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In good news for local dog owners, Perth is home to several bush walking trails, tracks, and loops that are begging to be explored with our four-legged friends. Ranging from leisurely, inner-city strolls to epic hikes in the Perth Hills, there's a trail suitable for all levels of ability and dogs of every breed. Combined with a pit stop at one of the dog-friendly cafes in Perth, they make for the ultimate weekend out.
Here are 14 of our favourite dog-friendly walking trails in and around Perth.
Following the Wooroloo Brook to Noble Falls, this family-friendly, 3.6km looped trail—which gets its name from its star attraction—is one of the few off-lead trails in the Perth area. Start your walk from the Noble Falls picnic and parking area, which is, conveniently, directly across from the namesake tavern, and follow the well-marked trail out to the falls. It should take around 45 minutes to complete the loop, depending on your physical ability and how many times you need to stop to let the dog sniff.
After your walk, stop by the Noble Falls Tavern for a well-deserved reward. Dogs are also welcome there. Alternatively, head a little further afield to Toodyay, a quaint country town 25 minutes away, where more pub lunches await. Or if you’d rather relax by the water, bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the Noble Falls picnic area.
The Kwinana Loop Trail is one of the longer trails that you can walk within the Perth bounds. At 21kms, it isn’t for the faint-hearted or ill-prepared. Follow it as it snakes its way around the perimetre of Kwinana and, at Chalk Hill Lookout, reward yourself with a short stop to take in the sweeping views of Cockburn Sound. As there are a few hills and twists on the trail, it’s a great option if you’ve got a more energetic dog in need of some more challenging exercise.
Dogs must remain on the lead if you bring them along, as the trail is dual-use and there’s a very real possibility of coming across mountain bikers at speed. Also, keep an eye out for snakes near the wetlands area.
Traversing the natural bushland of Pold Park, with unparalleled views of both the city and the ocean, the 5.1-kilometre Zamia Trail loop is popular with both hikers and dog walkers. Surfaced with compacted limestone, the hilly trail is considered a grade 3 in difficulty. Thankfully, it passes by several scenic lookouts where you can take a seat on a bench, catch your breath, and enjoy the views.
Access to the trail is via the Reabold Hill car park on Scenic Drive in City Beach, and it should take around 90 minutes to complete. Dogs are welcome to join you, but they must be kept on a leash at all times, partly for the native wildlife and partly to protect them when you reach the section of the trail that overlaps with a horse-riding trail.
If your pup’s eager to cool off post-walk, the South City Beach dog beach is a five-minute drive away on Challenger Parade. Before heading down, call into one of the beachside cafes for a caffeinated treat. At the beach, there are dog water bowls at the entrance to the short track down, and plenty of space to run around with other dogs.
The 3.5km looped Whistlepipe Gully walk follows the path of a flowing river in Mundy Regional Park, running alongside large granite outcrops, and, at specific points, opening up to distant Perth CBD views. It’s a beautiful track, especially so from July to November when the river is fast-flowing and local wildflowers are in bloom.
Begin the walk at the northern end of Lewis Road in Forrestfield, where you’ll walk along the right-hand side of the creek, continue up a hill, and then return the way you came. The track has a few steep hill sections, rough surfaces, and steps, so it’s recommended that you have some bushwalking experience. Keep your dog on a lead, unless otherwise signposted.
Given that the trailhead is located on a suburban street with no designated parking lot, ensure you park only where permitted; rangers regularly patrol the residential area around the trail.
Star Swamp Bushland is a vast, 100-hectare bush and wetland reserve, through which the 1.4km Star Swamp Heritage trail runs. It’s a popular walking option for dog owners, both for its shorter length—easily walkable before or after work—and the relative ease of getting there. Bound by Marmion Avenue and the suburbs of North Beach and Waterman’s Bay, this dense conservation reserve is a bird-watching, dog-walking, and wildflower hotspot smack-bang in the middle of suburbia.
There isn’t a lot of shade cover on the track, so bear that in mind if you’re walking in the warmer months. Also, be aware of snakes and ensure your dog is always on a lead.
Known for being one of the best vantage points for the annual Avon Descent, the 2.5km looped river walk at Bells Rapids combines countryside views and coastal plains. As you walk the dog-friendly trail (on-lead only), keep an eye out for wildflowers—most notably, the prolific fuchsia grevillea—the colourful birdlife, and perhaps a few grey kangaroos.
As with other trails that pass falls, it’s best to visit after winter rains when the rapids are in full flow. Alternatively, if you’re visiting on a hot day, bring spare clothes and a towel to have a splash in the peaceful river.
Though relatively short, the 2.1km looped climb to the top of Sixty Foot Falls is steep, rough, and challenging. But the sweeping Ellis Brook Valley views and city skyline in the distance are a fitting reward for your effort. Classed as a grade 4 hike, it’s considered the most challenging walking trail in the reserve; therefore, bushwalking experience is recommended, especially since directional markers can be sparse.
