There’s no shortage of fun things to do with your dog in and around Perth. Whether you’re looking for hikes and walks, or want a unique adventure like an historic train ride, find inspiration for plenty of fun dog-friendly day trips around Perth.
#1 Stroll Through Kings Park
There’s no need to head far in Perth for a great dog-friendly walk., Leashed dogs are welcome to join you throughout much of Kings Park, the massive park right on the edge of the city centre. It’s home to the Western Australian Botanic Garden, as well as natural bushland.
Some great spots to go for a walk with your dog include the popular Roe Gardens with its water views and the pretty Water Garden Pavilion nearby. This area is also a great spot to enjoy a picnic with your pup, although make sure your pup doesn’t help themself to any others.
Just note there are some areas in the park where dogs are not allowed, mainly the elevated section of the Federation Walkway and in the Naturescape Park. Also skip heading to the park when certain festivals take place that don’t permit dogs.
#2 Meet the Giants in Mandurah
It’s just an hour’s drive south of Perth to the city of Mandurah, home to the Giants of Mandurah. These impressive recycled wooden sculptures created by Thomas Dambo are just waiting to be discovered by you and your dog.
To start your adventure, head to the Tourist Information Centre, where you can pick up a booklet with QR codes to locate the artworks. Each sculpture is located in a different setting, whether the beach, the bush or marshlands, with varying length walks to reach them between 500m and 3.6km return – part of the adventure!
Five of the six giants are located in dog-friendly locations. Just skip visiting the Secret Giant at Lake Clifton. In any case, it takes longer than a day to visit all six giants for most visitors. Just be warned, the giants will be around forever – at this stage they will be in place until at least the end of 2026.
#3 Taste Wine in the Swan Valley
To enjoy a fun day of wine tasting with your dog by your side, there’s no need to head far. On the eastern edge of Perth is the Swan Valley, the oldest wine region in Western Australia.
There’s a wide variety of cellar doors, breweries and even distilleries that you can visit, many that allow dogs to join you. One winery that is definitely dog-friendly is Ugly Duckling Wines, that welcomes dogs in its outdoor area with picturesque views of the vineyard. The cellar door is open daily for tastings, with cheese platters also available.
For more dog-friendly winery ideas, ask at the visitor centre for tips or check directly with the wineries that you plan to visit. There’s also no shortage of restaurants scattered throughout the valley, perfect for an outdoor lunch with your dog.
#4 Hike to Noble Falls
Heading even further east of Perth, a 25 minute drive from the Swan Valley and a 50 minute drive from the city centre, Noble Falls near Gidegannup is a great spot for a dog-friendly hike. The falls are at their best during the winter months, or visit during the spring enjoy the beautiful wildflower displays in the area.
The walking trail starts from the car park opposite the Noble Falls Tavern, with the option to walk either the full 3.6km walk or a shorter 1.3km version. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the walk, as long as they remain under your full control.
Before or after a walk with your dog, stop in at the Noble Falls Tavern. Enjoy lunch or just a beer, with dogs allowed in the beer garden and on the deck.
#5 Walk at Bells Rapids
Some more great dog-friendly hikes to the east of Perth that aren’t as far out as Noble Falls are the hikes at Bells Rapids Park. With a bridge spanning a section of white water rapids on the Swan River, it’s a popular picnic spot, plus home to two hikes.
The shorter River Walk follows the banks of the Swan River and is relatively flat. Return along the same route to your starting point – it’s 2.5km long in total. The longer Goat Walk is a 3km (or 3.5km according to some sources) loop walk, that ascends to a lookout above the valley, then returns along the River Walk. Be prepared for some steep sections.
Dogs are allowed on-leash throughout Bells Rapids Park, plus off-leash in designated areas. It’s best to put your dog back on leash if other dogs are around or you spot the local grey kangaroos. The park is best visited during winter and spring. By mid-summer the river is relatively dry.
#6 Ride the Hotham Valley Railway
Have you ever wanted to enjoy an historic train ride with your dog by your side? There’s no need to head far, with the Hotham Valley Railway in Dwellingup, about a 75 minute drive south of Perth, welcoming dogs aboard two train rides.
The first option is a traditional steam train ride onboard the Steam Ranger. The two-hour excursion travels along the state’s steepest and most spectacular section of railway. Rides take place on Sundays plus on Wednesdays during school holidays, but only between May and October, not over the summer.
For a year-round dog-friendly adventure hop on board the Dwellingup Forest Train. This two-hour adventure takes you 8km east to Etmilyn, along the state’s last surviving lightly built developmental railway. You’ll also enjoy a walk through the forest. This trip operates year-round on Saturdays, selected public holidays and Sundays when the Steam Ranger isn’t running.
