Well I really geared myself up for this one. I read there were 150 steps leading down the Eliza Scarp and that people use this as a training track similar to Jacob's ladder. So I decided to make life easier I would go down rather than up and then I would continue along the Swan River foreshore to Matilda Bay Reserve before heading back up Crawley Steps and into Kings Park.
After finding the entrance to the track leading off the park to the west of the War Memorials I took a deep breath, read the map of the long trek on the real Kokoda Track and off I set. Four minutes later I was at the bottom on Mount's Bay Rd! The track was really short and whilst I'm sure it takes a bit more effort going up if you pace yourself I think even the little ones would be able to manage this. Half way down there was a delightful tree branch stretched across the pathway just asking for kids to have a swing on it!
Not only is it easier going down the track you have stunning views across the Swan River to the CBD.
Sadly in 2024 the lovely Moreton Bay figs at the base of the Kokoda Track alongside Mounts Bay Rd at the the Kennedy Memorial Fountain had to be removed due to infection with PHSB (Polyphagous Shot Borer Beetle). Access to the Kokoda Track from Mounts Bay Road has also been closed so if you walk down you will also have to walk back up.
You can hike back up the Kokoda Track but I wandered along the river foreshore passing the Old Swan Brewery complex and continuing on to the western edge of Kings Park where i took the Crawley Steps back into the park. Having walked the Law Walk a few years ago and knowing the views would be the same as the foreshore walk I had just completed I decided to head onto some of the less well known bush tracks - Crawley Path then right onto Zamia Path. Having a map in my pocket I had a bit of an idea which way I needed to go but most of the paths eventually hit one of the main roads so you can't go too far astray. Some of the paths were paved (universal access) but others were either compacted dirt or sandy tracks so you would need to select a trail according to your walking needs. There were no wildflowers out but I imagine that during spring it would be amazing wandering through these lesser known tracks wildflower spotting.
Zamia Path crosses Forrest Road near the Roe Gardens and Memorial (toilets are located here) where you can wander past the Place of Reflection before heading along one of the tracks back towards the Pioneer Women's Memorial.
The bush tracks provide a stark contrast to the manicured gardens elsewhere in the park and most of the way the bush is fairly impenetrable on either side giving a sense of what Perth looked like before European settlement.
I will definitely be returning to Kings Park in Spring to wander along these trails. For a map of King's Park walking Trails refer
For a longer adventure continue on to Matilda Bay before doubling back into Kings Park:
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I love wandering along trails, both marked and unmarked, and sharing my discoveries with my Out and About FNC community. If you enjoy reading my blogs please consider a small donation which will be used towards the costs of keeping the website up to date and relevant.
In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
As always when hiking in the bush please help to reduce the spread of Phytophthora Dieback by sticking to the tracks and paths, staying out of quarantined areas and, if possible, clean your shoes before and after hiking. A spray of 70% methylated spirit and 30% water can be effective.