Butterflies, Birds and Bridges Trail

The Butterflies, Birds and Bridges Trail is a 3.7 km loop through Canning River Regional Park at Wilson, about twenty minutes southeast of the Perth CBD. It is flat, hard surfaced nearly the whole way, and dogs walk it on lead.

The walk. A 3.7 km circuit graded easy, comfortably done in three quarters of an hour. The path is a sealed dual use trail running through paperbark stands, past open grass and across a series of bridges over the wetland channels. The surface holds up for prams and wheels, and there is no climbing to speak of.

The rules. Dogs are welcome on lead. The park is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions together with the City of Canning, and the lead rule is doing real work here rather than sitting on a sign. The wetland margins are habitat for a very large resident bird population, and a dog off the path is a dog in the nesting areas. Stay on the formed trail and off the mudflats. Entry is free.

Water. The trail traces the Canning River and passes Kent Street Weir. The lower reach is tidal, so at low water you get exposed mudflats rather than a swimming edge, which is good for bird spotting and poor for a paddle. There are drinking water points along the route, but carry a bowl.

Hazards. Snakes are about in the warmer months, roughly September through April, and wetland edges are exactly where they sit. A short lead and a dog kept on the hard path is the whole of the precaution.

Getting there. Drive to the car park at the end of Kent Street, Wilson, signposted as Kent Street Weir. It is roughly a twenty minute run from the city. By train, Cannington Station is the closest, with connecting buses to stops near the park. The flat dual use paths are popular with cyclists, so keep your dog to one side.

Nearby with the dogs. Canning River Nature Walk covers the same reserve over a shorter distance. Wilson Park Fenced Dog Park is close by when the lead needs to come off, and Espressoul Coffee and Kitchen at Riverton is the nearest coffee with a dog at your feet.

When to go. Weekday mornings are quietest. Spring brings the wildflowers and the best of the birdlife. Sundays between ten and two are the busiest stretch of the week, and the car park fills fast on a sunny weekend. Good for seniors, and for dogs who do better on a predictable, even surface.

Sources

• Wilson Wetlands - Explore Parks WA · exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au
• Butterflies, Birds and Bridges Loop, Canning River Regional Park - Trails WA · trailswa.com.au
• Butterflies, Birds and Bridges Trail - Western Australia - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com
• Kent Street Weir, Canning River Regional Park - Nature Play WA · www.natureplaywa.org.au

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