John Forrest National Park walks near Perth: Best trails & attractions
The best John Forrest National Park walks near Perth include the 15km Eagle View Walk Trail Circuit and the John Forrest Heritage Trail to National Park Falls.
The John Forrest National Park is the oldest national park in Western Australia. A half hour drive north-east of Perth, it is covered in tall jarrah forest. And through that forest, there are several appealing walking trails.
DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅
- ✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
- ✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
- ✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
- ✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
- ✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
- ✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
- ✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
- ✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
- ✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.
John Forrest National Park walks: Eagle View Walk Trail
Of these John Forrest National Park walks, the biggest is the Eagle View Walk Trail. At 15km long and taking from 4.5 to 7 hours, the Eagle View Walk Trail is more than just a leisurely stroll. It effectively completes a circuit of the entire national park, and is best tackled in spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The walk follows creek lines and passes through various woodland habitats, but the highlight is Hovea Falls.
If that seems all too much like hard work with not enough reward, there are other walking trails through this section of the Darling Scarp.
John Forrest National Park walks: Glen Brook Dam Walk Trail
The Glen Brook Dam Walk Trail is much easier going. 2.2km long and rated as a grade two walk, the Glen Brook Dam Walk Trail follows Glen Brook, over the footbridge where Jane Brook converges, towards the dam. This starts from the John Forrest Picnic Area, which has barbecues and picnic tables.
5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special
- Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
- Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
- Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
- Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.
John Forrest Heritage Trail to National Park Falls
The other option from the John Forrest Picnic Area is the John Forrest Heritage Trail. This is part of the longer 82km Railway Reserve Heritage Trail, but the bit you’ll be most interested in is National Park Falls. This John Forrest National Park waterfall is an easy 2km return walk from the picnic area. It’s by no means the biggest waterfall in Australia. But National Park Falls does plunge 20 metres over a sheer rock face. Winter and spring are the best times to see a decent amount of water flowing over the edge.
Other attractions a little further west that are worth visiting include Mundaring Weir and the Karakamia Sanctuary in Chidlow.
The best places to stay in Perth
You can check out deals on a wide range of Perth accommodation options. But these are some of the best choices.
- The swankiest address in town: COMO The Treasury.
- The cool, fun one in the centre of the action: The Alex.
- For quality apartments next to Kings Park: Quest Kings Park.
- For quality apartments by the beach: Seashells Scarborough.
- On a backpacker budget: Spinners Hostel.
More Western Australia travel
Go wine-tasting at Millbrook Winery in Jarrahdale, Perth Hills.
Enjoy sundowner beers at Bathers Beach House in Fremantle.
Tackle the wild waves of the Injidup Natural Spa in Yallingup.
Cruise the enormous Lake Argyle in the Kimberley.
Go fishing in the King River near Wyndham in the Kimberley.