Western Australia:
Jorgensen Park Walk, Kalamunda
- Distance: Approx. 2.7km loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Rules: Dogs permitted on the golf course section; keep dogs on lead unless signage says otherwise.
- Why You’ll Love It: Set on an old golf course in the Perth Hills, this walk has open grassy sections, bushland pockets and valley views — a great short adventure close to Kalamunda.
If you’re visiting Kalamunda in the eastern suburbs of Perth, you have to check out the Jorgensen Park Walk. This is a 2.7km loop that features stunning views and quintessential Aussie bush. As it is situated on the former Kalamunda golf course, it’s a very different layout than many dog walks. With tons of open spaces, it’s a wide trail that allows your pooch to go off-leash. ,
The Jorgensen Park Walk is ideal year-round and as a relatively easy hike, it can be knocked over in under an hour. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a cafe stop on the way home! There’s plenty of options right in the town centre, for you and your thirsty pup!
Noble Falls Walk Trail, Gidgegannup
- Distance: 3.6km loop
- Difficulty: Easy (Grade 2)
- Dog Rules: Dog-friendly. Dogs may be off lead provided they remain under their owner’s effective control.
- Why You’ll Love It: Just under an hour from Perth, this picturesque trail follows the beautiful Wooroloo Brook through native bushland before reaching the seasonal Noble Falls. In winter the waterfall is at its most spectacular, while spring brings colourful wildflowers and abundant birdlife. The trail is family-friendly with picnic facilities, BBQs and plenty of shady spots to stop along the way.
The Noble Falls Walk Trail is located in Gidgegannup; a township 40km north of Perth. It’s a 3.6km loop that starts from the Noble Falls Tavern on Toodyay Road. You’ll follow Woorooloo Brook all the way past some stunning waterfalls. While this walk is ideal year-round, it’s particularly beautiful in Spring when the wildflowers come into bloom.
Dogs can be off-leash on this trail and there are picnic facilities, public toilets and car parking available. You can expect the walk to take around an hour. After your walk, head across the road to the Noble Falls Tavern for a well-earned meal with your four-legged friend.
Queensland:
Gary Evans Walkway, Nambour
- Distance: 3km return (1.5km one way)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Rules: Dog-friendly, with a designated off-leash exercise area available along Petrie Park Road (follow local signage).
- Why You’ll Love It: Tucked away in the heart of Nambour, the Gary Evans Walkway follows the banks of Petrie Creek along a mostly shaded, paved path that’s perfect for a relaxed stroll with your dog.
If you’re spending time in Nambour, Gary Evans Walkway is a must-visit during the week. This dog friendly walk is located right in the centre of Nambour and offers some gorgeous green space for your pooch to enjoy. There are plenty of paved walkways, shaded spots and picnic areas. The 3km-long Gary Evans Walkway follows the banks of Petrie Creek and has a dog exercise area available Monday to Fridays.
Your four-legged companions can be off-leash as long as they are well supervised. It’s also a great spot for kids too, as Petrie Park encompasses the Model Railway – steam and diesel miniature trains that run on the fourth Sunday of every month.
Mt Marlay Lookout
- Distance: Approx. 2.6km return
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Dog Rules: Dog-friendly. Keep your dog on a lead, carry water and clean up after your pet.
- Why You’ll Love It: Just minutes from Stanthorpe in Queensland’s Granite Belt, this short bushwalk rewards you with panoramic views over Stanthorpe, the surrounding national parks and the region’s famous granite boulder landscape. The trail winds through native eucalypt forest, making it especially beautiful in spring when wildflowers are in bloom and birdlife is abundant. It’s the perfect sunrise or sunset walk and can easily be combined with a visit to one of the Granite Belt’s many pet-friendly wineries and cafés.
Mt Marlay Lookout boasts beautiful, panoramic views over Stanthorpe in Queensland. It’s a fairly steep but short incline to the lookout where you’ll find a pleasant circuit walk around the summit, via a concreted path.
Dogs are welcome along the trail, but should be kept on a leash at all times. You can enjoy a picnic, take shelter in shaded areas and scope out filtered views at every vantage point. summitIt’s the perfect sunrise or sunset walk and can easily be combined with a visit to one of the Granite Belt’s many pet-friendly wineries and cafés.
Victoria:
George Bass Coastal Trail, Kilcunda
- Distance: 7km one way (14km return)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Dog Rules: Dogs are welcome but must remain on a lead throughout the walk.
