If your apartment dwelling pooch is antsy and the daily whip around the neighbourhood simply isn’t cutting it, these scenic dog friendly walks in Sydney might be just what you need. These dog walks run the gamut from riverside strolls in western Sydney to harbourside walks with postcard views, and bushland trails where the hum of city traffic is replaced with birdsong.
From the beach to the bush, these are some of Sydney’s best dog friendly walks.
Coastal dog walks
Sydney’s coastline is home to many popular dog-friendly walking tracks. From the Northern Beaches to the Shire and the eastern suburbs along the way, there’s plenty of places to enjoy the ocean breeze and coastal views while walking your dog in Sydney. These are a few of Sydney’s dog friendly coastal walks.
Federation Cliff Walk
The Federation Cliff Walk covers an area of Sydney’s eastern suburbs from Dover Heights, north of Manly, to Watsons Bay. You’ll love this walk for its epic ocean views, and your dog will love it for the off-leash parks along the way. You’ll start at Raleigh Reserve, a dog friendly park where off-leash play is allowed. The park has sweeping ocean views and a picket fence encloses the park at the cliff edge. Leash your dog as you leave Raleigh Reserve and make your way along the coast. Your pup will get another opportunity to play off-leash when you reach Lighthouse Reserve near Macquarie Lighthouse. When you get to the Watsons Bay end of the walk, keep in mind dogs are not allowed in Gap Park, Sydney Harbour National Park, or in Robertson Park at Watsons Bay.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Sydney’s favourite coastal walk, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, is also one of Sydney’s best dog-friendly walks. The walking track covers a stretch of Sydney’s eastern beaches, passing Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and Coogee. Keep in mind that while your dog is welcome of the paved walking track, dogs are not allowed on the beaches so be sure to stick to the track. If your dog is eager for a run around, look out for Burrows Park, an off-leash dog park just before you reach Clovelly Beach. Marks Park, between Bondi and Tamarama is also dog friendly before 8:30am and after 4:30pm.
Cronulla Esplanade Walk
The Cronulla Esplanade Walk covers 4km of coastline between Wanda Surf Club and Bass and Flinders Point. This dog-friendly coastal walk follows the paved Esplanade passing Elouera Beach, North Cronulla Beach, Cronulla Beach, Blackwoods Beach, Shelly Beach and ocean pool, Oak Park rock pool, and Bass and Flinders Point overlooking Point Hacking with views across to Bundeena and Royal National Park. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches along the Cronulla Esplanade Walk but just north of Wanda Surf Club you’ll find dog-friendly Greenhills Beach where dogs are allowed off-leash at certain times of day.
Manly to Shelly Beach
While dogs aren’t allowed on Manly Beach or Shelly Beach, you can walk your dog on lead along the paved coastal walk that connects these two popular beaches. This short walk passes Fairy Bower rock pool and enjoys sweeping ocean views as it follows the coastline around Cabbage Tree Bay.
Curl Curl Boardwalk
The scenic coastal boardwalk between Curl Curl Beach and Freshwater Beach is a short and sweet walk you and your dog can both enjoy. If your dog is eager for a swim and an off-leash run around, this walk is close Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve and Curl Curl Lagoon.
Harbourside dog walks
These dog friendly walks in Sydney offer views of the famous harbour within proximity to the city.
Cremorne Point Loop
This short walk on the north side of Sydney Harbour runs a loop around the waterfront Cremorne Point Reserve. You can walk your leashed dog on the paved path around Cremorne Point Reserve, and there’s plenty of space to enjoy the harbour views with shaded grassy areas. The walk passes by the historic, scenic Maccallum Pool and the Lex and Ruby Graham Gardens.
The Bay Run
The Bay Run is a scenic waterfront looped track in Sydney’s inner-west. The shared path around Iron Cove is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. There’s plenty of amenities along this route including shaded bench seating, outdoor gym equipment, cafes, and toilets. This Sydney walk is particularly well-used on weekend mornings so be sure to observe the signs to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone on the track.
