Golden View Lookout. It’s a huge viewing platform that offers panoramic views over the Mundaring Weir and the Helena River Valley.
Moreover, Beelu National Park showcases an impressive array of flora, including jarrah, marri, and wandoo trees. In fact, it’s also home to the largest living English oak trees in Western Australia, which you’ll specifically find in Fred Jacoby Park!
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the Perth Hills Discovery Centre during your visit! They offer a variety of nature-based activities that can be enjoyed by both adults and kids. They also have a small campground should you decide to stay in the national park overnight.
Helena National Park
Photo credit: outdoorexplorer_wa
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/helena-national-park
Address: Dale Road, Ashendon
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6100
Helena National Park is a massive park that’s great for lengthy outdoor trips. It’s about 70 kilometres southeast of the city centre and has a total area spanning over 12,000 hectares, covering parts of Kalamunda, Beverley, York, and Mundaring.
One of the most exciting things about this park is its rich biodiversity. Not only is it filled with various trees like jarrah and marri, it’s also a home to plenty of wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, and short-billed black cockatoos.
Another cool thing about Helena National Park is Mount Dale, which is the highest point on the Darling Scarp. From the lookout at the top of the mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Darling Ranges and surrounding state forests.
Pro tip: The best time to hike up Mount Dale is early in the morning or around sunset. The light is amazing during these times and makes the views even better. Plus, it’s cooler and more comfortable for hiking.
Avon Valley National Park
Photo credit: rusty_kila
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/avon-valley-national-park
Address: Unamed Road, Avon Valley National Park
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6100
Price:
- Standard vehicles – $17 per vehicle
- Large vehicles – $8 per person
- Motorcycles – $10 per motorcycle
A national park that’s especially fun to visit come springtime is Avon Valley National Park. It’s about 47 kilometres northeast of the Perth CBD and has a total land area of over 43 square kilometres.
During spring, this place transforms into a magical wonderland as wildflowers like dryandras, donkey orchids, and leschenaultias are in full bloom. The park also has woodlands full of jarrah, marri, and wandoo trees.
Whenever I visit, I always make sure to stop by the park’s high granite outcrops. They offer breathtaking panoramic views over the Avon Valley, letting me take in the stunning deep river and stream valleys that surround the park.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring a good pair of binoculars. The park is a haven for birdwatchers with 90 different species to spot. Some iconic birds you’ll find here are the western spinebill, grey fantail, brown honeyeater, and Australian raven.
Serpentine National Park
Photo credit: viratshah
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/serpentine-national-park
Address: 100 Falls Rd, Serpentine
Contact details: +61 8 9525 2128
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Price:
- Standard vehicles – $17 per vehicle
- Large vehicles – $8 per person
- Motorcycles – $10 per motorcycle
If you’re a huge fan of waterfalls, come visit Serpentine National Park. It’s about 55 kilometres southeast of the city centre and is named after the Serpentine River, which winds through it.
The biggest attraction you’ll find here is the Serpentine Falls, where the river cascades over a granite face into a natural pool below. The falls are especially spectacular after heavy rains.
Another notable attraction I recommend you check out during your visit is the Serpentine Dam. It offers a wide range of amenities for relaxation, including picnic areas, a playground, and even a restaurant.
Pro tip: Plan to visit the Serpentine Falls early in the day or on a weekday to avoid the crowds, especially during the warmer months. The falls are a popular swimming spot and can get quite busy once the sun is at its highest.
Walyunga National Park
Photo credit: bigozali
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/walyunga-national-park
Address: Walyunga Rd, Bullsbrook
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6100
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Price:
- Standard vehicles – $17 per vehicle
- Large vehicles – $8 per person
- Motorcycles – $10 per motorcycle
Whenever I’m in the mood for a good long walk, Walyunga National Park is one of my top picks. It’s about 35 kilometres northeast of the city and is nestled in the beautiful Darling Range.
One of the main reasons I head here is the variety of walking trails. My favourite is the Echidna Trail, a 10.5-kilometre loop trail that winds through the heart of the park and along the Swan River.
Another trail I love is Syd’s Rapids and Aboriginal Heritage Trail, a 5.3-kilometre path that follows the Avon River. Its informative boards about the area’s indigenous history make it a fun place to explore, especially with someone who’s new to the park.
Pro tip: If you love canoeing, visit Walyunga National Park during the winter months. The park’s rivers’ water levels are higher, making the rapids more thrilling. Just remember to gear up with a quality life jacket and helmet for safety.
