One of the great joys of parenthood is being able to take small children out and about in nature and letting them explore and discover the big, wide world. Perth has many beautiful walks that are ideal for this, and we’ll be looking at some of the best today. Here, you’ll find information on how to get to each of them and what you can expect when you get there.
Key Points
- The beautiful city of Perth has a wide variety of pram-friendly walks, trails, and adventures for families to enjoy.
Content in this article:
- Wetlands Walk Trail
- Swan View Tunnel
- Wunanga Trail
- Lake Monger
- Araluen Botanical Park
- Cottesloe Beach
- Bushland Nature Trail
- Goollelal Loop
Wetlands Walk Trail
Location: Yanchep National Park, Yanchep Beach Rd & Indian Ocean Dr, Yanchep, WA 6035
Getting there: Get directions to Wetlands Walk Trail
Walking map download: View here
Situated within Yanchep National Park, the Wetlands Walk Trail is one of the easiest, flattest walks in Perth. The route takes you around Loch McNess and offers some beautiful views along the way, as well as the opportunity to stop and admire the park’s bird life with your little one.
The start point is at the visitor centre, where you’ll also be able to park, and it runs in a continuous 2.6km loop. All of the paths are really well-maintained, and there is also a wide boardwalk that is also really easy to take a pram on.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Wetlands Walk Trail?
As it is completely flat, the Wetlands Walk Trail is one of the easiest pram friendly walks in Perth, and it takes less than an hour to walk the flat 2.6km route. Most people find they are able to complete the trail in as little as 35 minutes.
What Facilities Does Wetlands Walk Trail Have?
Toilets: There are several toilet blocks located along the trail and throughout Yanchep National Park.
Kids playground: You won’t find any play equipment along the Wetlands Walk Trails, but there is plenty of nature around to stimulate the senses.
Parking: Parking is available at the visitor centre, although it does get very busy at weekends.
Public transport access: The easiest way to reach the park is by train, which takes around 75 minutes from Perth Underground Station.
Wheelchair accessibility: The Wetlands Walk Trail is wheelchair accessible.
Swan View Tunnel
Location: John Forrest National Park, Park Rd, Hovea, WA 6056
Getting there: Get directions to Swan View Tunnel
The Swan View Tunnel Walk is a really popular spot with children and adults alike and is steeped in history. The tunnel was constructed in 1894, and it took 300 workers more than a year to put the 330,000 bricks in place using just shovels, pick, and dynamite.
The entire route is flat, and the tunnel only stretches for 340m of your walk. For the rest of the 5km trail, you’ll be treated to stunning views of John Forrest National Park, which boasts many wildflowers, native plants, and trees. There’s loads of nature to take in too, perfect for bird watchers and children interested in animals, and it is particularly popular in spring as everything starts coming back to life after winter. It is worth noting, however, that this trail is not dog friendly.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Swan View Tunnel?
It generally takes an average of 2 hours to complete the 5km Swan View Tunnel walk with a pram. You’ll walk in a circuit, finishing where you started, so there’s no need to turn back on yourself at any point.
What Facilities Does Swan View Tunnel Have?
Toilets: There are no toilets, and the “Leave No Trace” principle should be followed along this trail and throughout the park.
Kids playground: The Swan View Tunnel route does not feature a playground. However, you can find a nature play area in the National Park’s picnic area.
Parking: A large car park with accessible bays can be found opposite the Ranger’s Office. Parking is charged between $7-$15 depending on vehicle type and number of passengers.
Public transport access: You can reach John Forrest National Park using the 324, 330, or 328 buses, travelling along the Great Eastern Highway.
Wheelchair accessibility: Swan View Tunnel is wheelchair accessible, but other areas of John Forrest National Park would be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair.
Wunanga Trail
Location: Whiteman Park, 233 Drumpellier Drive, formerly 99 Lord Street, Whiteman, WA 6068
Getting there: Get directions to Wunanga Trail
Walking map download: View here
Both pram friendly and dog friendly, the Wunanga Trail is set within Whiteman Park and features super-flat walkways that make navigating with a stroller super easy.
You’ll pass through various woodlands thriving with nature and native plants, and you’ll also see the incredible mosaic mural at Kangaroo Flats Station.
