April 19, 2019
Dog-Friendly Bush Walking Near Sydney
Living in the city doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bush walk with your dog.
Fortunately, there are a number of great places you can take your best mate that allow you to get a lot closer to nature than your local dog park.
Here are some of Sydney’s best bushwalks that allow dogs.
North West of Sydney
Rouse Hill Regional Park
Dog-friendly Rouse Hill Regional Park is great for a picnic or barbecue. There’s a lot to do; you can take the kids to the playground, go bike riding, rollerblading or horse riding.
Mia Sophie, a Sydney based pet photographer is a regular to the park and says that “Rouse Hill Regional Park is a beautiful park. It has something for everyone. It’s a perfect place to bring your family and pets too for any occasion! You just can’t beat the way the sun shines through the trees! It’s simply beautiful!”
– Mia, Pawtraits and Pawprints
Rouse Hill 2155
Bidjigal Reserve
Leave the city noise behind you and head to this amazing bushland area in the middle of the Hills district. The Platypus Track runs next to a creek, a 1.7km loop and graded as easy. While dogs are welcome to join their owners, they must be leashed at all times. Fox baiting occurs at different times of the year, so it’s best to check the council website to public signage.
Excelsior Avenue, Castle Hill Drive 2154
Yarramundi Nature Reserve
With 12 hectares for your dog to roam free off the leash and swim in the river, Yarramundi nature reserve near Richmond, is a memorable getaway for dog and owner.
Ku-ring-gai Bicentennial Park Walk
One of Ku-ring-gai’s largest recreation facilities, Bicentennial Park is home to a variety of sporting clubs and events. As well as having a dog off-leash area, it also has BBQ facilities, walking/cycling tracks, and a fenced playground.
Prince Of Wales Dr, West Pymble 2073
North of Sydney
Two Creeks Track
Located just 15 minutes from the city on Sydney’s North Shore, this scenic dog-friendly hike, is graded as moderate, and goes along Gordon Creek until it joins Middle Harbour and then down to Echo Point Park. The hike crosses a section of Garigal National Park – where dogs are not permitted – so be sure to read the signage.
Middle Harbour Rd, Lindfield 2070
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
Dogs can join their owners on this wonderful bush walk in the northern beaches. The walk is graded as easy, and circles the lagoon where you can capture beautiful glimpses of the water as you pass by.
Lakeshore Dr, Narrabeen 2101
McCarrs Creek Reserve
Strickland State Forest
Located on the Central Coast, your dog will enjoy a relaxing bushwalk weaving through the magical trails with diverse of flora and fauna to either the Arboretum Loop (2.3km) or Strickland Falls – beware of the leeches though, and make sure you cover your legs and check your pooch!
Strickland Forest Rd, Somersby 2250
East of Sydney
Cooper Park
Although this park is in the centre of the Eastern suburbs, you get the feeling you are a million miles away from the city. Dogs are permitted on a lead with the exception of the turfed sports ground adjacent to Suttie Road where dogs are permitted off leash between 4:30pm and 8:30am.
Suttie Rd, Bellevue Hill 2023
Trenerry Reserve
With sweeping ocean views, this reserve includes a large grassed dedicated off-leash area for dogs that overlooks Coogee Beach. The coastal walkway winds through the reserve heading to the town centre, be aware that it gets busy at weekends.
1R Wolseley Rd, Coogee 2034
South of Sydney
Wingello State Forest
If you feel like spending the night, after a day’s walking in the bush, dogs are allowed at the Wingello Campground, which is located around a five-minute drive from the small town of Wingello.
Caoura Rd, Wingello 2579
Wolli Creek Regional Park
Take your pet to the Wolli Creek walking track, which is a 2km section of the Two Valley trail. You can start at Girahween picnic area or from Turrella Reserve. Dogs are permitted in this part of the park but you will need to keep them leashed and remember to pick up after them. Mia says, “This place is magical! If you love rainforests, you’ll love this place! This bushland is a gem! It’s a fun adventure and your dog will love it!”
Kiama Coast Walk
West of Sydney
Lake Parramatta
This popular bushland reserve has a number of bushwalks to choose from, however, dogs must be on a leash throughout the reserve, in order to protect the native wildlife.
Illawong Drive, North Parramatta 2151
Of course, it is important to be mindful of other walkers when you take your dog bushwalking, as not everyone will love your dog as much as you do.
We recommend doing the following to ensure that everyone enjoys their time in the great outdoors:
- Always check the signage for instructions on dog-friendly areas
- Be sure to clean up after your dog
- Take your own doggie poo bags
- Keep your dog fully restraint and away from wildlife