
Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail
Explore WA's railway past and natural beauty on this accessible trail, featuring historic tunnels and scenic waterfalls.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are flowing

Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail
Best Time
Waterfalls are flowing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore WA's railway past and natural beauty on this accessible trail, featuring historic tunnels and scenic waterfalls.
"Fantastic walk. Train tunnel, National Falls, John Forrest National Park and Hovea Falls all in 1 easy walk."

🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle?
Great for both! Mostly flat, ideal for families, prams, and cyclists.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities, especially on longer stretches. Stay hydrated and fueled.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mundaring Tunnel
Near Mundaring
Step back in time exploring this historic railway tunnel, a key piece of WA's transport past.

National Falls & Hovea Falls
Within John Forrest National Park
Discover beautiful waterfalls, especially vibrant in winter, offering scenic picnic spots and wildlife viewing.

John Forrest National Park
Eastern end of the trail
A natural wonderland with diverse flora, fauna, and walking paths branching off the main heritage trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Railway History
Best Footwear for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle?
Great for both! Mostly flat, ideal for families, prams, and cyclists.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities, especially on longer stretches. Stay hydrated and fueled.
Running Places Recommendations
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring side trails to waterfalls and enjoying the full experience.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Beautiful wildflowers and historic railway remnants make for great photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle?
Great for both! Mostly flat, ideal for families, prams, and cyclists.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities, especially on longer stretches. Stay hydrated and fueled.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring side trails to waterfalls and enjoying the full experience.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Beautiful wildflowers and historic railway remnants make for great photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail's blend of history and nature, praising its accessibility for all ages and fitness levels. The historic tunnel and beautiful waterfalls are consistent highlights, though some find the latter part of the trail a bit long and flat. Overall, it's highly recommended for a scenic and engaging outdoor experience.
"Fantastic walk. Train tunnel, National Falls, John Forrest National Park and Hovea Falls all in 1 easy walk. Beautiful wildflowers, lots of birds and wildlife too. Highly recommended."
Tony Dunn
"This trail is fantastic for hiking, running, and gravel/MTB riding for all ages and fitness levels who enjoy being out in nature. It's also nice for those who just want to enjoy the scenery and have a picnic for a day out."
Sami Joi
"Very nice hiking trail. We did about 12.4 kms and really enjoyed it. The ending flat road is a bit long coming at the end of the hike. Overall a great day"
RML
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is accessible from multiple points. A popular starting point is the Swan View Railway Heritage Trail Hub, often recommended for free parking. You can also access parts of the trail via public transport, with train stations near sections of the route.
Yes, parking is available at various access points. The Swan View Railway Heritage Trail Hub is frequently mentioned as a convenient spot with ample parking for visitors.
While not directly in the city center, you can reach the trail from Perth using public transport. Taking a train towards the eastern suburbs and then connecting to local bus routes or cycling to an access point is feasible.
John Forrest National Park is integrated into the latter part of the trail. You can cycle or walk directly into the park from the heritage trail, with clear signage indicating park entrances and facilities.
Currently, there are no dedicated shuttle services operating along the Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail. Visitors typically access and traverse the trail using their own transport or by cycling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail itself is generally free to access. However, if you plan to explore John Forrest National Park, there may be an entry fee, especially for vehicles.
The trail is an outdoor public space and is typically accessible from dawn till dusk. Specific park areas, like John Forrest National Park, might have designated opening and closing times.
Yes, there is usually an entry fee for John Forrest National Park, particularly for vehicles. Check the official WA Parks and Wildlife Service website for current fees and concessions.
As the trail is largely a public space, no advance booking is required for general access. If you plan a group event or picnic, it's advisable to check park regulations.
The trail is open to walkers, cyclists, and is generally pram-friendly. Respect park rules, stay on marked paths, and be mindful of wildlife.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail is predominantly flat, following an old railway line, making it very accessible. It's ideal for cycling, walking, and even prams.
The full length can vary depending on the sections you choose to explore, but it covers a significant distance, with many visitors completing around 12.4 km loops.
Absolutely! Key highlights include the historic Mundaring Tunnel, National Falls, Hovea Falls, and the beautiful landscapes within John Forrest National Park.
Yes, the flat terrain and interesting historical features make it very family-friendly and suitable for children and prams.
You can expect to see various native birds and wildlife, especially within John Forrest National Park. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and other local fauna.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mundaring Tunnel offers a unique historical perspective. The waterfalls, especially after rain, and the vibrant wildflowers in spring are also prime photography subjects.
Yes, especially within John Forrest National Park, which offers diverse natural scenery. The contrast between the old railway line and the natural environment can also be striking.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the best conditions for landscape and wildlife photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
Drone usage is subject to regulations, particularly within national parks. Always check the latest rules and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone.
The entrance to the Mundaring Tunnel and the cascading water at National Falls are iconic spots that many visitors capture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Cyclists
🚶♂️ Hikers and Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Railway Heritage
Beyond the tunnel, the trail itself is the former rail bed, characterized by its gentle gradients and straight paths. This makes it incredibly accessible for all ages and fitness levels. While the railway history is a primary draw, the trail also meanders through beautiful natural landscapes, offering a dual experience of heritage and nature.
Nature and Waterfalls
Beyond the main waterfalls, the park offers numerous smaller cascades and a diverse ecosystem. Visitors often report seeing a variety of native birds and wildlife, adding to the immersive natural experience. The wildflowers that bloom in spring are another highlight, painting the landscape with vibrant colors. It's a refreshing contrast to the historical elements, providing a well-rounded outdoor adventure.
Cycling and Walking Experience
While the main trail is straightforward, there are opportunities for more adventurous exploration. Branching off into John Forrest National Park reveals a network of other walking trails that offer more varied terrain and challenging routes for those seeking them. However, for a leisurely day out, the heritage trail itself provides ample scenery and points of interest without requiring strenuous effort.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit