Noble Falls

A 3.6 km walk along Wooroloo Brook to a waterfall in the Perth Hills, about 50 km north east of the city at Gidgegannup. It is easy, it is free, and the City of Swan allows dogs on lead, which is why it has a reputation as one of the more dependable dog walks within reach of Perth. The thing that decides your day is timing, because the falls only run properly after winter rain.

The walk. Trails WA puts the trail at 3.6 km and AllTrails at 3.7 km, taking about an hour at an easy grade. The path is unsealed and follows the brook, with the falls and rapids as the centrepiece near the car park end and a reserve full of birdlife beyond. Wildflowers come through in spring.

The rules. The City of Swan is the land manager and dogs are welcome on lead. Keep to the formed path, both to protect the wildflower areas and because the ground either side erodes quickly. Bring bags and carry the waste out with you.

Water. Wooroloo Brook is the walk, and it is seasonal. From about June to September you get flowing water and a waterfall worth the drive. By late summer the brook is a chain of still pools and the falls are dry rock, so do not plan a hot day here on the assumption your dog can cool off in it.

Getting there. Drive east along Toodyay Road; the reserve is signposted on the right just past the Gidgegannup townsite, roughly a 45 to 55 minute drive from central Perth. Parking is free gravel directly off the road, with picnic tables, barbecues and toilets on site. Public transport does not usefully reach here, so treat it as a car trip.

Nearby with the dogs. Noble Falls Tavern sits directly across Toodyay Road from the reserve and is the obvious stop afterwards, with outdoor areas that take dogs. Two more Gidgegannup walks are close by: F.R. Berry Reserve Walk Trail and Berry Walk Trail Waterfall (8). Down the hill, Swan View Fenced Dog Park is the nearest fenced run, and The Carriage at Mundaring makes a dog friendly base for a weekend in the hills.

When to go. June to September for water, and October for wildflowers. Weekdays are quiet and Sunday mornings are the busiest, and the car park is small enough that arriving before 9.30am on a weekend genuinely matters. Good for nervous walkers and big runners alike: a wide path, a gentle grade, and just enough length to take the edge off.

Sources

• Noble Falls Walk Trail, Gidgegannup - Trails WA · trailswa.com.au
• Noble Falls - Western Australia - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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