Visiting the falls in late winter or spring gives reason to why the reserve is so renowned for its wildflowers—they’re in bloom from late August, prettying up the bushland around the trail. Late winter is also the best time to catch the falls in full flow; they’re at their fullest after a heavy period of rain. Given the nature of the reserve, dogs must remain on a lead at all times.
Located in the picturesque Lake Gwelup Reserve, the 2.4km-long, dog-friendly ‘Story Trail’ skirts the circumference of the lake, taking you through scenic wetlands and recreational parklands. Made of limestone and bitumen, the trail is accessible to bike riders, wheelchair users, and prams, and there are accessible facilities dotted along the way. If your dog has a little extra energy to burn, take a moment at one of the recreational parklands to play fetch or have a run around (under your close supervision).
The 3.5km loop around Galup (Lake Monger) is a great, dog-friendly option for those who live a little closer to the city. The picturesque, 110-hectare urban wetland is of cultural significance to the Whadjuk Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land, and you can learn more about the historical importance through the interpretative plaques around the lake.
There’s a dedicated off-lead dog exercise area on the edge of the lake closest to Leederville, but your dog will need to be kept on-lead for other sections of the lake’s walking trail. If pup gets thirsty while you’re walking, keep them away from the lake water; there’s a water fountain and dog bowl on the west side of the lake instead.
Given the nature of this wetland, there’s a lot of delicate wildlife about: long-neck turtles, birds, and frogs. There’s also a risk of snakes in the warmer months, so be vigilant. If you see one, stand still and, if possible, pick your dog up. If that’s not possible, hold the leash tight to keep them from getting too close. Keep a careful eye on the snake to make sure it has left the pathway before you continue walking.
If you’d prefer to walk a little closer to the coast, opt for the 3.4km loop trail through the Trigg Bushland Reserve, which takes approximately 40 minutes to complete. This off-lead, well-established trail is surrounded by dense bushland filled with native plants. Come springtime, it’s aburst with beautiful wildflowers, too. At the top of the second hill, not far from the start of the trail, you can take a moment to catch your breath and take in the ocean views.
As this loop is off-lead, an extra watchful eye is required. To protect the flora and fauna here, you must remain on the track at all times and pick up your dog’s droppings.
Stroll by the banks of the Swan River on the shady John George Trail in Woodbridge.
The 5.5km trail links Reg Bond Reserve and Woodbridge Riverside Park and Play Space with both paved and gravel walkways. The paved sections of the walk trail are suitable for wheelchair users, prams, and bicycles. There are several picturesque picnic areas and rest stops along the way, as well as a super accessible playground at one end. It has play equipment and amenities for wheelchair users and people of different abilities, as well as inclusive parking for cars and vans that need a wider berth.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times on the trail and within both parks.
Jorgensen Park was established on the site of the old Kalamunda Golf Club, following along some of the old fairways and, at points, crossing parts of the epic Bibbulmun Track. Start this short, 2.7 km looped trail from the Kalamunda Learning Centre car park on Crescent Road and head out onto the old fairway by following the red trail markers.
The trail takes you through dense bushland that opens up onto stunning valley views. There is one small section of the trail where dogs are not permitted—the part where it crosses into Kalamunda National Park—so, if you’re bringing your four-legged friend, you won’t be able to complete the entire loop.
As the name suggests, this trail follows along an old train line, which was constructed in 1881 to connect Fremantle with York. Walkers, cyclists, and horse riders all use the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, so if you’re bringing your dog along, just be wary of the other kinds of traffic you might run into along the way. In its entirety, the trail is 59 km long, consisting of a 41 km looped section between Bellevue and Mt Helena, and an 18km-long tail that extends from Mt Helena to Wooroloo Reserve.
This is one of Perth’s most accessible trails, with multiple starting points (each with carparks), including from Glen Forrest, Darlington, and Mundaring. As the section from Swan View to Parkerville runs through John Forrest National Park, you won’t be able to walk it with your dog; plan an alternative route.
You won’t be able to complete the entire Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail with your dog, as the fifth and final section of it runs through Yanchep National Park, a dog-free zone. But, there’s still plenty to see with your pup by your side before this point.
Start from Neil Hawkins Park in Joondalup and follow the perimeter of Lake Joondalup to Burns Beach Road. On this 3.9km section, you’ll pass a lookout and a grove of zamia palms and peppermint trees. The next section stretches 7.5km between Burns Beach Road and Hester Avenue, where you’ll climb a ridge with views over the ocean.
Keep heading towards Romeo Road, where the landscape changes and you pass through Jarrah, Sheoak, and Banksia woodlands. Following this 6.7km section, as you pass Lacey Road, you’ll come to the last part of the trail you can complete with your dog before you get to Yanchep National Park.
Just remember, unless you're in a designated off-leash area, always keep your dog safely restrained and stay away from areas with 1080 baits. These baits, intended for foxes and feral cats, can be lethal for domestic pets. To be certain, contact local councils and shires and also check the Western Shield Program 1080 bait location map. In the spring/summer seasons, also be extra cautious about snakes and don't wander off designated paths.
