Causeway Bridge to Windan Bridge via Swan River

The Causeway Bridge to Windan Bridge stretch along the Swan River is a flat, paved 6.8 km walk through East Perth, rated moderate on AllTrails and holding a strong 4.8 from 115 reviews. Budget around 1.5 to 2 hours, and know before you go that dogs must stay on lead the entire way.

The walk. This is a shared-use path, not a bushwalk, so the surface is sealed and dead flat the whole route. It runs past Mardalup Park and Victoria Gardens, skirts Chevron Parkland and Point Fraser, and continues near Heirisson Island before tracking under and around the Causeway and Windan Bridge. Treat it as a return walk unless you have arranged a pickup, since it is a linear route rather than a loop.

The rules. The City of Perth and Town of Victoria Park manage this path, and dogs must be on lead for its full length, including through the Heirisson Island and Stirling Gardens sections. There is no fenced off-lead area anywhere on this route itself. One firm limit to know: dogs are not permitted within 5 metres of playgrounds along the path, so keep well clear if you are passing one with kids around.

Water. The route runs alongside the Swan River for its entire length, so there are regular river views, though this is not a route built around swimming access.

Hazards. Some sections have limited shade and get properly exposed in summer heat, so this is one to walk early or late on hot days rather than midday. The main other thing to watch for is bike and scooter traffic on the shared path.

Getting there. Paid parking is available at Point Fraser, or you can find free or timed street parking on Royal Street near Mardalup Park. The free Yellow CAT bus runs into East Perth, and Claisebrook train station is a short walk from the route, both solid options if you would rather skip parking altogether.

Poop bags and bins are provided at the major access points along the way.

Nearby with the dogs. If your dog needs a proper off-lead run before or after this on-lead walk, both Ozone Reserve Fenced Dog Park and Victory Terrace Fenced Dog Park are nearby. For a longer river day, continue on to Elizabeth Quay via Point Fraser, or base yourselves at Quest East Perth for the weekend.

When to go. Early morning or late afternoon suit this path best, when the exposed sections are cooler and the shared path is quieter. Good for seniors and steady walkers who want river scenery without any hills or rough ground underfoot.

Sources

• Windan Bridge Loop, East Perth - Trails WA · trailswa.com.au
• Causeway Bridge to Windan Bridge via Swan River - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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