Kalamunda Zig Zag Scenic Drive
A scenic drive in Perth Hills offering breathtaking city views, stunning sunsets, and wildlife encounters. Perfect for a relaxing drive or a cycling a...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views & wildlife
Kalamunda Zig Zag Scenic Drive
Best Time
Golden hour views & wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic drive in Perth Hills offering breathtaking city views, stunning sunsets, and wildlife encounters. Perfect for a relaxing drive or a cycling adventure.
"Can't believe you can get this just less than 20 miles from Perth CBD. City views are awesome!"
🚗 Vehicle Access Times
Cars can only drive after 11 AM. Gates close at 8:30 PM, so plan your exit!
🦘 Respect the Kangaroos
Spotting kangaroos is common, especially after sunset. Admire from a distance and do not feed them.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Various lookout points along the drive
Breathtaking vistas of Perth CBD and the surrounding valley, especially stunning at sunset.
Sunset Spectacle
Designated parking bays
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon, creating a romantic and relaxing atmosphere.
Wildlife Encounters
Roadside
Keep an eye out for kangaroos, particularly after sunset, adding a unique natural element to your visit.
Plane Spotting
Lookout points
Enjoy views of planes taking off and landing at the nearby airport, a unique feature for aviation enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Wildlife & Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Access Times
Cars can only drive after 11 AM. Gates close at 8:30 PM, so plan your exit!
🦘 Respect the Kangaroos
Spotting kangaroos is common, especially after sunset. Admire from a distance and do not feed them.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No amenities here! Bring your own food and drinks, and remember to take all your rubbish with you.
🚴♀️ Cycling Friendly
Perfect for cycling, with great views. Cyclists can use the road at any time, even when cars are restricted.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Access Times
Cars can only drive after 11 AM. Gates close at 8:30 PM, so plan your exit!
🦘 Respect the Kangaroos
Spotting kangaroos is common, especially after sunset. Admire from a distance and do not feed them.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No amenities here! Bring your own food and drinks, and remember to take all your rubbish with you.
🚴♀️ Cycling Friendly
Perfect for cycling, with great views. Cyclists can use the road at any time, even when cars are restricted.
📸 Sunset Photography
Capture stunning sunset silhouettes and cityscapes. The light is magical!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views of Perth and the surrounding valley, especially during sunset. The opportunity to see kangaroos and planes adds to the unique charm. While the drive is beautiful and great for cycling, the lack of amenities and strict vehicle access times are noted drawbacks.
"Easy walk up and down this scenic drive route. Perfect for cycling too.
Highly recommend it as the views are great. Can't believe you can get this just less than 20 miles from Perth CBD.
City views are awesome with the backdrop of the national park.
You'll also get to a few planes taking off from the airport."
Baz Patel
"Absolutely beautiful!!
My partner had surprised me with a lovely afternoon drive and we had an absolutely lovely time watching the sunset and aeroplanes land at the airport.
Just shortly after sunset we had a bunch of kangaroos jump around the car and jump around pedestrians. They were beautiful!
Highly recommended!"
Ella le roux
"It is a very beautiful road with an incredible view of Perth, lots of greenery and beautiful mountains.
I have been there several times and I like it better at night."
Camilo Ortega
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kalamunda Zig Zag Scenic Drive is located in the Perth Hills, about 20 miles from Perth CBD. It's best accessed by car. Follow signs for Kalamunda and then look for the Zig Zag Scenic Drive.
Vehicle access is permitted only after 11:00 AM. The gates are closed at 8:30 PM, so ensure you leave before then.
Yes, walking and cycling are allowed at any time, even when vehicle access is restricted. It's a popular spot for cyclists.
Public transport options are limited for direct access to the drive itself. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle or consider a ride-sharing service.
The drive is a single-lane road with sharp turns, hence the 'Zig Zag' name. Drive cautiously and be aware of cyclists and pedestrians.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entry fees or tickets required to access the Kalamunda Zig Zag Scenic Drive. It's a public road and viewpoint.
Vehicles can access the drive after 11:00 AM. The gates are locked and the area closes at 8:30 PM. Walking and cycling are permitted at all hours.
The main restriction is for vehicle access, which is only allowed after 11:00 AM and before 8:30 PM. Be mindful of wildlife and the environment.
Vehicle access is not permitted after 8:30 PM when the gates are locked. However, some visitors enjoy the ambiance, and it's a popular spot for sunset viewing.
There is no specific parking fee. Parking is available in designated bays along the drive, but it's first-come, first-served.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the scenic drive, stop at lookout points for incredible views of Perth and the valley, watch planes, and spot kangaroos, especially around sunset. It's also great for picnics and cycling.
The views are spectacular, offering a panoramic outlook of Perth city, the surrounding national park, and the valley. It's particularly beautiful during the golden hour and at sunset.
No, there are no amenities such as toilets, cafes, or picnic tables along the drive. Visitors are advised to bring their own supplies and take all rubbish with them.
Yes, families can enjoy a scenic drive, picnic, and wildlife spotting. Ensure children are supervised, especially near the road and any steep drop-offs.
Kangaroos are frequently spotted, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon/evening. You might also see various bird species.
📸 📸 Photography
Any of the designated lookout points offer fantastic opportunities for landscape and cityscape photography. The curves of the road itself also make for dramatic shots. 
Sunset is highly recommended for its dramatic lighting and silhouettes. Early mornings can also offer beautiful soft light and fewer crowds.
Yes, the drive offers views of planes taking off and landing from the nearby airport, providing unique photography opportunities.
Experiment with long exposures for light trails from cars at night (if permitted and safe), or capture the expansive city views with a wide-angle lens. Silhouettes at sunset are also popular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or planes. A tripod is beneficial for sunset and low-light photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for kangaroos, which are often seen in the late afternoon and early evening – a thrilling sight for kids! The chance to watch planes take off and land from the nearby airport can also be a hit. Remember to bring everything you need, as there are no facilities available on site.
🚴♀️ Cyclists
Be aware that the road is narrow and single-lane in sections, and you may encounter vehicles, especially during permitted driving hours. It's crucial to ride safely and be visible, and to be mindful of other road users. Some cyclists have noted potential conflicts with cars, so exercising caution and courtesy is key.
📸 Photographers
Aim to visit in the late afternoon to capture the golden hour light and the vibrant colors of sunset. The presence of planes taking off and landing offers unique opportunities for aviation photography. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive shots and a tripod for low-light conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Zig Zag
Cyclists often utilize the drive at all hours, and a Reddit discussion highlighted potential conflicts with vehicles on the narrow, single-lane sections. It's crucial for drivers to be aware of cyclists and pedestrians, and for all users to respect the shared nature of the road. The drive itself is relatively short, but the numerous lookout points encourage stops, making it a leisurely experience.
Beyond the drive, the surrounding area is part of a beautiful natural landscape. Visitors are reminded that there are no facilities, so packing essentials like water and snacks is a must. The emphasis is on enjoying the natural beauty and respecting the environment by taking all litter home.
The Magic of Sunset and Wildlife
Adding to the enchantment, the area is a habitat for local wildlife. Kangaroos are frequently spotted, especially in the hours around dusk and dawn. Seeing these marsupials in their natural environment is a highlight for many visitors, offering a unique connection to Western Australia's fauna. It's important to observe them from a safe distance and avoid any interaction that could disturb them.
The combination of breathtaking vistas and the chance to encounter wildlife makes the Zig Zag Scenic Drive a memorable experience. The drive offers a peaceful escape from the city, yet remains conveniently close to Perth, making it an accessible natural retreat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit