Perth is a city full of parks and nature reserves. Most places are fine for us humans to workout in, but it’s hard to know what are the best locations for exercising your dog too.
You get home from work, and it's common to a toss-up between a walk around the block with the pooch or going to the gym for a workout.
But finding the right destination makes it possible to do both at once. We have compiled a guide to the best dog exercise areas in Perth, where both you and your dog can get an equal workout.
- Sir James Mitchell Park
- Jorgensen Park
- Bold Park
- South Beach Dog Beach
- Charles Riley Reserve
- If You Can’t Go Outside: Startrack Treadmill
Sir James Mitchell Park
Sir James Mitchell Park is a perfect dog exercise area in Perth. Located in South Perth, along the Swan River, the park boasts wide expanses of soft green grass, with a spectacular view of the city.
While this not a dedicated dog park in Perth, it has everything your pooch needs. With plenty of space to run and explore, they are bound to stay active. There are doggy bags and bins available throughout, as well as modified water fountains with dog bowls at the bottom.
On top of all the perks, the park doesn’t get very busy. You’ll always find a car park and have plenty of space for your workouts.
Roll out your yoga mat and do some pilates while the sun goes down over the city while your dog explores and plays with the other dogs. Remember to bring resistance bands, pilates ring and a massage roller along.
Jorgensen Park
Jorgensen Park is a 2.3km hiking trail located on the southern border of Kalamunda National Park and is one of our favourite hidden dog exercise areas in Perth. Prior to 1972, Jorgensen Park was the old Kalamunda Golf Course. The trail follows the old fairways and features an abundance of open space, lots of history, stunning valley views and classic Australian bushland.
There are plenty of amenities to be found at Jorgensen Park, with a children’s playground, toilet and picnic facilities, including a barbeque. It’s an obvious hit for family outings, but it is also a hidden gem for trips with your four-legged friend.
Jorgensen Park is an off-leash, dog-friendly location. The wide, expansive fairway trail lined with bushland and trees is perfect if you want to let your dog wander and explore, but still want them within your eyesight. If you want to ramp the exercise intensity level, we recommend bringing some on-body weights such as our vest, ankle or wrist weights while you hike or jog the trail.
Bold Park
Bold Park is a 437-hectare conservation park located in central Perth, right next to UWA. A park of this size in the central suburbs is great if you don’t want to travel a long distance for your hiking fix. Bold Park is almost like a ‘choose your own adventure’ style of hiking as it features a maze of trails that are all interlinked. You could come to Bold Park a dozen times and never walk the exact same trail and there is always something new to discover.
Bold Park is one of the best dog exercise areas in Perth, but don’t forget they must be kept on leash. If you were wanting to get some fitness in with your dog, Bold Park is perfect for running or light hiking. With tracks ranging less than a kilometre (Reabold Hill Summit Boardwalk), to potentially over 10 kilometres if you get inventive, there is something here for all fitness levels.
Bold Park in the summer months can get quite hot, so we recommend our StayCool clothing range to help you keep exercising for longer. Our StayCool range will keep you cool by ‘wicking’ the sweat away so you aren’t left feeling gross and uncomfortable post-workout. After you’ve finished working out, you can cool down at City Beach which is only a five-minute drive!
South Beach Dog Beach
South Beach in Fremantle offers a stretch of beach for your pup to enjoy! Situated next to the sailing club, there is ample free parking. Dogs are allowed off-leash, and there are doggy bags and bins situated next to each entrance.
The beach is sheltered, so gets smaller waves. If your pooch loves the water but doesn’t like the big, crashing waves, this is the perfect Perth dog beach for them. Don’t forget to take down a ball or frisbee to keep them entertained. There are showers and water fountains nearby for you to give your pooch a drink and a rinse off before getting back in the car.
While a dog beach may be the perfect place for your dog to exercise, it’s also great for you to get a workout in. In fact, by exercising on loose sand, you’ll activate your muscles more than if you were on a hard surface.
Do a HIIT workout, with 10 reps per move, repeat for 3 rounds and rest for 30 seconds in between:
- Lateral lunges with a medicine ball
- 180 degree squats with a kettlebell
- 20m beach sprints
- Down dog push-ups
Charles Riley Reserve
Charles Riley Reserve North Beach dog exercise area is a fully fenced dog park. It’s the perfect dog park for those that live north of the river. This dog park in Perth is perfect for those who are not confident with their dog off-leash.
The area has been revitalised with shelters, seating and water fountains with dog bowls at the bottom. In the evening there are plenty of other dogs around for your pup to play and socialise with.
Get active with your pooch and set up an agility ladder for some drills. Agility ladders combine speed, agility and quickness, helping you boost your fitness level, burn fat and strengthen your joints, ligaments and tendons. Hot tip- bring some treats with you and teach your pooch to go through the agility ladder. Your pooch will be the envy of all other dog owners!
Can’t Get Outside? We Have You Covered with a Dual Treadmill for You AND Your Pooch
Working out outdoors is not always possible. Perth can be cold and rainy through winter, and scorching hot in summer.
In summer dogs can get burnt paws from hot sand and concrete, as well as suffer from dehydration and heatstroke. In the winter, both you and your pooch are likely to be discouraged from going out for some exercise.
It’s essential to keep both you and your dog active, whatever the weather. If you workout at home on a Startrack treadmill, add a dog rail set and get your pup exercising too.
Orbit Fitness are Perth’s experts in gym equipment. We understand all West Aussies like to exercise their own way, so we have the equipment to suit everyone – even your best four-legged friend! Visit one of our 7 Perth Superstores to speak to a fitness expert about the best equipment you can take with you to these fantastic dog exercise areas in Perth.
Last updated on 12/11/2021
