So Perth

WA Music Week is returning later this year, and this time it’ll be held in Fremantle. Running from Friday, August 7th to Sunday, August 16th, the ten-day program combines live gigs across the city’s venues, a two-day industry conference, and a headline showcase that puts emerging local artists directly in front of interstate bookers, agents, and industry representatives.

Delivered by West Australian Music and backed by $500,000 over four years from the Cook Labor Government’s Contemporary Music Fund, the event holds the distinction of being the second largest music showcase and conference in Australia.

What’s on across the week

The program opens with a run of live music events across Fremantle, drawing on the full range of genres from WA’s music scene. On Wednesday, August 14th and Thursday, August 15th, WAMCon (one of Australia’s largest music industry conferences) brings together speakers and panellists from around the country for networking sessions and skills development.

The week closes on Saturday, August 15th, with the WAM Showcase across multiple Fremantle venues, where 23 emerging WA artists perform for home crowds and, more to the point, for the industry professionals who can take their careers somewhere.

WAM CEO Owen Whittle said Fremantle’s standing as a music city made it the right location. “Fremantle has long been one of the most recognisable and iconic music cities in Australia and we are excited to bring our WA Music Week major events to the city,” he said. “Through WA Music Week we look forward to not only developing and showcasing our local musical talent, but to ensure that Fremantle venues are put on the map and receive the national industry attention that they rightfully deserve.”

Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk added, “The Cook Government’s investment in WAM over four years is helping ensure WA Music Week continues to grow, creating more opportunities for local artists and strengthening the State’s music sector.” 

“From emerging artists to established acts, this event creates real opportunities for local musicians to connect with industry leaders and take their careers to the next level,” she said.

How to get involved

Expressions of interest are open now on several fronts: 

• Artists and bands can apply for a spot in the WAM Showcase or the Artist Development Program
• Venues and promoters can apply to host official WA Music Week events with WAM support
• Regionally based artists and industry professionals can apply for dedicated travel support and access to the Regional Gathering program.

The post WA Music Week 2026 Heads To Fremantle with $500,000 Government Backing appeared first on So Perth

Perth has more sunny days than any other capital city in the world. With our stunning coastlines, the Swan River, and the fresh air of the Perth Hills — not to mention amazing weather — some might say the best way to experience Perth would be to do so by foot. So why not make the most of it and get out and explore Perth and its surrounds by throwing on your runners or walking shoes and taking on some of Perth’s best hiking trails?

But where are the best trails? How long will the hike be? How hard will it be? To help, we’ve put together a list of the best Perth walking trails for you to explore.

Here are the best Perth hikes, in no particular order:

Bells Rapids Walk Trail Credit: John Daws / Trails WA

Bells Rapid Walk Trail is a scenic walk along the Swan River and home to the renowned Avon Descent. The trail is well known mostly for its majestic boulders and speeding waters in the winter.

Bells Rapids is additionally the habitat of the grey kangaroo, which may be seen in abundance at certain times of the year. If you enjoy or want to experience rural scenic views and coastal plains, this distinctive circuit is the trail for you.

• Distance: River Walk 2.5km or Goat Walk 3km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Swan Valley

Matilda Bay Reserve Walk Credit: AllTrails

The UWA Boat Shed is not only a Perth icon but also a great starting point for the Matilda Bay Reserve Walk. This trail runs down to Pelican Point, west to J.H. Abrams Reserve to the boat ramp, then leads back north along the road past Australia II Drive and along Hackett Drive.

• Distance: 4km (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Crawley

Burswood Loop Trail Credit: Burswood Park

The Burswood Loop trail takes you around the banks of the beautiful Swan River, allowing you to take in the sights of East Perth and, more specifically, Claisebrook Cove — we definitely recommend stopping in for a refreshment at Toast or The Royal. However, the highlight of this trail, without a doubt, is Heirisson Island.

While on this route, stop off on Herisson Island under the Causeway and if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot a few western grey kangaroos, which can be found in the southern enclosure of the island and are best sighted in the early morning or evening.

• Distance: 6.2km (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Burswood

Law Walk Credit: Hike Collective

Hands down, this is one of the best hikes in Perth.

Law Walk takes you through the bushland and the Lotterywest Federation Walkway in the heart of the Botanic Garden in Kings Park. Enjoy the gardens and views of Kings Park, and then transition to the natural bushland, which provides a glimpse of what Perth was like more than 200 years ago.

• Distance: 2.5km (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Kings Park

Scarborough-Trigg Heritage Trail Credit: Scarborough Live

Distance: 7.3km (loop)

The Scarborough-Trigg Heritage Walk provides a unique Perth walking trail experience combining the stunning coastline of Scarborough and Trigg beaches with the bush trails of the Trigg Bushland Reserve.

The walk consists of three loops:

Scarborough Coastal Loop — Red (1.2 km)

Explore the unique history of the Scarborough beachfront, the hub of the Sunset Coast. At a leisurely pace, this loop takes approximately 30 minutes.

