Jarrahdale Railway Trail

Jarrahdale Railway Trail is an 8.2 km out-and-back walk through jarrah forest about 50 km south east of Perth, following the formation of an old 1872 timber tramway. The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale lists it on its official dog-friendly trails page, which makes it a solid choice for a longer bush walk with the dog. Rated moderate, it runs about two to two and a half hours at a steady pace on a mostly gravel track shaded for most of the route, with narrow, slightly steep sections where the old formation climbs.

Leash status

On lead at all times, confirmed by the shire's own dog-friendly trails page: dogs must be securely held on a leash by someone capable of controlling them unless you are in a designated, signed dog exercise area, which this trail is not. Two boundaries matter. Serpentine National Park, a separate reserve close by, does not allow dogs at all, so a wrong turn off the marked trail can take you somewhere your dog cannot legally go; watch the guide markers and stay on the railway formation. Water catchment zones around North Dandalup Dam are likewise closed to dogs, so do not wander past the trail boundary. Pack waste out, because there are no bins on the trail itself.

Water and hazards

Gingagup Brook crosses the route and gives a dog a chance to cool off partway along, though flow depends on the season and summer leaves it thin. The surface is loose pea gravel in stretches, muddy after rain, and the phone reception is patchy in parts, so let someone know your plans before you set off. Kangaroos and native birds are common along the route, worth knowing if your dog is prone to chasing, and the trail shares sections with mountain bikers on the wider network.

Getting there and parking

The trailhead sits near the corner of Nettleton Road and Jarrahdale Road, with a free car park, picnic tables and a large information board. Toilets are available near the trailhead and at Heritage Park. Public transport does not serve Jarrahdale, so driving is the only practical way in.

Pepsi: The brook crossing is the paddle stop. Cool down there before the steeper sections back, and keep the lead on the whole way.

More walks nearby

The Mundlimup Timber Trail is a shorter 3 km forest loop in the same regrowth jarrah. For off-lead time afterwards, Darling Ranges Exclusive Dog Park is close by, and the Jarrahdale RV rest area is handy for an overnight. More in our guide to dog friendly trails in WA and around Jarrahdale.

When to go

The cooler months bring firmer ground and comfortable temperatures, and spring fills the forest edge with wildflowers. Summer is the season to leave this one for dogs that overheat easily: the shade helps, but the longer exposed climbs hold the heat late into the day.