Whistlepipe Gully Trailhead - Forrestfield

Whistlepipe Gully is a creek-side loop in Mundy Regional Park, on the Darling Scarp between Forrestfield and Kalamunda. The track follows a stream past granite outcrops and a run of small waterfalls, with views opening over the coastal plain as you climb, and dogs are welcome on lead, which makes it one of the better Perth Hills walks you can share with a dog.

The walk

It is roughly a 3.5-kilometre loop, moderate in grade, taking about an hour to an hour and a half. Expect narrow, rocky and occasionally steep sections rather than a smooth stroll, and remember the old house ruins partway around are part of the character.

Native bush gives decent tree cover along much of the route, and the best walking is in winter and spring when the creek is flowing and the wildflowers are out.

Leash status

Dogs must be on lead at all times through this part of the regional park, and rangers do patrol. Keep to the path to protect the jarrah forest understorey and wildlife, carry your own bags, and note there are no bins or toilets at the trailhead.

Water and terrain

The creek runs alongside much of the loop and dogs like to splash at the seasonal pools, but there is no drinking tap, so carry water and a bowl for both of you. The granite rocks near the water are slick after rain and the natural surface turns muddy through winter.

Hazards

The track narrows in spots, so shorten the lead when passing other walkers and dogs. Fox baiting is used in parts of the surrounding park, another reason to keep your dog on the path and out of the bushes. It is not a pram-friendly track.

Getting there

Access is via the small car park at the northern end of Lewis Road in Forrestfield. It fills quickly on weekends, so arrive early or be prepared to park further down the hill, and mind the verge parking restrictions. Public transport is limited, so most people drive.

When to go

Early on a weekday morning is the sweet spot for parking and space on the narrow track; sunny weekend mornings are busiest. It suits fit dogs that can handle rocky ground, and is less kind to very small or heat-sensitive dogs in summer.

Pair it with

Kalamunda town centre is a short drive up the hill for a post-walk coffee, with Mason and Bird among the dog-friendly stops.

For a lead-free leg of the day, Hartfield Park dog exercise area is the suburb's big off-lead space, and the Valley Loop trailhead is another Mundy Regional Park walk nearby.

More walks like this are on the Western Australia trail guide, and the area's other listings sit on the Forrestfield destination page.