Trigg Coastal Loop — Blue (2.9 km)

From fishermen to settlers, surfers, and swimmers, take a walk back in time to Trigg Island. At a leisurely pace, this loop takes approximately one hour.

Trigg Bushland Reserve Loop – Green (3.2 km)

Discover unique wildflowers and enjoy spectacular coastal views, as well as sightings of birds and reptiles. At a leisurely pace, this loop takes approximately one hour.

Ellis Brook Valley Credit: @naturebynathan

Arguably, the best view in Perth can be found at Ellis Brook Valley.

A walk along the ‘Sixty Foot Falls Circuit’ — a short 2km loop, but the steep trail will see you climb to the top of the spectacular Sixty Foot Falls, where you will take in sweeping views across Perth, before descending past the Old Barrington Quarry.

• Distance: 2km (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Ellis Brook Valley

Bibbulmun Track Credit: Walk the Bibbulmun Track

If you’re an avid hiker, then the Bibbulmun Track is for you. It spans 1,000km from Kalamunda to Albany, but if you wish to start smaller, then there is the Mundaring Weir Hotel to the Golden View lookout trail (7.4km).

The trail takes walkers through a mix of jarrah, marri, and wandoo forests; the latter provides open woodlands, giving walkers an immense sense of space and a taste of bush life.

• Distance: 1,000km
• Difficulty: Hard
• Location: Kalamunda

Bold Park Credit: Bold Park

This is a choose-your-own-adventure style Perth hike.

With over 15km of walking trails and 10 different lookouts offering expansive city and coastal views, Bold Park provides a memorable experience at any time of the year.

Spanning 436 hectares, Bold Park is home to over 300 different species of native plants. Despite its proximity to the city, the park also boasts an abundance of wildlife, including various bird, reptile, mammal, amphibian, and invertebrate species.

If you’re looking for an inner-city bush walk with beautiful views, there is simply none better than Bold Park.

• Distance: 15km (varying)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: City Beach

Lake Monger Credit: Shutterstock

Lake Monger is a conservation wetland ringed by a shared path for cycling, walking, and jogging. Lake Monger is also one of the most family-friendly walking tracks, both for the kids and fur babies. There’s a brand new playground area that will help burn off any extra energy the kids have left, plus there are open spaces for the pups to run and chase a ball.

Lake Monger is also stunning at sunrise and sunset.

• Distance: 4km (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Wembley

Warnbro Sound, Warnbro Credit: All Trails

With its attractive native gardens, beautiful white sand, and stunning blue water, Warnbro Beach provides the perfect backdrop for a hike as you walk through the dunes. There are several car parks along the coastal trail where you can begin and end your trip if you don’t want to take on the entire 6.4km.

• Distance: 6.4km (one way)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Warnbro

Herdsman Lake Credit: All Trails

Herdsman Lake is Perth’s largest inner-city wetland and is definitely one of the ‘must-do’ Perth walking trails.

With the walking trail on the water’s edge, Herdsman Lake makes for an enjoyable and relaxing walk. The trail offers a diverse range of landscapes, from expansive views over open waters to dense wetland rushes, bushland, and open grassy parklands.

• Distance: 7.7km (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Churchlands

Rottnest Island Credit: Perth Hike Collective

Our Perth hikes list isn’t just limited to the mainland.

No doubt, you’re used to getting around Rottnest Island on a bike — but did you know there is a dedicated walking trail you can explore?

The Rottnest walking trail network is divided into five sections, each offering a unique opportunity to explore the island in a new way. We partnered up with the Island’s only walking tour operator, The Hike Collective, to bring you the lowdown on the most interesting hiking trail network to hit Western Australia and what you need to know to explore the island on foot.

Rottnest walking trail:

• Bickley Batter (Ngank Yira Bidi) — 9.4km (one way)
• Salt Lakes (Gabbi Karniny Bidi) — 9.7km (loop)
• Salmon Bay (Wardan Nara Bidi) — 10km
• Northern Beaches (Karlinya Bidi) — 5.9km
• West End (Ngank Wen Bidi) — 7.6km (loop)

Piesse Brook Interpretive Trail  Credit: All Trails

Time to head for the hills, as we escape the city limits and adventure into the rugged landscape of the Darling Escarpment. The Piesse Brook interpretive trail is the perfect introduction to hiking in the hills, featuring some undulations along the way and culminating in a stunning destination, with a halfway stop at the iconic Rocky Pools.

This is best enjoyed in winter and spring, when the water is flowing in the pools.

Pack a picnic to enjoy at this hotspot, and take your time to read the educational plaques dotted along the trail. 

