A Dog Friendly Hiking Guide to Perth
Some of the best hikes in the Perth area are unfortunately located within national parks so bringing your dog along isn't an option but that doesn't mean your four legged friend should miss out on the opportunity to run amok in nature.
Below is a guide to the hiking trails in Perth that you can take your furry children to for a fun day out. As I visit more trails I will be adding to this list so there are a few more to come.
Click on the trail name or photos to find out more information on each trail including where to find them, maps and hiking grade.
As always please make sure you are a responsible dog owner and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles when out on the trails.
Location - Swan Valley
Length - 5km (Loop)
Best Time - Winter to Spring
Off Lead - Some Areas
A very popular spot in the Swan Valley, Bells Rapids has a couple of options if you want to explore the bushland around the Swan River. The longer goat track takes you high above the river and provides some great views over the Perth Coastal Plain while the shorter walk straddles the river bank and the lush undergrowth that surrounds it.
Be prepared with towels as the muddy sections will be irresistible to any dog and they will love you for the freedom to frolic in it.
Highlights - Bells Rapids, Swan River, Buttock Boulder
Location - City Beach
Length - 500m to 10+km
Best Time - All Year Round
Off Lead - No
Another gem of a trail network that is close to the city but this time you get not only city views but spectacular ocean views (especially at sunset). The 437 hectare area of bushland right next to City Beach provides a plethora of trail options to suit everyone.
You and your dog will be able to lose yourself in this pristine bit of bush while still enjoying some great views of the Perth Hills and Indian Ocean. Watch out for snakes in the warmer months though as the limestone paths are ideal for their sun-baking lifestyles.
Highlights - Reabold Hill Lookout, Zamia Trail, Indian Ocean Lookouts, City Views
Location - Gosnells
Length - 500m to 6-7km
Best Time - Winter to Spring
Off Lead - No
Ellis Brook Reserve is a small regional park nestled at the base of the Perth Hills but what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality. With options galore in terms of trails you can spend hours visiting them all or just stop by for a quick walk.
After the rains have arrived watch out for Sixty Foot Falls to come alive but if you aren't so lucky then a trip to Barrington Quarry will provide a slice of the Kimberley just a short drive from Perth.
Highlights - Sixty Foot Falls, Blue Wren Trail, Old Barrington Quarry
Location - Jarrahdale
Length - Up to 10km (There and Back)
Best Time - Autumn to Spring
Off Lead - Some Areas
Following the now disused timber railway that used to connect Jarrahdale to Rockingham, this there and back trail is a fun adventure you can share with your dog.
Hiking along the edge of the hill you will experience some great views across the Perth Coastal Plain and walking on an old railway is also kind of cool. When you can't access the national parks nearby, this is the next best thing.
Highlights - Hiking on a Railway, Expansive Views
Location - Kalamunda
Length - 2.7km (Loop)
Best Time - All Year Round
Off Lead - Yes
Jorgensen Park is well known to locals and being a short stroll from the heart of Kalamunda is a popular walk on every day of the week. Following the old fairways of the former Kalamunda Golf Course, this gentle stroll will allow your dog to experience plenty of smells along the way.
With wide open spaces, plenty of other dogs to play with and a small walk along the world famous Bibbulmun Track, you won't regret a visit to this trail.
Highlights - Bibblumun Track, Old Kalamunda Golf Course
Location - Dwellingup
Length - 17km (Loop)
Best Time - Winter to Spring
Off Lead - No
Starting and finishing in the dog friendly camping site of Nanga Mill in Dwellingup, this 17km hike will have both you and your puppy tuckered out by the end (not a bad thing when camping). Named after a rather large and old Jarrah tree, this trail starts off with a lot of climbing but eventually turns into a flat stroll above the Murray River.
The area was hit by the devastating bushfires in late 2015/early 2016 so please check the DPaW website for details on whether it is safe to trek.
Highlights - Jarrah Forest, King Jarrah Tree, Murray River
Location - Kings Park
Length - 3km (Loop)
Best Time - Spring
Off Lead - No
Located within Kings Park, this popular area is also home to the Law Walk. Taking you along the limestone escarpment, enjoy a stunning wildflower display in spring where you'll find examples of the stunning wildflowers and orchids that can be found throughout the Darling Scarp and South West. Head here with your four legged friend and they will thank you for the opportunity to be in the bush so close to the city centre.
