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This Saturday is ANZAC Day — a national day of remembrance marking the anniversary of the first major involvement of the Australian and New Zealand armed forces during World War One. If you’d like to pay your respects and attend a Dawn Service, you can find a list of locations across WA here.

If you’d like to know some of the venues that will be open on the ANZAC Day public holiday, see below:

ApplecrossQuarter Acre Hotel11:30 pm – 10:00 pmApplecrossRaffles Hotel12:00 pm – 8:00 pmApplecrossCanteen Pizza6:30 am – LateBurswoodThe Camfield11:00 am – 10:00 pmBassendeanThe Bassendean Hotel12:00 pm – 10:00 pmBedfordCecchis12:00 pm – 9:30 pmCottesloeIl Lido6:30 am – LateCottesloeCottesloe Beach Hotel12:00 pm – LateCottesloeLongview7:00 am – 3:00 pmCottesloeTigerfish12:00 pm – 10:00 pmCrawleyWest Kitchen & Bar12:00 pm – 2:00 amClaremontThe Claremont Hotel12:00 pm – 6:00 pmComoComo Garden10:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pmDunsboroughSixteen Ounces12:00 pm – 11:00 pmEast PerthThe Royal on the Waterfront11:30 pm – 10:00 pmEast PerthBright Tank Brewery12:00 pm – 10:00 pmEast Victoria ParkMilly’s Acre11:00 am – LateEast Victoria ParkParco Pizza11:00 am – 10:00 pmEast Victoria ParkThe Berwick11:00 am – 10:00 pmFalconCobblers Tavern12:00 pm – 9:00 pmFremantleMoon & Mary12:00 pm – 10:00 pmEast FremantleSweetwater Rooftop Bar5:00 pm – 10:00 pmFremantleLa Lune11:00 am – LateFremantleChicho Gelato12:00 pm – 10:30 pmFremantleElske7:00 am – 2:00 pmFremantleJetty11:30 am – 11:00 pmFremantleLa Sosta5:30 pm – 9:00 pmGuildfordThe Guildford Hotel11:00 pm – 10:00 pmGuildfordWoodbridge Hotel10:30 am – 10:00 pmHenley BrookOld Young’s12:00 pm – LateInglewoodCivic Hotel12:00 pm – 9:00 pmKarrinyupGood Company11:00 am – 10:30 pmLeedervilleThe Leederville Precinct12:00 pm – 12:00 amLeedervilleBesk12:00 pm – 9:00 pmLeedervilleLima Cantina4:00 pm – 9:30 pmLeedervillePinchos11:30 am – 9:30 pmLeedervilleThe Garden12:00 pm – 10:30 pmLeedervilleServo12:00 pm – 10:00 pmLeedervilleThe Leederville Hotel12:00 pm – LateLeederville, Highgate & City BeachMary Street Bakery7:00 am – 3:00 pmMount HawthornLucy Luu4:00 pm – 10:00 pmMount LawleyThe Elford11:00 am – 10:00 pmMount LawleyChicho Gelato12:00 pm – 10:30 pmMount LawleyLe Rebelle5:00 pm – 10:00 pmMount LawleyNazzar5:00 pm – 9:00 pmMargaret RiverVoyager Estate Wine Room12:00 pm – 5:00 pmMargaret RiverVoyager Estate Restaurant12:00 pm – 5:00 pmMandurahThe Peninsula Mandurah11:00 am – 10:00 pmNorthbridgeBivouac5:00 pm – 10:00 pmNorthbridgeChicho Gelato12:00 pm – 11:00 pmNorthbridgeNeon Palms6:00 pm – 12:00 amPerthPost6:30 am – LatePerthPetition Kitchen8:00 am – LatePerthBeer Corner12:00 pm – LatePerthDurty Nelly’s Irish Pub10:00 am – 10:00 pmPerthThe Globe12:00 pm – 9:00 pmPerthMarket Grounds12:00 pm – 12:00 amPerthThe Reveley11:00 am – 10:00 pmPerthThe Generous Squire12:00 pm – LatePerthThe Court12:00 pm – 2:00 amPerthBrown Street Grill12:00 pm – 10:00 pmPerthFallow12:00 pm – 12:00 amPerthTerrarium4:00 pm – LateParkervilleThe Parkerville Tavern11:00 am – 10:00 pmPickering BrookCore Cider12:00 pm – 5:00 pmScarboroughScarborough Beach Bar11:00 am – 10:00 pmScarboroughThe Peach Pit11:00 am – 10:00 pmScarboroughThe Galway Hooker11:00 pm – 12:00 amSouth FremantleSaroor5:00 pm – 10:00 pmSubiacoPinos8:00 am – 2:00 pmSubiacoIntuition Wine & Kitchen4:00 pm – LateWest PerthBrew Dog Perth12:00 pm – 12:00 amWest PerthZamia7:00 am – 4:00 pmVictoria ParkVictoria Park Hotel12:00 pm – LateIl Locale5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Add a venue