• Distance: 3.5km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Kalamunda

Blackwall Reach 

The beautiful cliff’s edge walk takes you from the Bicton Baths along the Jenna Biddi Yorga — which means “women’s feet walking on the path” in Whadjuk Noongar — to Point Walter Reserve. With fantastic river views and hints of native bushland, it’s the perfect spot to get started with a beginner walk close to the city. Stop at the halfway point to visit the local cafe or sit by the river for a moment to relax before heading back.

In Aboriginal culture, Blackwall Reach and Point Walter were traditionally places for women and children. We ask that walkers respect the land and its history when visiting these areas. 

• Distance: 4km (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Bicton

Serpentine Falls  Credit: Explore Parks

The Serpentine Falls is a popular summer spot for picnicking and swimming, although arguably, the falls in winter take the cake.

You’ll be sure to find a trail to enjoy on your visit to the Serpentine Falls, with a 6km Baldwins Bluff adventure, named after the original homeowners of the house at the base of the bluff.

• Distance: 6km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Serpentine National Park

Whistlepipe Gully Credit: @jasechong

A visit to this prominent piece of heaven on earth is a rite of passage for any Perthie and is a must-see on our best Perth walking trails, featuring magical city views, old house ruins, and beautiful springtime wildflowers at Whistlepipe Gully.

Channel your inner child and get adventurous on the many rocky outcrops and bridge crossings, as you enjoy this spectacular trail of granite outcrops and city views.  

• Distance: 3.5km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Mundy Regional Park

Mundaring Weir Walk Credit: Australian Hiker

Tucked away near the Mundaring Weir at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre is the perfect beginner-friendly Weir Walk loop.

It will take you to a beautiful little lookout over the Mundaring Weir, and with clear markers to guide you, it offers a taste of walking on bush tracks, such as the Bibbulmun Track. In fact, it crosses onto the Bibbulmun Track for about half of the walk.

You can extend this trail by heading onto one of the many other trails in the Mundaring Weir area for a bit more of a challenge. 

• Distance: 1.2km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Perth Hills Discovery Centre

Wetlands Walk Trail  Credit: All Trails

Take a trip to Yanchep National Park for the day, and enjoy a super easy wetlands walk around Loch McNess. With so many adventures on offer at Yanchep, you’re sure to find plenty of things to fill in the day, such as a visit to the adorable koala boardwalk, the treetop adventures, or a tour of the iconic caves once you are finished.

Distance: 2km
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Yanchep National Park

Eagle View Credit: Trails WA

With a name like Eagle View, you would expect to see beautiful views, wildlife, and maybe some eagles.

Well, you won’t be disappointed with this Perth hike — the magnificent Eagle View Trail in John Forrest National Park is a 15km bushwalkers’ delight that showcases magnificent views, a variety of terrain and walking conditions, and boasts spectacular wildflowers in the spring.

Distance: 15km
Difficulty: Hard
Location: John Forrest National Park

Numbat Trail Credit: Hike Collective

Located in the magnificent Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary in Gidgegannup, the Numbat Trail is a 12km trail that provides a wonderful challenge for experienced walkers, rewarding them with a wide variety of natural beauty, from creek lines to wildflower displays.

Although not the longest trail on this list, the Numbat Trail will take an average of four to five hours to complete, due to its challenging inclines and staircases.

The sanctuary itself is characterised by extremely steep slopes, numerous streams and creek lines, and areas of exposed granite. Although Paruna is usually open to the public by appointment only from May to October each year, it is temporarily closed.

Distance: 12km
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Gidgegannup

Rocky Pool Credit: Cherylynne Bullen, Trails WA

This 5km short but feisty loop is located at the end of Spring Street, just out of Kalamunda, and will challenge your downhill abilities on tricky gravel terrain.

Get ready for downhill slopes sure to test even the most steady of hikers. In the winter months, this is a highlight for locals and visitors, but it quickly dries up in summer.

Distance: 5km
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Kalamunda

Mt Cooke Credit: Ben Harwood, All Trails

This intense day hike takes you to the top of Mt Cooke and back, to one of the highest points on the Darling Scarp at 582 metres.

Starting at Sullivan Rock, this beautiful section of the Bibbulmun Track journeys along rocky outcrops and winding trails, where every step may leave you gasping for air. As you reach the summit, you’ll be amazed by the space and serenity of Mt Cooke.

The exploring doesn’t stop there, and if you’re lucky enough to know where to go, you might stumble upon the elusive Mt Cooke Cave. This is not part of the Bibbulmun Track, and can’t be easily found, so we recommend joining the experts to get the whole experience.

• Distance: 22km
• Difficulty: Hard
• Location: Jarrahdale

King Jarrah Loop Credit: Bron Anderson, Explore Parks

If you have a bit of time on your hands, then head out to Dwellingup for a full day of adventure bliss on the King Jarrah Loop Trail.

At 18km, it’s worth every step as you find yourself exploring steeply forested valley slopes and rock-rimmed pools of the Murray River on your way to visit the magnificent 250-year-old Kings Jarrah Tree.

