Finding the best dog-friendly walks in Perth doesn’t have to be ruff – not when we’ve put together a list of epic trails in WA to suit every person and their favourite four-legged pal.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

10 Best Dog-Friendly Walks in Perth

I don’t know about you, but a walk with my labrador is my form of therapy. An hour in the morning and an hour in the arvo and all my troubles just melt away (unless my dog is being stubborn and refuses to walk nicely on a leash, which is often, if I’m being honest).

My obedience training aside, there’s nothing like getting out and about in the suburbs or further afield to give you and your dog some fresh air and outdoor exercise. From casual cityscape wandering to dense forestry trails through some of Perth’s most beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, there’s a dog-friendly walk trail to suit every breed and owner on Australia’s gorgeous West Coast.

These are our top picks of the best dog-friendly walks in Perth, which have earned a spot on this list based on their outstanding reviews (Google, AllTrails) from other keen hikers and their four legged friend.

We’ve also included some handy tips and tricks to make sure your pup remains safe, and that Perth’s precious flora and fauna remain safe too. Safety first for all, folks!

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Dog-Friendly Walks in Perth

1. Whistlepipe Gully Trail, Kalamunda

Nearest Town: Kalamunda, Perth Hills
Distance: 3.5km
Time: 1 hour
Leash rules: On-leash

Excellent trail name aside, this 3.5-kilometre round trip in the Mundy Regional Park, Perth Hills, follows a stunning, narrow river as it courses over cascades and small waterfalls and provides next-level views of the coast and Perth CBD.

Situated in the town of Kalamunda, it’s a particularly beautiful track between July to November when the river is fast-flowing and full, and many local wildflowers are blooming.

 

 

The walk starts at the north end of Lewis Road in Forrestfield, where you’ll follow the right-hand side of the river. It’s a relatively easy walk, but there are a few steep hill sections, rough surfaces and steps.

2. Bells Rapids Walk Trail, Swan Valley

Nearest Town:  Swan Valley
Distance: 2.75km
Time: Less than 1 hour
Leash rules: On-leash/Off-leash

If your dog enjoys some off-leash action, give the Bells Rapids looped river walk a go. While mostly an on-leash hike, there are some designated off-lead sections where your pup can roam free (it’s well-signed too).

With both countryside and coastal views, there’s plenty to love about this hike, including gorgeous wildflowers like the bright pink Fuchsia grevilleas. You might even spot a few Grey kangaroos if you’re lucky.

This trail can be hiked both in winter and summer – with winter being your best chance to view the rapids in full-force, and summer giving you the opportunity to strip down and have a dip in the river

 

3. Lake Monger Reserve

Nearest Town: Glendalough
Distance: 3.5km
Time: Less than 1 hour
Leash rules:  On-leash

For those who live a little closer to Perth CBD and want a close by dog-friendly walk, you can’t go past Lake Monger Reserve in Glendalough. With ties to the Noongar people – the Traditional Custodians of the lake – this well-marked trail has plenty of rich history, which you can learn about through the many plaques around the lake.

 

 

While the walk is mostly on-leash, there are some dedicated off-lead exercise areas on the edge of the lake closest to Leederville.

This is a very popular area for road biking, running and bird-watching, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring with your furry friend.

4. Noble Falls Walk Trail, Gidgegannup

Nearest Town: Gidgegannup
Distance: 3.6km
Time: 1 hour
Leash rules:  Off-leash

If your dog is a free spirit who dislikes the shackles of a lead, this trail is for you. A lovely 3.6km loop that starts at the Noble Falls picnic area and follows the Wooroloo Brook past Noble Falls, your doggo can be off-leash at all times as long as you have full control at all times.

This hike is particularly beautiful in winter or spring to admire the wildflowers in full bloom. There are also plenty of spots for you and your dog to cool off in the brook.

 

5. Kwinana Loop Trail

Nearest Town: Kwinana
Distance: 21km
Time: 5 hours
Leash rules: On-leash

If you’re keen on a big run or walk with your pup check out Kwinana Loop Trail. Only a 30-minute drive from the Perth CBD, the path is mostly flat and easy to navigate, with a few hills thrown in for good measure.

A winding 21km loop trail takes you around the outskirts of Kwinana with incredible views of Cockburn Sound. Don’t forget to stop at Chalk Lookout, with a near 360-degree view of the Kwinana Industrial Strip, the city, and dense surrounding bushland.

The trail was originally designed for walkers and mountain bikers, so keep your dog on-leash and don’t forget to share the path with others.

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

Nearest Town: Gosnells
Distance: 2.1km
Time: Less than 1 hour
Leash rules: On-leash

If you and your dog are after something a little more challenging, check out the Sixty Foot Falls trail in Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, Banyowla Regional Park. Short but steep, it’s the toughest walking trail in the reserve. There’s also limited signage, so have a trail map downloaded on your phone before you go.

