Swan River Foreshore Loop via Heirisson Island

The Swan River Foreshore Loop is a 4.3 km flat lap of the river at Burswood, with the Perth skyline across the water and the Matagarup Bridge at one end. The route is named for Heirisson Island, and that is the part to sort out before you go: the island is signed as no dogs, so the walk your dog can do is the foreshore, not the crossing.

The rules. Burswood Park is managed by the Burswood Park Board and dogs are on lead everywhere in it, with no off-lead corner anywhere in the park. The board is direct about the reason, which is the park bird life, and about the penalty, a $200 infringement under the Dog Act 1976. The island is stricter again. Explore Parks WA lists Heirisson Island as no dogs and no pets, and it holds a resident mob of western grey kangaroos as well as a fenced kangaroo sanctuary. Treat the island as off the route and walk the foreshore instead.

The walk. AllTrails rates it easy and allows about an hour for the 4.3 km. Sealed concrete path the whole way, flat, running through the manicured Burswood Parklands and along natural riverbank, and it closes as a loop. It is a busy shared path, so expect cyclists and runners moving at pace.

Where the dog can run. GO Edwards Park Fenced Dog Park across Great Eastern Highway in the Town of Victoria Park is the nearest fenced off-lead area, and the board points people to it directly.

Getting there. Free three hour parking sits under the Causeway Bridge, and Burswood Park has parking of its own. On foot you can come in from East Perth across the river crossings, and both the Perth CAT buses and East Perth station put you within walking distance.

Nearby with the dogs. The Camfield is the obvious stop at the stadium end. Across the water, Sonder Coffee and Mrs. S Cafe both take dogs outside. For more riverside kilometres, the South Perth Foreshore and Causeway Bridge to Windan Bridge via Swan River pick up where this loop ends.

When to go. Early morning or late afternoon. The path is exposed and the concrete holds heat right through a Perth summer afternoon. Good for big runners who need flat distance close to the city.

Sources

• Dogs - Burswood Park · burswoodpark.wa.gov.au
• Heirisson Island - Explore Parks WA · exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au
• Swan River Foreshore Loop via Heirisson Island - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.