This hike weaves through narrow forest passageways and also follows the former transportation routes of the once-vibrant timber industry.

With all trail adventures, we always recommend letting someone know your location at all times and ensuring you have enough water. These more intense trails require a little more preparation to ensure you get the most out of your day in nature.

• Distance: 18km
• Difficulty: Hard
• Location: Dwellingup

Lesmurdie Falls Credit: @roh_solalinde and TrailsWA

One of the best Perth hikes is, of course, Lesmurdie Falls in Mundy Regional Park, which is a must for any Perth hiker.

This walking trail will reward your strenuous efforts with sublime views of the Swan Coastal Plain, Perth’s skyline, and neighbouring suburbs, plus, of course, its main feature, the waterfall.

There are several trails within the park to suit varying degrees of fitness and difficulty levels; however, the walks generally take between one and three hours. 

• Distance: 1.5km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Mundy Regional Park

Noble Falls Credit: K. Stevens, Trails WA

A small but precious waterfall, Noble Falls is one of the first to fill and flow with a drop of rain, so if you want an easy-access waterfall, this child-friendly spot ticks the box.

Meander next to Wooroloo Brook on a 2km loop and enjoy this peaceful and beginner-friendly waterfall wander.

Another bonus? The trail is dog-friendly.

• Distance: 2km (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Gidgegannup

Hovea Falls and National Park Falls  Credit: Browyn Wells, Explore Parks

Only 20 minutes south of Noble Falls, we hit John Forrest National Park, which offers the most diverse range of trails.

You can access the park from the east, west, and through the main entrance to the National Park. We recommend heading to the main hub to find the start point of multiple trails.

John Forrest National Park holds a rich history and is WA’s first National Park. It is home to two waterfalls on the Jane Brook, as well as the Glenbrook Dam and the iconic Swan View Tunnel, to add to your adventures.

Hovea Falls traverses over smooth granite rock and flows downstream to the steeper National Park Falls. You can walk from one to the other with just a 2km distance between them, and it’s a beautiful wander along the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail.

• Distance: 2km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: John Forrest National Park

The post 29 Of The Best Hikes & Walking Trails In Perth appeared first on So Perth

Perth households are being asked to build a new habit. Starting this month, the City of Perth has begun rolling out FOGO bins, or Food Organics and Garden Organics, to houses and smaller residential buildings with up to five units. The lime-green lidded bin that many residents knew as their garden waste bin has been upgraded: you can now put food scraps in it, too.

Residents in the rollout receive a free kitchen caddy and two rolls of compostable liners to help collect food scraps inside before emptying them into the FOGO bin. The collection schedule is changing as well. The lime-green FOGO bin goes out weekly, while the red-lidded general waste bin and yellow-lidded recycling bin are collected on alternating fortnights. This will likely result in many overflowing, smelly general waste bins on bin day.

The City of Perth isn’t the first local government to roll out FOGO. As of October 2024, 23 Western Australian local governments had rolled out FOGO to 270,000 households. The City of Fremantle was among the first councils in Perth to make the switch, and others, including Belmont, Cottesloe, Swan, Bayswater, and Joondalup, have since followed. It’s part of a state-mandated push, with Western Australia’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 targeting a consistent three-bin FOGO rollout across all local governments in the Perth and Peel regions.

What can you put in the FOGO bin?

All food organics are acceptable — fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, dairy, tea leaves, coffee grounds, bread, seafood, eggshells, leftovers, and unpackaged out-of-date food. On the garden side: grass clippings, plant cuttings, flowers, weeds, small branches, twigs, and leaves.

What can’t go in the FOGO bin?

Regular plastic bags are out, including biodegradable and “recycled plastic” bags. Caddy liners need to be compostable to break down properly at the organics facility without introducing chemicals into the compost. Putting plastic bags in the FOGO bin contaminates the entire load.

The red-lidded general waste bin remains the destination for anything that can’t be composted or recycled, such as nappies, plastic bags, soft plastics, and anything with food residue that can’t be cleaned off.

The aim is to reduce the amount going to landfill

Most of what Perth households throw away doesn’t need to go to landfill, and landfill is financially and environmentally expensive.

Waste audits across Perth and Peel show that only about 26% of what goes into red-lidded general waste bins is actual general waste. The rest is organic material that could be composted or items that can be recycled. 

When organic waste goes to a landfill rather than compost, it breaks down without oxygen and releases methane — a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide over a short timeframe. Turning FOGO material into compost instead reduces methane emissions and produces high-quality compost for use on farms, in parks, and in gardens.

The initial rollout covers houses and smaller residential buildings with up to five units. Residents unsure whether their property is included can contact the City of Perth directly. 

Properties not in the first phase will continue on their existing bin system for now, with the City working through staged rollouts; a common approach given that apartments and high-density buildings require separate planning to manage contamination and shared bin configurations.

