21 Dog Friendly Hikes in Perth In 2023 

Are you looking for dog-friendly hikes in Perth? 

Are you an avid hiker? Or, maybe you’re just getting into hiking and looking for some great trails to explore with your furry friend by your side. Whatever the case may be, this blog post is for you. 

WWB guestposter Donna from Accommodation Margaret River was born and bred in Western Australia and has plenty of experience walking her Siberian Husky named “Buddy,” (or does he walk her??) and she has compiled this list of 21 dog-friendly hikes in Perth. 

No matter where you live in the city, there’s sure to be a hike that’s perfect for both you and your pup, we’re all about finding you dog-friendly hikes in Perth! 

So grab your water bottle and put on your walking shoes – we’re hitting the trail!

Dog Friendly Hikes Perth

21 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Perth

1) Noble Falls Walk Trail, Gidgegannup

2) Bells Rapids Walk Trail, Brigadoon

3) Lake Gwelup Walk Trail

4) Lake Monger, Wembley

5) Trigg Bushland Reserve

6) Sixty Foot Falls Walk Trail in Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, Gosnells

7) Star Swamp Heritage Trail, North Beach

8) Whistlepipe Gully Trail, Kalamunda

9) Zamia Trail in Bold Park, City Beach

10) Kwinana Loop Trail

11) Jarrahdale Railway Heritage Trail

12) Jorgensen Park, Kalamunda

13) Law Park, Kings Park

14) Lesmurdie Falls

15) Lewis Road Walk, Lesmurdie

16) Mundlimup Timber Trail, Jarrahdale

17) Roley Pool Reserve, Roleystone

18) Spectacles Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Beeliar

19) Wireless Hill Park, Ardross

20) Swanbourne to North Fremantle Walk

21) Wungong Gorge Walk, Bedfordale

DISCLOSURE

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

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21 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Perth

1. Noble Falls Walk Trail, Gidgegannup

Noble Falls Walk Trail is one of the best dog-friendly hikes in Perth to visit during winter and spring, as it can be quite dry during summer. 

It has a small, but beautiful waterfall (you’ll enjoy the relaxing sound of the running water!) and a nice trail.

It’s a short drive from Perth, and a great place to walk the dogs as it’s flat all the way around and has easy to spot signage so you can’t get lost.

There is a BBQ area with clean and working BBQs, picnic tables, plenty of parking, public toilets and a small playground.

Dogs are allowed off-leash here as long as they are under the control of the owner at all times.

The wildflowers bloom here in the spring and once you’ve walked your dog, you can head across the road to the Noble Falls Tavern for a cheeky pint!

Time/Duration:

1 hour

Length:

3.6km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Noble Falls Car Park, across the road from Noble Falls Tavern, 2672 Toodyay Rd, Gidgegannup, 50 minutes east of Perth city.

2. Bells Rapids Walk Trail, Brigadoon

This walk is a combination of the Bells Rapids River Walk and the Bells Rapid Goat Trail, which you can get to by making your way across the bridge and going left for the easy Bells 

Rapids River Walk for 2.5km, or right to take the more challenging Goat Walk up the hill. 

It’s an excellent place to exercise your dogs, with heaps of space and trails to explore. Wildflowers are beautiful anytime from July through to November.

Bells Rapids Park is easily one of the most beautiful parks in the Perth region and has amazing views. 

It is great to visit at any time of the day, especially at sunset. The park has lots of picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and public toilets.

Dogs are allowed here, with a mixture of on and off-leash areas, dirt trails, rock-hopping, and sections for river wading.

 It is one of the more dog-friendly walking trails in Perth! 

This is a nice place to take your dog on a hot day, they can swim and you might be lucky enough to catch the ice-cream van on your way out!

Time/Duration:

1 hour

Length:

2.75km loop

Difficulty:

Some bushwalking experience is recommended as there are short, steep sections, rough surfaces, and lots of steps.

Location:

Bells Rapid Park is on Cathedral Avenue, off Great Northern Highway, in Brigadoon, 45 minutes from Perth city.

3. Lake Gwelup Walk Trail

Lake Gwelup Reserve has a paved trail that goes all the way around a beautiful lake. It is off-lead and has a few grassy areas along the walk that are perfect for letting your dog have a run-around or play fetch.

There is a nature reserve nearby, and as such, there are a lot of opportunities for you to spot water birds and migratory birds!

