Looking for an adventure with your furry best friend? Perth and WA have amazing dog-friendly trails, from coastal gems to wildflower havens. We’ve sniffed out ten of the best walks that will have both you and your pup panting with joy!
Whistlepipe Gully
A reasonably easy 3.5km return walk in Mundy Regional Park. This dog-friendly walking trail follows along Whistlepipe Gully in the Perth Hills. Walking alongside the narrow river and small waterfalls of a granite formation with views over the coastal plain to Perth. You’ll even spot the remains of a house from the 60’s! Keep your eye out for kangaroos and an ear out for frogs croaking after the rain. We recommend taking along a picnic for you and your four legged friend, as there are lots of lovely spots to sit by the creek. The trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between June and September when the creeks are flowing. Or if you’re keen to see some wildflowers, take the hike from September to November as they bloom in Spring. Take along your dog but remember to keep them on a leash.
Bells Rapids
Taking the title for the most popular trail on our list, it’s made even better by bringing along your dog (on leash)! With two choices depending on how ambitious you’re feeling. Cross the bridge and head to your left for an easy 2.5km return walk. Or turn right and follow the more challenging Goat Walk over the hill. There are some steep rocky climbs along the way, however it is a relatively easy hike. Oh and make sure you keep your eye out for the cheeky buttocks boulder! Open year-round, with rushing waters in the Winter and wildflowers in the Spring. Bells Rapids has been a favourite picnic location in the Perth Hills for families and pooches for many years.
1872 Railway Heritage Trail
Located on a section of the old timber tramway between Jarrahdale and Rockingham’s jetty, this dog-friendly walking trail in Perth is moderately challenging. The 1872 Heritage Railway Trail is a scenic self guided 9.8km return walk where dogs on lead are allowed. Enjoy wildlife spotting kangaroos and birds, as you follow the disused railway. The best times to take this walk with your furry friend are April through October.
Ranford Pool Walk Trail
The locals have been keeping this one quiet for years, but we’re going to let you in on the Ranford Pool secret. This is one of the most beautiful spots in the Peel Region of WA to take your dog for a picnic and an easy 4km return walk. Following the Hotham River to historic Ranford Pool, keep an eye out for Long Donkey Farm as you enjoy your hike. Winding through paperbark tree forests, the first part of the walk is fully paved, which changes to a narrow trail after you cross the bridge. If you’re keen for more adventuring, you can even fish, canoe and swim in the pool!
Ellis Brook Valley
With the choice of four walking trails that cater for all fitness levels, The Ellis Brook Valley in Banyowla Regional Park is perfect for everyone and every dog (on leash)! Located on the edge of Perth city on the Darling Scarp, the gorgeous Sixty Foot Falls Trail is the hardest of the four trails and features spectacular views of the city. Which can be walked in either direction, we recommend anti-clockwise to get the city’s views as you go uphill. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. However, late Winter promises plenty of water falling and Spring produces a selection of wildflowers.
Noble Falls Walk Trail
If you’re keen to let you well controlled dog off leash, this is the place to let them run! This easy 3.6km walk along the Wooroloo Brook in Gidgegannup takes just under an hour to complete and is a popular place for birding and hiking! Wildflowers bloom in the Spring, with the falls showing off in Winter after heavy rain. After your exercise make use of the picnic area and free BBQs to enjoy a treat or two with your four-legged friend.
Trigg Bushland Reserve
After a coastal walk? Check out Trigg Bushland Reserve. Made up of a small network of dog friendly walking trails. The loop is a 3.4km bush track, with some short but steep hills usually taking under an hour to complete. Take a break on the shady seat at the top South-West corner of the trail. Where you can take in the views of the ocean and Rottnest Island in the distance. This trail is great to visit anytime of the year, with well controlled dogs allowed off lead.
King Jarrah Circuit
If you’re heading down south and bringing the dog along, check out this challenging walking trail for a bit of adventure! Located in Southern Dwellingup, the King Jarrah Circuit is a whopping 17.4km loop. Taking an average of 5 hours to complete, this is a popular area for backpacking and camping. We’d recommend visiting from March to November, to enjoy the lush forest to its fullest. Like a lot of the trails on our list, you can go either direction on the walking trail and your dog can be let off-leash in some areas.
Zamia Trail
Ah, the hidden gem of City Beach. The Zamia Trail located within Bold Park is a coastal bushland walking trail featuring views of both the ocean and the city. Take your dog for a leashed walk along the trail and enjoy the huge array of native flora and fauna, including wildflowers in the spring. If you’re lucky you can even spot possums and bats at dusk! Leave yourself around 1.5 hours to complete the 5.3km loop, which is open year-round.
Rotary South Bank River Trail
Another down south secret, this 2.1km loop trail is located near Margaret River. Considered an easy route taking around 30 minutes to complete, the trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit at anytime. Dogs are of course welcome and may be off-leash in some areas!
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Top Image Credit: Its Lily The Border
