Easy hikes and walks in Canning River Regional Park

Shelley Beach sits along a lovely stretch of the Canning River, with calm water in front of you and a wide grassy foreshore just behind. The suburb actually takes its name from the shells once found along these river beaches, which is a nice detail to keep in mind as you walk the shoreline. There are shaded spots, picnic areas and easy access to the foreshore path if you want to linger.

Bull Creek is where the foreshore starts to feel a little more sheltered, with reeds, river gums and quieter water replacing some of the broader Canning River views. This estuary is an important habitat for fish and waterbirds, and dolphins are occasionally seen here too. The area is known as Gabbiljee to Whadjuk Noongar people, meaning “watery place at the end of the river,” which suits the landscape perfectly.

Mt. Henry Bridge Reserve sits directly in the shadow of the historic Mt. Henry Bridge. It's a popular riverside stop for families, fitness enthusiasts, and walkers with public toilets, manicured grassy picnic fields, park benches, and a large car park. The kids' playgrounds here are a stand-out amenity, with modern design including shade sails. For adults, there's free fitness equipment, the Mt. Henry Jetty and the Kerbside Café.

Deep Water Point Reserve sits right on The Esplanade and has a lot to offer. It features a large green lawn with picnic areas, a waterfront Dôme Café, two children’s playgrounds, a swimming jetty, and a popular public boat ramp. There is quite a bit of parking available in the car park just to the south. On slower days and weekdays, visitors often enjoy coffee and meals on the waterfront and take a relaxing stroll. On summer weekends and on holidays, free public barbecues churn out food by groups enjoying shaded seating areas and busy boat dock.

The waterfront path does a little loop at the 'Fragment' sculpture, created by artist Kevin Draper. You can see downtown Perth across the water, and it's possible to follow the trail from here to walk or cycle basically the entire visible coast of the Swan River.

This large conserved greenspace is made up of forests, marshlands and a park, spanning almost 100 hectares. Fern Park sitting on its northern end with amenities like shaded picnic areas, BBQs, restrooms, and the Lo Quay River Cafe.

Canning Bridge is a major road bridge that carries Canning Highway across the Canning River between the suburbs of Applecross and Como. Originally built in the 1930s, this key bridge has been rebuilt several times over the years. Under the bridge, various walking and cycling paths wind along the river, connecting several of the surrounding foreshore parklands and offering plenty of options for exploring this beautiful area.

Kwinana Freeway Shared Path is a major walking and cycling route that runs alongside the Kwinana Freeway through Perth’s southern suburbs. Part of Perth’s Principal Shared Path (PSP) network, the sealed trail provides a direct corridor used by both recreational users and commuters. This quiet section offers a beautiful view of the Canning River and is ideal for connecting to several river foreshore routes and nearby suburbs.