Note - Dogs not allowed on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway
Highlights - Wildflowers, City and River Views, Proximity to Perth.
Location - Lesmurdie
Length - 4.7km (Loop)
Best Time - Autumn to Spring
Off Lead - No
Located on the edge of the Darling Scarp near Lesmurdie, the Lewis Road Walk is a fun loop that takes you from the bottom of Whistlepipe Gully, through the wildflowers and Wandoo to some great views of the Swan Coastal Plain.
Cross Whistlepipe Gully before heading back up the hill for a section of lovely Jarrah forest, finishing with some of the best views from the Shire of Kalamunda series of walks. Don't forget to check out the old concrete water tanks.
Highlights - Whistlepipe Gully, Swan Coastal Plain Views, Wandoo Forest
Location - Jarrahdale
Length - 3km (Loop)
Best Time - Autumn to Spring
Off Lead - No
Located a short drive out of Jarrahdale, the Mundlimup Timber Trail is a very relaxing walk through some fantastic regrowth forest that every man and his dog will enjoy. The gently undulating trail makes for an easy hike and the dense forest means you will feel a world away from civilisation (unless the local rifle range is active).
Explore the history of Jarrahdale with several stopping points at old forestry sites and learn about how forestry played a bit part in the lives of those who lived here.
Highlights - Regrowth Jarrah Forest, Mundlimup Saw Pit
Location - Gidgegannup
Length - 4km (Loop)
Best Time - Winter to Spring
Off Lead - Yes
It's a bit of a drive out to Gidgegannup but it is worth it for the two or four kilometre stroll around Wooroloo Brook. Taking in the titular Noble Falls before winding its way along the serene passage of the brook, there is plenty to see and do here.
Pack a picnic lunch and find your own spot in the grassed areas next to the brook for a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. The dogs will enjoy the freedom and you can enjoy some treats and a drink.
Highlights - Noble Falls, Wooroloo Brook
Location - Mundaring
Length - 3.5km (Loop)
Best Time - Autumn to Spring
Off Lead - No
Located in the dog friendly Fred Jacoby Park near Mundaring Weir Hotel, this hilly traverse of the local bushland will give you and your dog a good workout. The narrow trail means that all the good smells are never far away and the feeling of being immersed in the bush will leave you relaxed.
Climb up the hill to start with for fantastic views back to Mundaring Weir before hiking back down towards the pipeline leading to Kalgoorlie.
Highlights - Views back towards Mundaring Weir, Water Pipeline
Location - Mundaring to Greenmount
Length - 41km (Loop)
Best Time - Autumn to Spring
Off Lead - No
This is one trail I have visited plenty of times before but not documented for the website. The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail forms a loop around the more populated suburbs of the Perth Hills either side of Great Eastern Hwy and visits some historical sites associated with the rail network that used to run through the region.
Note - Dogs are not allowed in the John Forrest section of the trail so it's best to take in the southern section of the trail in between Darlington and Mundaring.
Highlights - Darlington Railway Platform, Mundaring Sculpture Park, Old Steam Engine
Location - Beeliar/Kwinana
Length - 6km (Loop)
Best Time - Autumn to Spring
Off Lead - No
Circling around one of the many lakes within The Spectacles, this 6km trail won't test your climbing abilities but will provide an enjoyable couple of hours.
The scenery within the paperbark lined wetlands is amazing and a great place to escape the rat race after work. Being so close to the southern suburbs makes this a perfect place to walk your dogs after work and relax.
Highlights - Paperbark Trail, The Spectacles, Aboriginal Heritage Boards
Location - Kalamunda
Length - 3.5km (Loop)
Best Time - Autumn to Spring
Off Lead - Yes
One of the more popular of the Shire of Kalamunda walk trails, Whistlepipe Gully is a fantastic down and up loop located right on the edge of the suburb of Kalamunda. Following the course of the titular Whistlepipe Gully, you will enjoy the winding path as it takes past rapids, patches of seasonal wildflowers and some open granite spaces that provide excellent views.
Both the dogs and the kids will enjoy splashing around in the gully or getting all muddy on the trail. Come after the rains to ensure a flow of water and it is best viewed in Spring when the wildflowers are putting on an amazing show.
Highlights - Whistlepipe Gully, Old House Foundations, Wildflowers
I hope you and your four legged friend have a great time enjoying the many hikes we have in Perth that everyone is welcome to visit.
As always please let me know if you have any questions by emailing me at thelifeofpy@gmail.com