John Forrest National Park

Park Perth-area national park with eucalyptus forest and waterfalls

East of Perth, John Forrest National Park contains eucalyptus forest, waterfalls and walking and mountain‑biking tracks; the park serves as a popular day‑hike and picnic destination close to the city.

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John Forrest National Park is a protected area in Western Australia, situated in the Darling Range about 24 kilometres east of Perth and named after Sir John Forrest, an early premier of the state.

The park contains woodland, sandstone gullies and several small waterfalls and picnic areas, with a network of walking and mountain-biking trails of varying lengths. Lookouts along the ridges provide views over the surrounding Perth Hills and valleys, and spring brings notable wildflower displays.

Gazetted as a protected area in the late 19th century and later named for Sir John Forrest, the park has a long history of conservation and recreation in the Perth region. Historic tracks and some railway-era remnants reflect early visitor access and infrastructure in the area.

The park lies on the eastern fringe of the Perth metropolitan area in Western Australia, on the slopes of the Darling Range, with approach roads from the towns in the Perth Hills and suburbs to the west.

  • Best time to visit: Best light for photography of waterfalls and sandstone gullies is in the morning; wildflower displays peak in spring (August-October in Western Australia).
  • Proximity to Perth: Located on the western edge of the Darling Range about 24 kilometres east of central Perth, making it a common day-trip from the city.
John Forrest National Park
John Forrest National Park, Great Eastern Highway, Perth Hills, Western Australia
-31.8831, 116.0867
Park open daily (daylight hours)
Entry free; park fees may apply for some facilities

How to Get to John Forrest National Park #

About 24 km east of Perth CBD along Great Eastern Highway. There is a clearly signposted park entrance with parking; Transperth bus services connect from Midland with further local taxi options.

Tips for Visiting John Forrest National Park #

  • Arrive before midday to avoid afternoon winds and to see wildlife in cooler hours.
  • Take the National Park's marked trails (e.g., the Eagle View Trail) - they are well-signposted and offer different habitat experiences.
  • Visit the Hovea and Glen Brook picnic areas to see historic rail relics and planted Jarrah stands.

Best Time to Visit John Forrest National Park #

Spring (Sept-Nov) is particularly attractive for wildflowers and mild hiking weather; autumn is also pleasant and less crowded.

Spring
September-November · 12-22°C (54-72°F)
Wildflowers in bloom and pleasant hiking temperatures.
Autumn
March-May · 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Cooler walking conditions and quieter trails.

Weather & Climate near John Forrest National Park #

Climate

John Forrest National Park's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (861 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
17° 31°

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
17° 31°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 29°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 24°

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

166 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (171 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

171 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 21°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 28°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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