- Why You’ll Love It: Often regarded as one of Victoria’s most spectacular coastal walks, the George Bass Coastal Walk follows dramatic clifftops overlooking the wild waters of Bass Strait. The trail winds through rolling farmland, secluded beaches and rugged coastal heath, with breathtaking viewpoints around every corner. During winter and spring, keep an eye out for migrating whales offshore, while the diverse birdlife and colourful wildflowers make it a rewarding walk year-round.
This is a fantastic day walk for the whole family, fur-babies included. The George Bass Coastal Trail is 8km each way and a 16km round trip, but you can easily do half if the situation calls for it. The 4.6km Kilcunda to Punchbowl section is perfect for spotting wildflowers during springtime! The overall walk is suitable for most skill-levels with only a few hills.
There are plenty of beaches along the way, as well as stunning vistas of the Bass Coast. The scenery is noteworthy, switching from dramatic sea cliffs to rolling farmland in a matter of minutes. Be sure to keep your pooch on their lead, especially for beach safety and as a precaution against strong ocean currents.
Historic Warrandyte Architectural Walk, Warrandyte
- Distance: 2.7km loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog Rules: Dogs are welcome. Much of the walk passes through the Warrandyte River Reserve, where there are designated off-leash areas. Keep your dog on a lead near playgrounds, BBQ areas and any signed dog-free zones.
- Why You’ll Love It: The walk meanders through leafy streets before descending to the picturesque Yarra River, blending history, architecture and beautiful bushland into one memorable outing.
This dog friendly walk gives you a wonderful insight into the legacy of the Warrandyte township. Beginning at the Mechanics’ Institute, you’ll learn all about local stonemason and female builders from the area. The 2.7km circuit walk itself takes about an hour and is moderately difficult.
Dogs are welcome and will enjoy running around the gorgeous River Reserve. This area of the walk is off-leash, 24 hours a day. Just be sure to keep them leashed when approaching the playground or BBQ area. Complete your adventure with a stop at Warrandyte Bakery on Yarra Street. Not only does it have fabulous coffee, but pooches can relax and share a drink around their doggie bowls.
New South Wales:
Charles Darwin Walk, Katoomba
Charles Darwin Walk, Wentworth Falls (NSW)
- Distance: 2.4km one way (approximately 4.8km return)
- Difficulty: Easy (Grade 3)
- Dog Rules: Dog-friendly on the council-managed section of the track only. The final section enters Blue Mountains National Park, where dogs are not permitted. Turn around at the clearly signposted national park boundary to enjoy a fully dog-friendly walk.
- Why You’ll Love It: Follow in the footsteps of naturalist Charles Darwin, who explored this area in 1836. Beginning at Wilson Park in Wentworth Falls, the trail meanders alongside Jamison Creek through open forest, hanging swamps, boardwalks and tranquil rock pools. It’s an easy, shaded walk that’s especially beautiful in spring when native wildflowers bloom and birdlife is abundant.
The Blue Mountains is one of our favourite pet friendly destinations in NSW. It’s well known for its amazing hikes and the Charles Darwin Walk is no exception.
You’ll find plenty of look-outs, waterfalls and rock pools along the way and can stop at the Wentworth Falls picnic area. Birdwatchers will delight at the variety of honeyeaters, shrub wrens and black cockatoos! Your dogs are welcome on this walk up until Weeping Rock, which is approximately two-thirds of the overall track. You can expect it to take around one hour and it’s easy enough to suit all skill-levels.
Hunter Lookout and Great North Loop Walk, Olney
- Distance: 5.6km loop
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (Grade 4)
- Dog Rules: Dogs are welcome on a lead throughout this State Forest walk. As this trail is within Heaton State Forest, dogs are permitted, unlike the adjoining Watagans National Park where pets are prohibited.
- Why You’ll Love It: If you’re chasing panoramic Hunter Valley views, this is one of the region’s best dog-friendly bushwalks. Starting from the Hunter Lookout picnic area, the trail follows sections of the historic Great North Walk to Macleans Lookout before descending through Rocky Creek Gully. Along the way you’ll experience rugged sandstone cliffs, towering eucalypts, pine plantations and peaceful bushland, with spectacular views across the Hunter Valley from multiple vantage points.
This dog friendly loop track shows off some of the best of the Great North Walk. Over 5.6km, you’ll journey from the Hunter Lookout picnic area to Macleans Lookout and Rocky Creek Gully. With rocky cliff ridges, pines plantations and dirt roads, there’s plenty of terrain for you and your dogs to explore. There’s also snack-stops, toilets, picnic tables and BBQs available. The walk itself takes about 2.5 hours and your pooch are welcome along the entire area.
