Serpentine River Crossing and River Walk

The Serpentine River Crossing and River Walk is a quiet patch of river corridor off Wilkinson Road in Baldivis, following the Serpentine past a small weir with birdlife and easy water access. It is a relaxed, on-lead riverside amble rather than a formal trail network, and it is worth being clear about one thing up front: this is not Serpentine National Park upstream, which prohibits dogs entirely.

Leash status

Dogs are welcome here but stay on-lead and under control through the river corridor, which protects the wildlife that makes the walk worth doing. There are no bins, so carry your waste back out with you. Dogs can have a paddle at the crossing, but the flow can run quick after rain, so keep a close eye near the water's edge and keep yours secure.

The walk and hazards

The tracks are flat dirt and gravel, easy underfoot for most fitness levels, with limited natural seating along the way. The river looks its best shortly after rain, when the crossing forms a small weir effect and the water runs proper. That same water is the main hazard: in high flow the crossing can become submerged and impassable, so check conditions before heading down if the crossing matters to your route. Ants can be active along parts of the path in the warm seasons, so watch where your dog plants their feet.

Max: best walked after rain when the weir is running, but check the crossing before committing, it does disappear under water.

Getting there and parking

Access is via Kulija Road and Wilkinson Road, with limited informal parking near the entrance. There is no toilet on site and public transport is very thin out here, so driving is the practical option from Baldivis or Rockingham.

When to go

Weekday mornings and evenings are the quietest, while Sunday afternoons and Friday evenings see the most locals. Winter and spring suit the river best; summer evenings are pleasant but the waterline drops. For a bigger day out, Don Shepherd Nature Reserve Trail adds a wildflower bushwalk nearby, and Baldivis Fenced Dog Park covers the off-lead quota.

Good for a calm riverside sniff rather than a big run, and easy to pair with the other Baldivis walks listed on the Baldivis destination page or in the WA trails index.