Rocky Creek Dam is a doggy’s adventure paradise. On a sunny winter day, Sian and Bee took one very lucky boy Jack on a day trip to the dam and for dinner at the pub on the way home.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the land of the Widjabul people who are part of the Bundjalung Nation. The Widjabul people have occupied and cared for this land for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • Four walks to choose from for dogs big and small
  • Picnicking by the dam
  • Pub stop at The Eltham Hotel on the way back!

Ceder Walk at Rocky Creek Dam

Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times at Rocky Creek Dam Nature Reserve. 

Load up with doggy doo doo bags, scooby snacks, and the usual day hike essentials and head out to Rocky Creek Dam for a dog-friendly adventure just under an hour away from Byron.

The reserve is pretty snazzy, with good parking, BBQ facilities, and a perfectly manicured lawn beside the dam which is an excellent picnic spot. If your dog’s a chiller, sit down and enjoy the cheese board that you most definitely should’ve packed. But if your dog’s freaking out in sheer excitement like Jack was, head down to the dam edge and to the left to begin the walk.

We chose the short 2.3km Ceder walk/Junbang Gurahr but there are longer and shorter walks to choose from. All the walks start on the same path and break off as you continue further along.

Love bushwalks with your dog? Read: 14 Fantastic Dog-Friendly Walks Near Sydney

 

 

Hold on tight to the leash when you cross the dam wall. It’s really quite stunning, and your dog may want to hurl themselves off the edge to go for a swim or discover the valley below

A little further along you’ll cross the spillway. Just avoid visiting after heavy rain, or you’ll find that you won’t be able to cross.

The track continues to wind through the regenerating rainforest and takes you to a river crossing. But be careful, as the rocks are pretty darn slippery. Jack nearly took me out as he dragged me across, which would’ve been a hilarious sight, but not a fun one.

You’ve been warned.

 

 

After the creek crossing it’s smooth sailing through the forest and along the edge of an adjacent farm, back to the start of the walk. There are coloured markers along the trails to help you stick to your chosen track.

On the way back to Byron, it’s essential that you detour past The Eltham Hotel. The Eltham is a classic old pub with a large outdoor seating area where you can get a delicious pub feed and a beer with your best four-legged friend.

Want to go camping with your dog? Read: Where’s The Best Dog Friendly Camping in NSW

Doggy Dos & Don’ts

Dog friendly reserves like Rocky Creek are hard to come by! So there are a few things to keep in mind before you go to make sure you take care of the area.

  • There are many other furry friends (and friends of the human kind) walking about this reserve. The path can get narrow at times, so make sure your pooch is happy passing close by other dogs and people before you go. 
  • Pick up after your dog and take the bag with you. Remember to dispose of it properly and leave no trace! 
  • Keep your dog on a leash, don’t go wandering off the path and don’t let your dog disturb the water. Rocky Creek Dam is a water catchment area and home to many native flora and fauna. 

 

The catchment area surrounding Rocky Creek Dam is known in Widjabul ideology as Ngathanggali jogunba / Creator’s Country. Please be careful not to unbalance the Spiritual Harmony of this Place. 

Essential Gear

  • Dog leash
  • Dog bowl
  • Doggie doo doo bags
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • Water
  • Picnic or BBQ supplies

How To Get There

Rocky Creek Dam is a 50 minute drive west from Byron Bay.

Skill Level

The hike we took was beginner.

If you’re tackling the 6km Turkey Scrub walk which enters the Big Scrub rainforest of Nightcap National Park, then you’re into intermediate territory. 

Distance Covered

Driving: 2 hrs / 107km return

Walking: 40 min / 2.3km return 

 

Photos thanks to @bee_pinkydoony