The 5 Best Dog-Friendly Hikes In Sydney
Weekends are for friends, and what friend is better than a four-legged, furry friend? We, as ever, are talking about dogs! So when you’re making plans for your precious days off, chances are you’ll be considering things that you can do with your dog (or making plans with friends who have dogs that you can pretend are yours). Luckily, Sydney has you covered with some amazing dog-friendly hikes.
Sydney’s hiking trails are renowned. From beach walks to forest treks, there’s something for everyone and their dog. Literally – a lot of these walks are pet-friendly.
Put your best workout gear on and grab the leash, because these are the five best dog-friendly hikes in Sydney:
#1 Bondi to Coogee, Eastern Suburbs
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Some people may try to tell you that this walk is cliché, but there’s a reason that it’s a Sydney classic.
The trail winds along the shoreline between two of the city’s most iconic beaches and explores everything in between – from Bondi to Coogee Beach, trailing through Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly. You can even keep on walking all the way to Maroubra Beach if you’re feeling up to it.
Humans will enjoy the gorgeous ocean views and plenty of cafes along the way if you need a quick recharge. Dogs will love the smells along every stage of this urban-meets-ocean adventure.
Distance: 6km
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: Yes, with some off-leash spots along the way
#2 The Bay Run, Drummoyne
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Perfect for all you water babes, this track never strays more than 20 metres from the sparkling blue of Iron Cove, and it’s always packed with families and their pooches out for an ultra-picturesque stroll.
Wide footpaths, lots of lush greenery and plenty of parks along the way mean that this walk never feels over-crowded, and it’s a perfect way for you and your dog to work off some energy on a sunny day.
Even better news – it’s an enclosed track, so you can treat yourselves to a second loop if you or you pooch are still full of energy.
Distance: 7km
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: Yes, with some off-leash spots along the way
#3 Lake Parramatta Reserve, Parramatta
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The hike around Lake Parramatta is split into three walks – hikers and their dogs can opt to do as many as they like, but each track starts where the previous one ends so you’ll have to do them sequentially.
The first of the park’s dog-friendly hikes is the She-Oak Track, a chill, enclosed loop that branches off at its peak to the Banksia Track. This is where things get a bit more interesting, and your dog will love stepping off concrete paths and working their way through some uneven, natural surfaces.
The Lake Circuit is the longest leg of the trail and it’s also the most rewarding for adventure-lovers. Hikers will cross creeks, see rainforest remnants and perhaps even meet some of the local wildlife. Autumn is the perfect time of year to do this walk because all the wildflowers are in full bloom — although it’s gorgeous year-round.
Distance: 8.2km
Difficulty: Moderate
Leash: Yes, and dogs must stay on established tracks
#4 Cooper Park Trails, Bellevue Hill
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Another win for the Eastern Suburbs, Cooper Park is full of cute little walking trails to suit any want and desire. Pick a trail or explore them all – you and your dog could easily spend a few hours exploring one of the greenest reserves hidden away inside one of Sydney’s greenest suburbs. We’re talking waterfalls, off-leash parks and lakes. Paradise!
Distance: Between 1km and 3km, varies by route
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: Yes, with some off-leash spots along the way
#5 Centennial Parklands, Queens Park
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Okay so this one isn’t technically a hiking trail, but Centennial Park has so many epic dog-friendly hikes and walking trails that it that it’s hard to pick just one to do in a day. Sandstone Ridge and Federation Valley are popular dog-friendly spots, and there’s even a dog wash station at Federation Valley if your four-legged friend has a little too much fun on the paths.
No matter where you go, the hiking trails, bike tracks, lakeside playdates and rolling hills in this massive off-leash rec space can keep you and your dog entertained all day.
If you want to explore at speed, consider hiring rollerblades or a scooter from the skate shop in Moore Park before you head out. Bonus style points to anyone whose dog pulls them along on skates, sled-dog style.
Distance: Hiking trails vary, but there’s more than 380 acres of parkland to explore
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: No, only the Grand Drive circuit and Federation Pavilion are on-leash areas
This post was originally published on April 3rd, 2019 and has since been updated.