If you’d like to add your venue to the list above, fill in the form below.

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The State Government has committed $28.2 million in the 2026-27 State Budget to move WA driver’s licences into the ServiceWA digital wallet, with the credentials expected to go live in 2027. The same funding package will also deliver a State Digital Identity — the broader identity layer that will sit behind future online government services.

Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson framed the announcement as a modernisation piece. “These changes are designed around how people live and work today. Having key credentials available digitally means less paperwork, fewer delays, and greater convenience for individuals, employers and organisations who rely on them every day,” he said.

What will actually change

The digital licence will live in the ServiceWA digital wallet. Holders will be able to control how much information they share at any given checkpoint. Rather than handing over a card that displays a full name, address, date of birth, and licence number, they can share only what the situation calls for, whether that’s proof of age at a bottle shop or confirmation of licence status at a roadside stop. 

“By providing these services digitally we are making them easier for people to access whilst lowering the chances of theft and fraud,” Dawson added.

The State says credentials will also be verifiable in near real time, which reduces the risk of someone presenting an expired or cancelled licence that looks fine to the naked eye.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti linked it to the SmartRider upgrade that now lets passengers tag on and off with their phones — the same logic of carrying fewer things. “We know most Western Australians carry their phone every day, so we’re making it easier to carry your driver’s licence with you too,” she said.

“It is all part of our commitment to delivering smarter services that support a more efficient economy and a better experience for the community.”

The $28.2 million also covers an upgrade to the WA Relationship Authorisation Manager — the tool that businesses use to interact with the State Government. The State Digital Identity piece is the bigger-picture play: a verified identity credential that future online government transactions can hinge on.

A firmer go-live date inside 2027 hasn’t been announced.

The post The State Government Plans To Digitise Your Driver’s Licence: Here’s What’s Happening appeared first on So Perth

The Blue Room Theatre has been allocated $495,000 for refurbishment and technical upgrades in the first round of Lotterywest’s Arts and Culture Infrastructure Grant Program — part of $10 million distributed across 41 Western Australian arts organisations.

Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts has received $328,477, and the City of Fremantle will put more than $280,000 towards upgrades at the heritage-listed Victoria Hall. The funding covers refurbishments, audio-visual and technical equipment, touring rigs, and building improvements, all delivered under the state government’s Creative WA roadmap.

Premier Roger Cook said, “Western Australia is home to a host of vibrant arts and culture organisations that deliver enriching programs, displays, festivals and initiatives for the WA community to enjoy.”

“Meaningful investment in infrastructure, equipment and technology within these spaces will create long-lasting benefits for WA’s creative sector, supporting local artists and strengthening arts and culture in our regions.”

Where does the money go?

The Blue Room grant goes to the Performing Arts Centre Society for work at the Northbridge theatre. PICA, in the same cultural precinct, has been allocated funds for comparable infrastructure work. Victoria Hall, a Fremantle building with heritage protection, will be fitted with modern infrastructure to support accessible performances while preserving its historic character.

Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk framed the program as allowing artists to concentrate on their work rather than on the buildings they work in. 

“Through supporting upgrades to spaces and access to new equipment and technology, this funding is helping our WA creatives focus on the creation and delivery of their work. It is also helping to deliver a better experience for our audiences — not just in Perth but also our regional areas.”

