14 of the best dog friendly walks in Sydney for you & your pooch
Couple walking dogs at South Cronulla Beach
With over six million pet dogs in Australia, all those furry friends need somewhere to stretch their legs. From breathtaking coastal strolls to hikes in natural bushland, it’s time to em-‘bark’ on an adventure!
Feb 2024 -
7
min readBondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Where: Eastern Suburbs
Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome at Sydney’s most famous coastal walk. With stunning coastal views, beaches, rock pools, parks and cliffs peppered along the pathway, there are endless sights for you and your pup to enjoy. Pop into one of the many dog-friendly cafes and restaurants along the way to grab a bite for you and your pooch.
- Highlight: At the end of it all, let your dog roam free at Trenerry Reserve in Coogee, a dedicated off-leash area located on the southern headland of Coogee Bay.
- Distance: 6km
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? Yes
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
- Getting there: Although the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is quite easily accessible by public transport, when travelling with your pooch, you’ll need to make your way by private vehicle. Parking is available around Bondi, but be aware that parking meters are often in use.
Coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi, Bondi
Western Sydney Parklands
Where: Western Suburbs
Home to 5,280 hectares of beautiful bushland and over 60km of walking trails a visit to the Western Sydney Parklands is one adventure your furry companion can join you on! Western Sydney Parklands is Australia’s largest urban park, offering plenty of space for your curious pooch to explore. With walks ranging from 30 minutes to three hours, there are plenty of great options for most levels of fitness.
- Highlights: If the trails aren’t enough for your high-energy pal, don’t despair! Western Sydney Parklands is home to one of Sydney’s largest off-leash dog parks: Warrigal Run. Sit back and take a breather and let your dog do the running.
- Distance: Varies depending on the chosen walking trail
- Difficulty: Varies between walking trails
- On-leash? Must be on a leash when not in a designated off-leash area
- Opening hours: 24 hours, but most of the Parklands is not lit after hours. If entering with a vehicle, the gates are open daily from 8am to 6pm (8am to 8pm during daylight savings).
- Getting there: The parklands are easily accessible via the Great Western Highway, M4 or M7.
Dog walking in Western Sydney Parklands
Berowra Valley Regional Park
Where: Sydney North
With three dog-friendly walking trails situated within this regional park, there’s something for everyone and their dog. Choose from either the Daphne, Clarinda or Bellamy trail and venture through beautiful forests of eucalyptus trees, wetlands and valleys.
- Highlights: Take in some fresh air and some rich history on this walk, with signs offering information about the quarry and railway lines that once passed through the area.
- Distance: Varies depending on the chosen walking trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? Yes
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
- Getting there: Daphne trail may be accessed between Tuscan Way and Patricia Place, Cherrybrook, while Bellamy tail can be found between Bellamy Street and De Saxe Close, Thornleigh. Clarinda trail is situated between Clarinda Street and Simon Place, Hornsby.
Barnetts lookout, Berowra
Cronulla Beach Walk
Where: Sydney South
This walk follows the beautiful Cronulla coastline, passing by stunning beaches, rockpools, parks, playgrounds and cafes. Stroll along the vibrant esplanade with plenty of smells for your pooch to follow. Walk down to Greenhills Beach and let your dog roam free at this designed off-leash beach (dogs only allowed off-lead Monday to Friday before 10am and after 4pm). This stretch of sand is often less busy than Cronulla Beach, so it's a great place for you and your dog to let loose and unwind.
- Highlights: Walk on over to Oak Park, just south of Cronulla Beach. This large open park is the perfect spot for you and your dog to take a break and refuel.
- Distance: 4km
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? Yes
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
- Getting there: Parking is available along the length of the trail.
South Cronulla Beach, Cronulla
Banksia Track at Lake Parramatta
Where: Western Suburbs
Head out west and get among lush bushland at Lake Parramatta. Situated only two kilometres from Parramatta’s CBD and with the lake now re-open for swimming from October each year, there’s no better way to enjoy a day by the water. As the name suggests, the Banksia track is brimming with beautiful native Australian wildflowers and banksias. The track meanders along the eastern edge of the lake, taking in charming views of the lake and rare flora. Once your pooch is tired out, hit up the cafe near the car park for drinks and a snack, or make your own with picnic and barbecue facilities available at the reserve.
- Highlights: Keep an eye out for some native friends along the way, including sulphur crested cockatoos, sugar gliders, blue tongue lizards, and, if you’re lucky, maybe even a shy echidna or two.
- Distance: 2.5km
- Difficulty: Moderate - watch out for some uneven ground
- On-leash? Yes
- Opening hours: 6:30am to 5:30pm daily and 6:30am to 7:30pm during daylight savings.
- Getting there: Access is from Lackey Street off Bourke Street, North Parramatta.
Lake Parramatta Reserve, Parramatta
Manly to Shelly Beach Walk
Where: Northern Beaches
For a lovely waterside stroll with your favourite pooch, the walk from Manly Beach to Shelly Beach is a great choice. Starting from outside the Manly Beach Lifesaving Club, the walk leads you along the coast, past an assortment of unique sculptures and the historic Fairy Bower Pool. There are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy a pat along the way, as well as no shortage of great ocean views.
- Highlights: Although relatively short, this walk is all about the views. Pack a camera or take along your smartphone to capture some photos of this gorgeous part of Sydney.
- Distance: 1.5km
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? Yes
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
- Getting there: Metered on-street parking and several council operated car parks are located within the vicinity of Manly Beach.
Fairy Bower Rockpool, Manly
Centennial Parklands
Where: Eastern Suburbs
One of Sydney’s largest off-leash areas, Moore Park’s Centennial Parklands offer plenty of space for your pup to stretch their legs and enjoy a great day out. Bring a ball along and play rounds of fetch surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the parklands, or clip on their leash and enjoy a stroll through the grounds.
