Perth's Best National Parks & Hikes 2026

Perth National Parks 2026 — Overview

Perth is surrounded by beautiful national parks and nature reserves — from the famous Kings Park (bushland within the city) to Yanchep National Park's wildflowers and caves, John Forrest in the Darling Range and the extraordinary Pinnacles and Rottnest Island. Wildflower season (August-November) transforms Western Australia into one of the world's great wildflower destinations. Here's a guide to national parks and nature near Perth.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden (In the City)

• Highlights — 400 hectares of natural bushland and botanic garden overlooking the Swan River and Perth CBD. Free entry. 17 walking trails, DNA Tower lookout, State War Memorial, outstanding wildflower displays August-November, monthly guided walks. The best free activity in Perth. bgpa.wa.gov.au

Yanchep National Park (50 minutes north)

• Highlights — Koalas in the wild (guaranteed sighting in the koala boardwalk area), limestone caves (Yanchep Cave tours), wetland boardwalks, wildflowers in season. Good family day trip from Perth's north.

John Forrest National Park (30 minutes east)

• Highlights — WA's first national park (1898), in the Darling Range above Perth. Wildflowers, waterfalls (National Park Falls), swimming in Bennett Brook, cycling trails and picnic areas.

Serpentine National Park (50 minutes south)

• Highlights — Serpentine Falls (swimming hole below waterfall, very popular in summer). Easy walk to the falls (1km). Beautiful Jarrah forest setting.

The Pinnacles — Nambung National Park (2.5 hours north)

• Highlights — Thousands of ancient limestone pinnacles rising from yellow desert sand. One of WA's most extraordinary and photogenic landscapes. Dawn and dusk are the best times. Best combined with wildflower touring in season (August-October).

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island (ferry from Fremantle or Hillarys, 30-45 min) is technically not a national park but an A-class nature reserve — quokka encounters guaranteed, 63 beaches, cycling around the island, snorkelling and diving. A Perth bucket-list experience. Book at rottnestisland.com.

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