March 17, 2026

Bikes, Hikes and Beers

From trails to taps in Perth Hills

Bike or hike the Perth Hills’ Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, and stop for a beer (or two) along the way. Stretching up to 59km along a historic railway line, this scenic trail winds through forests, national parks, and charming villages – serving up equal parts adventure, history, and great pub stops.

Following the old Eastern Railway route, the trail offers gentle gradients and a well-maintained, mostly crushed gravel surface, making it ideal for both walkers and cyclists. Along the way, you’ll pass through peaceful bushland alive with native birdlife – from kookaburras, willy wagtails, magpies and honey-eaters to cockatoos and ring-tailed parrots – alongside railway relics, quaint footbridges, and plenty of shady spots to pause and take it all in. You may even spot a kangaroo or quenda in the national parks on the way.

One of the best parts of the journey is planning your stops. Whether you’re heading out for a shorter hike or taking on the full loop by bike, you can tailor your adventure to suit your pace -and how soon you want that first drink.

A Perfect Stop Along the Way

A standout stop just off the trail is the Mahogany Inn and Distillery. As one of the oldest inns in Western Australia, it blends historic charm with a fresh, modern feel—making it the perfect place to pause, refuel, or settle in for the evening.

Enjoy a cold drink in the leafy beer garden, tuck into a hearty meal, or sample handcrafted spirits distilled onsite. In cooler months, the fireplace creates a cosy spot to unwind after a day on the trail. With live entertainment and spacious, comfortable rooms available, it’s easy to turn a day trip into a relaxing, overnight stay or short break in Perth Hills.

Stay Longer, Explore More

The Mahogany Inn and Distillery also makes an ideal base for discovering more walk and cycle trails nearby. These biking and hiking trails and attractions include:

* Railway Reserves Heritage Trail – 800m from the Inn
* Munda Biddi Northern Terminus – 4km from the Inn
* John Forrest National Park – 6km from the Inn
* Greenmount National Park / Goat Farm MTB Park – 8km from the Inn
* Beelu National Park / Mundaring Weir – 10km from the Inn
* Bibbulmun Track access point – 10.7km from the Inn
* Kalamunda Mountain Bike Circuit – 18km from the Inn
* Lake Leschenaultia – 19.5km from the Inn

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Trail Snapshot: Railway Reserves Heritage Trail

Distance: 41km loop (59km including Wooroloo spur)
Trail type: Shared-use (walkers, cyclists, horse riders)
Grade: Easy
Surface: Mostly crushed gravel, well maintained
Start point: Mundaring Sculpture Park (or join at any access point along the way)

Tips for Your Bikes, Hikes and Beers Adventure with a stop at Mahogany Inn and Distillery

* Bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months
* The trail is family – and dogs on leads – friendly (except for the section that runs through John Forrest National Park) and so is the Inn’s garden bar
* Book ahead for lunch on weekends – it gets busy
* Ask about the gin and vodka distilled onsite – you will even score a free tasting
* Gravel or mountain bikes are best suited to the trail
* Planning to stay at The Inn? Book your room in advance to avoid disappointment

Final Word

Bikes, hikes and beers might just be the ultimate WA weekend combo—and the Perth Hills delivers it perfectly. Whether you’re chasing a scenic ride, a relaxed bushwalk, or simply a great pub experience in a beautiful setting, this is one worth adding to your list.

Walk. Ride. Drink. Eat. Stay. Repeat.

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