Kadidjiny Park

Kadidjiny Park is one of the most talked about playgrounds in Perth's southern suburbs: a Dr Seuss themed, fully fenced children's playground with slides, climbing structures and shade, ringed by barbecue facilities, grass and a bike track that keeps smaller wheels busy. For dog owners the important planning fact comes straight from the City of Melville's dog exercise information: this is an on leash park, with dogs permitted across the general reserve on lead only, and no off leash exercise zone here.

The dog setup

Council rules put dogs on leash across the reserve, and the fenced children's playground area is prohibited to dogs altogether, which is easy to respect given the fencing makes its boundary obvious. What the park offers instead is a pleasant on lead circuit: wide paths, shaded edges and open lawns that suit a steady sniff and stroll while the kids burn energy on the slides, with barbecues and seating making it work as a family outing rather than a quick lap. Families juggling children and dogs are well served by the arrangement, since the enclosed playground keeps the two worlds separated. Bring water for the dog and keep the leash short near the bike track, where small riders come through fast; shaded corners along the western side give both of you a break in summer.

Getting there and parking

The park sits on Kitchener Road in Melville, between Canning Highway and the river suburbs, with parking on the adjacent streets and access from a couple of sides. It is open around the clock, so early morning and evening walks dodge both the heat and the playground rush, which peaks on weekend mornings and school holidays. The reserve is a short drive from the Applecross and Bicton café strips, which is handy for pairing the walk with coffee.

On the way home: Delicious Fingers is the Melville cafe to check locally, while Blendcraft at Bicton and Pig & Fig Cafe at Attadale cover the neighbouring river suburbs, and Bull Creek Tavern is the dog friendly pub option a suburb across. The full local shortlist is in the Melville guide.