The post The City of Perth Is Joining FOGO: Here’s What You Need To Know  appeared first on So Perth

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for an excuse to get out and get fit in the cooler weather, the season of autumn was made for walking. So why not take the opportunity to explore some of the state’s most glorious, naturally beautiful delights.

From dog-friendly trails to cascading waterfalls or dazzling ocean views, a refreshing walk to clear the mind and get the blood pumping is not hard to come by if you know where to look.

Whistlepipe Gully Source: @jutta_runs

A relatively easy, completely pooch-friendly hiking trail, Whistlepipe Gully has soared in popularity among walking enthusiasts due to its blossoming wildflowers and flowing waters. 

You’ll find it at the end of Lewis Road where the dedicated walking trail will take you around the creek with a series of rapids, pools, and wildflowers bursting in colour. It’s complete serenity and a great track to get out and about with your furry friend. 

• Length: 3.5-kilometre loop
• Location: Mundy Regional Park
• Difficulty: Easy

Eagle View Walk Trail

It’s no secret that John Forrest National Park is a Perth favourite when it comes to a nature-filled day trip, and the Eagle View Walk Trail is the absolute cream of the crop when you’re looking for a nice autumn walk here. 

The challenging 15-kilometre walk takes about four hours to complete and offers great views across the Swan Coastal Plain to Perth City and the ocean in the distance. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls and jarrah and wandoo forests. 

• Length: 15-kilometre loop
• Location: John Forrest National Park
• Difficulty: Moderate

Echidna Trail

The 11-kilometre Echidna Trail follows the Avon River and passes through marri and wandoo woodland. Watch where you step as the track is rocky with some steep gravel ascents and descents. 

Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos and a myriad of birdlife, including galahs, fantails, thornbills, and black-faced cuckoo-shrikes. 

• Length: 11-kilometre loop
• Location: Walyunga National Park
• Difficulty: Moderate

Rocky Pool Walk Trail Source: @soups_tony

Rocky Pool features a rugged bush walk leading to a glistening natural river pool edged by rocks. 

Length-wise, it’s on the easier side, just a five-kilometre loop around the forests of Kalamunda National Park. But there are still a few steep descents and gravel pathways to navigate. Pack a picnic if you’re up for having a bit more weight on your back, and pick an idyllic lunch perch on the rocks above the pool when you arrive.

• Length: Five-kilometre loop
• Location: Kalamunda National Park
• Difficulty: Moderate

Burns Beach 

As far as coastal walks go, Burns Beach is up there with our favourites. 

It’s not as crowded as the Sorrento or Cottesloe paths, and the views over the turquoise ocean are nothing short of stunning. Begin at the Burns Beach car park and make your way to Mullaloo for a relaxing, invigorating stroll along the ocean. 

• Length: 7.8-kilometre loop 
• Location: Burns Beach
• Difficulty: Easy

Lesmurdie Falls Source: @shotbylukewilliams

Best enjoyed at sunset, Lesmurdie Falls offers spectacular views and is one of the Perth Hills’ best waterfalls.

To soak it all in, you’ll want to take the loop trail to catch all angles of the cascading water. It’s the perfect place to hit refresh while enjoying a slice of nature. 

There are a number of walking trails you can explore, depending on how much time you have, your fitness level, and the difficulty level. 

• Length: Varies depending on which trail you walk, with three kilometres being the longest 
• Location: Mundy Regional Park
• Difficulty: Moderate

Palm Terrace Walk

While we’re on the topic of Lesmurdie, we need to mention the Palm Terrace Walk. 

It’s a fairly tough trek through Mundy Regional Park and Lesmurdie Falls National Park. But it’s a lot quieter than some other trails and boasts some of the best panoramic views of Perth.

• Length: 5.5-kilometre loop
• Location: Lesmurdie Falls National Park
• Difficulty: Moderate

Ellis Brook Reserve  Source: @vandermeerkat

Tucked away in Gosnells, when this little valley isn’t blooming with wildflowers, it’s turning up the beauty dial with lookouts over the city and forests. 

There are a few paths you can take for an easier walk to the Sixty Foot Falls Circuit, but the loop is the best way to make the most of your visit. It’s the perfect choice for those just getting into hiking or wanting to take the family out for a gorgeous autumn walk. 

• Length: 5.8-kilometre loop
• Location: Gosnells
• Difficulty: Moderate

Victoria Reservoir Trail

For a walk fused with a little bit of history, this is a must. 

You’ll find the start point of the trail at the car park before the gates into the Reservoir. From here, take in the surrounding bushland and relics of the first dam ever constructed in WA. A little further down, you’ll find Mason Bird Bridge, the oldest surviving timber bridge in Australia. 

Make sure you take some lunch and set up at the grassed picnic area to top off the day. 

• Length: 7.2-kilometre loop
• Location: Korung National Park
• Difficulty: Moderate

Dwerta Mia Walk

If you’re looking for a super-easy trail perfect for the kids to tag along on, say hello to Dwerta Mia. 