Regional WA takes almost half

Close to $5 million — just under half the total — has gone to regional WA, reaching the South West, Gascoyne, Wheatbelt, Goldfields-Esperance, Mid West, Great Southern, Peel, and Kimberley regions.

The largest regional grant is more than $420,000 for a new cultural and creative space in Warburton, a remote community in the Goldfields-Esperance region.

Another $20 million still to come

This is the first of three planned rounds. A further $20 million will be distributed across the next two financial years, bringing the full program to $30 million.

The post Blue Room Theatre, PICA, & Victoria Hall Share In Lotterywest’s First $10 Million Arts Round appeared first on So Perth

The Australind train service will formally resume on Monday, June 29th, reconnecting Perth and Bunbury by rail after a long pause and the retirement of a fleet that first entered service in 1987. The first of four new three-car trains will begin running on the opening day, with the remaining three rolled out in stages over the coming months.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti commented, “I’m so excited for the return of the Australind, with new trains and more frequent services for local communities from Byford to Bunbury.”

“The Australind has been a key link to the South West for decades, and the Cook Labor Government is proud to have secured this service for the future.”

Some coach services will continue operating until the second new train comes online.

What’s different about the new trains

The new Australinds are a full generational jump from the old railcars. Interiors feature LED lighting, in-seat USB-C charging, improved accessibility, an onboard buffet, and dedicated storage for 14 bicycles per train.

Each of the four trains will also carry unique Aboriginal artwork by a local Indigenous artist, tied to the culture and landscape of the South West. Rather than rolling out in matching livery, each train will have its own distinct identity.

More frequent services by early next year

The Cook Labor Government has committed $45 million in the 2026-27 State Budget to increase Australind service frequency. The state is working with Arc Infrastructure to finalise additional timetable slots, aiming to double the number of services by early next year.

“These new trains will not only provide a more comfortable travel experience for locals and visitors, but we’ll be increasing the frequency of this service supported by a $45 million investment in our upcoming State Budget,” Saffioti added.

The stopping pattern isn’t changing. Trains will run along the original route between Perth and Bunbury, stopping at Armadale, Byford, Mundijong, Serpentine, North Dandalup, Pinjarra, Waroona, Yarloop, Cookernup, Harvey, and Brunswick Junction.

Help name the new fleet

A public naming competition is open now and closes on May 18th. Anyone can submit a suggestion for the four new trains via the My Say Transport website, and submissions will be shortlisted for how well they reflect the history, people, and future of the South West. Winners will be invited to board the first service on the new train.

South West Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch added, “The naming competition provides an opportunity for the community to play an active role in shaping the identity of the new Australind trains.”

“The return of the Australind is welcome news for Bunbury and communities right across the South West, strengthening regional connectivity and delivering real benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.”

A community event in Bunbury the day before

A community event to mark the return of the service will be held at Bunbury Passenger Terminal on Sunday, June 28th — the day before services begin. More details will be released closer to the date.

The post The Perth To Bunbury Australind Train Service Is Returning: Here’s What You Need To Know  appeared first on So Perth

The burger at Bistro Massilia arrives halved and laid on a bed of béarnaise. The swordfish cotoletta is finished with bouillabaisse, poached mussels, and chervil butter. The pasta dish, which owner David Pille grew up eating in his father’s home village, appears on the menu as coquillettes jambon — small elbow pasta with ham, mushrooms, paprika, sage, and Comté.

All three are on the menu at a new Euro-leaning neighbourhood bistro opening in Inglewood on Friday.

From Besk and Clancy’s to his own Inglewood bistro

Pille lives locally and has been watching this particular corner of Beaufort Street for a while. Most recently, he was General Manager at Besk, and before that, he spent five years with Clancy’s Fish Pubs. When 965 came up, the brief he set himself was a proper bistro. Locally owned, designed to be visited repeatedly by people who live within walking distance, and built for the test of time.

The building has some history. It was the original Cecchi’s before the family relocated the restaurant up the road. It most recently ran as House on Beau from October 2025, closing earlier this year. 

“What I love about Marseille is that it has a real multicultural nature to it as a port city, bringing migrants from the Middle East, North Africa and Asia,” says Pille. “It’s known as the city of 100 neighbourhoods, and I feel this is reflective of what Inglewood is.”

