There’s no better company on a hike than your perpetually stoked furry companion, but finding a walk suitable for dogs isn’t always easy. But there are actually dozens of dog-friendly walks in and around the Brisbane region, and we’ve found 11 of the best!

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Discovering Dog Friendly Walks Brisbane

The Queensland Parks website has a nifty little feature which allows you to filter areas where dogs are allowed on-leash. We’ve done the hard yakka to give you 11 of the best dog friendly walks around Brisbane (and some a little further out, too, if you’re up for the drive). Read on so you and Fido can get out there, stat!

NSW dog lovers, we’ve got you covered: 14 Fantastic Dog Friendly Walks Near Sydney

Also Read:

Dog Walking Responsibly

As a rule of thumb, dogs are never allowed in national parks and there are two main reasons why.

Firstly, parks contain especially rare or important species, and the threat of disease, intimidation, or attack by dogs is too high. Secondly, deadly poison baits are used throughout national parks to target invasive species – unfortunately, this makes them dangerous for your furry pal too!

It’s very important that your dog stays on-leash. Between 2006 and 2017, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital reported 3000 native wildlife injuries by dogs; this makes dogs the fourth greatest threat.

Most injured wildlife dies, and this is especially true for dog attacks. Over 70% will succumb to immediate injuries, or shock and infection shortly after. Dogs are always unpredictable to some degree – just don’t risk it.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

 

Dog Friendly Walks Within One Hour of Brisbane

1. The Cliffs Boardwalk and Brisbane Riverwalk

Location: Brisbane CBD
Length: 3km

For the metropolitan pup, there’s a smorgasbord of dog-friendly hikes right in Brisbane city itself. Starting at the Cliffs Boardwalk (particularly beautiful at sunset), you can watch the climbers on Kangaroo Point Cliffs and meander along the river.

 

Kangaroo Point Cliffs is a Climbing Crag in The Heart of Brisbane, Lisa Owen, wall, climb, cliff

Hellloooo up there! | @_thelittleadventurer

 

Keep walking through to C.T. White Park and then cross the Story Bridge, before turning right towards Wilson Outlook Reserve. Here, you can begin the Brisbane Riverwalk (<1km), perfect for a leisurely stroll and people-watching. Enjoy the BrisVegas skyline and Brisbane River, while taking in the iconic Story Bridge from every angle.

2. Mt Coot-tha Summit Track

Location: Mt Coot-tha
Length: 5.3km return

Locals tend to take Mt Coot-tha Reserve for granted. At 1500 hectares, this is Brisbane’s largest conservation reserve, and it’s ridiculously close to the city (just 8km, in fact). There’re a whopping 54 dog friendly walking tracks here but the Summit Track is Mt Coot-tha’s most iconic hike.

Sprawling views await you after the 30-minute walk from J.C. Slaughter Falls – from Moreton Bay and the Stradbroke Islands, to the McPherson Range and the Brisbane skyline.

Mt Coot-tha itself forms part of the Taylor Range, right at the southern end of the D’Aguilar Range. Its name comes from the Turrbal word for honey – kuta – named for the large native stingless bee population that the mountain used to support.

3. Mt Gravatt Summit Track

Location: Toohey Forest Park
Length: 2km return

Step back in time and walk among the open eucalypt forests that used to cover Brisbane, just 10km south of the CBD at Mt Gravatt (aka Kaggur-Mabul: place of the echidna).

With giant moss, luminous mushrooms, and tiny bluebells to see, Toohey Forest Park, where Mt Gravatt resides, also boasts no less than 30 walks suitable for dogs! The 2km return Summit Track on the east side is a somewhat steep bushwalk with grand views of the city, Moreton Bay Islands, D’Aguilar Ranges, and Glasshouse Mountains.

Keep an eye out for several spectacular and enormous dusty pink gumtrees on your way up. The west side is further from the highway and a better option for a more tranquil walk. There are multiple entries, so double-check which car park your favoured walk starts at.

 

4. Seven Hills Circuit

Location: Seven Hills Bushland Reserve
Length: 3km

Seven Hills Bushland Reserve is a 50-hectare nature reserve located 10km east of the Brisbane CBD. There’s nowhere closer to the inner city that feels further away. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle, Seven Hills is great for a peaceful afternoon stroll with your pup.

The Seven Hills Circuit is its main feature, with over 2km of well-maintained trails. The best part of the circuit is that there are several entry points, making it super accessible. Make sure to keep an eye out for Blue tongue lizards; dogs are their biggest threat.

5. Whites Hill Summit

Location: Whites Hill Reserve
Length: 0.5km

Whites Hill Reserve is located 12km from the Brisbane CBD, and has 13 walking tracks meandering through its dry rainforest and eucalypt forests. As an awesome bonus, you’ll find one of Brisbane’s dog parks on the southwest corner for off-leash fun. The Whites Hill Summit (535m) makes for a chill afternoon walk; it’s also wheelchair and pram accessible.

Although Whites Hill isn’t as big as some of the other reserves around Brisbane, but it’s home to an astonishing amount of Brisbane’s flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare velvet gecko, Shirley’s tuckeroo, or even koalas and short-beaked echidnas.

6. Jinker Track

Location: Bunyaville Conservation Park
Length: About 3km

Just 15km northwest of the CBD, Bunyaville’s open eucalypt forests and scattered creeks are perfect for a mid-week trip close to the city. The park has a stack of mountain biking, horse riding, and hiking trails, but dogs are only allowed on the numerous shared trails*. The Jinker Track transects the park and is a good option.

