About Perth Walks

Founded in 2008 by avid hikers Rebecca Thompson and Daniel Walker, Perth Walks began as a small passion project to share the hidden natural treasures of Western Australia's capital with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. What started as weekend guided walks for friends has grown into Perth's premier walking tour and trail information service.

Our journey began when Rebecca, a botanist, and Daniel, a local historian, realized that Perth's incredible diversity of walking environments—from coastal paths to urban heritage trails to bushland adventures—was largely undiscovered by both tourists and locals alike. Together, they mapped dozens of routes, researched the ecological and historical significance of each area, and began offering small group tours.

Today, Perth Walks has expanded to a team of dedicated specialists who continue the founders' mission of connecting people with Perth's natural beauty through meaningful walking experiences. We've guided over 25,000 walkers, developed digital resources used by hundreds of thousands, and work actively with conservation groups to protect the very environments we love to explore.

Our Mission & Values

At Perth Walks, we believe that walking is more than just a form of exercise—it's a way to connect with our environment, understand our heritage, and build community. Our mission is to inspire and enable meaningful connections with Perth's natural and cultural landscapes through accessible, educational, and engaging walking experiences.

Environmental Stewardship

We advocate for the protection and conservation of Perth's natural areas through education, responsible walking practices, and active participation in preservation initiatives. Our tours emphasize "leave no trace" principles, and we dedicate a portion of our proceeds to local conservation projects.

Cultural Respect

We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional custodians of the Perth region and incorporate indigenous knowledge and perspectives in our walks with permission and collaboration. We strive to present all cultural and historical narratives with accuracy, sensitivity, and depth.

Accessibility

We believe that Perth's walking experiences should be available to people of all abilities, backgrounds, and fitness levels. We continually work to identify and develop accessible routes, provide clear difficulty ratings, and offer specialized experiences for different needs and interests.

Community Building

Walking together creates connections. We foster a sense of community among our walking groups, encouraging conversation, shared discovery, and ongoing relationships. Our volunteer programs and social events extend these connections beyond individual walks.

Meet Our Team

The passionate people behind Perth Walks

Rebecca Thompson

Founder & Lead Botanist

With a PhD in Western Australian Botany and over 20 years of field experience, Rebecca brings unparalleled expertise to our wildflower walks and native plant identification tours. Her passion for conservation has shaped Perth Walks' environmental ethos, and her engaging teaching style makes complex ecological concepts accessible to walkers of all backgrounds.

Daniel Walker

Founder & Historical Guide

Daniel's deep knowledge of Perth's colonial and indigenous history transforms ordinary streets and pathways into fascinating journeys through time. A former curator at the Western Australian Museum and published author on local history, Daniel specializes in urban heritage walks that reveal the stories behind Perth's landmarks, architecture, and cultural development.

Leila Noongar

Indigenous Culture Guide

Leila joined Perth Walks in 2015 to develop and lead our Aboriginal heritage experiences. A Whadjuk Noongar woman with strong connections to country, Leila shares traditional knowledge of bush foods, medicine, tool-making, and Dreamtime stories associated with Perth's landscapes. Her walks provide authentic insights into the world's oldest living culture.

Marcus Chen

Operations Manager

Marcus ensures that every Perth Walks tour and event runs smoothly. With a background in outdoor education and business management, he oversees our booking systems, guide training, safety protocols, and logistics. When not behind the scenes, Marcus leads our popular photography walks, combining his passion for Perth's landscapes with technical expertise.

Our Achievements

What we've accomplished over 15 years of exploring Perth

We've guided over twenty-five thousand people through Perth's diverse landscapes, from international tourists to local residents rediscovering their own backyard.

Our team has comprehensively mapped, documented, and created resources for over 120 walking routes throughout the Perth metropolitan area and nearby regions.

Through our conservation fund, we've contributed over seventy-five thousand dollars to local environmental protection initiatives, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance projects.

Perth Walks has been recognized with fifteen tourism and environmental awards, including Western Australian Tourism Awards for Ecotourism and Excellence in Sustainable Tourism.

Our team and community volunteers contribute over 3,500 hours annually to trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and environmental education initiatives throughout Perth.

We've developed twelve educational programs for schools, helping thousands of Perth students connect with their local environment through guided walks and hands-on learning experiences.

What Our Walkers Say

Experiences shared by people who've explored Perth with us

"As a Perth local for over 30 years, I thought I knew this city inside out. The Kings Park Indigenous Heritage walk with Leila completely changed my perspective. I discovered stories, plants, and hidden spots in a park I've visited hundreds of times. Their guides don't just share facts – they help you see familiar places through new eyes."

Olivia Reynolds

Perth Local

"My wife and I joined the Swan River Foreshore walk during our first visit to Australia, and it was the highlight of our trip to Perth. Daniel's knowledge of colonial history brought every building and landmark to life. The pace was perfect, the group size small, and they even accommodated my wife's mobility issues without making her feel singled out. Absolutely first-class tour!"

James Harrington

Visitor from UK

"I moved to Perth for university and wanted to explore beyond the campus. The monthly photography walks with Perth Walks have not only improved my photography skills but introduced me to an amazing community of like-minded people. Rebecca's wildflower walks in spring were mind-blowing – I had no idea Australia had such incredible plant diversity. Now I volunteer with their conservation projects!"