At just an hour away from the Perth CBD, Jarrahdale is the perfect weekend escape with the family. Take a picnic or have a barbeque, visit Serpentine National Park, grab a coffee or lunch in town, explore easy access trails and feel rejuvenated as you escape the city for a day. There are some perfect trails for children of all ages, from MTB in Langford Park to exploration interactive Play Trails for the smaller ones.
These trails are great for young children and are best experienced with the Play Trails App from Natureplay. Download here.
Stacey's Loop, Serpentine NP
This pleasant 1.9 kilometre loop trail takes you through beautiful jarrah forest within Serpentine NP. There are several bridges crossing Gooralong Brook which the kiddies will love, look closely for native frogs around the brook. Listen for cockatoos, king and green parrots and blue wrens flitting in and out of the surrounding bushland. The trail starts at the Kitty's Gorge Trailhead, and winds down the valley toward the brook.
Brickwood Reserve Trail, Byford
The Brickwood Reserve is the largest remaining area of the critically endangered open Marri and Kingia woodland. The trail provides a great opportunity to experience the nature in a safe environment. Young kids will love the play trail here, and family dog is welcome too.
Whitby Falls Trail, Mundijong
This all-accessible trail is wheelchair friendly, great for strollers and the kids will love the livestock you'll pass on the farm. There are multiple picnic tables along the trail to enjoy a bite to eat, there's also accessible toilets and parking at the trailhead. Note, despite the name, there are no falls on this trail but there is a charming little brook that you'll follow.
1872 Heritage Railway Trail, Jarrahdale
This gentle trail follows a section of the old timber tramway between Jarrahdale and Rockingham's Jetty. There are two sections to the trail so if you're not up for a big walk take the shorter 4km loop. This is a great trail to explore the bush and you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Darling Scarp and surrounding valley. Take a picnic to enjoy in the wandoo bushland and your dog is welcome too, but strictly on lead at all times.
Mundlimup Timber Trails, Jarrahdale
Starting at the historic 1890's timber tramway, this trail features the old methods of the timber industry from a century ago. The walk is relatively easy, through narrow bush trails, you'll find interpretive signage along the way providing interesting information on the historic timber industry. In the spring months you'll find plenty of wildflowers blooming.
Heritage Walks, Jarrahdale
Learn about Jarrahdale's rich history as WA's first timber town since the 1930's. The Heritage Walks are two easy trails for the history buffs, starting at the Old Post Office in Jarrahdale, you can pick up a detailed booklet to guide you on the way, or simply be guided by the 29 interpretive signs outlining the history of this Historic Town. Your dog is welcome on this trail too. As these walks are in town it's a great opportunity to stop for a coffee, or lunch in one of the local cafes.
Balmoral Trail
Following the former tramway from the Balmoral Prisoner of War Camp through to the Mundlimup Timber Trails, this easy trail is winds through bush and farmland. Interpretive signage along the way explains the nearby log loading ramps and several "shield trees" that were used in the area in the 1920's. Your dog is welcome on this trail, but strictly on lead - 1080 baiting is used in this area. This is a dual trail for hikers and mountain bikers, please be courteous to other trail users.
Serpentine Falls Walk Trail, Serpentine NP
The walk to the iconic Serpentine Falls is one of the more popular walks in the Perth Hills region. This stunning waterfall crashes into a large natural pool, you can view it from the platform at the bottom which is easily accessible from the carpark, or take the optional climb up to the top to view the falls from there. There's a huge array of wildflowers in the area through the Djilba season (August to September). There's BBQ facilities, toilets and plenty of parking at the trailhead, so it's a great spot to spend the day. For those who have kids with more energy to burn, try Baldwins Bluff or Kitty's Gorge Trail nearby.
