wellness
Top Walking Trails Rated by Distance and Difficulty
Perth walkers can now match routes in Kings Park and along the Swan River to their exact fitness needs using distance and terrain ratings.
How we reported this
Kings Park's main 5km loop carries a moderate rating because of its steady climbs past the Botanic Garden and the DNA Tower.
July marks the start of cooler mornings in Perth, when residents seek outdoor routes that keep heart rates up without indoor gym costs or equipment. Local health services report rising interest in free park activities as people aim to counter winter inactivity.
Two sites stand out for graded options. Kings Park runs 5km trails that link the War Memorial to the western escarpment. The Swan River foreshore path from Matilda Bay to the Causeway delivers flat kilometres suited to different paces. Both spots sit within 10 minutes of central Perth suburbs.
City data from the 2025 visitor survey showed 148,000 recorded walks on Kings Park trails in the June quarter alone, with the 5km loop accounting for 42 percent of entries. The Kings Park parkrun, held every Saturday at 8am, averages 215 finishers and starts from the main car park off Fraser Avenue.
Routes by distance and difficulty
The shortest marked option is the 2km easy circuit around the central lawns in Kings Park, with sealed paths and minimal elevation. A 3.8km moderate route follows the Swan River edge from Crawley Bay to Pelican Point, staying level but exposed to wind. The full 5km Kings Park loop rates moderate to hard once runners add the 80-metre climb near the reservoir. Walkers wanting longer efforts combine the Swan River path with a return through adjacent streets in Nedlands, reaching 7km total.
Parking at Kings Park costs $4.80 for two hours on weekdays. Swan River spots near the University of Western Australia offer free street parking along Mounts Bay Road. Both locations connect directly to public transport on the Fremantle line.
Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast the night before and start early to avoid midday wind. Maps are available at the Kings Park visitor centre on Fraser Avenue or through the City of Perth website. Residents with existing conditions should speak to a GP at a local WACHS clinic before increasing weekly distance.