Mountain biking for beginners - Perth's best off-road trails and bike hire

Whether it’s for a love of the outdoors, a craving for adventure or the adrenaline rush of trying something new, Perth has numerous biking trails perfect for beginners through to the elite. Many of the best trails are located in the Perth Hills so it’s a great opportunity to bring the kids along and make a day of it. Alternatively, find some boutique accommodation or in warmer weather, a campsite, and make it a weekend getaway! We spoke to some of Perth’s leading local mountain bike hire companies to get their recommendations for the best trails on offer for beginners in Perth.

Kalamunda Network Trail

One of the top trail picks in Perth is the Kalamunda Network Trail. Located 30 minutes from the Perth CBD, the trail offers an experience of the ancient bushland of Kalamunda. Boasting 44km of signposted track and more than 30 trails, there is an abundance of choice for both the amateurs and experienced biking enthusiasts. Although the main trail loop of 22km could be a little challenging for beginners, it is definitely doable and there are several shortcuts and alternative routes to make for an easier ride. The recommendation is to park at Camel Farm in Kalamunda, making that your starting point before heading out towards Joey’s Line. For beginners and families, the smaller circuit labelled the ‘Camel Farm Loop’ is a great option. Wembley Cycles provides further advice for completing the Kalamunda Heritage Trail here.

Camel Farm

The family friendly Camel Farm is the centre point for many of the Kalamunda bike trails. It is the ideal starting point as it marks the head of a number of easy single-track courses. Details about the various tracks, along with maps can be found here. Other choices for beginners could include the Jarrahdale Beginners Loop or the Langford Park Biking Trail. For a family friendly day out, the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail includes a scenic route through John Forrest National Park.

Railway Heritage Reserve Trail

A family friendly 41km loop, crafted entirely on railway formations, the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail offers scenic views and varying terrains. Passing through Darlington, Parkerville and Mundaring there is also the opportunity to stop off along the way at one of Perth’s hill communities. One of the most prominent attractions is the picturesque falls and woodland of John Forrest National Park. Kangaroos might even join you on your stop for lunch! The trail can be completed in half day or full day sections. You can choose to start your journey from Bellevue on the Southern section, or if you wish to avoid the steep incline and tight curves of beginning in the south, begin at the Northern section. Both routes join up at Mt Helena to form the loop. Parking can be found at Bellevue Purton Place, near Bellevue RSL or in Mt Helena at the corner of Sawyers Road and Keanes Street. More information can be found here.

Munda Biddi Mountain Bike Trail, Jarrahdale

Traversing 1000km through scenic river valleys and forest, the Munda Biddi Trail beginning in Jarrahdale stands as WA’s premier long distance off-road cycling trail. Its network of bush tracks provides sections suitable for bikers of all experience levels, however shorter distances such as Sculpture Park to Mundaring Weir (8km) are most ideal for family groups. The first section from Mundaring to Jarrahdale spans 103km and you’ll need to be fully prepared if completing it in full length as there are no services along the way. Expect to do the journey in 45km stages, taking approximately a day each. For access to maps, you need to pay a visit to the WA Visitor Centre or Mundaring Visitor Centre. About Bike Hire offer a Munda Biddi Trail Package, providing all the bike equipment needed to complete the track. Details are provided below. For further information check out the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation at the website here.

Bike hire options:

Wembley Cycles

Offering a large range of both mountain and road bikes for hire, the staff at Wembley Cycles live and dream mountain biking. Plus, with their biking knowledge and experience, they can provide expertise on any bike related matter, including the best trails in Perth suited to your abilities and needs. Hire prices for a day range from $100 - $150 with the possibility for week hire available on enquiry. Check out their website here or give them a call on 9381 4446. Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm, Saturday 8am – 5pm

About Bike Hire, East Perth

Based on Riverside Drive in East Perth, About Bike Hire provides high-quality bikes for riders of all abilities, to suit every riding environment. Hiring prices range from $17 for 1hr to $40 for day and multiple day hiring options are also available. They offer a Munda Biddi Trail Package including a front suspension bike and the necessary equipment required for longer distance rides, such as a pump, puncture kit, tyre levers, spare tube, tool kit and lock. For more details on About Bike Hire see their website, or contact them at 9221 2665.

Rock and Roll Mountain Biking

A family operated business located at the head of the Kalamunda trails in Paulls Valley, Rock and Roll Mountain Biking offer a mountain biking rental service, as well as qualified coaches to teach skills or guide riders of all riding abilities on tours throughout the Kalamunda trails. They can also advise you on the best route to take for your experience and ability. Their location makes it convenient and accessible to simply get in the car, head to the Hills (40mins from Perth CBD) and have the bikes waiting for you. Call either  0410 949 182 / 0428 263 668 to make an enquiry or visit their website here. Opening hours: weekends 8am – 2pm (last hire) and midweek hires by appointment only.