Goat Walk

Goat Walk is the steep loop track at Bells Rapids Park on Cathedral Avenue, Brigadoon, above the Swan River about 45 minutes from Perth. It is roughly 3.3 km and takes about an hour, with loose gravel and a solid climb that pays off in wide views over the Swan Valley toward the Perth skyline. Dogs are welcome but must stay on lead.

The walk

The loop climbs above the rapids on steep, rocky and uneven ground with loose gravel underfoot, and it is not stroller or wheelchair friendly. It gets slippery when wet, so grip on shoes matters more than usual here, and your dog needs to be reasonably sure-footed too.

There is river access at points along the walk and dogs can get a paddle in below the rapids, but flow depends on the season. Expect a lower, slower river over summer and autumn and a much stronger current after winter rain, when footing near the water turns dangerous. There is no reliable tap on the trail, so bring water and a bowl.

Leash status

City of Swan applies an on-lead policy across the park, and it matters on this track: the trail shares space with wildlife and other walkers, and an off-lead dog on the steep, loose sections is a hazard to everyone. Watch for signage if your route extends toward nearby conservation areas where pets are restricted outright.

Max: keep the lead short on the descent. Loose gravel plus a dog pulling toward the river is how people go over.

Getting there and parking

Bells Rapids Park sits on Cathedral Avenue, Brigadoon, reached via Great Northern Highway and Cathedral Avenue. Gravel parking sits at the base near the rapids, with picnic areas by the riverbank and toilets in the park. Public transport does not really reach here, so driving is the practical option.

More walks nearby

The Bells Rapids Goat Trail covers the longer 3.4 km circuit through the same park if the loop leaves you wanting more, and Swan View Fenced Dog Park is the off-lead option if your dog finished on-lead and still has energy.

In the valley, Jane Brook Coffee in Middle Swan and Nordie Cafe at Red Hill are dog-friendly cafe stops on the drive home. More routes sit in our guide to dog walks in Western Australia and our Brigadoon with the dogs page.

Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends, which get busy in the mornings. Go after winter rain for the rapids at full voice, but keep dogs well back from the edge. This suits confident walkers with sure-footed dogs rather than small or nervous ones.