Darling Range Mountains

The Darling Range is a low mountain range and escarpment in southwestern Western Australia that runs roughly north-south to the east of the Perth metropolitan area. The scarp forms the eastern boundary of the Swan Coastal Plain and is an important regional water catchment.

The range is heavily forested with native hardwoods such as jarrah and supports numerous walking trails, picnic areas and state parks. Outdoor activities include day hikes, longer bushwalks and mountain-biking on established tracks.

Geologically it is an ancient plateau and scarp rather than high alpine terrain; elevations generally reach several hundred metres rather than thousands. The Darling Range contains reservoirs, forested catchments and scattered towns and is widely used for recreation and conservation within a short drive of Perth.

The range lies immediately east of Perth and the Swan Coastal Plain and extends for scores of kilometres along Western Australia’s southwest, with accessible parklands and conservation reserves interspersed with managed forest.

• Water catchment: Forms the eastern edge of the Swan Coastal Plain and acts as a major water catchment and source of reservoirs serving the Perth region.
• Forest and trails: The slopes are dominated by jarrah and karri forest and the area supports a network of walking trails including sections of the long-distance Bibbulmun Track.

What to See#

• John Forrest National Park: John Forrest National Park preserves a section of the escarpment with walking tracks, waterfalls and picnic areas close to the Perth metropolitan area.
• Mount Cooke: Mount Cooke, one of the higher summits in the Darling Range at about 580 meters, is a focal point for multi-day bushwalking and views over the surrounding forest.

The Darling Range is reached easily from Perth. Drive east on Roe Highway or Great Eastern Highway to access towns such as Kalamunda and Mundaring. Public buses serve some suburban access points; for deeper trails a car is most practical.

• Use the Bibbulmun Track access points for well-marked long-distance walking through parts of the Darling Range.
• Avoid the hotter months (January-March) for extended hikes; temperatures can become dangerously high.
• Drive Scenic Drive (near Mundaring Weir) early in the morning for good light and active bird life.