Is the same 5kms with Fido driving you barking mad? We hear you, fur-iend (couldn’t not) so we’ve done some digging to bring you Brisbane’s best dog walks and hikes.
From easy trails for your best old boy to tougher climbs for exuberant pups, we’ve got every canine covered. Laces tied, leashes on and poop bags packed—adventure, sniffs, and iced matcha lattes await.
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Hamilton to New Farm Riverwalk
Hamilton to New Farm
Image credit: Happy Paws by Angus | Supplied
If you’re looking for a northside stroll to suit most doggos, Angus Healy of popular pack-walking business Happy Paws by Angus name drops this riverside ramble. 4 to 6 kms (depending on where you jump on and off), the flat, scenic walk finishes at New Farm Park, where there’s an off-leash enclosure with separate zones for bigs and smalls.
According to Angus, “It’s a perfect route for dogs new to pack walking due to its calm pace and open space. “There are also great dog-friendly cafes nearby like Kin and Tribe Coffee Co in Ascot—Tribe even hands out free treats to dogs we walk past with, which is always a hit,”
Mount Coot-tha Reserve
Mount Coot-tha
For more adventurous outings, make tracks to Mount Coot-tha, where options include Simpson Falls (1.3km return) and the Summit Track (5km return). “Ideal for high-energy dogs who love a good bushwalk, the trails are peaceful and shaded, with plenty of different tracks to explore,” says Angus.
“Dogs do need to stay on-lead, but they love the fresh air and new scents. The Summit Track also rewards walkers with amazing views.”
Kedron Brook Floodway Off-Leash Area
Gordon Park to Lutwyche
More popular than peanut butter on a LickiMat, this epic off-lead stretch offers around 2 continuous kilometres for dogs to sniff, splash and work off those zoomies.
“Start at Gilbert Road and head north along the bubbling brook to Thistle Street,” suggests one regular. “Just make sure if your dog isn’t sociable that they’re on a lead and you pick up after them. Council provides plenty of poo bags and bins.”
So, no excuse not to be a decent human.
Toohey Forest Park and Mount Gravatt Lookout Reserve
Nathan
Need to get some nature in your eyeballs? Covering around 250 hectares of bushland with access from southside ‘burbs including Nathan and Holland Park, Toohey Forest Park—and the adjacent Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve—is a dog’s dream.
Choose your own adventure from 30-ish intertwining tracks, ranging from a few hundred metres to 3.5kms along Nathan Ridge. Just remember it’s strictly on-leash to protect the local wildlife.
Wynnum-Manly Foreshore
Wynnum
Image credit: Martin Jacobsen | Brisbane Marketing
For a serve of scenic bayside views, with plenty of coffee stops along the 4.5km stretch, this dog-friendly Brisbane walk is on point. Flat and paved, it’s suited to dogs of all ages and energy levels, plus it’s a smooth pram ride if you’re bringing your second-born.
Make sure you schedule some off-leash play time at one of the designated areas along the way. And don’t miss Elanora Park’s agility area for putting Poochie through his paces.
Bulimba Creek Trail via Broadwater Picnic Ground
Mansfield
Southside serenity can also be found on the Bulimba Creek Trail, says Nick Fraser of Brisbane Dog Walkers.
Grab a rockstar park (there are plenty) at the Broadwater Picnic Ground in Mansfield. Then follow the shady and cool (“even in summer”) trails along the creek, where pups can splash about as you zen out.
According to Nick, “There’s a lovely open grassy park for big dogs to stretch out and quiet, low-traffic trails perfect for small, shy or old dogs.”
With long loop options if you feel like a proper hike, the trail also suits big dogs and groups, with open spaces and room for some sociable butt sniffing.
Ashgrove Creek Riverway
Ashgrove
Another Angus pick for the best dog-friendly walks in Brisbane runs from the GPS Rugby Club, past Marist College Flats and through to Dorrington Park. Ideal for the hound with energy to burn, the Ashgrove Creek Riverway is a fave for his pack walks as it’s spacious and shaded, with access to water bowls.
“It’s a great one for dogs who need a bit more room to run,” he adds.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
Kangaroo Point
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland | Supplied
If your dog’s as urban as you are, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park dishes up killer city views with its 4km riverside loop. With separate bike lanes, the paths are wide and dog and cyclist safe. Plus, there are picnic spots and dog-friendly cafes for a puppuccino break.
You can also extend your hot girl walk, thanks to the shiny new Kangaroo Point Green Bridge linking to the City Botanic Gardens.
Seven Hills Circuit
Seven Hills
Get those glutes firing and tails wagging with this 3km loop among the eucalypts. With gentle hills (can you guess how many?), a few steps and some steeper inclines, it’s more challenging than a city stroll but doable for most doggos.
A popular bushwalk for bipeds, four-pawed pals love it for all the good sniffing. Drink your fill of nature—just make sure you also bring a water bottle, as there are no bubblers or cafes.
Karawatha Forest Park
Karawatha
With over 42kms of walking trails, picnic grounds and a Discovery Centre, Karawatha Forest is a 900-hectare bushland reserve perfect for your next nature fix. Grab your best furry mate and hit the range of dog-friendly tracks. There are a bunch of on-leash options from the chill 1km Melaleuca Circuit to longer loops and 5km hikes.
You might also like:
- Brisbane’s Best Dog-Friendly Cafes
- Best Dog-Friendly Camping Spots Near Brisbane
- Brisbane’s Best Dog Parks
Main image credit: Paul Ewart | Tourism and Events Queensland
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