Perth Water Circuit via Boorioo Bridge and Narrows Bridge

A 9.5 km lap of Perth Water on sealed foreshore path, crossing the river at the Narrows at one end and at the eastern bridges by Heirisson Island at the other. Flat, paved and lit, it is the easiest long walk in Perth with a dog. Almost all of it is on lead, and the exceptions are mapped rather than obvious.

The walk. AllTrails logs 9.5 km and about two hours at a steady pace. Concrete and asphalt the whole way with gravel sections on Heirisson Island, no climb worth the name, and water beside you throughout. Because it closes on itself you can start anywhere, or halve it by crossing at the Causeway.

The rules. The City of South Perth covers the southern foreshore, and its position is that dogs are on lead in public places unless a sign or the council map says otherwise. The foreshore has a published dog exercise map showing on lead, off lead and not permitted zones, worth a look first, because areas that used to be off lead no longer are, car parks and playgrounds among them. Three limits are worth memorising. Dogs stay five metres clear of playgrounds and play spaces. Dogs are not permitted on paths designated for bikes, on skate parks or on bike tracks. Dogs are not permitted in the city's wetlands, bushland or conservation areas, though they may be walked on lead on the formed paths through them. The northern half of the loop sits under the City of Perth, so a lead is the safe default throughout.

Hazards. Cyclists and commuters. Between 7am and 9am, and again from 4pm, the shared path carries fast bikes in both directions, and a dog on a long lead across that path is the accident everyone can see coming. Summer pavement is the other, dark and unshaded for long stretches.

Water. Drinking fountains sit at intervals along the South Perth foreshore and around Elizabeth Quay. The Swan is tidal here and the foreshore is not a swimming spot; treat the river as scenery and carry a bowl.

Getting there. Parking is at the Boatshed and Coode Street car parks on the South Perth side, paid at most times. Mends Street Jetty is the usual starting point and the most scenic. A Transperth ferry crosses between Elizabeth Quay and Mends Street, but check its conditions for pets before building the return leg around it.

Nearby with the dogs. South Perth Foreshore is the shorter version of the same walk. Elizabeth Quay via Point Fraser and Swan River Foreshore Loop via Heirisson Island overlap the northern half. Olives Reserve Fenced Dog Park at Como is the fully enclosed off leash option. Little Angelo is the coffee stop on the South Perth side, and The Camfield handles the other end.

When to go. Before 8am or after the evening commute clears. Weekends from 8am to 11am are the busiest hours on the path. Good for big runners who need distance without hills, and for seniors, since you can cut it short at any bridge.

Sources

• Dog Exercise Areas - City of South Perth · southperth.wa.gov.au
• Dog Prohibited Areas - City of South Perth · southperth.wa.gov.au

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