You don’t have to drive for hours to enjoy the tracks and trails of Perth. From a Quokka-filled island to the tall trees of Perth Hills and the never-ending Bibbulmun trail, there are heaps of beautiful and challenging trails to explore west-side.

Here are 5 Perth trail running routes worth getting lost for and all within an hour’s drive of the city:

1. KINGS PARK

Okay, it’s the obvious option, but you can spend every day of the week running in Kings Park and never go on the same trail twice. The park There are hills, trails, stairs, toilets (trust me: this is important!) and even cafés to refuel post-run. Want to feel the burn? Run the hill to the DNA Tower, climb the Kokoda Track or join the Jacob’s Ladder stair junkies.

Distance: Up to 20km

Trail start: You can really start anywhere, but we recommend the central Botanical Café.

Plan your run: Check out Kings Park walking trails

2. ROTTNEST ISLAND

Don’t believe the name, this little “rat’s nest” just 19km off the coast of Fremantle isn’t overrun with rats, but mysterious (and very cute) quokkas. Together with reefs, wrecks, salt lakes, picture-perfect beaches and forests to explore, Rottnest is a veritable playground for runners. And it gets better: the island has an incredible 45 kilometres of trails! The Wadjemup Bidi will take up and down the coast and around island lakes. (You’re welcome).

Distance: Up to 45km

Trail start: Thomson Bay

Plan your run: Visit the Rottnest Island website

3. BILYA WALK

If, like us, you love listening to the birds and wildlife while on a trail run, this track is a must. Following the Avon River, it’s short, pretty and full of little surprises – like the birdwatchers on the lookout for some 60 species of waterbird.

Distance: 7.2km one-way

Trail start: Nardie Cemetery, Toodyay, 85km north east of Perth.

Plan your run: Visit the Toodyay website

4. BIBBULMUN TRAIL

 Snaking 1000 kilometres from Perth Hills to Albany, the Bibbulmun Trail is one of those multi-day adventures that should be on every trail runner’s bucket list. But why wait to do the whole thing? The northern trailhead in Kalamunda is just 24km from Perth CBD, which makes it the perfect trail running day out. Or maybe a couple of days out, if you really can’t resist the pull of the trail! The only downside is you’ll either need to run out and back, or arrange a pick-up – there are plenty of access points in the Darling Ranges. Try Kalamunda Northern Terminus to Hewett’s Hill campsite and back for a challenging 20km.

Distance: 1000km+

Trail start: Kalamunda

Plan your run: Visit the Bibbulmum Track website

5. BOLD HEAD

Here’s a fun fact: Bold Park is actually bigger than King’s Park. Plus, it has more than 15km of trails and is just outside the city. What better place for a no-fuss trail run? Our tip is to visit in spring to witness the explosion of wildflower colours.

Distance: Up to 15km

Trail start:  Bold Park, Oceanic Drive, City Beach

Plan your run: Download the Bold Park visitor map

Discovered awesome trail running routes in or around Perth? Tell us in the comments!