There’s lots of shade here, an open field area, playground, cricket nets, tennis courts, gazebos, heaps of parking, and public toilets.

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Time/Duration:

1 hour

Length:

3.2km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Lake Gwelup Walk Trail is at the Lake Gwelup Reserve, 46 Huntriss Road, Gwelup, 20 minutes drive from Perth city.

4. Lake Monger Track, Wembley

Are you looking for a place to walk dogs in Perth?

 Lake Monger Track is in the Lake Monger Reserve on a picturesque 110-hectare lake and parklands. There’s a viewing platform, BBQ facilities, plenty of parking, shaded areas, and public toilets.

There is beautiful birdlife here, and plenty of people use the track for running and cycling. 

Dogs are welcome but on lead only. You might want to bring your own water bottle and dog bowl here, as there only seems to be one fountain on the west side of the lake.

Time/Duration:

1 hour

Length:

3.5km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Any car park in the Lake Monger Reserve, adjacent to the Mitchell Freeway, 7 minutes north of Perth.

5. Trigg Bushland Reserve

Trigg Bushland Walk is a very dog-friendly trail in Perth, as it has some short, steep sections, but other than that it’s a very easy walk with views of the ocean and Rottnest Island.

 This is also a lovely walk to see our native flora and fauna, with plenty of Quendas and old Tuarts.

The path is mostly wide and paved and dogs are allowed off the lead but must be under the control of the owner. 

Not much in the way of facilities here, but it’s only a short walk down Karrinyup Road towards the beach to find Clarko Reserve, which is a beachfront park with a playground and BBQs.

Time/Duration:

1 hour

Length:

3.4km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Start the Trigg Bushland Walk at Elliot Road, opposite the Kevin Langdon Reserve.

6. Sixty Foot Falls Walk Trail in Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, Gosnells

If you’re looking for a Perth hike with dogs, here is one you don’t want to miss!

 Sixty Foot Falls Walk Trail is one of four walk trails at the Ellis Brook Valley in Banyowla Regional Park, and although it’s the hardest, it will reward you with amazing views of the city and the picturesque Ellis Brook Valley. 

Some sections are long, rough and steep, so if you have a small dog, you may need to carry them over steep or muddy sections.

There is a beautiful waterfall here, although it’s not always flowing, and there are nice wildflowers here during September and October.

Banyowla Regional Park has BBQ facilities, a picnic area, public toilets, viewing platforms and plenty of parking.

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Time/Duration:

1 hour

Length:

2.1km loop

Difficulty:

Hard

Location:

Find the Sixty Foot Falls Walk Trail in Ellis Brook Valley Reserve in Banyowla Regional Park, at the end of Rushton Road. This walk is one hours drive from Perth.

7. Star Swamp Heritage Trail, North Beach

Star Swamp Heritage Trail is a 96-hectare reserve with an informative Heritage Trail through the middle which adds an extra layer of interest to the walk. 

There’s lots of birdlife and quendas, and it’s a lovely spot to take a packed lunch and have a picnic on the lawns.

The best time to visit is after any rain, as the swamp dries up in Summer. 

This is a beautiful location to see wildflowers in September and October as well, as a large variety of native orchids can be found here. 

If you’re walking your dog, keep him on a lead and keep an eye out for snakes if you’re walking during Summer.

Time/Duration:

One hour, return

Length:

1.4km from Mary Street in the North to the Henderson Environmental Centre in the south

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

You’ll find this Trail in the Star Swamp Bushland Reserve, in North Beach, which is twenty minutes drive north of Perth city.

8. Whistlepipe Gully Trail, Kalamunda

Whistlepipe Gully has great views of the Swan Coastal Plain and the city of Perth which you can see in the distance. 

This is one of the best dog-friendly walks in the Perth Hills! 

The trail follows a stream down one side and then the return walk is following the stream up the other side. 

There are plenty of waterfalls, especially after rain, and if you visit in Spring, beautiful wildflowers.

There are no facilities here, so make sure you bring everything you need and leave no trace of your visit behind.

 Dogs are welcome on leashes, and they might also enjoy swimming in the water.

Time/Duration:

One hour, return

Length:

3.5km

Difficulty:

Medium, there are some steep sections and places that drop off, and the rocks may be slippery in wet weather

Location:

Whistlepipe Gully is located at the northern end of the Mundy Regional Park, at the end of Lewis Road, in Kalamunda, thirty minutes drive east of Perth city.