Winter and spring are generally considered the best time for families to walk the Wunanga trail, as it gets very hot during the summer. This isn’t a set rule though, and there is a mini water playground within the park that can be used should you wish to visit in summer – just remember to pack your sun cream!
How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Wunanga Trail?
The 4.3km Wunanga Trail takes an average of 2 hours to walk with a pram. There is, however, a short section within the figure of 8 route set out with orange markers that you can follow should you need to cut down on time.
What Facilities Does Wunanga Trail Have?
Toilets: Public toilets can be found throughout Whiteman Park with a block close to the start of the Wunanga Trail.
Kids playground: There aren’t any playgrounds along the trail, but you can visit four different play areas within Whiteman Park, including a mini water playground.
Parking: There are a total of 11 parking areas around Whiteman Park, all with accessible parking.
Public transport access: The Midland Line train, 341, and 353 buses have routes that pass near the Whiteman Park Visitor Information Centre.
Wheelchair accessibility: The Wunanga Trail has flat pathways that are fully wheelchair accessible.
Lake Monger
Location: Lake Monger Drive, West Leederville, WA 6007
Getting there: Get directions to Lake Monger
Interactive map: View here
One of Perth’s biggest tourist attractions, Lake Monger is a relatively busy area with flat, paved walking trails that are perfect for prams. There are several boardwalks and lookouts placed around the 3.5km loop that are wide enough to take a pram on with ease as well, making it easy to show your little one the variety of wildlife and waterbirds that live there.
Lake Monger also offers various shaded areas that are ideal for stopping and sheltering from the sun, as well as a playground that young families with children of all ages can enjoy. There’s also a lookout on the North side of the lake that has panoramic views of the Perth city skyline.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Lake Monger?
It takes around 1 hour to complete the 3.5km flat route at Lake Monger, although you may want to allocate some extra time if you’d like to stop and read the commemorative plaques placed along the way.
What Facilities Does Lake Monger Have?
Toilets: There is a public toilet with baby changing facilities located along the route.
Kids playground: Lake Monger has a playground with equipment suitable for children of all ages.
Parking: Parking with accessible spaces can be found at the start of the trail, but this does fill up very quickly at the weekend.
Public transport access: The Fremantle Line and Joondalup Line both have stops near Lake Monger Drive. You can also reach Lake Monger by taking the 15, 82, 84, or 85 bus routes.
Wheelchair accessibility: The entire route at Lake Monger is wheelchair accessible.
Araluen Botanic Park
Location: 362 Croyden Road, Roleystone, WA 6111
Getting there: Get directions to Araluen Botanic Park
The vast majority of walkways and roads at Araluen Botanic Garden are pram friendly, and not only are you able to see some of the most beautiful plants from all over the world, but it’s an excellent location to get some fresh air with your baby.
You can easily stop and feed when you need to with the various picnic tables and benches placed throughout, and when you need to grab a bite yourself, head over to the Roundhouse Cafe, which is open seven days a week.
One thing to be mindful of here, however, is that you do need to pay a small admission fee to enjoy this beautiful spot. Children under the age of six years old are allowed in for free, though.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Araluen Botanic Park?
There is no set route or walking trails at Arualuen Botanic Garden and if you want to explore all of the areas you can expect to spend an entire day there.
What Facilities Does Araluen Botanic Park Have?
Toilets: Several public toilet blocks are located throughout the botanic gardens.
Kids playground: Araluen Botanical Park does not have a playground, but there are interactive events for children that take place throughout the year.
Parking: Parking is available at the visitor entrance, and there are allocated ACROD parking bays conveniently placed nearby for those who need them.
Public transport access: The best way to reach Araluen Botanic Garden using public transport is by taking the 241 bus from Westfield Carousel Shopping Centre.
Wheelchair accessibility: Most of the gardens are wheelchair accessible, including the lower terraces, sealed paths, and roads. You should, however, avoid the Bennets Lawn and Stinton Creek areas if you are in a wheelchair.
