Totterdell Park

Totterdell Park is the City of Perth's off lead pocket in West Perth, taking up the block bounded by Thomas Street, Prowse Street and Arthur Street. Council lists it as a designated dog exercise area, which means your dog can run free here at any hour, and the 24 hour access makes it a genuine option for shift workers and early risers alike. The block is a mix of open grass and established trees, with enough room for a proper fetch session rather than a token sniff around the edge.

The rules are the standard City of Perth off lead conditions. Your dog needs to stay under effective voice or hand control, you are required to carry a leash at all times, and the children's playground area is off limits to dogs entirely. Council registration and waste pickup rules apply as they do across the city's reserves, so bring bags. Because the ground is unfenced, it suits dogs with a reliable recall; if yours is still learning, keep the long line on and work the quieter western side.

Worth knowing

This is a neighbourhood park rather than a destination dog park, so there are no agility structures or dedicated wash stations, and weekend mornings can fill with local regulars who all know each other's dogs. The playground exclusion zone is the main thing to watch with an enthusiastic dog heading for the swings. Street parking on Arthur Street and the surrounding blocks is timed but generally available outside business hour peaks, and the free CAT bus stops within a short walk if you are coming from the CBD. Shade from the mature trees makes midsummer mornings workable, and the flat, open layout keeps dogs in sight from most points on the perimeter path.

Close by with the dogs

A walk through West Perth pairs well with a stop afterwards. West End Deli and Gather on Hay are both cafe options where the outdoor tables suit a tired dog, and BrewDog Perth covers the end of day crowd. Our West Perth guide and the WA park list round out the area.