9. Zamia Trail in Bold Park, City Beach

Zamia Trail is a wide, paved trail with a few hills and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the city, a perfect Perth hikes with dog!

It’s well signposted, concrete all the way, and quiet, however, it can be quite hot if you’re walking in the middle of the day so keep this in mind. 

There are lots of wildflowers here in Spring, and over 80 species of birds, possums, bats, frogs and reptiles living here. 

There are quite a few benches too if you want to have a rest and take in the surroundings. 

Dogs are allowed, as long as they’re kept on a leash.

Time/Duration:

One and a half hours

Length:

5km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Zamia Trail is in Bold Park, City Beach, 15 minutes drive west of Perth

10. Kwinana Loop Trail

Kwinana Loop Trail is a generally flat and easy trail, with a few steep hills thrown in. 

There are wildflowers in the Spring here, forested areas, and even wetland areas, so there are plenty of interesting things to look at while you’re walking your dog!

If you like seeing wildlife, it’s a great trail to walk, as you might see snakes, kangaroos and blue tongue lizards. 

If you are looking for Perth hikes that are dog friendly, Kwinana Loop Trail is one to try!

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Time/Duration:

Five and a half hours

Length:

21.7km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Kwinana Loop Trail is in the Leda Nature Reserve, 40 minutes drive south of Perth

11. Jarrahdale Railway Heritage Trail

Jarrahdale Railway Heritage Trail is an excellent walking track for people who enjoy walking through bushland. 

It follows a disused heritage railway, and there aren’t any steep sections, so it’s pleasant to walk with your dogs, who are allowed off-leash as long as they’re under control. 

There are no toilets or other facilities here, but there is a pub and a cafe down the road if you need one in a hurry.

Time/Duration:

Two hours

Length:

8km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Jarrahdale Railway Heritage Trail is off Jarrahdale Road, a leisurely 50 minutes south-east of Perth

12. Jorgensen Park Walk Trail, Kalamunda

Jorgensen Park Walk Trail is a beautiful trail to take your dog on a walk on, as they are allowed to be off-leash in some areas (just keep an eye out for the areas where you have to put them back on). 

There are large, open areas, as there used to be the old Kalamunda Golf Course here and with it, come great valley views. 

Lots of bins and bags here and a great variety of wildflowers in the Spring.

Time/Duration:

One hour

Length:

2.7km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Jorgensen Park Walk Trail is on the southern border of Kalamunda National Park, half an hour south-east of Perth in the suburb of Kalamunda

13. Law Walk Loop, Kings Park

The Law Walk Loop traces through bushland and the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, providing manicured gardens and a look at what Perth bushland was like 200 years ago before the city was settled. 

If you’re looking for places to walk dogs in Perth, you can’t go past Kings Park!

There are great views of Kings Park, Perth City, Matilda Bay and the Swan and Canning Rivers, as well as majestic marri and jarrah trees.

Dogs are allowed in Kings Park as long as they are on a leash shorter than two metres.

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Time/Duration:

Two hours

Length:

3.7km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Law Walk Loop is in Kings Park, an icon of Perth, a 10-minute drive to the east of Perth CBD overlooking the Swan River

14. Lesmurdie Falls Trail

Do you like hiking with dogs in Perth? I have just the place for you!

 Lesmurdie Falls Trail is gorgeous, especially in winter and spring, which is when there is plenty of water flowing through the waterfall. 

This is actually where you will see the biggest waterfall in Perth! 

There are metal platforms that let you get close to the waterfall, and there are also views over the Swan Coastal Plain towards Perth CBD.

There is plenty of parking, picnic tables, plenty of shade and toilets. Dogs are welcome as long as they stay on their leash at all times.

Time/Duration:

Half an hour

Length:

640m return

Difficulty:

Medium

Location:

Start at Lesmurdie Falls car park in the Mundy Regional Park, Lesmurdie, 30 minutes east of Perth

15. Lewis Road Walk, Lesmurdie

The Lewis Road Walk has steep climbs and slippery descents, so it’s not for the faint-hearted, but the views of Perth city, the Swan Coastal Plain and Darling Scarp make it worth the walk! This is one of the dog-friendly hiking trails in Perth you don’t want to miss!

 The trail is full of lovely native trees and beautiful wildflowers throughout Spring. 

Dogs are permitted as long as they stay on their lead unless signage says otherwise.

