With international travel largely off-limits, there’s no better time to get out and explore your own backyard, and what better way to do it than with your beloved furbaby?
We’ve put together our top picks for dog-friendly tracks and trails around the nation. Whether you’re busting to dig your toes in the sand and embrace the sea breeze or looking for a more tranquil, enchanting forest trail, we’ve got something for everyone, from the casual strollers to the veteran hikers.
Get ready to dig out those leashes and walking shoes again, we’re going on an adventure!
Victoria
Finally! Lockdown and travel restrictions have lifted, just in time for the holidays. If you and you pooch are tired of marching along the streets of inner Melbourne, these are some wonderful alternatives.
Mathias Track, Olinda: If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of inner-city Melbourne, Mathias Track makes a great substitute, with its lush vegetation and enchanting terrain. A popular on-leash track, you may come across more than just your average hiker, with mountain bike and horse riders known to frequent the area. With several additional tracks leading off Mathias, you can choose to extend your hike from a couple of hours into a full day hike.
You Yangs East-West Trail, Little River: Embrace the panoramic views of one of the most highly regarded trails in Victoria. As there is little shade on the track, the You Yangs make an ideal venture during the cooler months. With some steep inclines, we recommend the trail for those seeking a challenge. Please be aware though, that there are no rubbish bins on or around the trail, so make sure that when you clean up after your pooch to take a waste bag, or two! Additionally, dogs must always be kept on a leash.
Warrandyte River Reserve, Warrandyte: The perfect place to spend a warm day, with much of the trail being an off-leash zone, you can let your dog investigate the vast bushland, and take a splash in the river, just make sure to watch out for kayaks! While you’re there, why not check out the Riverview Deli & Café? Dogs are always welcome.
New South Wales
Do you and your dog enjoy the sand and surf? Or perhaps you’re looking to be at one with nature? We’ve got something to suit everyone’s taste, from the northern beaches to the greater west.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Bondi, Coogee: The Bondi to Coogee walk is 6 km long, boasting magnificent seaside views, parks, restaurants, and cafés. Located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the track takes around 2 hours to complete. Although, your furry friends must remain on a lead, there is a timed off-leash area located at Marks Park, Tamarama between 4:30 pm and 8:30 am daily.
Manly to Shelly Beach, Manly: Wanting a more leisurely stroll? Perhaps the chance to stop for well-earned coffee and a vanilla slice along the way? Look no further than the 1.5 km walk from Manly Beach Lifesaving Club to Shelly Beach. While your pooch is required to remain on a lead, never fear! There is an abundance of parks along the way where they can roam freely, while you sit and watch with a freshly brewed coffee in-hand.
Western Sydney Parklands, Eastern Creek: This 5,280-hectare parkland and nature reserve hosts more than 60 km of tracks and trails to suit all levels of fitness, with tracks ranging between 30 minutes to three hours. Although dogs must be on a leash while venturing the parklands, Sydney’s largest off-leash dog park, Warrigal Run, is close by. With ample seating and shaded areas, it makes the perfect place to let your pup burn some extra energy while you kick back and catch your breath.
Queensland
The sunshine state is in no way short of dog-friendly tracks, trails, and beaches. From hidden treasures to some little-known pieces of Australian history, there’s no better time to get out there and discover what lies beyond the tourist hot spots.
Clontarf Redcliffe, Redcliffe: A great walk for both humans and dogs a-like! Although, we suggest you avoid feeding time at Pelican Park (Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am) if you’re taking your furbaby. There’s plenty to see along the way, from a 19th century shipwreck, stunning peninsula views, even a hotel where the Bee Gee’s had performed as children, and not to forget the Redcliffe Jetty which was once a popular hang-out for the Gibb brothers, too! If you’re looking for a relaxed stroll while taking in a bit of Australian history, this is the place for you.
Noosa Woods, Noosa: Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the tourist hub of Hastings Street is Noosa Woods. Forming part of the Noose Spit Reserve, these picturesque bush trails eventually lead to the serene Noosa Spit, where you and your pooch can sit back and relax or take a dip in the tranquil waters. Feel free to let your pup explore, as the entirety of the Noosa Spit is an off-leash beach!
