John Forrest National Park

Located in the Darling Ranges on Whadjuk country, about 30 minutes east of Perth city, John Forrest National Park is Perth’s first and oldest national park.

This photograph was taken in John Forrest National Park and shows the National Park Falls. Water cascades down a bed of brown rocks. Rocks are surrounded by native plants and trees that are various shades of green. 
photo credit: Bronwyn Wells

Cultural Recognition

John Forrest National Park is on Whadjuk Nyoongar country. Whadjuk people are the traditional owners of John Forrest National Park. Nyoongar people lived here before European settlement, with evidence that the area was once used as a hunting place.

Jane Brook Valley was an ancient travel route crossing the Darling Scarp. Jane Brook is connected to the Dreamtime serpent, the Waugal. The rocks in and along the brook are said to be the droppings of this mythical creature.

Overview of John Forrest National Park

Located in the Darling Ranges on Whadjuk country, about 30 minutes east of Perth city, John Forrest National Park is rich with both Indigenous and European history. It’s also full of natural wonder, just waiting to be discovered!  

There is a great selection of short and long trails available here, which will lead you through some of the Perth Hills’ most spectacular sights.  

A profusion of wildflowers bloom here in the winter and spring months, and the park’s two waterfalls, Hovea Falls and National Park Falls, begin to flow (rainfall dependent).

The Swan View Tunnel is a 340m structure in John Forrest National Park, originally built for trains to pass through. Now, visitors can walk through the tunnel and marvel at its size, and the fact that it was built using nothing but picks, shovels and dynamite! 

Opening Times

John Forrest National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 365 days a year.   

Cost of Entry*

Private vehicle with up to 12 occupants  

  • $17 per vehicle  
  • $10 per vehicle concession  

Private vehicle with more than 12 occupants  

  • $8 per occupant 6 years or older  
  • $3.50 per occupant concession  

Motorcycle  

  • $10 per motorbike  
  • No concession  

No entry fee applies if you walk or cycle into the park.

*Prices accurate as of January 2024, refer to the Explore Parks WA website for up to date pricing. All revenue collected from park entry fees and Parks and Wildlife managed businesses is invested in biodiversity conservation, maintenance and improvement of John Forrest National Park facilities and services, and the protection of park values. 

Photo credit: The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Photograph by Bronwyn Wells.
Photo credit: The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Nature Play Resources

We’ve created fun, interactive resources for John Forrest National Park to assist families in planning a visit to the park.

For more fun, interactive nature play activities for families that can be used wile exploring any location, check out our free, Every Kid in a Park resource library

Family Resource Library

Activities & Information

With its proximity to Perth, the picturesque John Forrest National Park has plenty to offer families looking for space to spend time in nature together.

This photo was taken at Herdsman Lake and shows the thin brown paperbark trees that grow on the edge of the lake. The trees are surrounded by green grass and shrubs, with the lake seen in the distance. The blue sky is seen through the trees, with the sun creating shadows on the grass.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

There is a great selection of short and long trails available here, which will lead you through some of the Perth Hills’ most spectacular sights.  

A profusion of wildflowers bloom here in the winter and spring months, and the park’s two waterfalls, Hovea Falls and National Park Falls, begin to flow (rainfall dependent). There are sections of the park that remain largely undeveloped, giving visitors a real taste of native Australian woodland and wildlife. 

The Swan View Tunnel is a 340m structure in John Forrest National Park, originally built for trains to pass through. Now, visitors can walk through the tunnel and marvel at its size, and the fact that it was built using nothing but picks, shovels and dynamite! 

While there are many natural spots to lay a picnic blanket around the park, the established Picnic Area is a great place to relax and refuel. There are barbecues (including a universal barbecue), picnic tables and a nature playground, making it a popular spot for families.  

You can bring your bicycle, a picnic or just your backpack to enjoy a day at John Forrest National Park. Pets must be left at home.  

Please beware of snakes during warmer summer months and ensure children are supervised around the falls and other bodies of water. See our Safety section for more information.

This photo shows a dark wooden gazebo with a light green tin roof. Short wooden boardwalks branch out from three (3) corners of the gazebo. There is water from the river running up to the gazebo. The water is brown in colour and flows through green grass. Long green grass grows to the right of the gazebo, and tall trees surround the area which leads to the brown river. The blue sky can be seen through the tree foliage.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Photo by Kevin Smith. 

Being WA’s oldest national park, John Forrest is home to an abundance of wildlife. 

There are over 500 different species of wildflower that grow here, making for a wonderful display of colour in the late winter and early spring months. Keep an eye out for banksias, grevilleas, acacias, blue leschenaultia and kangaroo paws – just to name a few! 

Upon the walk trails, you’ll be surrounded by large native trees including jarrah, marri, flooded gums and paperbark trees. Smaller trees include bull banksia, sheoak and snottygobble. 

Living up in the trees are 91 species of bird, including galahs, red wattlebirds, honeyeaters, blue fairy wrens and black cockatoos!  

While many of the mammals here are nocturnal, you’re likely to see the western grey kangaroo hanging around the picnic area, or lounging in other areas of the park. In lower-traffic areas, you might be lucky enough to spot an echidna or quenda. 

Thick-tailed geckos, southern blind snakes and western brown snakes are among the 23 species of reptiles that live here. And, if you’re close to the water, keep an ear out for one of the 10 species of frogs who might be hopping around!

We suggest taking time before your visit to read through the safety information. We recommend visiting the Explore Parks WA website to plan when to visit John Forrest National Park.  

John Forrest National Park is a great place for bushwalking. Before you head out in nature, visit the Explore Parks WA website for tips on bushwalking safety.  

The park has many waterfalls and risk areas. Extreme caution must be undertaken to avoid slippage and falling in such areas. 

In spring and summer, many reptiles emerge to bask in the sun. During this time you should take precautions to minimise the chance of encountering snakes.

Toogitj snake Photo credit: John Sullivan (iNaturaliste)

Precautions

  • Take care in bushland and grassy areas. 
  • Walk and/or cycle in cleared areas only, where you can see the ground, and keep to established tracks. 
  • When bushwalking, wear long trousers and boots or other enclosed footwear that preferably cover the ankles. 
  • Keep a watchful eye on the ground about a metre ahead of where you are walking, and avoid entering areas of long grass, rushes and undergrowth

Visit Explore Parks WA website for more information about John Forrest National Park.

Acknowledgements

Nature Play WA would like to thank the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for providing valuable information about John Forrest National Park.