Reabold Hill Summit Boardwalk

Reabold Hill is the highest natural point on the Swan Coastal Plain, and the boardwalk to the top of it sits inside Bold Park at Floreat, about ten minutes from the Perth CBD. Dogs are welcome, but this is an A class conservation reserve and the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority enforces a two metre lead limit strictly, so leave the retractable and the long line at home.

The walk. The summit boardwalk is a 200 metre elevated timber ramp with landings and seating, five to ten minutes from the car park. The wider recorded route via the Ocean View lookout runs about 3.5 kilometres and takes most people an hour, on boardwalk and limestone bush track. It is graded easy, and from the top you get views over the city, the Indian Ocean and out to Rottnest.

The rules. Dogs must be on a lead no longer than two metres anywhere in Bold Park. The land manager is the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, the same body that runs Kings Park, and rangers do check. Stay on the boardwalk and formed tracks, because the banksia and wattle understorey either side is why the reserve is A class. Pick up after your dog and carry it out, as bins are thin here.

Water and shade. There is no drinking water at the summit and no toilets, so fill up before you leave the car. The boardwalk is fully exposed and the bush track below has patchy shade, making this a poor midday walk in summer for a dog in a dark coat.

Getting there. The summit car park is on Scenic Drive, off Ocean View Parade. It is small and fills before sunset. Vehicle gates open 7am to 6pm from April to September and 6am to 8pm from October to March, though people on foot can come and go at any hour. There is no lighting, so an after dark visit means a torch.

Nearby with the dogs. The Zamia Trail loops through the same park if you want a longer walk, Perry Lakes Dog Exercise Area is the closest place to let a dog stretch off lead, and Cup & Co Floreat is a few minutes away for coffee afterwards.

When to go. Early on a weekday morning, or in September and October when the wildflowers are out. Sunset is the busiest hour of the week and the car park will beat you to it. Good for seniors, given how little climbing the boardwalk asks for.

Sources

• Bold Park frequently asked questions - Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority · www.bgpa.wa.gov.au
• Reabold Hill - Bold Park · www.bgpa.wa.gov.au
• Reabold Hill Summit Boardwalk, Bold Park, Floreat - Trails WA · trailswa.com.au

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