Much closer to Perth than many people realise, John Forrest National Park is the most amazing spot for a family picnic! Located just 30 minutes from Perth CBD on the Great Eastern Highway, John Forrest National Park is one of Australia’s oldest conservation areas and WA’s first national park. The pak is steeped in history, nature and thigs to do. There are hiking trails from 300m to 17kms, mountain bike trails, picnic spots, native wildlife, historic structures and even winter waterfalls. In 2026, the Jane Brook elevated walkway was added, brining even more reasons to visit.
There are three entry points into John Forrest National Park, which can get a little confusing, as they are all called Park Road. For a longer scenic route turn off Great Eastern Highway at the first entrance, opposite the Bilgoman Pool. At the Rotary Lookout you can pull over and see the city views. In recent years a large, new “western carpark” has been built, accessible by this route. This carpark is best if you want to hop straight on the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, heading west towards National Park Falls and the Swan View Tunnel.
Main Picnic Area
The main visitor area of John Forrest National Park is best accessed by the second Park Road turn off. Here, you’ll find an abundance of beautiful spots with BBQs (some wheelchair accessible) and tables, plus toilets.
Around this area you’ll spy sweet ‘fairy’ wooden huts which are nearly 100 years old! This is also the main hub for several walk trails that cater to different abilities and fitness levels.
Surrounding the Ranger’s Office and ‘old’ car park are rock gardens that lead down to Jane Brook. A nature playground enhances and blends with the natural landscape and offers an imaginative and adventure play for kids.
The kids will also love adventuring across the Glen Brook Dam Bridge, jumping in puddles and getting their hands dirty.
John Forrest National Park is home to Western Grey Kangaroos, commonly seen around the picnic areas and trails in the early morning and late afternoon. You may even see females carrying joeys in their pouches.
The Jane Brook elevated walkway gives kids the opportunity to walk closer to the canopy of the trees.
The 250m walkway is open, but still currently only accessible from the eastern, old carpark end. There’s a big ramp zig zagging up to the beginning of the bridge, making it stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Plus, there are a couple of boomerang shaped benches to take a rest and soak up the views.
John Forrest National Park Walk Trails
Walk trails include the Jane Brook Promenade, Glen Brook Walk (4.6km), National Parks Falls Walk (2.6km return), Wildflower Walk (5.3km), Swan View Tunnel Walk (5km), John Forrest Bridle Trail (15km), Little Eagle (8.7km) and Eagle View Walk Trail (16km), plus the iconic Railway Reserves Heritage Trail also passes through the park.
Jane Brook Promenade is perfect for little legs and strollers, an easy 300m paved loop around the brook, next to the nature play area.
The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is a 41km loop trail throughout the Mundaring region. The wide, flat gravel trail retraces the old Eastern Railway that linked Fremantle to York in the late 1880s. 5.5km of the trail passes through John Forrest National Park and can be enjoyed by walkers and cyclists.
As the name suggests the trail is full of heritage from wooden trestle bridges, the remains of the National Park Station to the iconic Swan View Tunnel.
There are also plenty of spots along the way for beautiful family photos!
National Park Falls is over a kilometre from the main picnic area; the top of the falls is stunning; it overlooks Jane Brook and beyond.
Visit after heavy rain in winter to see the waterfall gushing!
The water tumbles over several large boulders, there are no rails and it is about a 20-meter drop, so you’ll have to keep a close eye on little wanderers or admire the view from the main trail.
The highlight of many visits to John Forrest National Park is visiting the Swan View Tunnel, construction on the 340 meter tunnel started in 1894 and opened in 1896. Myth has it the tunnel is haunted by the men who lost their lives during construction and train drivers overcome by fumes. The kids love the echo of the tunnel and pretending to be ghosts. The tunnel is dark, so be sure to bring a torch to light the way, to avoid puddles.
Swan View Tunnel is a 5km return walk or cycle from the main picnic area. The trail is not a loop, so when you get to the end of the tunnel, you turn around and head back the way you came.
If your kids don’t have the energy for a 5km walk, park up at the Pechey Road Carpark (via Morrison Rd, Swan View), and it is a much shorter walk to the tunnel.
Hovea Falls is a 2km return walk or cycle from the main picnic area. The falls are seasonal and dependent on rainfall – usually flowing from mid winter to around October. The water is usually freezing but it is the perfect spot for a paddle. The pictures below were taken in May, when Hovea Falls was dry as a bone.
The best times to visit John Forrest National Park are Autumn, Winter, and Spring. Dogs are not permitted in John Forrest National Park. Make sure you take water bottles and wear a good pair of walking shoes.
Entry to the park is $17 per car or entry by foot/bicycle is free. Alternatively, you can purchase a Park Passes online which allows you entry into National Parks all over WA and pays for itself after 2 visits.
Be sure to explore this beautiful spot in the Perth Hills.
Find John Forrest National Park at Park Road, Hovea, near Mundaring.
Find more walks and picnic spots in Perth.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, (first as “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life”) Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA for her blog ‘Simply PERTHfect’. You’ll find her checking out the newest foodie spots, as well as lots of WA travel, and fun family activities with the kiddos in tow. Part of a blended family of 6, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly recs. Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
