What’s on in Perth in Autumn and Winter 2026: Adventure Physio Edition
Perth winters are underrated.
While the rest of the country bundles up and stays inside, we get crisp mornings, green trails, and some of the best events on the WA calendar. If you've been looking for something to train toward, this is your call to action.
I've pulled together everything I know of that's worth circling between May and August 2026, across trail running, mountain biking, gravel cycling, and paddling. If you're chasing a finish line or just need a reason to get out the door, there's something here for you.
Always check event websites for the most current information.
TRAIL RUNNING
Perth Trail Series Winter Series
Having done both the full summer and winter series, I can confirm the winter series is special- so good I’ll be a volley at most of the events this year with a thermos of tea, a smile and a beanie. Can’t wait!
The Perth Trail Series Winter Series is the social highlight of the trail running calendar in WA, with distances from 5km to 50km at each event. Points accumulate across all four races if you want to chase a series result, but plenty of people just pick their favourite and show up.
Event 1: 🐏31 May 2026 – Jolly Jumbuck – State Equestrian Centre
Event 2: 🐍21 June 2026 – Snakes n Ladders – Serpentine
Event 3: ⚖19 July 2026 – Eagle and Child – Redhill Auditorium (My personal favorite)
Event 4: 🦅2 August 2026 – Truth or Consequences – Serpentine
Check the full series at: perthtrailseries.com.au
Ultra Perth
20 June 2026 | Swan River, Perth 10km | 21km | 50km
A flat, fast road ultra along the Swan River with a city skyline finish. AIMS-certified 50km course — one of the fastest in the Southern Hemisphere. Great option if you're chasing a time or stepping up to a longer distance for the first time.
Transcend Ultra
22 August 2026 | Avon Valley — Walyunga National Park to Toodyay 65km | shorter options available
This one's special. The course runs through private property that's only accessible on event day, which means the trails are never worn in and the experience is genuinely wild. The Avon Valley in August is stunning. I got to hang out at the finish line all day a few years ago and it was one of the best event atmosphere’s I’ve experienced. This one’s on my To Do Someday list for sure.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
WA Gravity Enduro (WAGE)
WA's biggest MTB enduro series runs year-round, with three rounds falling in the Autumn and Winter months. Enduro format means timed descents and untimed climbs. For those that love to fang it downhill but maybe don’t care about the climb.
Round 3: 13-14 June | Evedon Park Round 4: 4-5 July | Geraldton | WA State Championships Round 5: 15-16 August | Dwellingup Adventure Trails
Full series info and registration: wagravityenduro.org
Kalamunda 50
21 June 2026 | New Leaf Gallery, 291 Walnut Road, Bickley | 9am start 25km or 50km
The pinnacle of Perth Hills mountain biking. The course is deliberately kept secret until race day. You know you'll get the best singletrack in Kalamunda, you just don't know in what order. Finish with good food and a well-earned drink. A bucket list event for Perth MTB riders and such a good time.
https://www.singletrackminds.com.au/kalamunda50eventinfo
Collie River MTB Marathon
Saturday July 5th | Collie 15km, 35km, 70km+ options | Adaptive rider categories available
The Collie trail network has had a massive glow-up in recent years and this event is the showcase. Great for all levels including the 15km Community Challenge which is beginner friendly. Check ridecollie.com.au for more info.
GRAVEL CYCLING
SEVEN Gravel Race
16 May 2026 | Nannup, Southwest WA 85km or 125km (all seven gravel sectors)
The biggest gravel race in Australia and part of the UCI Gravel World Series. The course winds through the golden triangle between Nannup, Bridgetown and Donnybrook. Wide gravel roads, relentless climbs, and scenery that goes for days. This year it's also the qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships, which are coming to Nannup in October. A big moment for WA cycling, and one I’ve been training for for a few months. I’m not game enough to brave the cut off times for the full Seven but I’ll be toeing the Line for Five… which still feels pretty epic
Registration: sevengravelrace.com
Mt Marshall Gravel Grind
11 July 2026 | Shire of Mt Marshall, WA Wheatbelt Cycling and running options across three days
A new event this year, this three-day event out in the WA Wheatbelt combines gravel cycling and trail running with food, entertainment and a community atmosphere. Mt Marshall is remote in the best way. This is the kind of event where you get properly off the beaten track. I’ll be there and I’m excited!
Registration: gravelgrind.com.au
Backroads Gravel
8 August 2026 | Nabawa, Shire of Chapman Valley (near Geraldton) 10km | 20km | 60km | 100km | 100 miles Run options also available: 5km, 14km, marathon
WA's biggest Midwest cycling and running event, now in its fifth year. The Chapman Valley canola and wildflower season makes this one of the most visually spectacular events on the calendar. Also doubles as the WA State Gravel Championships. It sold out in 2025 so get in early. This is one my partner’s egging me on to do with him so I guess I’ll be making another gravel shoing in 2026.
Registration: backroadsgravel.com.au
PADDLING
Avon Descent
1-2 August 2026 | Northam to Bayswater. 124km Kayak | Ski | SUP | Powerboat | Solo, double, or relay teams
The Avon Descent is a Perth institution. First run in 1973, it's a two-day, 124km river challenge through the Avon Valley, with whitewater rapids, gorgeous gorges, and a finish line party in Bayswater. You can race it hard or just try to survive it. Shorter course options exist (50km Day 1 only, or the 13km Bond to Bayswater Belter for SUP, outrigger, and dragon boat). If you've never watched it, the spectator festival alone is worth the drive out.
Registration: avondescent.com.au
Honourable mentions
These events fall just outside the May-August window but look amazing so I couldn’t let them pass by!
Lighthorse Ultra | 5-6 September | Perry's Paddock, Woodvale WA's premier timed loop ultra. 1hr, 3hr, 6hr, 12hr or 24hr options. Opens with a dawn service. This is the 10th and final edition. Don't miss it.
WTF Ultra | 26 September | Nanga Bush Camp, Dwellingup WA's original 100 mile trail race. Also 50mi and 50km. Returns in 2026 after a year off. If you've ever thought about running through the night in the Munda Biddi trails, this is the one.
WAGE Round 6 | 26-27 September | Pemberton
Ballidu Gravel | 27 September | Ballidu, Wheatbelt Gravel riding through 1000km of farm tracks and firebreaks in the WA Wheatbelt. Fancy dress optional but encouraged.
This list was last updated May 2026. Always check event websites for the most current information. If I've missed something worth adding, send me a message.
And if you're training toward any of these events and need some physio support along the way, hit me up buttercup!