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 Perth. It is flat, sealed nearly the whole way and comfortable in three quarters of an hour, and dogs are welcome on lead.

The walk

The circuit runs out of Kent Street Weir through paperbark stands and the Wilson Wetlands, crossing a series of bridges over the wetland channels. The surface is a sealed dual-use path that handles prams and wheels without complaint, and there is no climbing to speak of.

Leash status

Dogs on lead, confirmed with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the City of Canning, who jointly manage the park. Here the rule does real work: the wetland margins are habitat for a 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 and hazards

The trail traces the Canning River and the lower reach is tidal, so low water leaves mudflats rather than a swimming edge. Drinking water points sit along the route but carry a bowl.

Snakes are active through the warmer months, roughly September to April, and wetland edges are exactly where they sit, so keep the lead short where the path narrows.

Max: long leads and reed beds do not mix. Shorten up between the water and the scrub and you will see the snake before your dog does.

Getting there

Drive to the car park at the end of Kent Street, Wilson, signposted as Kent Street Weir. By train, Cannington is the closest station with connecting buses.

The shared paths are popular with cyclists, so keep your dog to one side.

More walks nearby

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

More options are in the WA dog friendly trails guide and on the Wilson destination page.

Weekday mornings are quietest and spring brings the best birdlife. Sundays between ten and two are the busiest stretch, and the car park fills fast on a sunny weekend.

Good for dogs who do better on a predictable, even surface.