The Zig Zag, Kalamunda

The Zig Zag is a very narrow and winding road, in the shape of… you guessed it, a zig zag! It was once the route travelled by steam trains, carrying timber gradually down the escarpment, from Canning Mills to the Midland Junction. The train tracks were dismantled in 1949, but you can still visit the Kalamunda Train Station and an old locomotive that sits proudly at the platform at the Kalamunda History Museum. 

You begin a drive down the Zig Zag at the top of the hill, on Lascelles Parade in Gooseberry Hill. With only enough room for the width of one car, it is a one way road. The narrow road takes you between rock faces, around hairpin turns and along the edge of steep falls right on the roadside. It’s not for the faint-hearted! 

There are four tight corners on the three kilometre road. On each bend there is a large gravelled area, where it’s possible to park up and take some photos. During Spring there are some beautiful wildflowers along the Zig Zag. 

The annual “Walk the Zig Zag” event is very popular, giving families and opportunity to walk along the 3km route whilst enjoying entertainment, activities and stalls along the road. People walk down the hill during the year, as traffic is generally low and travel quite slow, but please note that there’s not much room on the side of the road. 

After meandering down the Darling Escarpment you arrive on Ridge Hill Road at the bottom of the hill near Helena Valley and Maida Vale. 

The Zig Zag is a great spot day or night. On a clear day you can see the city and most of the Perth metropolitan area, later on you may even spot a kangaroo and in the evening you can enjoy a stunning sunset or the twinkling city lights. The Zig Zag is a lot of fun whether you’re the driver or a passenger!