#7 Explore Historic Fremantle
The port city of Fremantle, or Freo for short, is renown as having the most intact 19th-century port city townscape anywhere in the world. It’s a great spot to go for a wander with your dog and explore the city’s history.
Start with a walk down High Street and through the West End. Check out the historic buildings built by merchants and shipping companies, some with informative displays, then continue on to the Fremantle Roundhouse. The state’s oldest remaining building, it was originally built as a gaol and you can enter the basic interior with your dog. Each day at 1pm a canon is fired.
It’s also worthwhile checking out the exterior of the larger Fremantle Prison, which these days is World Heritage listed, although dogs are not allowed inside. Alternatively, head to one of the dog-friendly restaurants at Fremantle Boat Harbour or order a beer at the dog-friendly beer garden at Little Creatures Brewery.
Check out my full guide to visiting Fremantle with your dog
#8 Join a Walking Tour
As well as self-guided walking tours, in Perth you can join an organised walking tour with your dog. Oh Hey WA is a walking tour company in Perth that started in 2014, with the tagline “anything but ordinary”.
Currently, their main walking tour is the Discover Perth Walking Tour. Over three hours, you’ll cover 2km around the city centre, starting from Yagan Square. Find out more about the history of the city, hear quirky stories and get lots of tips of what to eat and drink. Also keep an eye out for their 90 minutes highlight tour.
The company has had dogs join them in the past and they’d love to have more four-legged participants, although consider whether the tour is appropriate for your dog. Plus note that you’ll be bringing a dog at the time of booking in the Special Requirements section.
#9 Cruise on the Swan River
To view the city of Perth from a different perspective, hop onboard a cruise on the Swan River operated by the Little Ferry Company. The only solar electric ferry in WA, the small ferry is delightfully styled with an Edwardian fit-out.
The company operates multiple ferry trips between Elizabeth Quay, On the Point and Optus Stadium on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between October and May. A full trip takes 90 minutes or hop-on and hop-off when you’d like and return on a later service.
Unfortunately, this is one activity where larger dogs are excluded. Only small “lap” dogs are permitted aboard the ferry, as it’s rather petite. Dogs should also be leashed, clean and dry.
#10 Go Sandboarding at Lancelin
About a 90 minute drive north of Perth lies the coastal town of Lancelin. The town is a popular holiday spot for Perth locals plus is well known for sandboarding, that takes place on the sand dunes on the northern edge of town.
Dogs are welcome to join you at the sand dunes, as long as they are kept on a leash. If you don’t have your own gear (or don’t want to improvise with a boogie board), it’s possible to rent sandboards and other equipment onsite.
It’s easier to access the sand dunes with a 4WD. If you only have a a 2WD, you’ll need to park at the entrance and then walk to the sandboarding area.
#11 Sniff the Lavender
Another fun dog-friendly activity to enjoy on the northern edge of Perth is a visit to Lavender Estate. This lavender farm is located just inland from Yanchep and is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday.
Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors at the estate, where you can shop for local products, enjoy a lavender ice cream or dine at the cafe. There’s a sprawling lawn perfect for dog-friendly picnics.
Some of the special lavender treats on the menu including a lavender gin and tonic (including an alcohol-free version), lavender tea, blue lavender lattes and lavender scones. Pizzas and cafe-favourites are also available.
#12 Chill at Riverside Gardens
For a fun morning or afternoon with your dog without travelling far, head to Riverside Gardens. This large park on the banks of the Swan River is located in Bayswater, not far east of the city centre.
The best thing about Riverside Gardens is the variety of options available for pups. There’s off-leash areas on both the west and eastern sides of the park, plus a fenced area. There’s also a dog beach along the river, perfect for warm days. Just stay out of the bird sanctuary area, where dogs are not allowed except on leash along the footpaths.
On weekends, you’ll usually find a coffee van and food truck pulled up at the park. There’s also plenty of BBQs and picnic shelters, as well as drinking fountains for dogs.
#13 Explore Street Art
Unlike regular art which is shown inside in galleries and is strictly off limits to pet dogs, street art is easily accessible to everyone. A walk to check out street art is a fun activity with your dog, although they’re likely to nonplussed about the artworks.
In Perth, a great spot to head is Subiaco, home to the No More Blank Walls street art festival that ran over multiple years. The festival has left a plethora of beautiful murals to admire for years to come. Check out the map for a suggested walking route, that will take you past 11 murals by varying artists, starting at Churchill Avenue.
#14 Head to a Beach
There’s no shortage of great dog-friendly beaches to visit in Perth, with many excellent stretches of sand where dogs are allowed off-leash from Quinns Rocks in the north to Rockingham in the south.
For a complete listing of dog-friendly beaches in Perth, check out my guide. Two of my favourites close to the city are Leighton Dog Beach, immediately south of South Cottesloe, and South Fremantle Dog Beach. But it’s also great to explore new beaches, that are also often quieter.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.