The food: French technique, Mediterranean flavours, WA produce

Head chef Matt Mills is running the kitchen in his first head chef role. He moved to Perth after working in the UK at Michelin-starred venues including Pensons and Foxhill Manor, followed by stints at Rose and Crown and Hillary’s Beach Club.

The menu leans European with Mediterranean edges, built around seasonal Western Australian produce. Mills’ signature dish is the swordfish cotoletta with bouillabaisse, poached mussels, and chervil butter. “It speaks to that Marseille way of cooking, where different influences come together on the plate,” he says.

The burger is what they expect people will keep coming back for. It arrives halved on a bed of béarnaise, which he says is a presentation Perth hasn’t seen before and encourages sharing. Then there’s the coquillettes jambon, a nostalgic French comfort dish. “Think of it as a French take on mac and cheese,” says Pille. “The kind of dish your parents would throw together after school.”

European influence continues through the drinks list

Sommelier Trent Everitt has put together the wine list, drawing from Western Australia alongside old-world European classics. It’s written to be approachable, with plenty available by the glass and a handful of benchmark producers for those special occasions where you want to celebrate. 

Cocktails come from Shirley Yeung and lean into European aperitif culture. Signatures include the Massilia Spritz (orange liqueur, quince vermouth, and prosecco), the Fleur de Massilia (vodka, elderflower, and passionfruit honey), and the Pastis Jardin — a herbaceous mix of gin, fennel, pastis, and mint.

Beers on tap come from FOUND. Subiaco and Margaret River Beer Co, with a bottled selection from Rocky Ridge, Shelter, and Eagle Bay.

The details

Bistro Massilia opens at 965 Beaufort Street, Inglewood, on Friday, April 24th.

The post Bistro Massilia Opens on Beaufort Street This Friday With a Marseille-Inspired Menu appeared first on So Perth

Free Sunday travel on buses, trains, and ferries across WA is being made permanent, alongside the Ride to School Free Program that covers student travel to and from school each day. The Cook Government has committed $70.1 million in the upcoming 2026-27 State Budget to keep both running indefinitely.

Both programs were introduced in 2024 as cost-of-living measures with no firm end date promised. The decision to lock them in comes off the back of record-breaking patronage across the network.

What the changes cover

The Ride to School Free Program gives students free travel to and from school when they tag on and off with a valid SmartRider. Around 300,000 students currently hold a Student SmartRider. For a household with two children commuting to school daily, the government says the program saves up to $560.00 across the school year.

Free Sunday travel applies to every passenger on the network. More than eight million trips have been taken on Sundays since it began.

WA Seniors Card holders also continue to travel free during off-peak periods Monday to Friday, and at any time across the weekend.

March was the biggest month on record

“We know these practical initiatives are providing real relief to families, with a record number of people choosing to make use of our public transport network last month,” said Treasurer and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.

Patronage figures released alongside the announcement show March hit an all-time high, with nearly 15.7 million boardings across train, bus, and ferry services. That beat the previous monthly record — set back in March 2012 — by almost 1.5 million trips, and came in 14% above March last year.

Regional services have also seen a jump. Transwa patronage was up 21% in March compared to the same month in 2025, with the Prospector service between Perth and Kalgoorlie up 22%.

The Go Anywhere Fare is doing most of the heavy lifting for daily commuters

For anyone travelling beyond Sundays and the school run, the Go Anywhere Fare introduced at the start of this year has done more to cut daily transport costs than the free-travel programs. Passengers can now travel anywhere on the network for $2.80 per trip with a SmartRider on Autoload, or $3.50 per trip when paying with a credit or debit card.

Premier Roger Cook commented, “After my government introduced the Go Anywhere Fare, making public transport more affordable than ever, record numbers of Western Australians are now using buses, trains and ferries to get around.”

The government estimates regular CBD commuters are saving around $625.00 a year under the new cap, on top of what they were already saving from the previous two-zone fare cap.

Transwa fares for regional train and coach services have also been permanently halved, covering travel to more than 200 destinations across regional WA. A return trip between Kalgoorlie and Perth on the Prospector is now $100.00 cheaper, and the Esperance-to-Perth return is down $107.00.