- Highlights: While there are plenty of off-leash areas to discover throughout the parklands, Federation Valley and Sandstone Ridge are among the most popular. Stop by and let your pooch socialise with some new four-legged friends.
- Distance: Varies depending on the chosen walking path
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? In some areas, including the area surrounded by Grand Drive.
- Opening hours: 6am to 8pm from October to April, 6.30am to 5.30pm from May to August and 6am to 6pm from September to October.
- Getting there: A mix of free and metered parking can be found throughout the parklands.
Centennial Parklands, Moore Park - Credit: Centennial Parklands
Sydney Park
Where: Inner West
Situated in Sydney’s Inner West, Sydney Park’s wide open spaces, rolling hills and scenic pathways make for an exciting adventure with your favourite furry friend. With plenty of space to explore, it’s a park you can return to time and time again and still not see the entirety of the grounds.
- Highlights: A family-friendly park, Sydney Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic with the whole family in tow. Be sure to pack some doggy treats for your favourite furbaby too!
- Distance: Varies depending on the chosen walking path.
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? No, although dogs are prohibited from some areas of the park, including the Wetlands, Alan Davidson Oval, playgrounds, barbecue areas and the Sydney Park Cycling Centre.
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
- Getting there: Several car parks are located within the vicinity of the park.
Sydney Park, St Peters
Glebe Foreshore Walk
Where: Inner Sydney
Stretching from Bicentennial Park to Pyrmont, the Glebe Foreshore Walk passes by a number of off-leash parks and reserves perfect for letting your canine friends run wild, meet other dogs and experience some brand new smells. Choose one off-leash area to visit as you tackle your walk or surprise your pooch with dog park crawl.
- Highlights: You’ll enjoy some great harbour views while exploring this lovely corner of Inner Sydney.
- Distance: 4km return
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? Dogs should be on-leash when completing the Glebe Foreshore Walk, but several off-leash areas are situated within the area surrounding the walkway.
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
- Getting there: On-street parking is available in the vicinity of the walkway and the Glebe Foreshore parks.
Blackwattle Bay Park, Glebe
Curl Curl to Freshwater Beach Coastal Walk
Where: Northern Beaches
Perfect for when you feel like setting out on a coastal walk but your four-legged friend isn’t the sporty type, the Curl Curl to Freshwater Beach Coastal Walk is a short boardwalk trail that takes just over 20 minutes to complete. Starting at North Curl Curl Beach, the trail meanders along the coastline, offering some lovely water views before arriving at Freshwater Beach.
- Highlights: The walk passes by the dog-friendly Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve, Curl Curl Lagoon and the Adam Street Reserve, which are great stops for active pooches.
- Distance: 2km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- On-leash? Yes, but there are off-leash areas located nearby.
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
- Getting there: Metered parking is available in the area surrounding North Curl Curl Beach.
Freshwater Beach, Northern Beaches
Cremorne Point Walk
Where: Sydney North
For such a short walk, Cremorne Point Walk is the gift that keeps on giving. Expect jaw-dropping harbour views, hidden-away coves, a lighthouse and even a secret garden. The walk is virtually flat the entire way – with an elevation of only 115 metres – and stops by a number of fantastic parks and pools.
- Highlights: The Lex and Ruby Graham Gardens are nothing short of magical, while Robertsons Point Lighthouse is a lovely spot to sit by the water.
- Distance: 3km
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? Yes
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Getting there: For a scenic trip, catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Cremorne Point Wharf, which is the start and end of the circuit walk. There’s also street parking.
Picnic at Cremorne Point, Cremorne
Great River Walk
Where: Western Suburbs
See the pretty Nepean River from both sides while enjoying stunning views of the Blue Mountains on Penrith’s Great River Walk. The going is easy – suitable for walkers and cyclists – and there are plenty of viewing platforms, picnic spots, playgrounds and cafes along the way. Keep your eyes peeked for birds and other wildlife.
- Highlights: Break up the walk by ordering lunch from Bank Fish & Chips and sit at the river’s edge or dine in – the precinct is dog-friendly.
- Distance: 6.4km loop – most people start the walk along the east side at Tench Avenue, crossing to the north side via the Yandhai Nepean Crossing.
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? Yes
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Getting there: The walk is accessible from both Penrith and Emu Plains railway stations. Parking is available at Tench Reserve, Weir Reserve and Regatta Park.
Great River Walk, Penrith
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
Where: Northern Beaches
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is a popular circuit on Sydney’s Northern Beaches for dog walkers. The trail weaves around the waters of Narrabeen Lagoon, which are often filled with fisherman, kayakers and paddle boarders, while on the land, local fauna and flora are abundant. It’s a great walk for people and dogs of all fitness levels, with no hills to encounter and wide, open pathways.
- Highlights: If the beautiful lagoon views and fresh air aren’t enough, stop by for refreshments at one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby.
- Distance: 8.6km
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? Yes
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
- Getting there: Parking is available along the length of the trail.
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, Narrabeen
The Bay Run
Where: Inner West
The Bay Run is a dog-friendly cycling and pedestrian circuit that surrounds Parramatta River’s Iron Cove. The waterside scenery makes for an enjoyable and relaxing stroll for you and your dog, offering plenty of parklands and amenities to take advantage of.
- Highlights: Enjoy the beautiful waterfront views as you cross over the Iron Cove Bridge. Look out for the rowers below and views of Snapper Island, the smallest island in Sydney Harbour.
- Distance: 7km
- Difficulty: Easy
- On-leash? Yes
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Getting there: Parking is available along the length of the trail. Parking meters may be in use.
Bay Run, Drummoyne - Credit: Ming Ye
