Whiteman Loop via Village Junction and Zamia Station

This 8.4 km sealed loop circles the heart of Whiteman Park, about 20 minutes north east of the Perth CBD, passing the Bennett Brook Railway stops at Village Junction and Zamia Station. It is flat, easy underfoot and one of the most reliable kangaroo sightings near Perth. The rule that shapes the day is simple: dogs on lead everywhere, with one fenced exception.

The dog setup

The whole 3,700 hectare park is on lead. The single off lead option is the fenced Whiteman Park Fenced Dog Park at Mussel Pool East, which runs to 2.5 hectares with a separate section for dogs under 10 kg, shaded seating and an obstacle course. It closes on alternate Thursdays for maintenance, so check before building the day around it.

No other pets are allowed in the park at all, and dogs must stay clear of wildlife. Kangaroos graze close to the path here and some will stand their ground rather than hop off, so a short lead and a wide berth matter more than usual.

Max: a big roo that turns and faces your dog is not bluffing. Keep the lead short, walk wide and keep moving.

The walk itself

AllTrails rates the loop moderate on distance rather than terrain, allowing two to two and a half hours. The surface is sealed the whole way, suiting prams and bikes, and the route threads banksia woodland and open grassland. The park's bush trails such as the Werillyiup and Wunanga walks are separate, unsealed options if you want a shorter second visit.

Getting there and parking

Drive in via the Drumpellier Drive entrance. Car Park 23 at Mussel Pool East and the spaces near the Village are the useful ones for this loop. Free entry, free parking, and toilets and drinking fountains at both hubs. Transperth's Ellenbrook line also stops at Whiteman Park Station if you would rather arrive by train.

While you're out there

Free biodegradable bags are stocked at the visitor centre, the dog park and the Lord Street entrance. If the loop leaves you thirsty, Young Mugs Cafe in nearby Ballajura is a dog friendly coffee stop on the drive home, and Swan Valley wineries sit within ten minutes for anyone pairing the walk with lunch.

More sealed circuits and bushwalks are listed in the Western Australia dog friendly trails guide and on the Whiteman destination page.

Leash status

On lead park wide. Off lead only inside the fenced dog park at Mussel Pool East.

Water

Drinking fountains at the Village and Mussel Pool East. Bring a bowl for the middle stretches.

Hazards

Kangaroos on and beside the path, and nesting wildlife in the wetlands. Shared with bikes on the sealed loop.

When to go

Early morning for calm roo encounters and cooler air, or late afternoon for the light through the banksias. Wildflowers peak in spring on the woodland sections.