wellness
Dog-Friendly Parks Transform Perth CBD Into Social Fitness Hubs
From morning runs with kelpies on the riverside to bootcamp circuits at Russell Square, locals are turning Perth CBD's dog-friendly green spaces into vibrant social fitness meetups.
How we reported this
On a crisp winter morning, joggers and their dogs weave through Langley Park as fitness instructors count down burpees nearby and the first group of the day starts a communal stretch. In the heart of Perth CBD, parks once seen as green corridors for office workers now thrum with the dual energy of canines and fitness enthusiasts, evolving into hubs for social exercise that welcome both two- and four-legged locals.
Fitness That’s Gone to the Dogs (in a Good Way)
The trend comes at a moment when city dwellers are re-evaluating how public spaces can support both wellbeing and social connection. With household dog ownership remaining strong, over 48% of WA households reported at least one dog in the latest RSPCA statistics, demand for inclusive outdoor spaces is unmistakable. At the same time, the appetite for community fitness and informal exercise meetups has grown, driven by remote work and a renewed focus on holistic health. The combination has prompted city parks to transform into exercise arenas where every member of the family is welcome, tail included.
Langley Park stretches along Riverside Drive and is fast becoming a nexus for this new wave. Fenced unleashed zones on the park’s eastern end mean dogs can safely roam while owners take part in early-morning HIIT sessions by River Fitness or impromptu yoga gatherings advertised on local WhatsApp groups. Over in Northbridge, Russell Square is a magnet on weekends for social dog-walking clubs like Paws and People, whose Saturday 8am circuits through the garden maze regularly draw 40 locals and their pets. Nearby cafes like The Moon on William Street now advertise ‘Doggos Welcome’ signs and offer free water bowls for tired canines post-circuit.
According to data published by the City of Perth in late 2025, bookings for fitness events in public parks doubled compared with 2023, with more than 180 registered group workout sessions between April and October alone. The city’s urban dog population has also increased, with rangers reporting a 12% year-on-year spike in dog park usage permit registrations in the CBD precinct. Even weekday organisers are adapting: The CBD Runners meet each Wednesday evening outside Elizabeth Quay and highlight their licensed route through dog-friendly Elizabeth Reserve, encouraging runners to bring their dogs for a social lap alongside human training partners.
Tips for Getting Involved
With amenities improving, it’s easier than ever to join the movement. Langley Park’s off-leash area is accessible via Terrace Road and offers open access daily until 8pm, while Russell Square features water stations and agility equipment adjacent to Aberdeen Street. An annual City of Perth dog park permit remains at $36 for residents and is required for participation in some organised activities. Most social fitness groups share session details via Meetup.com or local Facebook communities, often with first-timer sessions free or by gold coin donation.
As the Perth CBD continues evolving into a liveable, movement-friendly centre, well-kept dog-friendly parks are not just creating opportunities for personal exercise but also fostering the kind of spontaneous social encounters found in the world’s healthiest cities. Bringing your pup along might just be the best icebreaker to join the next fitness circuit, or, at minimum, find a few new walking buddies along the way.