Best Dog Friendly Walks Sydney – There are countless walking trails in Sydney, but unfortunately dogs are not allowed in national parks, not even on a leash. This means our furry friends miss out on many exciting adventures. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy hiking with your four-legged companion.
We’ve picked out 16 of the best dog walking trails in Sydney where you and your companion can enjoy the great outdoors together. This walk is dog-friendly, but remember your dog must be on a lead except in designated off-leash areas.
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The scenic Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is a spectacular 8.4km loop around Narrabeen Lagos on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
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The trail was completed as a full circuit in February 2015 and is now a very popular weekend getaway for walkers, joggers, cyclists, strollers, parents and dog walkers.
Walking this trail is great outdoor exercise for you and your dog. Dogs must be on a lead everywhere on the trails.
Lake Parramatta was created as a result of the damming of Hunts Creek in 1856 and is now a recreation area with four marked bushwalking trails.
Together these four walks form the Lake Parramatta Circuit Walk, a 4.2km bushwalk through beautiful scenery. For a full circle walk, it’s best to start walking clockwise around the lake west of the parking lot.
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The Headland Track is a short but very scenic loop walk in Otley Park in the southern suburb of Otley, Sydney.
It’s an easy 1.3km walk starting from the Palace car park. Look for the signs and start your circuit walk from there.
Along the track are numbered posts marking points of interest. A QR code on each post links to an online guide that tells you more about all the interesting things to discover in the park.
Barry Island Reserve is a quiet little oasis in Wollstonecroft on Sydney’s North Shore with a short bushwalking track (Gudian Track), picnic areas and a fenced playground.
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The island was originally one of the islands in Sydney Harbour, but is now a peninsula of mud and other material, connected to the mainland by a large lawn.
Dogs are welcome at Barry Island Reserve and on the trails, but must be kept on a lead.
Walking along the beach between Glebe’s Bicentennial Park and Pyrmont’s Sydney Fish Market is beautiful, but the area is off-leash so there are also several parks you can add or subtract.
Centennial Park has an off-limits area on the west side of the park, and Federal Park has a 24-hour off-limits area.
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If that wasn’t enough, Centennial Park also has a small beach area where dogs can run free or jump into the water.
One of Sydney’s most classic urban walks is the Bay Run, a 7km public path for cyclists and pedestrians around Iron Cove in Sydney’s inner west.
Dogs must be leashed during walks, but there are many parks where dogs can run and play.
One of these dog-friendly parks is King George Park, where dogs can be kept when there are no sporting events, training or events taking place.
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Balls Head Reserve at Weaverton on Sydney’s North Shore is a beautiful bushland oasis overlooking Sydney Harbour.
The reserve includes short forest walks with beautiful views of the Sydney CBD skyline, the Harbor Bridge, Goat Island and the surrounding peninsula.
Carrada Park is next to Balls Head Reserve and is still a hidden gem. Once an oil storage facility, the park is now a recreation area with walking trails and exploration platforms.
The Federation Cliff Walk is a 5km coastal path between Watsons Bay and Dover Heights, featuring towering sandstone cliffs and sea views.
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Dogs are always on the lead on the trail, but there are parks in and around the trail. For example, the Lighthouse Sanctuary is a beautiful park where dogs can run free.
Another great place to leave your dog is Diamond Bay Reserve, which has a 24-hour off-leash dog exercise area.
The Manly Dam Walk is a 7.3km loop trail with beautiful views of the dam and lake.
Surrounded by 377 hectares of native forest, Manly Dam Reserve is Sydney’s largest freshwater lake. The lake was formed by damming Curl Curl Creek (now Manly Creek) to supply water to the area.
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Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trails and surrounding woods, but not in the water or around parking lots, picnic areas or playgrounds.
Centennial Park is part of the Centennial Parklands, which includes Moore Park and Queen’s Park. It is one of Australia’s most famous and historic outdoor spaces, visited by over 30 million people each year.
Centennial Park’s 3.6km loop trail is great for you and your furry friend to get some exercise. However, you can also explore the park and its 154 hectares of off-leash space.
Sydney’s most popular coastal stretch between Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach is friendly to furry friends and humans alike.
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Dogs are allowed on leashed paths but not on the beach.
However, some parks along the trail allow dogs off-leash, and Marks Park is a popular spot where dogs can run free at designated times.
Quietly nestled in Bellevue Hill in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Cooper Park is a large forest reserve with a variety of walking trails and recreational facilities.
Dogs are allowed in Cooper Park as long as they are on a lead, and there is a temporary off-leash area in an area of the park near Sooty Road.
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Starting at Wanda Beach, the Cronulla Foreshore Walk is a scenic 6 kilometer coastal walk that winds along the coastline of the Cronulla Peninsula and includes numerous reef swimming pools, playgrounds, beaches and attractive features.
Perhaps the best part of the Cronulla Beach walk is the stretch between Cronulla Beach and the southern tip of the Cronulla Peninsula.
The Nuragingy Reserve in Duneside is a beautiful protected area that serves as a city park, nature reserve and garden. Spread over 60 hectares and with a variety of walking trails, you can spend more time with your dog.
One of the highlights of the Nuragingy Reserve is an authentic Chinese garden with its stone bridge, majestic gateway and waterfall observation deck. According to Blacktown City Council, dogs are only allowed on a leash at the daycare.
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If you want to explore more of these public garden areas, check out our list of beautiful gardens in Sydney for some great options.
If you’re looking for an easy, scenic bay walk with beautiful harbor views, the loop trail around Cremorne Point is an excellent option.
In the mid-19th century Cremorne Gardens was named after a large amusement park that featured activities such as live music, dancing, archery, gymnastics and fireworks.
Some of the highlights of this walk are Robertson Lighthouse, Mosman Bay and Macallum Pool, not to mention the beautiful scenery of the area.
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Dogs are welcome on walks at Cremorne Point, but must always be on a lead.
The family and dog-friendly Platypus Track is a 2.4km bushwalk suitable for all ages at Badjigal Reserve in the Hillsshire.
You’ll also find a nice picnic area with tables and a wood-fired barbecue at the start of your trek. Dogs must be kept on a lead in park areas.
For more ideas on places to visit with your dog, check out our list of dog-friendly beaches in Sydney and our list of dog-friendly parks in Sydney.
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AJ Men’s is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia and editor-in-chief of Sydney Encore and Blue Mountains Encore.
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Taking your four-legged friend on one of the best dog walking trips in Sydney and the Blue Mountains not only guarantees adventure but also fosters a bond between pet and owner. The city is a dog lover’s paradise with beautiful scenery, bustling parks and tranquil beaches.
Our guide to the 15 best dog walks in Sydney and the Blue Mountains uncovers hidden gems where your furry friends can roam free, enjoy the beauty of nature and make new friends. Whether you’re local or visiting from afar, find the best dog walking in Sydney and Blue