Bunyaville’s terrain is really stand-out for trail running, and you can try it out for yourself at the weekly ParkRun on Saturday mornings which is – you guessed it – dog friendly. Tie up your sneakers, leash up, and hit the trail!

*What the blooming heck is a shared trail?

Expect to see mountain bikers and even the odd horse on the trails – so make sure your dog is socialised and on-leash! Everyone gives way to horses, and MTBikers give way to you.

7. Tower Break Loop

Location: Moggill Conservation Area
Length: 4.2km

Head 22km west from the centre of Brisbane to Moggill Conservation Area, a 500-hectare dog friendly adventure playground. It’s thought that ‘Moggill’ comes from the Turrbal word Maggil, meaning large water lizard.

There are three main trails, but the 4.2km Tower Break Loop offers spectacular views all the way to Brisbane and a steep, challenging hike.

Winter and spring are good times to visit as the wildflowers will be in bloom; they must be pretty stellar because commercial beekeeping has taken place here since 1941.

 

8. Samford Road Break

Location: Samford Conservation Park

Dogs will go wacko for Samford, a 19km drive northwest from central Brisbane. Samford (aka Kupidabin: place of possums) features a web of shared trails suitable for dogs. Sadly, dogs are not allowed on the only dedicated walking track in the park, the Crebra Track.

You’ll still be able to admire its namesake, Eucalyptus crebra (aka narrow-leaved red ironbark or muggago in Dharawal), on the extensive shared tracks – there are over 20!

The Samford Road Break shared track is closest to Crebra Track (and parking). Samford’s hilly terrain is popular for Kokoda training – but it’s also useful for wearing out young puppies.

Dog Friendly Walks Outside of Brisbane

9. Plunkett Mallee Circuit

Location: Koala Bushland CCA
Length: 2.4km

It’s a mouthful, but the Koala Bushland Coordinated Conservation Area is like Dreamworld for dogs, just 25km southeast of Brisbane. Dogs are permitted on-leash in five adjacent reserves. Check out the 2.4km Plunkett Mallee Circuit for the rare trees, and to say you’ve hiked a one-way ‘circuit’.

Botanophiles should head to Ford Road Conservation Park, which boasts several rare plants, including the Plunkett Mallee, Eprapah Wattle, Silver Weeping Tea Tree, and Weeping Bottlebrush.

Dogs are also permitted at the Daisy Hill picnic area, but be very careful not to cross the boundary into Venman Bushland National Park – dogs are strictly prohibited.

How about an overnight adventure? Dog friendly campgrounds

10. Wickham Peak Trail

Location: Plunkett Conservation Park
Length: 6.9km

Plunkett Conservation Park is a sandstone delight with a galactic twist less than an hour south of the city. Wickham Peak Trail offers a challenging scramble on ethereal rocky outcrops. Start the track with a boulder problem (why not?) at Satellite; crag dogs will love watching you send Escape Velocity.

Keep plodding along the sometimes-steep track for views of Cedar Creek Valley. On your way, keep an eye out for the rare Pterostylis chaetophora – also known as the Tall Rustyhood – an alien orchid with several antennae-like protrusions.

Dogs are allowed on-leash in the whole park – what’s not to Laika? (Yes, this is an obscure reference to the Soviet space dog – you’re welcome).

 

11. Days Rd Main Trail, Filling Rattler & Doom Hippy

Location: Bayview Conservation Area
Length: 3.3km

The 1000-hectare Bayview Conservation Area is located 45 minutes southeast of the Brisbane CBD and has over 60km of shared trails to its name. The area was recently upgraded and is popular among mountain bikers, so keep a short leash. By virtue of its massive size, this won’t be your typical vanilla bushland walk; expect Melaleuca wetlands, riparian areas, and more.

From Days Rd entrance, try the 3.3km one-way track along Days Rd Main Trail, Filling Rattler, and then Doom Hippy. The main entrance is at 487-503 German Church Road. Bring mozzie repellent!

Make it an overnight adventure! 9 Dog Friendly Camping Spots Near Brisbane

Dog Friendly Cafes

After all that running around, slobbering, and playing fetch (the dog, not you), it’s time to rehydrate at a dog friendly cafe. Here are some of the best cafes to take your dog around Brisbane.

1. Snag and Brown

Location: Annerly

With Bare Bones Coffee chugging out the machine, scrumptious food on offer and its very own dog park out the back (!!), Snag and Brown is a no-brainer when it comes to coffee dates with your four-legged friend.

2. Brown Dog Cafe

Location: Woolloongabba

No points for guessing this cafe will smother your pooch with love!

Come for the pet friendly nature – stay for the coffee!

3. Frenchies Cafe

Location: Wynnum

Ok, if you want your pooch to be positively spoiled, Frenchies Cafe is the place to take them. With a dog bowl and mat supplied for each pup, a specific room for owners wanting to eat with their dog inside, AND a dedicated dog menu, this place is off the dog-chain.

 

 

Dog Friendly Walks FAQs

1. Are dogs allowed on Brisbane River walk?

Yes! This 3km walk right in the city is a great place to take your pooch.

2. Can dogs go on ferry in Brisbane?

Yes you can take your dog on a ferry in Brisbane, just ensure they are leashed, well restrained and you clean up after them!

3. What should you take on a bush walk with your dog?

Make sure you bring their leash and if there is no water available on the walk, either take some with you or make sure it is available back at the car!

So there you have it! The best walks around Brisbane perfect for pooches. Now get out there and take Fido with ya!

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Feature image by Ollie Khedun