By Kelly Ryan

As we celebrate the opening of our borders with Australia, finding some great outdoor holidays across the ditch with your Australian Dog owning friend/s must be at the top of the to-do list. Dogs love hikes just as much as we do, with the array of scents and scenery they can explore. Unfortunately, with some hikes being in National parks, it can be hard to know when you can bring your furry friend along. Don’t worry, we have curated a list of the best dog friendly trails around Australia.

Whilst dog friendly, each park and area will have specific leash laws, please ensure you observe local laws and read the relevant website information beforehand.

VIC

The Bay Trail

A 50km stretch of coast from Port Melbourne to Brighton, you can join at any point along the way. We suggest making sure you include Sandown Street Beach, which features an off-leash area for your pooch to run free. Stop in at any of the cafes along the way to grab a coffee while you stroll.

Albert Park Lake

Any day of the week, you can find many of Melbourne’s residents jogging or walking around the lake with their dog in stride. A 5km round trip around the lake with tire out both you & your pup and with over 226 hectares, Albert Park offers plenty of space for you to relax after your walk!

The You Yang’s

Enjoy a day trip with your pup out to the You Yang’s National Park, located about 60km southwest of Melbourne, where there is so much nature to explore. For a more challenging hike, the Flinders Peek walk (3.2km) with step gradients, boasts uninterrupted views of Melbourne and the Geelong area. If you are looking for something a little more relaxing, the East-West walk (4.1km) around the peak still offers panoramic landscapes for you to take in.

NSW

Bondi to Bronte

Any walking list would not be complete without the 4km Bondi to Bronte walk, lucky for us dog lovers it is pup friendly. This one should only take you about 1.5 hours, but that is not including the many stops you will have along the way to take in the gorgeous Sydney coastline. Make sure you bring along a camera!

Horseshoe Falls

The Blue Mountains has so many trails on offer, but out favourite dog friendly track must be Horseshoe Falls. A circuit that features not one, but six waterfalls. It is best to visit after a rainfall when the falls are flowing but be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

Narrabeen Lagoon Trail

The Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is nestled in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, it will take you 8.6km to finish the loop. If you pup is a little less energetic there are shorter walk options available, just pick your starting point. You can even hit the beach across the way for a dip when you are done

ACT

Curtin Horse Paddock Walk

If your pup had a list, the Curtain Horse Paddock Walk would be at the top of it. A 4.5km walk starting from the Curtin shops, this walk has plenty of off leash portions for your dog to roam free. You might make friends with some gorgeous steeds along the way.

Red Hill Lookout

This summit walk just south of the city centre of Canberra leads you and you dog through thick bushlands until your reach the top. Enjoy the view of some of our national icons while sipping on a coffee from Little Brother at the Peak.

Cooleman Ridge

A 3.6km stroll through Canberra’s bushland blends the best of both words. The scenic hike offers views over the city and the Brindabella ranges. This is a nature reserve so you will be exposed to some amazing Australian wildlife but you must have your dog on lead.

QLD

Brisbane Riverwalk

For the Urban pup, take a leisurely walk on the Riverwalk around Brisbane city. Cross the bridge from the CBD at the Brisbane Square Library and stroll through the Botanic Gardens along the Brisbane River. The trail ends with the Story Bridge taking you to Felon’s Brewing Co where dogs are welcome.

Green Hill Reservoir

Combine a wide off leash dog park with a 3km hike on the Lookout trail. You dog can make some new friends and then head off to the summit of Mt Coot. Reach the top & enjoy the spectacular views of the CBD.

Pizzey Park

A welcome relief on those exceptionally hot days on the Gold Coast, Pizzey Park is the perfect alternative to a coastal beach walk. Enjoy the loop around the lake and then let your best bud off leash to play with all the other dogs in the off-leash area.

NT

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

The great thing about Darwin is dogs are allowed off leash unless noted if they are under your control. You and your dog can spend a few hours at least wandering, along through the historic gardens. It is 42 hectares and has lots to explore but the Tree Walk is the most popular. Your pup will love you for the lush green grass under their feet.

 

 

WA

Bold Park

One for the city dwellers, Bold Park offers over fifteen kilometres of walking trails complete with coastal & city views. The Reabold Summit Hill Boardwalk is a must to take in the views of at 85m above sea level.

Bells Rapids

Located a 45-minute drive from Perth, Bells Rapids is a beautiful site for those who venture out. Once you cross the walk bridge extending over the Swan River, there are two trails on offer: the 2.5km River Walk and the 3km Goat Walk. Bring along the family and a picnic and make a day out of it!

Geographe Path

If you want to get away for a few days, head down to Margaret River for one of the best trails Western Australia has to offer. The Geographe path runs for 23km along the coast from Busselton to Dunsborough with many dog friendly beaches on the way. You can even camp with your pup nearby at Beachlands, Busselton. There are plenty of dog friendly wineries in Margaret River to visit while you are there as well!

SA

Seaview Loop

Under 10km from the CBD, the Seaview Loop follows along a fire trail. The track captures the glorious Adelaide Plains and coastline. This is a perfect spot to tire out your friend as it consists of some steep inclines along the way.

Coast Park Path

A 70km path that trails along the Adelaide Coastline from North Haven to Sellicks Beach. Pick any section along the way and enjoy the fresh sea breeze with your dog in tow.

Belair National Park

There are many walks in Belair National Park but the toughest and most rewarding is the Waterfall Hike. It will take you about 3 hours (6.5kms) along through the Echo Tunnel to the enchanting rock escarpments at the Waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially in the trees.

TAS

Hollybank Forest Walk

Only a 20 minute drive from Launceston, Hollybank Forest Reserve has a 3.5km circuit for you and your pooch to walk. With gorgeous picnic areas, why not bring lunch and sit and enjoy the peacefulness. The park is full of ash trees, which were planted to supply materials for cricket bats, are stunning in Autumn.

Montezuma Falls

This 3 hours return walk (8km) leads you along an 1800s abandoned trainline to the base of the grand 104m Montezuma Falls. It can be found in the West Coast Range of Tasmania and is worth the trip.

Cascade Walking Track

Only a 15-minute drive from Hobart centre, escape the city with the Cascade Walking Track. This trail takes you into the bushland behind the world-famous Cascade Brewery. Inside Wellington Park, the 2.4km walk leads you across the beautifully constructed stone bridge that was built to commemorate the founder of Cascade, Peter Degraves.

A walk with your 4 legged friend deserves a good pair of shoes, explore our range of walking shoes for men, women and kids for walking abilities of all levels.