High above the coastal plain in Gooseberry Hill, the Zig Zag Scenic Drive offers families a unique way to experience the Perth Hills. Once a busy steam train route carrying timber from Canning Mills down to Midland Junction, this narrow, winding road now makes for a fun, slightly adventurous outing with spectacular views over Perth.
You begin your journey at the top of the hill on Lascelles Parade in Gooseberry Hill. The road is one-way and only wide enough for a single car, so it feels a bit like a miniature mountain pass as you edge between rocky cuttings and navigate tight hairpin bends. It’s not a fast drive – and it’s definitely not for nervous drivers – but the slow pace is perfect for soaking up the scenery and pointing out landmarks to the kids as you descend the Darling Escarpment.
The Zig Zag stretches for around three kilometres and features four very tight corners. At each of these bends, there is a larger gravelled area where you can safely pull over, hop out, and enjoy the view. On a clear day, you can see right across the coastal plain to the city and much of the Perth metropolitan area. These stops are ideal for family photos, a quick snack break, or simply taking a moment to watch the clouds and spot planes coming in to land.
Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit, with wildflowers dotting the roadside and rocky verges in bursts of colour. Any time of year, though, the Zig Zag makes a lovely short outing.
During daylight hours, kids can try to spot the city’s tallest buildings or trace the line of the Swan River. In the evening, the drive transforms into a romantic twinkle of city lights, and sunset can be stunning from the lookouts as the sky glows over the plain below.
Although it’s primarily a scenic drive, people do sometimes walk the route, and there is also a popular annual “Walk the Zig Zag” event. During this community event, the road is closed to traffic and families can enjoy the full 3km route on foot, with entertainment, activities, and stalls set up along the way. Outside of the event, walking the Zig Zag is best suited to confident walkers, as there is limited space on the road edges and vehicles do use the route.
At the end of the drive, you’ll emerge at the base of the escarpment onto Ridge Hill Road, close to Helena Valley and Maida Vale. From here, it’s easy to continue exploring the Perth Hills, or you could pair your Zig Zag adventure with a visit to Kalamunda. A great family add-on is the Kalamunda History Village, where you can see the old Kalamunda Train Station and an historic locomotive – the perfect way to connect the kids’ scenic drive with the history of the former timber railway line.
The Zig Zag is simple to access, doesn’t take long to drive, and can be slotted into a day in the Hills or used as a special sunset or evening city-lights outing. With hairpin bends, sweeping views, and plenty to spot along the way, it’s an experience that kids tend to remember – whether they’re in the driver’s seat one day themselves or reminiscing about sitting in the back, peering out over Perth.
The Zig Zag Scenic Drive, Kalamunda
Address: Start at Lascelles Parade, Gooseberry Hill, WA 6076, and follow the one-way Zig Zag Scenic Drive down to Ridge Hill Road near Helena Valley/Maida Vale.
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