Cottesloe Beach
Location: Marine Parade, Cottesloe, 6011
Getting there: Get directions to Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is an excellent pram friendly destination for those who prefer a walk along the coast to woodland, taking in the salty, fresh air of the ocean. It also makes a great spot for a family day out, with swimming, snorkelling, and surfing permitted and large grass areas to relax on.
There are multiple food outlets scattered throughout the beach, making it really easy to grab something to eat whenever you need to. There’s always something new to see as well, and in March every year, an outdoor gallery filled with art installations can be visited for free.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Cottesloe Beach?
The entire of Cottesloe Beach spans 6km, and most people find that it takes around 90 minutes to walk it. Of course, this can be longer, depending on how much you want to explore while you’re there.
What Facilities Does Cottesloe Beach Have?
Toilets: Blocks housing toilets, showers, and changing rooms can be found at Cottesloe Beach.
Kids playground: A large playground is located North of the Indiana Building.
Parking: We recommend parking at the City of Perth Parking Garage on 27/29 St Georges Terrance or at CPP Pier Street Parking Garage, located at 87/89 Pier Street.
Public transport access: You take either the Fremantle Line or the 102 Bus from Perth Zoo to get to Cottesloe Beach by public transport.
Wheelchair accessibility: All of Cottesloe Beach is wheelchair accessible.
Bushland Nature Trail
Location: Kings Park, Fraser Avenue, Perth, WA 6000
Getting there: Get directions to Bushland Nature Trail
Walking map download: View here
With flat paths carved through open woodland, the Bushland Nature Trail offers the opportunity for you and your children to take in the fresh air and easily explore all of the nature this amazing place has to offer. There are also multiple picnic areas to stop and rest and several playgrounds with equipment for babies, toddlers, and young children.
As well as being one of the best pram friendly walks in Perth, this is an ideal place for families with multiple children interested in nature to visit. Grab a botanical guide from the visitor centre before you head off and see what you can spot as you make your way around the trail.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Bushland Nature Trail?
It takes about an hour to walk the 3.2km Bushland Nature Trail, including the return walk to the visitor centre.
What Facilities Does Bushland Nature Trail Have?
Toilets: Multiple toilet blocks can be found throughout Kings Park and along the Bushland Nature Trail
Kids playground: A total of six play areas can be found here, including a Dinosaur Playground and the Rio Tinto Naturescape.
Parking: A large car park with accessible parking can be found at the entrance to Kings Park Botanic Garden. Parking is free for two hours.
Public transport access: The 935 bus from Redcliffe Station to Wadjuk Way is the best way to reach Kings Park using public transport.
Wheelchair accessibility: The Bushland Nature trail is wheelchair accessible at all points.
Goollelal Loop
Location: Yellagonga Regional Park, Edgewater, WA 6027
Getting there: Get directions to Goollelal Loop
The path on the Gollellal Loop has been specifically designed with walkers and cyclists in mind, meaning it has flat, smooth surfaces that are fantastic for pushing a pram across. You’ll meet some incredible wildlife along the way, including waterfowl, so it’s a good choice for introducing children to nature, and you’ll get some beautiful views as well.
This walking trail takes you across some historic sites too, including the Luisinbi Winery and Wesleyan Mission Farm, so it’s a great day option for tying education into a day out, and, with several playgrounds to choose from, there’s something to keep everyone happy!
How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Goollelal Loop?
It takes an average of 90 minutes to complete the entire 4.5km Goollelal Loop trail, but remember to allocate some extra time for rest stops and for stopping to admire the amazing views.
What Facilities Does Goollelal Loop Have?
Toilets: There are multiple toilet blocks with baby changing facilities located throughout the park.
Kids playground: A few playgrounds are located throughout the park and along certain trails.
Parking: Parking is available at the entrance to the national park and is charged at a daily rate per vehicle.
Public transport access: The Joondalup line is the best way to get to the park by train, and you can also take bus routes 390, 391, 467, and 468.
Wheelchair accessibility: All parts of the Goollelal Loop are wheelchair accessible.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – some of the best walking trails you’ll find in Perth that are pram friendly and ideal for a day out with children of all ages. So, grab your walking shoes, head outdoors, and explore some incredible walks with your little one. It really is a great way of bonding, educating, and getting some much-needed fresh air.