Bells Rapids Goat Trail

Bells Rapids Goat Trail climbs through Bells Rapids Park in Brigadoon, in the Swan Valley about 45 minutes north-east of Perth. It is a 3.4 km moderate circuit with river views, a suspension bridge over the rapids and a reliable chance of kangaroos, and dogs are welcome on lead the whole way.

The walk

The Goat Trail runs about 3.4 km one way and back, rated moderate rather than easy, and takes most walkers an hour to an hour and a half depending on pace and photo stops. Underfoot it is loose gravel and rock rather than smooth path, with steep, uneven sections near the cliffs above the rapids. A pedestrian suspension bridge crosses the river partway along and is the best vantage point over the water.

If 3.4 km is more than your dog can manage, the shorter Copley Road and Bells Rapids Goat Walk loop covers a similar river-side stretch in around 2 km without losing the views.

Leash status

Dogs stay on lead at all times. City of Swan, which manages the park, confirms the on-lead policy, so this is a walk rather than an off-lead run. Stick to the designated tracks and keep your dog clear of the grey kangaroos that graze through the area, particularly on blind corners.

Water

The rapids run highest in winter and spring and can dry back to a trickle by late summer. The area is not recommended for swimming, so treat the river as a lookout rather than a splash stop and carry water and a bowl for your dog, since there is no safe drinking source along the trail.

Max: this is a rock-and-ankle sort of walk. The uneven surface can twist a paw as easily as a foot, and a lead stops your dog bolting at a kangaroo on a tight corner.

Getting there

Head along Great Northern Highway, turn onto Cathedral Avenue and follow the signs to the large free gravel car park. Public toilets are available at the park. There is no public transport to the trailhead, so driving is the practical option.

Close by with the dogs

The neighbouring Goat Walk shares the same park and suits a shorter outing. After the drive home, Jane Brook Coffee in Middle Swan and Nordie Café at Red Hill are cafe stops in the valley, and Swan View Fenced Dog Park is the local option if your dog needs an off-lead run.

When to go

Winter and spring are the standout months, when the rapids are running and the exposed sections are cool. Summer mornings work if you start early, but the rocky climbs hold heat and offer little shade, so skip midday. Expect the car park to fill on spring weekends.

More options are on the Western Australia dog walks guide and the Brigadoon destination page.