Enjoy some of the best exercise spots in Perth!
Whether you're warming yourself up in the brisk morning or you're making the most of Perth's sunny days, it's time to dust off your active gear and enjoy some of the best exercise spots in Perth!
Swan River
There's also plenty of ways to get fit in and around the Swan River; we love the Matagarup Bridge Climb, a physically demanding trek up 314 steps on a 45-degree angle, letting you shimmy, slide and squeeze through tight spaces to reach the SkyView Deck – an open-air viewing platform 72 metres above the Swan River. You can also hire a bike from About Bike Hire and cycle around the river, join a GoGo Active bike or kayak tour, or walk a 7km route around Heirrison Island and Matagarup with The Hike Collective - experiencing the Swan River in a whole new light of cultural and environmental significance. For more fun on the water, join Water Wanderers for a variety of kayak tours (or rent a kayak and take a self-guided tour). Lastly, Perth Waterbike Co. delivers easy, safe and family-friendly adventure in the form of waterbike tours for most ages and abilities.
Kings Park
We're lucky enough to have one of the world's largest urban parks right at the doorstep of Perth CBD! Kings Park is nothing short of spectacular this time of year, with many wildflowers already in bloom; check out our feature on Kings Park Walking & Running Trails. For a serious glutes workout, you won't wanna miss Jacob's Ladder, a twisty 300-step staircase that will take you down to Mounts Bay Road where you can turn right back and climb all the way back up.
Rottnest Island
Not only a summertime day-trip destination, Rottnest Island is a great place for spectacular views as you walk, bike or hike around the island. You can hire a bike from Pedal and Flipper and explore the many walking and cycle trails (including the Wadjemup Biddi walking trails) or join The Hike Collective for a nuanced and fascinating Island tour that’s suitable for beginners and seasoned hiking enthusiasts alike.
Fremantle
Fremantle is known for its gorgeous cycle trails! You can rent a bike for free from the Fremantle Visitor Centre to get around everyone's favourite eclectic port city in style, or head for the Indian Ocean Explorer cycle trail for seriously spectacular views. Check out our feature on Fremantle Cycle Trails for more! For a thrilling and fascinating exercise experience, and a glimpse into history to boot, head to Fremantle Prison, where the tunnel tours have now reopened. Get into your hardhat, slip into your overalls, lock into the ladder system and descend below the Prison to explore a labyrinth of tunnels built by prisoners.
Perth Beaches
Perth is renowned worldwide for its gorgeous coastline, and for good reason! Check out our feature on the best beaches and coastline in Perth. And if you're walking along the beach or footpath between Trigg and City Beach, stop in at Odyssea City Beach for a coffee or seasonal seaside meal as you admire those postcard-perfect Indian Ocean views. Golf lovers will be delighted by the championship golf course at Joondalup Resort & Country Club; and for some truly serene walking trails and some fabulous wildflowers, animal encounters, birdlife galore and some of WA's best cave tourism, head to Yanchep National Park. We love The Hike Collective's Yoga & Hike Tour of Cabaret Cave - Perth's only venue cave - which is not accessible to the general public; getting the opportunity to visit Cabaret Cave is a truly special and rare experience that shouldn't be missed!
Rockingham
Perth’s marine playground Rockingham is a perfect place for water sports like surfing, paddling or kayaking; you can go your own way on a trail like the Garden Island Kayak Trail or Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Paddle, or from September onwards, join in on a kayak tour with Capricorn Sea Kayaking. There's also some wonderful walking trails out this way; check out Baldivis Children's Forest, and the Don Shepherd Nature Reserve & Nyoongar Trail.
Mandurah and Peel
Mandurah and Peel are known for waterways, coastline and breathtaking forest views, and what better way to take them in than a canoe trail or a coastal walk? We love the expertly guided kayak tours of the Harvey Estuary by Salt & Bush Eco Tours, or head out on your own and experience a self-guided Mandurah canal cruise with a difference thanks to Mandurah Cruises' new waterbike rental service.
Swan Valley
The picturesque Swan Valley is known for its food, wine and romance, but it's also the place to be for amazing exercise spots! The Bells Rapids Walk Trails are spectacular after a season of winter rain, and the expansive Whiteman Park is home to bushwalking trails, a children's forest, and the truly out-of-this-world nocturnal woylie walks. It is also a great place to bring your bike or exercise with your dog. Adventurous types aged 12 and up will love Paintball Skirmish Swan Valley, with numerous playing fields to choose from including the famous Double Decker Bus siege and Storm the Castle. And if you're looking to explore a part of the Swan River that's an unspoiled hidden gem, Rivergods Kayak Adventures have got your back - check out their half-day Swan Valley Kayak Tour departing from Mandoon Estate.
Perth Hills
This lush nature playground in our backyard is perfect at this time of year - it's already awash with wildflowers, and that rainy winter has made for some spectacular views (we love spots like Hovea Falls and Lesmurdie Falls, especially after the wet season!). The Perth Hills is also the starting point of The Bibbulmun Track, one of the world's great walks; there's some great events coming up on the Track in the coming months, including guided overnight to three-day group treks, social walks and more.
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to exercise spots in the Perth Hills; you'll find a list of national and nature parks in Perth Hills here, with some firm favourites including John Forrest National Park (WA's first-ever national park), Beelu National Park with its panoramic views over Mundaring Weir; and Gooseberry Hill National Park, home to the Kalamunda Zig-Zag Trail. Check out our special features on Perth Hills walking trails and cycle trails, or join the Off the Beaten Track WA for guided hikes and yoga sessions at top spots like Kitty's Gorge and the Darling Ranges. Or enjoy the freedom of exploring the best-kept secrets of the Perth Hills on an e-bike with Perth Hills Mountain Bike Tours, getting a great workout to boot! Lastly, the stunning Lake Leschenaultia - surrounded by meandering trails through picture-perfect forest - is a must-visit! Hire a canoe or paddle board, take the 3km walk trail around the lake, or test your mountain biking skills out on the new 12km mountain bike network which is suitable for beginners and intermediate riders alike.
Avon Valley
The best of the countryside, right on our doorstep! The Avon Valley is a comfortable drive from Perth City, and a perfect spot for an exercise getaway. The Avon Valley Wildflower Trails are at their exquisite best from August to September; the Avon Valley Heritage Trails are filled with interesting heritage towns and buildings, and the Avon River is fabulous for river walks, canoeing and kayaking alike.
We hope we've inspired you to make the most of this amazing city and #seeperth while keeping fit and healthy! And for the best things to see and do in Perth, keep an eye on our blog for articles like 6 Perth Road Trip Experiences, Best Places to Watch Live Sport in Perth and much more expert insight on what's going on in Perth.
