Lesmurdie Falls Sunset & Sparkling Hike: A 2025 Honest Look

An Evening Escape to Perth’s Doorstep

So, there are some days where you just really need to get out of the city, right? You know, the traffic and noise can get a bit much. Well, I found that the Lesmurdie Falls National Park is actually an amazing spot for a quick refresh. It’s literally just a short drive into the Perth Hills, yet it feels like a whole different world up there. The air is, like, so much cleaner and the quiet is pretty amazing. The idea of this particular walk, the ‘Sunset & Sparkling Hike’, is sort of simple but really brilliant. As a matter of fact, you take a good walk up to a viewpoint, watch the sun go down over the city, and then, you know, celebrate with a glass of something bubbly. It is just a little bit of magic, you know, without needing to plan a huge trip away from home.

Frankly, what I love about this is how easy it is to do. You can pretty much decide on a whim to go after work. Honestly, heading up there as the afternoon starts to cool off is such a great feeling. You actually leave all your work stress behind with every step you take on the trail. It’s basically you, the smell of the bush, and the promise of a seriously impressive view waiting for you at the top. This walk, in a way, is less about a tough physical test and more about just giving your mind a little bit of a break. At the end of the day, it’s a small adventure that offers a really big reward, especially when you see those first colors of sunset appear in the sky.

Preparing for Your Sunset Adventure: What to Know Before You Go

Alright, so before you just jump in the car, there are a few things to think about to make your evening walk go smoothly. First, you will definitely want to have some solid footwear on your feet. Honestly, a lot of the path is gravel and can be a little uneven, so sneakers with good grip or some light walking boots are really a great idea. You know, you don’t want to be slipping around, especially when it starts to get dark. Obviously, you should check the weather before you head out. The temperature in the hills can be quite different from the city, and it often gets a bit cooler once the sun goes down, so a light jacket or a warm jumper is pretty much a must-have.

Now, let’s talk about what to put in your backpack. It’s not a super long walk, so you don’t need a huge amount of gear and stuff. Still, a few things will make the whole experience so much better. I mean, being prepared is always a good thing.

Water: This one is a no-brainer, really. Even for a short walk, you definitely need to stay hydrated.
A Headtorch or Torch: You are absolutely going to need this for the walk back down. The path isn’t lit, so, you know, it gets completely dark very fast after sunset.
Snacks: A little something to munch on while you watch the sky is always a good move. You know, some cheese and crackers go pretty well with the sparkling.
The Sparkling!: Of course, you can’t forget the main event. Bring a small bottle of your favorite bubbly, or whatever drink you prefer, to be honest.
Camera or Phone: Frankly, you’re going to want to take some pictures. The view is just incredible and you’ll want to capture it.

The Trail Experience: From Bushland to Breathtaking Views

Okay, the walk itself is just as much a part of the fun as the sunset, to be honest. As I was saying, you start from the car park and immediately you’re surrounded by that classic Australian bushland scenery. The path sort of winds its way through stands of jarrah and marri trees, and if you listen closely, you know, you can often hear all kinds of birds calling out. I mean, it’s that sound that instantly makes you feel a million miles away from your desk. In the spring, you’ll actually see heaps of wildflowers along the track, which adds these amazing little bursts of color to everything. The track is pretty well marked, so you more or less can’t get lost. It’s a gentle uphill walk to the main lookout, which means it gets your heart rate up just a little, but it’s totally manageable for most people with a basic level of fitness. It’s the kind of walk where you can still hold a conversation without getting too out of breath, you know?

The Main Event: Sunset and Sparkling Over the Swan Coastal Plain

So, after a really pleasant walk, you finally get to the viewing platform at the top of the falls. And seriously, the view just stops you in your tracks. From this one spot, you can literally see all the way across the coastal plain to the city skyline and even the ocean on a clear day. It’s a completely panoramic vista that’s pretty hard to find anywhere else this close to Perth. Finding a good spot to sit on the granite rocks is half the fun, and then, you know, it’s time for the show. As the sun begins its slow dip towards the horizon, the entire sky just sort of lights up. You see, the colors shift from bright yellow to deep orange, and then to these incredible shades of pink and purple. It’s different every single time, which is what makes it so special, I mean.

Then, just as the last sliver of sun disappears, the city lights begin to flicker on one by one. It’s like, a blanket of tiny diamonds spreading out below you. This is usually the moment when you hear the satisfying ‘pop’ of a cork. Sipping on a cool, crisp glass of sparkling wine while watching this spectacle is, frankly, an amazing experience. It’s so quiet and peaceful up there, with just the gentle evening breeze and the incredible view for company.

To be honest, watching the sun dip below the horizon with the whole city laid out before you is a feeling that’s pretty hard to beat.

It just kind of puts everything into perspective, you know? You really feel connected to the place and very grateful for these simple, beautiful moments. Read our full review: [Lesmurdie Falls Sunset Hike Full Review and Details]

Choosing Your Path: A Look at the Different Trails

By the way, it’s good to know that there’s more than just one path at Lesmurdie Falls. You actually have a few options depending on how much time you have and how much of a walk you feel like. So, this gives you a bit of flexibility. You can basically choose your own little adventure each time you visit. It’s a great setup because it caters to different fitness levels and interests. Here are a few of the main ones to consider, you know.

The Falls Trail (640m return): Okay, this one is pretty much the most popular for a reason. It’s a short, fairly easy walk on a paved path that takes you directly to the main viewing platform overlooking the falls and the city. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or just want the view without too much effort, seriously.
The Valley Loop Trail (1.5km loop): Now, if you want something a bit more energetic, this trail is a great choice. It sort of takes you from the top lookout, down a set of stairs into the valley, and then follows the creek along the bottom. You then have a bit of a climb back up, so it will get your legs working. The view from the bottom looking up at the waterfall is a totally different experience, you know.
The Foot of the Falls Trail (2km return): This trail is sort of similar to the Valley Loop, but it leads you right to the base of the falls. Obviously, seeing the water cascading down the rocks from up close is really impressive, especially after there’s been some rain. The path can be a little steep and rocky in sections, so just take your time on this one.

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Beyond the Hike: Making the Most of the Perth Hills

Anyway, your little adventure doesn’t have to end once you’ve walked back down to your car. You’re actually in a really great part of the Perth Hills, with heaps of other cool things to see and do nearby. You know, you could easily make a whole afternoon or even a full day out of your trip up here. For instance, the charming little town of Kalamunda is just a very short drive away. It’s got a really nice, country-town feel with some lovely cafes, pubs, and little shops to look through. It’s sort of the perfect place to grab a coffee before your hike or a nice meal afterward.

Likewise, the area is known for its wineries and cideries, and some of them are pretty close to the park. Stopping by for a tasting is a really nice way to continue that relaxed, out-of-the-city feeling, you know? And if you’re still feeling energetic, there are other parks and trails all through the hills to check out. The Kalamunda National Park, for example, has even more walking trails with amazing views. Basically, using the Lesmurdie Falls sunset hike as a starting point for exploring the wider Perth Hills region is a really fantastic idea. It just shows how much there is to discover right on Perth’s doorstep, to be honest.