South Perth Foreshore

The South Perth Foreshore is a 4.8 km riverside walk along Sir James Mitchell Park, running from the Narrows Bridge to Ellam Street with the Perth skyline across the water the whole way. The useful thing to know before you arrive: the paved path is on lead, but big grassed sections of the park behind it are declared off-lead dog exercise areas.

The walk. Flat, sealed and shared with cyclists, about an hour at an easy pace and closer to an hour and a half if you stop. It works as an out and back, or as a longer loop if you cross at the bridges.

The rules. The City of South Perth requires dogs on lead on the shared path and in the car parks. The off-lead exercise areas are the sections marked green on the council dog exercise map, generally the open lawn on the inland side of the path, so read the signs rather than assuming the grass is fair game. Dogs must stay 5 m clear of playgrounds and play spaces, and are not permitted in the wetlands, bushland and conservation areas, or on designated bike paths and skate parks. Bag dispensers and bins are spread along the route.

Water. Fountains with dog bowls are dotted along the path, and there is real shade from mature trees, which matters here in summer. The Swan is tidal, and low tide exposes sandy mudflats that dogs love and that come back up the path on four muddy feet.

Getting there. Paid parking runs along South Perth Esplanade with some free parking in the side streets behind it. The Transperth ferry from Elizabeth Quay to Mends Street Jetty carries dogs on a lead or in a carrier, which is the best arrival in the city. Buses run along Labouchere Road. Toilets, barbecues and picnic tables cluster near Mends Street.

Nearby with the dogs. The Perth Water Circuit via Boorioo Bridge and Narrows Bridge extends this into a full river loop. Olives Reserve Fenced Dog Park in Como is the fenced option nearby. For coffee, Little Angelo and Split on Angelo are both a short walk up from the water.

When to go. Between 6 am and 8 am, or on a weekday, for a quiet path. Sunset is the best view and the busiest hour. Weekends around the Mends Street jetty and the playgrounds are hectic. Good for seniors and for dogs who want a long flat walk with a lawn to stretch on at the end.

Sources

• Dog Exercise Areas | City of South Perth · southperth.wa.gov.au
• South Perth Foreshore, 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.