The best dog-friendly hikes and walking trails near Perth
Not only is Perth OK for people, it’s also very OK for pooches!
We’ve got great beaches and cafés, along with a host of other pup-friendly activities. And while there are a heap of great walking and hiking opportunities around Perth, a number of them are dog-free zones.
Fear not however! We’ve had a snoop around to find some of the best dog-friendly trails for you and your furry friend to walk, hike or run along to your hearts’ content:
CLOSE TO PERTH
Law Park
Starting at the Karri Papillion in Kings Park, Law Park is a dog-friendly walk right in our city centre. Your pooch must be leashed on this walk and expect to share the paved paths with prams and bikes as you explore beautiful bushland and stunning views of Perth City.
Bold Park
Bold Park is a huge area of inner city bushland that features over 15km worth of walking trails and a variety of different lookouts with views of the city and coast. Featuring an abundance of wildlife and native plants, you and poochy will have plenty to occupy over the time, just make sure he/she stays on their leash!
West Coast Highway
If you want to smell the salt in the air while you walk, the West Coast Highway path is always a winner. The northern section gets pretty busy during summer, so make sure you keep left. Or better yet, veer off into the beach for a quick dip at Bennion or one of the other dog-friendly spots along the way.
Kujak Island
Also known as Black Swan Island, Kujak is located on the (you guessed it!) swan river. A 2.6km round trail that is bike and pram friendly, Kujak is a stunning sanctuary for native birds and turtles and is an easy walk perfect for old and young pooches.
Reg Bond Reserve
Walk or cycle your way around Reg Bond reserve on gravel or paved pathways. A kid friendly walk that explores a variety of wildlife, historical points, and views of wine region. There are lots of stops and viewpoints along the way, and even a secret rope swing if you’re in need of a cool down!
Kwinana Loop Trail + Spectacles Aboriginal Heritage Trail
The Kwinana Loop Trial is a 21km circuit around the city, offering some fantastic views, lush natural bushland and bike trails. Down the road in Beeliar is the paperbark-lined Spectacles wetlands, a 6km trail providing plenty of indigenous history as you go.
FURHTER AFIELD
Bells Rapids
One of the more popular walking spots just outside of Perth, Bells Rapids is very dog-friendly, with some off lead areas as well. Winter rains also means there should be plenty of splashing potential if your dog doesn’t mind a dip!
Whistlepipe Gully Walk
Whistlepipe Gully is another gem in the treasure-filled hills of Kalamunda. It’s a pretty cruisy 3.5km walk, following a narrow river with small waterfalls and cascades to play in. Park at the end of Lewis Road in Forrestfield, but make sure you keep your pup on leash unless otherwise signed.
Jorgensen Park Walk
Another Kalamunda beauty, Jorgensen Park Walk is a just-under 3km loop off Crescent Road. It’s nice and open, which makes sense as it used to be the old Kalamunda golf course, and touches on the Bibbulmun Track. Popular with locals for an easy, everyday trot.
Ellis Brook Valley
Ellis Brook Valley is a great little area at the base of the hills to get lost in. There’s a variety of different trails to tackle, along with the impressive Sixty Foot Falls (after rains). There’s plenty of signage and it gets pretty busy, so make sure you take the leash and some exploring enthusiasm.
Noble Falls
Noble Falls are a nice 40-minute drive from Perth in Gidgegannup, and just begging for a picnic day. There’s a 3.5km walking trail, wildflowers galore and waterfalls if there’s been enough rain. Free barbecues await by the falls for a recharging lunch fry up.
Lane Poole Reserve
If you’re wanting to make a full day of it, Lane Poole Reserve in Dwellingup is the place to go. There’s plenty of activity options on both land and (Murray) river, plus you can camp with your pooch if you’re keen to stay the night. A popular walk is the 9km Jarrah Track, which will surely tucker you both out.
Jarrahdale Railway Heritage Trail
This one’s just over an hour out of Perth, but well worth the drive. The 8km trail runs through beautiful Jarrah and Wandoo bushland, packed with great views, bubbling creeks and more. Plus you can relive your 80s childhood by recreating Stand By Me and following the old rail tracks.
Canning Contour Channel
Built in the 1930s, the Contour Channel was built to transport water from the Canning Dam to the Perth metro area, and is now a picturesque 3.5km dog-friendly trail with views of the city. For a slightly longer walk, check out the Wungong Gorge Trail – a 5.5km walk that traverses a number of historical and ecological landmarks, including the Wungong Recreation Lake.
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FR Berry Reserve
If you are fan of Noble Falls, then you will love FR Berry Reserve. Keep your doggos on leash while you explore the stunning bushland that exists around the Wooroloo Brook. The water runs over deep, berry-red granite that makes for stunning visuals on this 2.7km return trip. Sit by the water while your dog has a splash, and you might even catch sight of the old farmer ghost who lost his favourite sheep around the brook in 1884!
Lewis Road Walk
A medium to difficult hike, this 5km trek goes through the Wandoo woodlands and is a treat for wildflower enthusiasts between August and October. Located in Mundy Regional Park, Lewis Road has steep climbs and loose descents, a fitting challenge for dogs and owners alike that will leave both of you satisfied and deserving for a post-walk treat. Signage is scarce so take a map and enjoy fresh air and the dense bushlands of this beautiful regional parkland.
Roley Pools Heritage Walk Trails
Roley Pools offers four walk trails in Roleystone along the Canning River. There are multiple trails and hikes, pools for your dog to jump in, and large flat granite rocks to lounge on while you soak up the Perth sun. Kangaroos, wallabies and rakali are some of the many wildlife you can find in this area, so keep your dogs on lead and make a day of exploring the Armadale Perth Hills.
Article by Perth is OK! and Sydney Mumby
Header Image Credit: Tourism WA