Currumbin Creek, Palm Beach: Combine the best of both worlds, with vast parkland vistas and the iconic shores of Surfers Paradise. This whimsical doggy wonderland begins at the edge of Palm Beach Parklands and follows the creek around to the famed Surfers coast. It’s the perfect place for the whole family, with a pirate themed playground for the kids, BBQ facilities and lots of space for you four-legged family members to roam off-lead.
Western Australia
From dense bushland to stunning coastlines, Western Australia has it all. We’ve managed to narrow down some of the best locations on offer, with both on and off-lead options for your convenience.
Whistlepipe Gully, Forrestfield: Here you’ll find a selection of short and long trails amongst the bush and the surrounding Perth Hills. Whistlepipe Gully Walk is a 3.5 km track, starting at the northern side of Lewis Road, Forrestfield and passes by several creeks, and is abundant with native fauna and flora. For this reason, please always keep your dog on their lead, unless signage permits otherwise.
South City Beach, City Beach: Surfs up! City Beach South is a designated dog beach, the ideal spot for dogs and their owners to race along the shoreline, dig, wade in the water and socialise.
Big Brook Dam Walk, Channybearup: A relatively easy walk, this track is 4 km long, following the dam. It’s a truly charming spot for some insta-worthy pictures! Please be aware, however, that dogs are not allowed around the beach area and must remain on-lead.
South Australia
Perhaps you and your pup looking to roam the wilderness? Well, lucky for you Adelaide has some truly unique forestry and terrains for you to explore.
Blackwood Forest, Hawthorndene: This walking track just south of Adelaide is great for adventurous pups and their parents! The entirety of the 1.4 km track is an off-leash zone, meaning you and your dog are free to roam the wilderness to your heart’s content!
Belair National Park, Belair: Adelaide’s oldest national park has plenty to keep the whole family happy, with plenty of space to have a picnic under one of its many sprawling trees, barbecue facilities and a kid’s playground, in addition to several walking and bike trails suited to all levels of fitness. As a National Park, dogs must be kept on leash at all times.
Anstey Hill, Tea Tree Gully: A unique spot for you and your dog to explore, there are many leisurely hiking trails to meander down, or for the more agile pups and parents, there are advanced tracks to get the blood pumping. Remember to pass by the Water Gully to take in the scenic views of the quarry!
Tasmania
Are you looking to spice up your pooch’s Instagram feed with some truly unique backdrops? Well, look no further! We’ve scouted out some of Tassie’s most striking dog-friendly locations for you to get snapping.
Saint Valentines Peak, Hampshire: Not one for the faint hearted, St Valentine’s peak is notoriously tough for both humans and their furry companions. The (literal) breathtaking views from the summit, however, are said to make up for the challenging climb.
Hobart Rivulet Track, South Hobart: This is one track that has something for everyone. A relatively flat track with a range of facilities nearby, such as picnic tables, BBQ facilities, toilets and large grassy off-lead area with doggy bags and bins for your convenience.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Nabowla: This one is a must for all those ‘dog-influencers’ out there. Wander through the gorgeous Bridestowe Lavender Farm and grab some stunning pictures to fill your feeds. Not only will find an abundance of insta-worthy spots to get creative with, you can also try some of the Estate’s iconic lavender ice-cream.
Tips/Don't Forget
- Respect the rules of parks, beaches, etc: Please be respectful of any rules or regulations in place, including out of bounds areas, leash zones, time restrictions or environmental notices. These are put in place for not only your safety, but for the wider community and local flora and wildlife.
- Respect other owners: Be mindful of others around you, including fellow dog owners and their pets to avoid unnecessary accidents or conflict.
- Pick up poop: Remember to clean up after your dog. Not only to preserve the cleanliness of our parks, beaches, and streets, but to avoid a potential fine. Leaving your dog’s business behind is considered littering under Australian law.
- Water safety: If your dog is not a confident swimmer, it is advised you slowly introduce them to calm, shallow water, as you would a child. Like humans, dogs are not necessarily ‘natural born’ swimmers. If you’re at the beach, be sure to keep an eye out for strong currents and rips, and make sure to keep them from drinking sea water or snacking on small fish or crustaceans that may have washed ashore, as this can make them sick.
- Tick and insect bite safety: Make sure you take care when walking your dog through rural areas where long grass and foliage can make your dog vulnerable to ticks and insect bites. After a walk, always check over your dog’s body for signs of ticks and any insect bites.