Pickering Brook and Perth Observatory Loop

The Pickering Brook and Perth Observatory Loop is a 10.9 km circuit through marri and banksia forest in the Perth Hills at Bickley, about 40 minutes from the city. Dogs are welcome on lead, which is unusual for this part of the hills because most of the surrounding conservation estate is closed to them. The real challenge is navigation rather than climbing.

Leash status

On lead the whole way. The loop crosses land managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the City of Kalamunda, and the boundaries matter: the neighbouring Bickley Reservoir Walk Trail does not permit dogs, and John Forrest National Park is closed to them outright, so stay on the loop rather than improvising a connector. Other walkers report loose dogs out here, which is not the rule and is a good reason to keep yours close.

The walk

AllTrails rates it moderate and allows two and a half to three hours. The grade is gentle for most of the distance, so it is the 10.9 km that earns the rating, and the loop closes without doubling back. Signage is minimal to absent in places and mobile coverage drops out in the gullies, so download the route before you leave the car.

Water

There is none. No tap at the trailhead and nothing along the way, so ten kilometres means carrying a proper bladder and a bowl rather than rationing one bottle.

Hazards

Snakes are active from about October to April, and dry sclerophyll country like this is exactly where they sun themselves on the track edge. The route shares fire trails and Munda Biddi sections with mountain bikers moving quickly, so keep your dog beside you on the fast stretches.

Pepsi: ten kilometres, no water on course, no shade guarantee in the middle of the day. Do the maths on the carry before you start, not halfway up.

Getting there

A small parking area sits near the junction of Walnut Road and Lockwood Road at Bickley, next to the Perth Observatory. Allow 35 to 45 minutes from the Perth CBD via Kalamunda. Public transport gets no closer than Kalamunda, which leaves a long walk in, so drive.

Pair it with

Mason & Bird at Kalamunda takes dogs on the terrace and the Kalamunda Hotel is the pub option for a bigger feed. For other dog-legal hills walks, the Jorgensen Park Walk Trail and the Lesmurdie Brook Loop are the reliable picks.

March to November is the window, early in the day, and skip the hot months unless you are out at first light. More options are on the Western Australia dog friendly trails guide and the Bickley destination page.