You can explore Boomerang Gorge and discover how the limestone environment formed over hundreds of years, with interpretive signage offering a unique Australian experience through the eyes of Aboriginal culture. 

• Length: 1-kilometre loop
• Location: Yanchep National Park
• Difficulty: Easy

Kitty’s Gorge Source: @stumckay

Kitty’s Gorge is an all-day stop through lush bushland scenery, gorges, impressive outcrops, and waterfalls (at the right time of year). It’s easily one of Perth’s best autumn walks.

It follows the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook to a glorious turnaround point at the notoriously popular Serpentine Falls — where you’ll find barbecue facilities and a shaded spot to rest. You can take it on from either end, but we’d recommend starting at the Jarrahdale end to stop for lunch at the falls halfway. 

• Length: 14-kilometre loop
• Location: Serpentine National Park
• Difficulty: Moderate

Looking for more Perth hiking trails? Check out our guide 30 Best Hikes & Walking Trails In Perth & Surrounds.

The post Stretch Your Legs With 11 Of The Best Autumn Walks In Perth appeared first on So Perth

The days are shorter, the mornings cooler, and the trees distinctly more orange. Yep, we’re smack bang in the middle of one of our glorious Perth autumns. Before you start bunkering down in preparation for the winter chill, there’s still plenty of outdoor activity to be had. Make the most of those beautiful, temperate days and get your fill of the outdoors with one of these amazing autumn experiences.

Playing in the leaves at Raeburn Orchards Credit: Experience Perth Hills

Come May, Raeburn Orchards in Roleystone turns into an orange, red, and yellow-hued autumnal wonderland.

Though the orchard grows apples and pears during the autumn months, it’s a different fruit that brings people to the area in droves. Pay a $5.00 entry fee (free for kids) to access the orchard’s brightly coloured persimmon groves, where you have free rein to take as many photos as you please. Just don’t get handsy with the trees — the fruit isn’t yours to pick.

If you time your visit for the weekend, you’ll catch some of the local food trucks setting up shop by the orchard. So, bring a picnic blanket, grab some apple cider from Roleystone Brewing Company‘s orchard cellar door, and settle in for an afternoon amongst the leaves.

Picking your own apples at The Fruit Corner Credit: Rose & Rhyme Studio

Apple pie is on the menu this autumn, and at $4.00/kg for either Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples, you can’t not get your supplies from The Fruit Corner in Pickering Brook. The best part? You can make a day of it and head out to pick a big bag (or box) full yourself.

It costs $5.00 to access the orchard, and then you just pay for what you pick. While you’re there, you can pick up a great range of other seasonal fruit and veg from the on-site store.

Paddling in the crisp morning air

There are few things better than those crisp, clear autumn mornings. Make the most of them by joining an 8:15 am ‘morning meander’ guided kayak tour with Water Wanderers.

The tour will see you paddle around the calm waters of the Swan River, past Burswood Park and Claisebrook Cove. Your guide will give you a rundown on the area’s history while you’re on the move and will be more than happy to help take a snap while you’re out there, too.

Feasting at Millbrook Winery Credit: Millbrook Winery

With the change in season comes a fresh menu from one of Perth’s most-loved winery restaurants, Millbrook Estate in Jarrahdale, which was recently awarded two stars in the 2026 WA Good Food Guide Awards. Stone fruits and tomatoes are dropped from the menu to make way for more seasonal heirloom carrots and apples, all sourced from the winery’s incredible heirloom vegetable garden or wider afield on the property. You can book in for an à la carte lunch on Thursdays through to Sundays. Or head out on a Monday for a special kind of feast.

After a busy weekend of service, the three-course ‘no waste Monday’ meal ($60.00 per person) purposely uses the fresh garden produce that remains. You never know what you’re going to get. But they can be some of the best meals at the winery as they really showcase the chef’s creativity.

Spotting the whales in the deep blue Credit: Whale Watch Western Australia

Believe it or not, autumn is actually prime blue whale activity time through the Perth Canyon, 30 nautical miles off the coast of Perth.

The endangered whales pass through the krill-rich feeding ground between March and May. And you can have a chance at spotting them on one of Whale Watch Western Australia‘s seven-hour tours. You’ll board the boat at 8:00 am along with a team of researchers, before setting out into the deep blue on an exciting information-gathering expedition. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an orca or two!

Tickets for the tour start at $385.00, and include morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea on board.

Biking through the Perth Hills

Suck in that fresh autumn air as you gently pedal your way through the scenic Perth hills.

The best way to do it? Make it a journey through a few of the best venues in the hills. At different points along the journey, you’ll be calling into the hills’ favourite pubs to catch your breath and enjoy some of their most popular refreshments.

