10 Breathtaking Coastal Hikes in Perth: Australia's Western Wilderness

The Marmion Marine Park trail holds a special place in my heart as my introduction to Perth's coastal beauty. This 9.4km trail between Trigg and Hillarys Boat Harbour offers what I'd call the perfect sampler platter of Western Australia's coastal features.

What makes this trail particularly special is the diversity of landscapes you'll encounter. One moment you're traversing limestone outcrops reminiscent of moonscapes, the next you're passing through pockets of coastal heath bursting with native wildflowers (especially vibrant during spring). The elevated sections provide panoramic views of the protected marine sanctuary below, where you might spot dolphins playing in the turquoise waters if you're lucky—I caught sight of a pod on my second day, prompting an impromptu 30-minute videography session that nearly drained my camera battery.

For couples, there are numerous secluded coves perfect for a romantic picnic break. My favorite spot sits just north of North Beach, where a natural limestone bench provides front-row seating to the ocean's performance. Pack a light lunch and your binoculars for potential whale sightings during migration season.

The trail is well-marked but offers enough variation to keep experienced hikers engaged, while remaining accessible for most fitness levels with proper planning. The northern section tends to be less crowded, offering more intimate moments away from the popular beach areas—something I always appreciate after years of navigating crowded stadiums and tourist attractions.

Just south of Perth in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park lies the Cape Peron Circuit—a relatively short 3.5km loop that punches well above its weight in terms of scenic value. During my medical career, I've learned that sometimes the most important details come in small packages, and this trail exemplifies that principle perfectly.

What immediately struck me about Cape Peron was its geological drama. The weathered red cliffs create a stunning contrast against the deep blue ocean and white sandy beaches below. The trail skirts precipitous drops that would give any ballpark's nosebleed section a run for its money, offering views that extend to Garden Island and, on clear days, all the way to Rottnest Island.

Unlike some of Perth's more manicured coastal walks, Cape Peron retains a wonderful sense of wildness. The trail winds through coastal scrub where you might spot western gray kangaroos in the early morning or late afternoon. I encountered a small mob at dusk, and the silhouettes of these iconic Australian animals against the sunset-lit ocean created one of my most memorable videography moments in Western Australia.

For history buffs (which I became after documenting America's disappearing roadside attractions), the WWII lookout bunkers add an intriguing historical dimension. These concrete sentinels once guarded Australia's western approach and now provide perfect framing for ocean photographs.

The relatively short length makes this an ideal sunset hike for couples. Pack a light picnic, a good insulated water bottle to keep your drinks cold, and plan to arrive about two hours before sunset to complete the circuit with plenty of time for romantic moments along the way.

While most of my Perth hiking focused on coastal trails, I would be remiss not to mention this inland gem that begins in Perth's hills before eventually reaching the southern coast. The Bibbulmun Track is Western Australia's answer to America's Appalachian Trail—a 1,000km epic stretching from Perth to Albany. But don't worry, I'm only recommending the first day section!

The 10km stretch from the Northern Terminus to Kalamunda offers couples a completely different perspective of Perth's natural diversity. Trading ocean views for towering jarrah and marri forests, this section weaves through Kalamunda National Park with moderate climbs that reward hikers with sweeping views of Perth city in the distance.

What fascinated me as someone who documents cultural institutions was how this trail connects modern Perth with its natural history. The path follows ancient Aboriginal routes in places, and interpretive signs highlight the Noongar people's connection to this land. During spring, the forest understory explodes with wildflowers in colors that would make any baseball stadium's team colors seem dull by comparison.

For couples seeking a romantic forest experience, there's a particular granite outcrop about 7km in that provides the perfect lunch spot. I set up my compact tripod here to capture time-lapse footage of clouds rolling over the forest canopy—a meditative experience I highly recommend.

While not technically a coastal hike, I've included this trail because it offers an important counterpoint to Perth's beach walks and showcases the region's ecological diversity. Plus, ending in Kalamunda means you can celebrate your achievement at one of the charming cafés or wineries in the Perth Hills—something my brother and I always appreciated after long days scouting baseball venues.

My fascination with documenting cultural landmarks and natural wonders found its perfect expression on Rottnest Island, just a short ferry ride from Perth's mainland. The Wadjemup Bidi—a network of walking trails covering 45km across the island—offers what I consider the quintessential Western Australian coastal hiking experience.

