Watching the great wave of kids on bikes peel through WA suburbs during this COVID-19 lockdown has me feeling like I’ve been transported back to the 1970s – minus the bad haircuts, disco, and tinned pineapple.
Everywhere I go I see kids and families out on bikes and scooters and it is amazing. There is an element of nostalgia about it. I remember the long bike rides and walks that were so much a part of being a kid before we all became so marinated in fear.
Sure, there are more parents involved in the neighbourhood rides and the bikes look a little shinier, but you can still see the essential ingredients emanating from the kids – that sense of belonging that comes from being present in your neighbourhood, and the sense of freedom that comes from being the master of your own bike.
And seeing the parents with them is great. Families sharing an experience together projects a positivity that is more than refreshing. It is transformative. It makes suburbs feel like neighbourhoods, and neighbourhoods feel like communities. Somehow the bikes on the streets and pavements make us all closer.
And if you are looking to level up your family bike adventure beyond the neighbourhood you are in luck. WA is a great place to ride. And to help you along the way, and leaning on our good friends at Trails WA for inspiration, we have selected our Top 5 Bike Trails for Families in the Perth region.
You can find more than 600 trails at Trails WA! Be sure to share your experiences with other families on social media using #natureasmedicine
Top 5 Bike Trails for Families in the Perth Region
We have scoured the Trails WA website to share our top-five bike trails for families. All the trails are perfect for beginners and are an easy drive from anywhere in the Perth area. Enjoy!
Karda Bidi, Perth Western Suburbs
The Karda Bidi is a fairy tale level half-day trail that starts in King’s Park before following the Swan River foreshore. Find the trail map and more info at Trails WA.
- Trail Length – 10.6km (one way)
- Distance from Perth – 0km
- Facilities
- BBQ areas
- Cafés
- Lookouts
- Notes
- Dual use paths
- Some diversions for bikes and wheelchairs – see map
- Best between April and November
- Lots of shade along the way
- Water access points
Melville Water Riverpark Trail, Melville
Melville Water Riverpark Trail is a journey from Fremantle Traffic Bridge to Canning Bridge, showcasing some of the best views in Perth, and sharing information about the ecology, history, and Noongar cultural through interpretation facilities at Bicton Baths, Point Walter and Heathcote. Find the trail map and more info at Trails WA.
- Trail Length – 16km (one way)
- Distance from Perth (9.5km – Canning Bridge or 18km – Fremantle Traffic Bridge)
- Facilities
- Toilets
- BBQ areas
- Cafés
- Shelters
- Lookouts
- Bicycle locker
- Notes
- Dual use path
- Not marked by directional signage
- Amazing views
- Water access points
Ride the Sunset Coast – Marmion to Burns Beach
This dual use pathway extends from the southern suburb of Munster, to Burns Beach, north of Perth passing fantastic beaches for swimming, snorkelling, fishing and just pausing to enjoy the ocean.
Find the trail map and more info at Trails WA.
- Trail Length – 14km (one way)
- Distance from Perth – 16km
- Facilities
- Toilets
- BBQ area
- Cafés
- Lookouts
- Sheltered areas
- Notes
- Dual use path
- Interpretative signage
- Five easy and four moderate trails
- Water access points
- Swimming and canoe hire in summer
Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, Mundaring
This long loop trail follows the route of the old Eastern Railway through quaint hills communities and passes the old railway line and tunnel in John Forrest National Park and great views and waterfalls (particularly in winter/spring). Find the trail map and more info at Trails WA.
- Trail Length – 41km loop
- Distance from Perth – 30km
- Facilities
- Toilets
- BBQ area
- Picnic area
- Cafe
- Notes
- Multiple use path
- Consider completing in sections
- Multiple entry points
- Multiple nearby trails
- Water access
Lake Leschenaultia MTB Trails, Chidlow
Lake Leschenaultia is a great introduction to mountain biking for young riders and families, with 12 trails and all the facilities you need to have a great day out. Find the trail map and more info at Trails WA.
- Trail Length – 0.7km – 5km (12 trails)
- Distance from Perth – 49km
- Facilities
- Toilets
- BBQ area
- Café
- Camping
- Notes
- Gates open at 8.30am
- Five easy and four moderate trails
- Water access points
- Swimming and canoe hire in summer
Download our TOP 5 BIKE TRAILS FOR FAMILIES IN PERTH Resource and be sure to share your photos and videos of your adventures to our Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtags #natureplaywa #natureasmedicine
All of these trails can be found in our free Play in WA app. Enjoy!
We’ll be sharing some other Top 5s in the coming weeks. In the meantime, get out, discover new nature spaces in our wonderful region and enjoy the sanctuary of distance.
Be sure to keep up to date with information about COVID-19 at the official Australian government website – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Alert and the Western Australian government website – Coronavirus: COVID-19
Check Regional Travel Restrictions to be sure these trails are within your travel area.