Just 30 minutes from Perth CBD, the Contour Channel Walk in Banyowla Regional Park is a 7km return trail that follows a historic water channel once used to supply Perth’s drinking water.
The mostly flat walk winds through Marri and Flooded Gum forest, offering scenic views across the Swan Coastal Plain, colourful graffiti-covered channel walls, seasonal wildflowers and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
The trail can be accessed via Canning Mills Road, Lloyd Hughes Park or Turner Road, with limited off-road parking available from Canning Mills Road.
Suitable for a range of fitness levels, walkers can turn around at any point to make the hike as short or long as you like. #perthisok #perth
Walking along the abandoned Contour Channel in the Perth Hills offers a unique blend of history, nature, and art that few other trails in the region provide. This trail traces the path of a historic water channel once essential for supplying Perth’s drinking water, lending each step a sense of connection to the area’s past. I recently took this walk on a sunny weekend and was amazed at how the forest changes with the seasons. The Marri and Flooded Gum trees create a peaceful canopy, perfect for a relaxed hike or even a family outing. One of my favorite features was the colorful graffiti painted along sections of the channel walls. The artwork adds a contemporary, vibrant touch to an otherwise natural and historic setting, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts. Wildlife sightings are common here – I spotted several bird species and even some small wallabies darting through the underbrush. The seasonal wildflowers bring bursts of color that enhance the tranquil scenery. The trail is very user-friendly, suitable for various fitness levels. You can start from Canning Mills Road, Lloyd Hughes Park, or Turner Road, with limited off-road parking near Canning Mills Road. Since it’s a 7km return trail, you can choose to walk as little or as much as you like, turning back whenever you feel ready. For those seeking a quiet, enriching outdoor experience close to Perth, the Contour Channel Walk in Banyowla Regional Park is a hidden gem that beautifully blends natural beauty, history, and local culture.








































