The slightly cooler weather at this time of year is perfect for knocking out the five-hour ride along the Railway Heritage Reserve Trail, through Glen Forrest and beyond to Darlington.

Picnicking at Hyde Park Credit: Daniel Grant

Hyde Park looks different season by season. In spring, it’s covered in a sea of red and purple from the blooming flame and jacaranda trees. In autumn, it’s awash with orange as the leaves of the plane trees edge ever closer to dropping.

Make the most of the autumnal scenes, roll up your picnic blanket, schedule a stop at nearby Chu Bakery for some meticulously decorated pastries, and set up on a patch of grass overlooking the lake and the frame of plane trees.

The post A Guide To 7 Of The Best Autumn Experiences In Perth appeared first on So Perth

Claremont Quarter’s Laneway has reopened as a fully formed dining precinct, with all five of its incoming operators now trading after a revitalisation that began in early 2025.

The precinct is home to Grill’d, Izakaya Gin, Bellissimo, Chilli Jam, and Yo-Chi, and we’re looking forward to heading down and trying all of them. 

Chilli Jam comes from the team behind Bangkok Brothers, Six Senses, and Spice Market, and from what we’ve been told, it doesn’t disappoint. Izakaya Gin draws on Japanese street-food heritage, and Bellissimo covers Italian staples, from pizza and pasta to spritzes. And we all know Grill’d and Yo-Chi by now — one fills the casual and healthy-ish burger slot, the other self-serve frozen yoghurt. We’re pretty certain you can guess which is which.

Doug Addis, General Manager at Claremont Quarter, described the completed Laneway as the first step in a broader strategy by the owner, Hawaiian, to strengthen the centre’s standing as a dining and experience destination.

“Working closely with our hospitality partners, we’ve brought together a mix that balances local favourites with fresh energy,” Addis said. “The result is a precinct that offers variety and quality in equal measure.”

Hawaiian, which owns and manages Claremont Quarter, has been pushing the centre beyond traditional retail. The Laneway is the next piece of the puzzle, designed to fit into a broader focus on food, community programming, and what the company calls “experience-led placemaking.”

Where to find it

The Laneway is located within Claremont Quarter in Perth’s western suburbs. 

The post Claremont Quarter’s Revamped Laneway Precinct Is Now Fully Open With Five Dining Venues appeared first on So Perth

Perth has landed AC Milan, FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus, and Palermo FC for a three-match Italian football tournament at Optus Stadium this August, in what the state government is billing as part of a “Winter of Unmissable Sport.”

Tourism Minister Reece Whitby commented, “Western Australia is ready to welcome these giants of Italian football to Perth this winter as part of our Winter of Unmissable Sport, featuring unforgettable events that are sure to draw fans from around the world and place our State firmly on the international stage.”

The tournament, called Calcio Italiano, is an Australian-exclusive pre-season event supported by the Cook Government through Tourism WA. Three matches are scheduled across the first two weeks of August: 

• AC Milan take on Inter on Wednesday, August 5th
• Juventus face Inter on Saturday, August 8th
• Juventus meet Palermo FC on Tuesday, August 11th

Two of the fixtures recreate Italian football’s most famous rivalries. The AC Milan v Inter match is the Derby della Madonnina — one of the most charged club encounters in European football — while the Juventus v Inter clash is the Derby d’Italia, a rivalry that cuts across the entire country and dates back well over a century. Perth getting both in the same tournament, in the same week, will be a spectacle!

The event is the direct result of a relationship that started in 2024, when Perth hosted AC Milan and AS Roma in a friendly at Optus Stadium. That match drew close to 7,500 people from interstate and overseas and generated nearly $9 million for the WA economy — strong enough numbers to accelerate conversations about something bigger.

Calcio Italiano is that something bigger. Much bigger. AC Milan and Inter are currently first and second in the 2025-26 Serie A table. AC Milan has won seven UEFA Champions League titles. Inter has claimed 20 Serie A titles. Juventus, with 38 Serie A titles and a social media following pushing 150 million, is arguably the most globally recognised club in the tournament. Palermo FC, founded in 1900, rounds out the field as one of Sicily’s most storied sides.

“Attracting these clubs to Perth for this specific event across a week is truly a unique opportunity for football fans in Australia and around the world to experience a global event in the winter months.”

“It’s fantastic to continue strengthening our relationship with Italy’s major football clubs, ensuring we can secure exclusive opportunities like Calcio Italiano and demonstrate that Western Australia is a world-class host for major sporting events,” added Whitby.

Part of a bigger winter of unmissable sports

The tournament lands in the middle of a packed events window for Perth. The same four-week period includes a Wallabies v Italy rugby union match under the Nations Championship banner, AFL fixtures, the Perth SuperSprint, an NRL game between Melbourne Storm and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, the Backroads Gravel, and the Avon Descent.

The government’s pitch is that stacking events creates extended stays — visitors coming for one event, staying for another — thereby compounding the economic return beyond what any single fixture would generate on its own.