Wulugul Walk
The harbourside precinct of Barangaroo is home to the Wulugul Walk. This walk follows the foreshore between Cockle Bay and Walsh Bay. If you start your walk at the Cockle Bay end, near Barangaroo Ferry wharf, you’ll enjoy views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as you approach the Walsh Bay end of the walk. Leashed dogs are welcome in the sprawling parkland of Barangaroo Reserve making this a great place for a scenic dog friendly walk in Sydney.
Riverside dog walks
Sydney’s water views aren’t limited to its iconic harbour and famed beaches. Rivers wind throughout Sydney from the inner west to the western suburbs. Here’s where to find dog friendly walks on the shared paths that follow Sydney’s rivers.
Great River Walk
Penrith’s Great River Walk is a dog friendly shared path in western Sydney. The Great River Walk loops a section of the Nepean River between Penrith and Emu Plains. Dogs on leashes are welcome on the walk and as a loop path you can choose to walk the entire way or enjoy a shorter stretch. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop off along the way with scenic views, shaded seating, and cafes too.
Cooks River Walk
The shared path alongside the Cooks River is popular with walkers and cyclists. Leashed dogs are welcome on the riverside walking track and there’s plenty of water fountains and shaded spots to rest along the way. The stretch between Campsie and Gough Whitlam Park (near Tempe Station) is about 7km but you can make this walk as long or short as you and your pup desire. Your dog can also enjoy a run around at the Campsie Off Leash Dog Area and the Close Street Reserve dog off leash area along the way.
Dog friendly bush walks
Keen to swap the pavement for some bushland? While dogs are not allowed in Sydney’s national parks, they are welcome in regional parks like at Wolli Creek and Berowra, as well as in the pockets of bushland around scenic reservoirs from Parramatta in the west to Narrabeen in the north. These dog friendly bushwalks give you and your dog an opportunity to get back to nature.
Wolli Creek Walking Track
The Wolli Creek Walking Track is a dog friendly 2km bush walk through the Wolli Creek Regional Park. This bush walk is part of the longer Two Valley Trail which follows a section of Wolli Creek and the Cooks River between Campsie and Bexley North. This dog friendly bush walk is great when you want to feel like you’re out of the city while still being close to conveniences like transport links, water, toilets, and shops.
Bellamy Fire Trail
Berowra is home to the wonderful Berowra Valley Regional Park which has a few great dog friendly bush walks including the Bellamy Fire Trail. This short walk gives you and your dog a chance to enjoy the beautiful bushland of Berowra. In addition to Bellamy Fire Trail, dogs are also allowed on the nearby Daphne trail and Clarinda trail. Keep in mind that Berowra Valley Regional Park is right alongside Berowra Valley National Parks and dogs are not allowed in NSW National Parks, so be sure to stick to the regional park’s tracks.
Lake Circuit at Lake Parramatta
You’ll find three dog friendly bush walks at Lake Parramatta, the longest of which is the 4.2km Lake Circuit. Lake Parramatta is a beautiful area of bushland set around a scenic reservoir. In addition to the walking tracks, the Lake Parramatta precinct has plenty of shaded places to sit, BBQs, toilets, a kiosk, and nearby parking. Remember to keep your dog on-leash when walking the tracks at Lake Parramatta to respect other park users and protect native wildlife.
Second Ponds Creek Walk
The dog friendly Second Ponds Creek Walk is a 1km track located in Rouse Hill Regional Park. This short walk loops through a section of bushland near the Rouse Hill picnic area.
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
Walkers, runners, cyclists, and on-leash dogs are all welcome to enjoy the relaxing surrounds of the trail at Narrabeen Lagoon. This bushwalk on Sydney’s northern beaches is a popular spot that loops around the lagoon. There’s parking nearby and plenty of shaded areas to rest and relax in the scenic bushland around the lagoon.
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