Finding accessible areas to roam in nature can sometimes feel difficult, but luckily we in Perth have several wheelchair friendly trail options! Enjoy the sprawling riverside cityscape, take in the pensive beauty of one of our lakes, or head out to the coast for unbeatable views of the crystal-clear Indian Ocean.
We’ve updated our list of outdoors adventures for 2024 to showcase six of our favourite accessible trails around the city.
1. Kings Park (Perth City)
Where else could we start but one of Perth’s most iconic (and one of the world’s largest) inner city parks? Park at Wadjuk Carpark for ACROD parking options, and access to a network of paths to explore including:
Lottery West Federation Walkway
Designed to provide accessible enjoyment to all, this gorgeous track will take you through sections of the Botanic Gardens. From about August onward you can enjoy the wildflowers in bloom – though we admit, it’s pretty stunning any time of year.
Note: There is an arched section in one part of the trail where those using wheelchairs may require assistance. Visitors can contact the Parks Management services to request additional help for people with a disability, or to book a wheelchair ahead of your visit.
All Ability Guided Tours
Guided tours of 1-1.5km length are available twice a day, every day with the exception of Christmas Day. These regularly scheduled options are suitable for all abilities, including visitors using wheelchairs to enjoy the park. You will meet at the Visitor Centre to start.
This is a great way to get kids (or yourself) engaged with the history of the park, WA, and the significance of the area to the Whadjuk Noongar people.
Bonus: Cafes and Common Areas
Keep the family fed at Biara Cafe (Kings Park Road entrance) or Zamia Cafe (May Drive), both offering wheelchair friendly facilities. Or, do some cooking yourself with the BBQ facilities at the Pines Picnic Area.
Good to know: Accessibility at Kings Park
- All bathrooms have wheelchair accessible toilets
- All signed car parks have ACROD bays
- There are a number of drop off zones across the park
- There are two free wheelchairs for hire at the Visitor Centre – call ahead and reserve to make sure you do not miss out.
- You can call or check in with the Visitor Information Centre for further information or to request assistance at the park.
2. Rockingham Foreshore (Rockingham)
You can really choose your adventure with this one – the full distance is 23.5km one way. Obviously you can turn around at any time! Take in the stunning ocean view along this shared path and get some of that fresh sea air in your lungs… Even if you don’t live near Rockingham, it’s worth a trip to experience this seaside delight.
The Foreshore Flow path is wide and wheelchair-friendly, with one of the most accessible sections hugging the coastline past the Rockingham Beach Jetty Area. Conveniently, this is also where you can find cafes and accessible public bathrooms. ACROD parking is available nearby with 2 ACROD spaces at Val Street and 4 ACROD spaces at Rockingham Beach Road.
Beach matting in front of the Beach Bowel ramp makes it easier to access the sand for people who use wheelchairs from October to April, and The Cruising Yacht Club even has beach wheelchairs available. There is a slight gradient in other sections of the path; check out the Foreshore Flow map to see the full details and amenities along the way.
Note: This is a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists and can get busy – get there early to secure parking and enjoy a quieter space.
3. Bibra Lake Reserve (Cockburn)
Start by the playground and make your way around the 6km easy loop to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Bibra Lake. The walkways are purpose-built and dual-access, giving you the freedom to explore the wetlands to your heart’s content.
The playground and park space has great accessibility features, designed for everyone to enjoy:
- Accessible parking bays
- Wheelchair accessible ramps and rubber paths
- Wheelchair accessible drink fountains
- Changing Place facilities (adjustable height, tracking hoists, automatic doors)
- Wheelchair accessible BBQs
- Ability to lie on swings
- Supportive seating on swings, flying fox and seesaws
4. Windan Bridge Loop (East Perth)
This is a 6.2km loop which will take you along both sides of the Swan River. You can shorten the route by taking the Matagarup Bridge, complete with swan-inspired swoops and curves. Wildlife can include herons and other birds, and maybe even spotting some of the Heirisson Island kangaroos. This city path packs in the best of Perth sights!
Take it slow along the foreshore with amenities along the way including accessible public bathrooms, picnic areas and options to grab a bite to eat. This track is very popular with runners, walkers and cyclists, so be aware you might run into some pathway traffic if you go at peak times.
There is one short section which is a little steeper; some may need assistance, depending on mobility and the type of wheelchair they use. The trail is otherwise easy.
ACROD parking is available at a few points along or close by the track:
- Point Fraser
- Heirisson Island
- At Crown Perth (this is furthest from the route)
Note there are differing fees involved with these carparks, and as always, you may need to get there earlier to secure a spot in the accessible spaces.
5. Lake Monger Reserve (Glendalough)
Adjacent to the Mitchell Freeway and only a short 5km trip from Perth city, this urban trail has a 3.5km loop with a flat, paved path. In and around the serene lake setting you can spy black swans, great egrets and yellow-billed spoonbills in their natural habitat.
Lake Monger Reserve has plenty of lookouts along the way to enjoy the views, including one on the north side for spectacular views out to the Perth city skyline. There are wheelchair accessible unisex toilets around the track and an ambulant restroom on the southwest side.
Accessible car parking is available on the south side of the lake, using the entrance off Gregory Street.
6. Settlers Common (Armadale)
The wheelchair friendly section of this track forms a 1km loop through bushland reserve. The Jeerji Trail is paved and can be accessed from the Observation Circle, which has ACROD parking and a shaded picnic area.
People often see kangaroos, black cockatoos and other birdlife along the tracks, and from spring you will glimpse some of WA’s beautiful native wildflowers popping up to greet travelers.
There aren’t any amenities along this shorter trail, but nearby Armadale Central shopping centre has wheelchair accessible facilities if you and the crew need to stop in for a bathroom break or a bite to eat.
Wheels For Hope: Helping Perth Families
We love Perth, and we believe everyone should get to experience our fair city and its many attractions. More ideas for your next family fun day can be found on our lists:
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- 5 Best Wheelchair Accessible Activites for Kids in Perth (includes discount offers via our Entertainment App fundraiser)
- Cheap Wheelchair-Friendly Activities in Perth
Wheels for Hope is a charitable foundation in West Australia, focused on improving the mobility of people with disabilities. We do this by providing access to wheelchair accessible vehicles on a loan basis. Our fleet of vehicles is secured and sustained entirely through the generosity of others; our volunteers, supporters, and sponsors.
For more information on applying for assistance, or if you would like to find ways to support the Wheels for Hope mission, contact us today and our friendly team will be in touch.
