Swan River Foreshore Loop via Heirisson Island

The Swan River Foreshore Loop is a 4.3km flat lap of the river at Burswood, with the Perth skyline across the water and 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.

Leash status

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's bird life, and about the penalty: a $200 infringement under the Dog Act 1976. Explore Parks WA lists Heirisson Island as no dogs and no pets, so treat the island as off the route and walk the foreshore instead.

The walk

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

Water and hazards

The river edge is accessible in places but the attraction is the skyline and the parkland, not swimming; bring your own water for the dog as taps are not confirmed along the route. The main hazard is the island itself: Heirisson holds a resident mob of western grey kangaroos and a fenced kangaroo sanctuary, and kangaroos and dogs go badly in both directions. If you can see roos across the water or a fence, keep moving rather than stopping to look.

When to go

Early morning gives you the skyline light and fewer cyclists, and Perth summer heat makes midday walks rough on dogs. Event days at Optus Stadium flood the area, so check the calendar before going on a weekend.

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. Koolbardi Park Fenced Dog Park at Carlisle is another fenced option with separate big and small dog yards. For a longer on-lead river walk, Perth Foreshore continues the waterside path network.

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. See more dog friendly trails in Western Australia or explore Burswood.

Max: a whole river lap on lead, and the kangaroos I was not allowed to say hello to.