Tickets

Pre-sales open on Tuesday, April 14th, with general sales from Wednesday, April 15th. More information is at calcioperth.com.

The post AC Milan, Juventus, and Inter Are All Coming to Perth This August appeared first on So Perth

Jason Derulo is coming to Perth. The Miami-born singer, who has sold over 250 million singles across a career stretching back to his 2010 debut, has announced The Last Dance World Tour, and RAC Arena is on the schedule, with a show locked in for Wednesday, September 23rd.

The tour follows the release of his new album The Last Dance (Part 1), and the Australian run — taking in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth — wraps up the wider world tour that has already moved through the UK and Europe.

What to expect on the night

Derulo has built a reputation as a live performer who treats his shows as productions rather than concerts. His sets lean heavily on choreography, with a cast of dancers and tightly rehearsed routines that have drawn strong reviews throughout the European leg of the tour.

Recent shows have drawn on more than a decade of hits — Whatcha Say, Talk Dirty, Ridin’ Solo, Wiggle, Savage Love, Swalla, Want to Want Me, and In My Head have all featured, alongside material from the new record. He also typically includes an acoustic section mid-set that gives his vocal more room to breathe.

The details September 17, 2026BrisbaneBrisbane Entertainment CentreSeptember 19, 2026SydneyQudos Bank ArenaSeptember 21, 2026MelbourneRod Laver ArenaSeptember 23, 2026PerthRAC ArenaSeptember 27, 2026AucklandSpark Arena

Jason Derulo will perform at RAC Arena on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026. 

An artist presale opens Monday, April 13th at 10:00 am, followed by a TEG Live presale on Tuesday, April 14th at 11:00 am. 

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, April 15th, at 11:00 am through Ticketek.

The post Jason Derulo Is Bringing His Last Dance World Tour to RAC Arena This September appeared first on So Perth

Most people picture a greyhound mid-sprint. Long legs, deep chest, a blur of muscle built for speed. What they don’t picture is the same dog folded up on a sofa late-morning, at peace, and completely unbothered by anything that’s happening around them.

Greyhounds available through Greyhounds As Pets WA are retired from racing and transitioning to home life. And that transition, it turns out, is a pretty easy one to make room for.

What they’re actually like to live with

The breed’s reputation for high energy is one of the more persistent myths in the dog world. Greyhounds are sprint animals, not endurance ones; their bodies are built for short bursts of speed, not sustained activity. One short walk a day covers their exercise needs. The rest of the time, they relax and sleep. A lot.

That combination makes them unusually well-suited to modern Perth life — apartments, smaller homes, and busy households where a high-energy dog would be genuinely exhausting. They’re calm by nature and tend to settle quickly into a routine, taking their cues from whoever they’re living with. For people who work full-time, live in a unit, or simply want a companion without a packed schedule of walks, training classes, and constant activity, a greyhound fits in places most dogs wouldn’t.

The size can also catch people off guard. They’re tall, but lean, and most greyhounds are perfectly happy curled up in a compact space, taking up far less room than their frame might suggest. Adopted parents who’ve made the switch consistently describe the same surprise: “Popcorn is an amazing pup, we are learning so much about greyhounds… He has been settling in very well. He has been so well behaved, we honestly couldn’t be happier with him.”

We’ve previously spoken with a few adopted parents. You can read their stories here and here if you want to hear what the day-to-day actually looks like from people who’ve done it.

The fostering option

Adoption isn’t the only path in. Greyhounds As Pets WA’s fostering program lets people take a greyhound home for a period of time without the permanence of full adoption. Food and vet costs are covered, Greyhounds As Pets WA provides support throughout, and it gives both the dog and the foster carer a real-world trial run. For anyone on the fence, maybe renting, maybe unsure about the timing, it’s a practical way to find out whether it’s a good fit before committing.

There are greyhounds available right now, and Greyhounds As Pets WA can walk prospective adopters and foster carers through the process from the first inquiry.

Meet them in person at Adoption Day this Saturday Credit: Greyhounds As Pets WA

Greyhounds As Pets WA is holding an Adoption Day this Saturday in Southern River for those wanting to adopt or foster a greyhound.

The event offers three one-hour Meet and Greet sessions: 8:30 am, 9:30 am, and 10:30 am. 

During these sessions, attendees will be introduced to suitable dogs with the intention of welcoming their greyhound home on the day.

If you are interested in greyhound adoption and have young children at home, Greyhounds As Pets WA advise you to book as early as possible. The dogs suited to these family homes are very popular and will likely find homes in the first session.

To register, head to the Greyhounds As Pets WA website to sign up and browse the dogs available right now.

Where: 357 Furley Road, Southern River
When: April 11th from 8:30 am to 11:30 am

The post Perth Greyhound Adoption Day: Meet The Dogs Looking For A Home This Saturday appeared first on So Perth