Running in Perth

Most visitors run the Swan River foreshore west of the city, looping between Perth and South Perth past the skyline reflections mentioned above, but the path continues just as far in the other direction. East of the city centre, the foreshore runs through East Perth and into Maylands and Ascot, home to Perth's racecourse, before continuing on toward Belmont. This stretch carries a fraction of the foot traffic found on the Narrows Bridge loop, which makes it a good option for runners who want the same flat, paved surface without the crowds. The scenery shifts from city skyline to open reed beds and riverside parkland, a genuinely different feel to the postcard views closer to the CBD.

Because the path runs continuously along this stretch of the river, it suits long runs that do not need to double back through the busier South Perth loop, simply following the water out and turning around whenever the distance feels right. Maylands and Ascot are quieter residential areas, so the path feels more local and less like a tourist route, with fewer cyclists and walkers to navigate around. Runners chasing extra distance beyond the standard 10 km Narrows Bridge loop often use this eastern stretch to add kilometres without repeating the same section twice. It is a reminder that the more than 40 km of river foreshore mentioned above extends well past the small central section most runners actually use.

East of the city in the Darling Range, where the terrain finally leaves the flat river and coastal paths behind, John Forrest National Park is one of the best-known destinations for the jarrah forest trail running mentioned above. It holds the distinction of being the first national park declared in Western Australia, and trail running there has grown quickly in recent years alongside its network of walking trails. The Eagle View Trail is the standout for serious trail runners, a demanding 16 km loop with sweeping views across the Swan Coastal Plain. Shorter options include the Wildflower Walk Trail, at around 4.6 km, which is at its best when the Perth Hills bloom between August and October.

The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail follows the route of the old Eastern Railway line through the park and beyond, offering a gentler, more graded alternative to the steeper bush trails for runners easing into hill training. Because John Forrest sits well outside the city, it draws a smaller, more dedicated crowd than the inner-city trails at Kings Park, with a genuinely remote feel despite being under an hour from the CBD. The climbing here is real, unlike the gentle undulation of the river paths, so it is the natural next step for Perth runners who have outgrown flat foreshore loops and want sustained vertical gain. Wandoo woodland and native heathland dominate the higher sections, a different landscape again from the banksia woodland closer to the city.