Time/Duration:

2 hours

Length:

5km return

Difficulty:

Difficult

Location:

The car park is at the northern end of Lewis Road in the Mundy Regional Park, Lesmurdie, 30 minutes east of Perth

16. Mundlimup Timber Trail, Jarrahdale

The Mundlimup Timber Trail starts at the 1890s timber tramway with a beautiful picnic area and BBQ facilities and goes through a regrowth jarrah forest. 

There are lots of signs throughout explaining the history of the timber industry in the region.

This walk features lots of wildflowers in spring, along a flat, well-marked trail. Dogs are allowed on leads.

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Time/Duration:

Under one hour

Length:

3km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Balmoral Road, Jarradale, one hour south-east of Perth

17. Roley Pool Reserve, Roleystone

Roley Pool Reserve has four trails within the reserve, varying in length from 160m to 3.2kms, or you can join some together to complete a 6km challenging walk. If you’re looking for a variety of dog-friendly trails in Perth, this one has you covered!

 Lots of fresh air here and native bird song!

The Boardwalk Trail is great if you’re interested in the history of the area, as there are interactive QR codes and information boards along the well-signposted walks. 

Dogs are welcome, as long as they are on leashes. 

Time/Duration:

1-2 hours 

Length:

2.6km loop

Difficulty:

Medium, some uneven terrain and slippery surfaces

Location:

Start at Collins Road, Roleystone, which is 45 minutes south-east of Perth

18. Spectacles Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Beeliar

The Beeliar Regional Park covers an area of 3,400 hectares and consists of two chains of wetlands with 26 lakes stretching 25km along the coast.

 The Spectacles Aboriginal Heritage Trail loops around the northernmost wetland within the Beeliar Regional Park. 

Extremely interesting interpretive panels stretch throughout the walk, explaining the history, flora and fauna of the area.

 This is a dog-friendly walk in Perth you don’t want to miss!

There are lots of birds here, especially wrens, honeyeaters and wattlebirds. 

There are picnic tables, viewing platforms and toilets available. Dogs on leads are allowed but come prepared as there are not many bins or dog bag facilities available.

Time/Duration:

1-3 hours 

Length:

5km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Start at The Spectacles, in Beeliar Regional Park, off McLaughlan Road, thirty minutes south of Perth

19. Wireless Hill Park, Ardross

Wireless Hill Park is an easy route past wildflowers (in Spring), birds and spectacular views of the surrounding area including the Swan River.

 At the top of the hill, there is a small nature playground and a raised platform with fantastic views of the city. 

There’s also a museum, which is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am. There is plenty of space to picnic and public toilets are available as well.

Dogs are allowed on leads.

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Time/Duration:

Twenty minutes

Length:

1.1km loop

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Start at McCallum Crescent, in the Wireless Hill Reserve, Ardross, 25 minutes drive south of Perth

20. Swanbourne To North Fremantle Walk

There are plenty of dog-friendly walks in Perth to choose from but we couldn’t talk about good places to walk your dogs without mentioning a beach-side walk! 

This one is not an official trail, but you and your dog will love soaking up the ocean air, and it’s a perfectly Perth thing to do!

 Leighton Beach Dog Exercise Area is just south of Cottesloe Beach, and your dog will have the best time having a run and swim here. For the rest of the walk, remember to keep your pooch on a lead.

Time/Duration:

Two to three hours return

Length:

5.2km each way

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Start at the southern section of Swanbourne Beach, near The Shorehouse on Marine Parade and walk along the trail until you get to the Leighton Beach Dog Exercise Area, before turning around and heading back  

21. Bungendore Park, Bedfordale

If you are looking for dog bush walks in Perth, this is the place! Bungendore Park is 498 hectares of pristine bush located on the edge of the Darling Scarp near Armadale.

 There’s Jarrah and Marri forest and granite outcrops, with some lovely, freshwater creeks that run through the middle.

There are 357 different plant species that have been identified in this park, including two declared rare and one priority flora species. There’s also plenty of birdlife and wildflowers to be found here.

The trails (there are plenty to choose from!) are wide and have slight inclines here and there, but there are plenty of benches if you need to stop to rest!

Dogs on a lead are permitted on the walk trails.

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Time/Duration:

Between one and two hours, depending on which walk you choose

Length:

There are four walks to choose from here:

  • Cockatoo Circuit is a 1.7km loop, 
  • Spinebill Stroll is a 3.5km loop, 
  • Robin Ramble is a 3.5km loop, and 
  • Honeyeater Hike is a 7.7km loop, 

all measured from the Admiral Road entrance as a start point.

