Perry Lakes Dog Exercise Area

Perry Lakes Dog Exercise Area is the off-leash section of Perry Lakes Reserve in Floreat, a short drive from Perth's beachside suburbs. Open grass, mature shade trees and lake access make it a firm favourite with locals, and the surrounding reserve adds toilets, barbecues and enough space to make a full morning of it.

The dog setup

The designated exercise area is off lead, but Town of Cambridge rules apply: a person capable of controlling the dog must stay close and keep it in sight, and you must carry a leash so you can clip on when needed. Chasing waterbirds or other wildlife around the lakes is prohibited, which matters here because the lakes attract plenty of birdlife. Dogs are banned from playground equipment areas, and the exercise area sits next to a skate park and playground, so steady nerves and good recall help. Bins and red waste bags are provided, so there is no excuse for leaving anything behind.

Pepsi: the lake water is the best part, a proper paddle and drink after a hard run around the grass.

The vibe

This is a community park rather than a purpose-built dog facility: no fences, no agility gear, just open grass under big trees and water at the edge. The crowd skews local and regular, with the friendly, talkative atmosphere that comes from the same faces every morning. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are quiet; weekend mornings and the after-work block from 5 to 6.30pm are the busiest.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits on Perry Lakes Drive in Floreat, reached from Oceanic Drive or Brookdale Street. Parking is ample and free, including accessible bays, and the reserve is lit for early or late visits, so it works year round. Local bus routes run along Oceanic Drive, and Floreat Forum is a short walk from the entrance if you need supplies.

Worth knowing

Snakes are occasionally reported near the skate park end in warmer months, so stick to open paths and keep dogs out of long grass through summer. If you want to extend the outing, Floreat Dog Beach is minutes away on the coast, and the Reabold Hill Summit Boardwalk gives you a quick bushwalk with city views. Cup & Co Floreat near the reserve is the standard post-run coffee stop. More options sit on the Western Australia parks list and the Floreat destination page.

Browse more dog friendly parks across Western Australia at pawscapes.com.au/parks/state/wa, and everything nearby at pawscapes.com.au/destinations/floreat.