Trails, Tranquillity or Thrills: Choose Your Own Adventure in Nature-Packed Mundaring

In Perth Hills Mundaring, the city’s hum is replaced by the rustle of gum leaves and the call of the Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo.

If life has you in a blur of busyness, the antidote lies just 35 minutes east from the CBD in Mundaring.

Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a weekend cyclist, or a family looking for a little green-time together, Mundaring offers a nature-rich sanctuary that invites you to simply breathe, relax and reconnect, with a little adventure thrown in for good measure.

Tranquillity found in Mundaring

There is a specific kind of silence found in the Perth Hills; it’s not an absence of sound, but a symphony of rustling trees, the distant flow of water, birdsong, and the soft crunch of gravel underfoot. This region is made for "forest bathing" along peaceful trails, where towering timber provides an escape from the concrete jungle.

At the heart of this peaceful landscape lies Lake Leschenaultia, a former railway dam turned premier destination for outdoor immersion. It is your one-stop shop for everything nature and outdoor adventure. From an easy 3km lakeside trail loop perfect for slow nature wanders, to the network of nine thrilling mountain bike trails, with levels to suit all abilities, there’s a nature-based activity for all ages.

In warmer months the blue waters beckon. White sandy beaches feel like a surprise so far from the coast. Canoe, kayak and SUP hire is available on weekends, public holidays (September-April) and the summer school holidays or BYO canoe anytime. Drift to the quieter reed-fringed corners of the lake and leave your worries on the shore.

Hit the Mundaring Trails

Perth Hills Mundaring is home to more than 50 trails, with a combined length of over 3,000km, so there’s always something new to uncover. Have you heard of the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail? Also known as the ‘Pedal and Pint Trail’ (stopping at many heritage hotels), this village‑to‑village track loops 41km around the Mundaring region.

Following the gentle gradients of historic railway formations, walkers and cyclists will spot plenty of remnants of the past. As you wander, old train station platforms and the cool, dark Swan View Tunnel are highlights along the way. It’s easy to hop on the trail at various points, making it perfect for mindful movement in shorter bites. Plus, there’s nothing quite like sitting in a sun-drenched beer garden, enjoying a cold drink after conquering the Swan View Tunnel.

WA’s oldest national park, Hovea’s John Forrest National Park, is home to spectacular winter waterfalls - Hovea Falls and National Park Falls. Kangaroos famously lounge around the historic Jane Brook Promenade picnic areas. Take a wander among granite outcrops and shady eucalypt forest on one of the park’s many trails. A half day hike, the peaceful 8.8km Little Eagle Walk Trail loops through wandoo and jarrah woodland. Be rewarded with eagles flying overhead and ridge‑top views to the city skyline in the distance, making suburbia feel worlds away.

Beelu National Park hosts many natural attractions, none more iconic than Lake CY O’Connor and Mundaring Weir. Why not take the Weir Walk from Perth Hills Discovery Centre, a peaceful 1.9km jarrah–marri forest loop trail that leads to the tranquil Mundaring Weir Lookout, offering calming views over the Helena River Valley and the history-rich weir wall. Looking for something longer? Hop on a bite of the epic 1000km Bibbulmun Track, which passes by the weir.

Don’t want to tackle the trails alone? Jump on an award-winning Perth Hills guided hike with local legends The Hike Collective and Off The Beaten Track WA. Meet like-minded people on regular expert‑led hikes through Mundaring’s most scenic trails, blending nature, gentle adventure and fascinating local stories.

Get your Perth Hills Thrills

Pick your pace and ride the world‑class Munda Biddi Trail starting right in the heart of Mundaring. From the Mundaring Sculpture Park trail head, follow this 1050 km off-road cycling route for as long as you like, for a quiet forest escape. For an easy ride, pedal the 7.7km section to Mundaring Weir.

No bike, no worries! Explore Mundaring by bike with Hillside Cycles, where you can hire an e‑bike or standard mountain bike. Their handy Glen Forrest location allows you to roll directly onto the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, letting the motor do the heavy lifting while you soak up the dappled sunlight of the forest tracks.

For big thrills right on the edge of the Perth Hills, Spacechameleon Adventure Co offers Twilight Abseiling. Grab a few brave mates and take a sunset abseil at Boya Quarry, with panoramic views, and an adrenaline lift as the sky glows gold in the west.

Linger longer in Mundaring

Let your shoulders really drop, and linger longer in Mundaring with a weekend away. Book a down-to-earth stay at century old Gumleaf Cottage Farmstay, which has daily animal feeding, pony rides and immediate access to nature trails. The charming cottage promises a relaxing countryside reset for both couples and families.

Too much to cram into one day? For a budget stay, surrounded by nature, park up or pitch a tent at Lake Leschenaultia’s campground. Enjoy a night or three sleeping under star‑filled skies and waking with birdsong. A simple morning coffee by the water, before the rest of the world wakes up, soothes the soul. Bookings are essential, and campfire rules apply seasonally.

Perth Hills Mundaring has a ton of fun ways to reconnect with nature; wander the region’s trails, scenic lookouts, and wildlife packed bushland. Be sure to soak up Mundaring’s outdoor experiences, which will stay with you long after your drive back to the city’s hustle and bustle.

A Nature Guide to Perth Hills Mundaring Map