Rotary South Bank River Trail

A 2.3 km loop along both banks of the Margaret River, starting and finishing at Rotary Park on Bussell Highway at the northern edge of town. It is the easiest riverside walk in Margaret River with a dog, and the thing to know before you set off is where it stops: the loop is shire land and dogs are welcome on lead, but the Wadandi Track carries on from here into national park, where dogs are not permitted.

The walk. AllTrails logs 2.3 km and about half an hour at an easy grade. Crushed gravel with boardwalk sections, a few small sets of stairs, and a genuine loop rather than an out and back, so you finish where the car is. The river runs beside you for most of it and the forest is close enough to feel cool on a warm day.

The rules. The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River manages Rotary Park and the trail, and its rule is plain: in public places dogs are on a lead at all times unless you are inside a designated dog exercise area, and this is not one. Stay out of the fenced playground at Rotary Park. The limit that matters is at the far end, where the path feeds into the section of the Wadandi Track running through national park, which is closed to dogs. Turn at the park boundary and take the loop home.

Water. The river here is not tidal and runs fresh, with easy bank access in a few places. Flow is strongest through winter and spring. By late summer it drops a long way and the pools go still, so carry water rather than counting on the river.

Getting there. Rotary Park sits directly on Bussell Highway at the northern entrance to town; look for the white archway. Parking is free and plentiful, and there are toilets, sheltered picnic tables and barbecues. From the main street it is a short walk, so you can leave the car in town and start from there.

Nearby with the dogs. The Wadandi Track is the longer rail trail this path connects into, worth knowing for the sections that are open to dogs. For a proper run, Brookfield Dog Park and Georgette Drive Dog Park are both minutes away. Aldo's Cafe and Blue Ginger Fine Foods handle the coffee, and Riverview Tourist Park is the pet friendly base closest to the trailhead.

When to go. Spring for wildflowers, autumn for the light, and early morning any time of year if you want it quiet. From mid morning at weekends the park end fills with families. Good for seniors and short legs: flat, shaded and short enough to do twice.

Sources

• Dog Exercise Areas - Shire of Augusta Margaret River · www.amrshire.wa.gov.au
• Rotary Park Margaret River · www.margaretriver.com

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