The falls are particularly beautiful after a heavy bout of rain, but be wary of the steep and muddy sections after a lot of rainfall (if you have a small dog, they might need carrying over these sections!).

 

7. Trigg Bushland Reserve Loop

Nearest Town: Trigg
Distance: 3.4km
Time: 45 minutes 
Leash rules:  Off-leash

Located in the Northern Suburbs of Perth, a walk through the Trigg Bushland Reserve is not to be missed if you want to take your dog on an off-leash trail closer to the coast.

While allowed off-lead, you need to maintain control of your dog at all times. Along the walk, you’ll be treated to lush surrounding bushland filled with native plants and stunning wildflowers in the spring. On some parts of the track, you’ll also be greeted with ocean vistas in the background. The best of both worlds!

 

8. Kep Track, Mundaring

Nearest Town: Mundaring
Distance: 78.9km
Time: 1 hour – 17 hours
Leash rules: On-leash

Keen to tackle the longest dog-friendly walk in Perth? Why not give the 78.9-km point-to-point Kep Track a go? Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 16 h 44 min to complete.

This trail follows the Golden pipeline from Mundaring Weir 75km to Northam on a well-graded, wide trail that’s dog-friendly (with dogs required to be on-leash).

You can do the whole track (which will take just under 17 hours), or part of the track. It’s a shared track, so you’ll likely stumble upon horses, cyclists, walkers and runners!

9. Spectacles Aboriginal Heritage Trail, Beeliar

Nearest Town: Beeliar
Distance: 5km
Time: 1.5 hours
Leash rules: On-leash

Spectacles Aboriginal Heritage Trail is a moderate and peaceful 5km walk through the Beeliar Regional Park. Meander through Banksia and Paperbark trees and try to keep your dog from chasing the local birdlife (while on-leash, please).

This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and road biking, but this trail is mostly quiet on weekdays. Also, keep a watch out for snakes, which are occasionally spotted on this trail.

 

10. Lake Gwelup Walk Trail

Nearest Town: Gwelup
Distance: 3.2km
Time: 1 hour
Leash rules: On-leash/off-leash

Nestled in the lovely Lake Gwelup Reserve just 20 minutes from Perth CBD, this trail is both on-leash and off-leash as it meanders around the lake. The start of the trail is limestone and bitumen (on-leash), and there are some grassy spots along the walk where your dog can roam leash-free.

 

 

Cyclists and other walkers often use this trail, so give them plenty of room when passing you and your best pal. It is very popular with other dog owners, however, so your fur child is likely to make a new friend or two.

Dog Friendly Trails Safety Tips

Unless you’re in a designated off-leash area, it’s super important you keep your dog on-leash at all times. This isn’t just for their safety (poison and baits can be found in various parks and can be lethal for domestic pets, not to mention the occasional snake or two…), but also for the safety of local fauna (this is especially true for national parks where dogs are never allowed, even on-leash).

Between 2006 and 2017, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital reported 3000 native wildlife injuries by dogs. Even if you think you have the friendliest dog in the world, you can never guarantee what will happen when your dog comes into contact with local wildlife.

Oh, and of course don’t forget to always pick up after your doggy and dispose of the rubbish in a designated bin (don’t bag it and leave it on the floor thinking you’ll come back for it – too many people forget!).

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Final Thoughts

We hope you’ve found some new dog-friendly trails in Perth, Western Australia to try out soon! As you can see, there are so many dog friendly trails to try out. Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed your fave (unless you want to keep it a secret ‘cos fair enough).

If you’re after some of the best dog-friendly walks or hiking trails in other parts of our beautiful country, check out these articles below.

Dog Friendly Walks in Perth FAQs

What is the best dog-friendly walk in Perth?

There are several amazing dog-friendly walking trails in Perth, including Lake Monger in Wembley, Bells Rapids Walk Trail, Sixty Foot Falls Walk Trail in Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, and so many more.

What is the longest dog friendly walk in Perth?

Love a long walk with your dog? The longest dog-friendly walk in Perth is the 78.9-km point-to-point Kep Track trail near Perth. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 16 h 44 min to complete. This trail follows the Golden Pipeline from Mundaring Weir 75km to Northam on a well-graded, wide trail that’s dog-friendly (with dogs required to be on-leash).

Where are dogs allowed in Perth?

Perth is a fairly dog-friendly city, from beaches to parks and cafes and pubs, there are several places you can travel with your four-legged mate. It’s always worthwhile researching your intended destination before you go, as some places have rules in place like certain times dogs are allowed.

Can you take your dog for a walk on the Bibbulmun track?

Dogs are not permitted on the Bibbulmun track as they are not allowed in national parks, water catchments or nature reserves. Most of the Bibbulmun Track runs through these areas, so unfortunately dogs are not permitted.

 

Feature image thanks to @pelusey_life