Maylands Peninsular Loop

The Maylands Peninsular Loop is a flat 4.8 km circuit around a bend of the Swan River, taking in wetland, riverfront and a couple of the older buildings left in this part of Perth. It is fully paved, which makes it one of the more accessible river walks in the city.

The walk. About an hour for the 4.8 km, rated easy and flat the whole way. The surface is sealed and even, which suits prams and dogs who find rough ground hard. The loop passes the Maylands Brickworks, Lake Bungana and the river foreshore, with city and stadium views across the water.

The rules. City of Bayswater manages the foreshore, and dogs must be on lead along the loop, particularly through the Baigup Wetland Reserve where the birdlife is the entire point of the reserve. Keep clear of the signed sensitive wetland areas, and give playgrounds and sports grounds a wide berth.

Water. Carry your own for the walk. The Swan is tidal here and the banks are mostly mudflat rather than beach, so it is not a swimming stretch.

Hazards. Mosquitoes are the real nuisance on this one. The route runs through wetland and salt marsh, and repellent is worth packing from spring onward.

Getting there. Maylands Station on the Midland line is the closest train, leaving a short walk to the loop. Driving, there is free parking at the Maylands Brickworks off Swanbank Road and along Clarkson Reserve.

Nearby with the dogs. Riverside Gardens is the large off-lead exercise area just upriver with river access. The Bayswater and Ascot River Trails carry the riverside walking further east. Noggos Kitchen and Coffee on Peninsula Road and The Oarhouse on the Bayswater side both have outdoor seating.

When to go. Early morning or late afternoon, especially through the Perth summer when the paved surface holds heat. Weekdays are much quieter than weekend mornings, when the cyclists are out. Good for seniors and for dogs who need flat, even ground.

Sources

• Dog Exercise Areas - City of Bayswater · www.bayswater.wa.gov.au
• Baigup Wetland, Bayswater and Maylands - Trails WA · trailswa.com.au
• Maylands Peninsular Loop - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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