The post Free Sunday Travel And Student Transport Are Becoming Permanent Cost Of Living Relief Measures appeared first on So Perth

There was a time when the ‘Great Australian Dream’ meant a quarter-acre block and a trip to Bunnings every weekend. These days, it’s all about maximising what you’ve already got, because as anyone who’s been to a home open lately will tell you, competition is fierce. 

Perth’s property market has been on a wild ride. In the last five years, local dwelling values have jumped an eye-watering 82%, with Perth officially overtaking Melbourne’s median house price for the first time in a decade. Crazy, right? Not bad for a city once dismissed as ‘sleepy’. 

Perth’s price growth is great news for investors, but it’s even better for everyday homeowners. It’s creating real equity that unlocks opportunity. Instead of selling or pouring money into an ageing floorplan, many smart homeowners are choosing to stay where they are and complete a demolition and rebuild.

Why? Because rising home values mean they can reinvent their lifestyle without giving up what they love — their street, their neighbours, their local coffee spot, or their preferred school zones. It also saves them from spending months competing for the limited stock available in today’s established market.

And the benefits stack up fast. By rebuilding, homeowners avoid the stress and costs of moving — from endless home opens to stamp duty and everything in between — all while building a brand-new home exactly the way they want it.

Summit Homes, one of Western Australia’s most trusted builders, has been part of that evolution for almost half a century. Since 1978, the company has helped more than 47,000 West Australians build homes that tell a personal story — homes with individual purpose, character, and style.

Designing for life’s stages, not just resale Credit: Summit Homes

Summit Homes’ philosophy — homes that fit your life — isn’t a slogan; it’s an ethos that shapes every brief.

For young families, that might mean a large communal kitchen and flexible play space that grows with the kids. For established professionals, it’s a home that balances privacy, home office space, and open living, perfect for working from home, entertaining, and unwinding. And for those planning ahead, it’s single-level design, wider corridors, and smart storage that make ageing in place effortless.

These designs aren’t trend-driven. They’re timeless in proportion and practical in function — grounded in an understanding of how West Australians actually live: outdoors, socially, and close to community.

What about renovating? Credit: Summit Homes

Renovating might sound romantic — the idea of “updating” an old home rather than starting fresh, and there’s no doubt a good reno can revive a tired space. However, older homes often come with quirks and constraints: dated layouts, ageing materials, and features that have well and truly seen better days. Sometimes, those limitations make it harder to achieve the transformation you’re really after.

In many cases, renovations end up costing considerably more than a demolish-and-build, without giving you the same design freedom that starting fresh allows.

Experience you can trust in an uncertain industry Credit: Summit Homes

In an industry that has seen too many headlines about insolvencies and abandoned projects, trust is no small thing.

Summit Homes’ 48-year track record is built on stability, local expertise, and genuine accountability. It’s part of Summit Homes Group — Australia’s most diversified building group with 21 subsidiaries spanning residential, commercial, and property services. That scale brings security; that longevity brings confidence.

With more than 47,000 homes built since 1978 and a trophy cabinet featuring six consecutive HIA Professional Major Builder Awards, the group’s longevity isn’t luck — it’s experience.  

Behind that experience and success is a team of New Homes Consultants with backgrounds in building trades, drafting, and architecture — people who understand both the creative and the technical sides of construction. They’re not just salespeople; they’re guides through one of life’s biggest investments.

The future of WA living is built, not bought Credit: Summit Homes

With only around 1,700 properties currently listed across Perth — some of the lowest levels in years — the competition for established homes remains fierce. Yet WA’s economy continues to outperform the national average, expanding 3.4% in the past year, fuelling both demand and optimism.

The smartest investment may be the land you already own. By leveraging built-up equity to rebuild, West Australians can design homes that reflect modern lifestyles while securing long-term value.

Whatever your budget, block, or Pinterest board, there’s a Summit plan to match. 

Take the first step toward the home and lifestyle you’ve always wanted. Explore one of Summit Homes’ nine display homes, located both north and south of the river.

The post Think Moving Is Your Only Option? Discover How to Use Your Equity to Redefine Your Life with Summit Homes appeared first on 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