Difficulty:

Easy

Location:

Start at Admiral Road Carpark, off the Albany Highway in Bedfordale, 40 minutes drive south-east of Perth

Tips for Hiking With Dogs in Perth

Choose Dog-Friendly Trails

Don’t take your dog where dogs aren’t welcome! We’ve listed 21 of the best places that are Dog Friendly Hikes in Perth, don’t take the risk of taking them somewhere you can’t and getting an expensive fine as a result!

Don’t Disrupt The Wildlife

We love our native plants and animals here in Perth, please don’t let your dog scare them! Keep to the paths on the trails and you’ll ensure the local wildlife will be here for generations to come.

Keep Your Dog On A Leash

I keep our Siberian Husky on a leash all the time, even in off-leash areas, because I can’t trust that he won’t get himself into some trouble if he’s not. 

If they’re off lead they could attack another dog or walker, get bitten by a snake, attacked by a kangaroo, or worse of all, they could eat some bait laid out by conservation management which would poison them (and we don’t want that!)

Stick To The Paths

Following on from the previous point, it’s important to keep your dog on a lead and stay on the paths to protect them from being accidentally widened, or from your dog transferring bacteria or dieback (a plant disease which kills off trees slowly)  into uncontaminated areas which could unintentionally kill more trees.

 It’s also bad if your dog runs off into the bush and flattens bushes and flowers. Just keep them on a lead and stay on the path!

Pick Up After Your Dog

If we try to “leave no trace” when we’re out and about ourselves, we need to do the same with our dogs and their poop.

 Your dog’s poop has microbes and bacteria that can easily affect the natural environment and harm the native plants and animals. Make sure you remember to take their poop with you in these poop bags.

Watch For Snakes And Baits

If you’re not watching closely and your dog either gets bitten by a snake or eats the bait, both could result in either the death of your dog or a costly vet bill.

 Please be vigilant to ensure your dog doesn’t come to harm – you can prepare by taking a First Aid Kit for Trail Dogs with you whenever you take your dog for a walk.

Take Plenty Of Water

Water is so essential for both humans and animals, no matter how short you think your walk is going to be.

Make sure you always carry a hydration bladder for yourself and a bottle and a collapsible dog bowl for your doggie.

Don’t Go Into National Parks

This is very important. Dogs are not allowed into National Parks under any circumstances. 

Not only could they frighten native animals, but there are also heaps of 1080 baits laid around to help control foxes and feral cats, and it’s illegal! The Ranger will find you and hand you a big fine. It’s not worth the risk.

Things To Pack In Your Backpack

If you’re just taking your doggie on a brief walk you might think you might not need to take much, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared with the basics in your backpack. 

Some things I always like to take with me when I’m walking my dog Buddy are;

  • – A warm rain jacket in case the weather changes
  • – Plenty of water for me and my dog
  • – Some food, like muesli bars and trail mix
  • – A compass and a map
  • – A first-aid kit for me
  • – A first-aid kit for my dog
  • – A knife
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Are Dogs Allowed In National Parks?

Dogs are not allowed in Western Australia’s national parks and conservation reserves, due to the stress they cause for native wildlife from the sight, sounds and smells of your dog.

Can Dogs Go To Lesmurdie Falls?

Dogs can go to Lesmurdie Falls but they must remain on the leash at all times.

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Can Dogs Go To Lesmurdie Falls?

Dogs can go to Lesmurdie Falls but they must remain on the leash at all times.

Where Can I Play With Dogs In Perth?

You can play with dogs in Perth at: 

  • Animal Exercise Beach, Hillarys
  • South Beach, Fremantle
  • Noble Falls, Gidgegannup
  • Lake Goollelal Loop, Joondalup
  • Aveley Enclosed Dog Park, Ellenbrook

Can You Take Dogs To Noble Falls?

You can take dogs to Noble Falls off-lead, as long as you’re watching them at all times. After you’ve finished your walk, you can stop in at the Noble Falls Tavern for a cheeky pint to cool off or head to Toodyay for a look around.

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Conclusion

There are plenty of dog-friendly hikes in Perth to choose from, and most of them are easy enough for beginner hikers. 

Just be sure to follow the tips we’ve listed here so that you and your furry friend can have a safe and enjoyable hike. 

What kind of dog do you have? Did we miss any awesome dog-friendly hikes in Perth? Drop us an email and let us know! Have fun out there!

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