As someone who's traversed stadiums across America and markets throughout Southeast Asia, I can confidently say few walking experiences match the Gabbi Karniny Bidi section (9.7km) of this network. This loop showcases the island's northern beaches and salt lakes, where the interplay of blinding white sand, crystalline waters in impossible shades of blue, and the rusty red soil creates landscapes that seem almost computer-generated in their perfection.

What makes Rottnest truly special is its car-free environment. The absence of vehicles creates a peaceful atmosphere that magnifies the natural sounds—crashing waves, whistling winds, and the curious snuffling of the island's famous quokkas. These small marsupials have earned Instagram fame for their seemingly smiling faces, and encountering them along the trail adds a uniquely Australian dimension to your hike.

For couples seeking both adventure and romance, I recommend tackling the trail early, then rewarding yourselves with a late lunch at one of the settlement's restaurants. My partner and I spent an unforgettable day hiking the northern loop, taking frequent breaks for swimming in secluded bays where we were the only visitors. I captured underwater footage using my action camera, which handled the transition from trail to ocean beautifully.

While technically requiring a full day trip from Perth, Rottnest's trails offer such a concentrated dose of coastal beauty that they easily earn their place on this list. Just remember that the island's exposed nature means sun protection is non-negotiable—my Norwegian ancestry made me particularly grateful for my wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen.

Not every great coastal hike requires a full-day commitment. The 5.5km Zamia Trail in Bold Park offers what I consider Perth's best urban escape—a chance to experience coastal woodland and panoramic ocean views just minutes from the city center.

As someone who regularly documents America's disappearing natural spaces, I was impressed by Perth's commitment to preserving this 437-hectare urban bushland. The trail winds through one of the largest remaining bushland areas in Perth's metropolitan region, creating a microadventure perfect for time-constrained couples or those seeking a gentle introduction to Perth's hiking scene.

What makes the Zamia Trail special is its elevation. Climbing gradually to Reabold Hill (the highest natural point in Perth's metropolitan area at 85m), the path rewards hikers with stunning 360-degree views. To the west stretches the Indian Ocean, to the east Perth's skyline, and all around, a surprisingly diverse woodland ecosystem that's home to over 1,000 native species.

During my spring visit, the trail was alive with wildflowers and birdsong. As an amateur videographer who's documented everything from Route 66 to Southeast Asian markets, I found myself constantly stopping to capture the juxtaposition of urban and natural landscapes. The golden hour light here is particularly magical, casting a warm glow over the coastal banksia and eucalyptus trees.

For couples, this trail offers perfect sunset potential without requiring a major time investment. Pack a small picnic and your compact camera to capture the changing colors as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean. The relatively gentle terrain makes this accessible for most fitness levels, though there are some moderately steep sections to reach the summit lookout.

Some coastal hikes combine land and sea experiences in ways that create truly memorable adventures. The Penguin Island and Shoalwater Bay walk—while technically consisting of shorter trail segments connected by a ferry crossing—offers couples a unique blend of coastal walking and wildlife encounters.

The adventure begins at Mersey Point in Shoalwater, where a short ferry ride (or wadable sandbar at low tide, though not recommended) takes you to Penguin Island. This tiny nature reserve is home to Western Australia's largest colony of little penguins, the smallest penguin species in the world. As someone who's filmed sports venues across America, I've learned to appreciate specialized environments—and this island is precisely that: a perfect habitat meticulously preserved for these charming seabirds.

The island itself features a 1.5km boardwalk loop that protects the fragile dune ecosystem while guiding visitors through key habitat areas. Though small, the elevated sections offer spectacular views across Shoalwater Bay and its limestone islands. During my visit, I witnessed ospreys hunting over the crystal-clear waters—a dramatic nature documentary moment I was fortunate to capture with my telephoto lens.

After exploring Penguin Island, return to the mainland and continue your coastal adventure along the Shoalwater Bay trail that runs 2.5km along the shoreline. This section provides continuous ocean views and access to some of Perth's most pristine beaches. For couples, the combination of wildlife encounters and peaceful coastal walking creates a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

I recommend bringing your waterproof dry bag to protect cameras and phones during the ferry crossing and beach explorations. The island has minimal facilities, so pack water and snacks for your adventure.