Causeway Bridge to Windan Bridge via Swan River

The Causeway Bridge to Windan Bridge stretch along the Swan River is a flat, paved walk through East Perth, about 3.2 km one way and 6.8 km as the out and back AllTrails logs. Budget around 1.5 to 2 hours for the full return, 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.

Leash status

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, on a lead of up to two metres held by a competent person. There is no off lead area anywhere on this route itself, and dogs are not permitted within 5 metres of playgrounds along the path.

Max: This path is shared with cyclists and scooters moving at speed, so keep your dog close and to the left rather than letting the lead drift across the full width of the path.

Water and hazards

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. Some sections have limited shade and get properly exposed in summer heat, so walk early or late on hot days. Bike and scooter traffic is the other thing to watch on the shared path.

Getting there and parking

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

While you're out there

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

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.