Blackwattle Bay Park Walk, Glebe
- Distance: Up to 5km return (or shorter strolls along the foreshore)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Rules: Dog-friendly with extensive off-leash areas. Dogs can enjoy off-leash access throughout much of Blackwattle Bay Park and sections of the Glebe Foreshore Walk, making it one of Sydney’s favourite spots for exercising with your pup.
- Why You’ll Love It: Stretching along the picturesque Glebe Foreshore, this scenic waterfront walk offers uninterrupted views of Blackwattle Bay, the ANZAC Bridge and the Sydney skyline. Wander along wide shared paths connecting lush parklands, heritage seawalls and waterfront lookouts, with plenty of grassy picnic spots and shaded areas to relax. It’s an easy walk suitable for all fitness levels and one of the best places in Sydney for dogs to socialise while enjoying harbour views.
You might not expect to find a dog-friendly haven right in the heart of Glebe, but the suburb has come leaps and bounds thanks to some council TLC. The 24/7 off-leash park is one of four parks along Glebe foreshore, covering the area between Bicentennial Park to the Pyrmont Fish Markets. It has plenty of grass area to play amongst and is a great place to access the water for a clean, safe swim.
South Australia:
Christmas Cove to Frenchmans Rock
- Distance: Approximately 2km return (allow around 30–45 minutes)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Rules: Dog-friendly. Keep your dog on a lead and clean up after your pet.
- Why You’ll Love It: This scenic coastal walk on the eastern end of Kangaroo Island begins at the picturesque Christmas Cove, home to Penneshaw’s marina and fascinating geological formations. Follow the shoreline past North Terrace Gardens, where you can stop for a picnic or keep an eye out for whales and dolphins during migration season.
If you’re holidaying at Kangaroo Island, South Australia, you’ll want to check out this dog friendly walk! The Christmas Cove to Frenchmans Rock track is an easy-grade, 30 minute hike and showcases some incredible coastal scenery. You’ll start at Christmas Cove with its noteworthy geological formations, before moving towards North Terrace Gardens; the perfect lunch spot and ideal for whale watching!
The trail finishes at the historic Frenchmans Rock, where French explorer Nicolas Baudin landed in 1802 in search of fresh water. Above the rock sits the Contemplation Seat, a peaceful lookout recognising the Aboriginal women brought to Kangaroo Island during the early sealing and whaling era.
Emu Bay Foreshore, Kangaroo Island
- Distance: Up to 4km return (or enjoy a shorter stroll along the foreshore)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Rules: Dogs are welcome on a lead. The foreshore includes open grassy areas and designated on-leash exercise spaces.
- Why You’ll Love It: Emu Bay is one of Kangaroo Island’s most beautiful beaches, famous for its long stretch of white sand and calm turquoise waters. The flat foreshore path is perfect for a leisurely walk with your pup, offering stunning coastal views, a historic jetty and plenty of space to relax.
Emu Bay Foreshore is a highlight of Kangaroo Island, best known for its white sandy beach. This picturesque beach allows driving and is a popular spot for locals and holiday makers alike. Dogs are welcome on-leash and there’s plenty of grassed areas, open space and an exercise area on offer. You can also take advantage of the BBQs, picnic tables, public toilets and kids’ playground.
Australian Capital Territory:
Conder-Gordon Walk, Conder
- Distance: 5.5km loop (with a shorter 3km option by skipping the Point Hut Pond loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Rules: Dog-friendly, with several off-leash areas along the route. Dogs can enjoy open ovals, creek access and designated exercise spaces. Please ensure your dog remains under effective control and follow local signage.
- Why You’ll Love It: This family-friendly walk follows the broad valley connecting the Canberra suburbs of Conder and Gordon, offering beautiful mountain views, peaceful creekside paths and the picturesque Point Hut Pond.
This dog friendly route follows the broad valley connecting Canberra suburbs of Conder and Gordon. Known for it’s panoramic views, you’ll explore a variety of off leash parks, creeks and Point Hut Pond. Your doggos can run free on the playing fields and even go for a swim. The walk is 5.5km and the paved, flat path makes it ideal for the whole family. You can also make it shorter by cutting out the pond loop. There are several playgrounds and plenty of shaded areas to rest and watch the plentiful bird life.