Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Australia

Observatory Hill Park is a pet-friendly park in Sydney, AU. Built in 1857, the park is home to Australia's first observatory open to the public. While dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, leashed pups are free to explore the outdoor areas of the park and bask in the panoramic views of the city from arguably the best vantage point.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a pet-friendly spot in Melbourne, AU. Home to more than 50,000 individual plants, this 94-acre park features walking trails that wind around trees, garden beds, lakes and lawns. Dogs are permitted to tour the gardens on a leash to ensure the safety of delicate plants, other dogs and visitors. Visitors must pick up after pets during a visit.

Himeji Garden in Adelaide, AU is pet friendly. Leashed dogs are invited to join their owners for an afternoon of relaxation at this beautifully manicured park with a rock garden, tranquil pond and quiet corners to sit in and be one with your dog.

Hyde Park is a pet-friendly urban park in the heart of Sydney, AU. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on the winding paved trails that weave through the park.

Bondi to Coogee Walk is a popular pet-friendly coastal trail in Coogee, NSW. This oceanfront walk is just under four miles in length, which winds alongside beaches, cliffs, parks and more. Along the way, stop off at a local cafe with a viewpoint across the water. Leashed pups are welcome to join their owners.

Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, AU, is dog friendly. Leashed pups are welcome to join their owners on a stroll across this iconic steel structure that was completed in 1932 and remains a heritage-listed landmark. The bridge is one of the best places to photograph and view Sydney Opera House, along with the city skyline.

Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is a pet-friendly park north of Sydney Harbour in Lavender Bay. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners for a serene afternoon walk through this gorgeous garden that features a huge tree at its center, along with other special areas like Arkie’s Bangalow Palms and a zigzag path near the cliff face. The park is always open and is free to enter.

Mount Coot-Tha Reserve is a protected area on the outskirts of Brisbane, AU. This area has various pet-friendly trails you can explore with your pooch. Whether you want to head to the lookout that offers the best view of Brisbane below or hop on the Powerful Owl Trail that weaves between the trees, there's a hike to suit your pup's hiking ability.

You Yangs Regional Park is a pet-friendly park in south central Victoria in Little River, AU. Leashed dogs are welcome on a variety of trails that wind through this picturesque park home to Flinders Peak. Hike the moderate Flinders Peak Loop Trail with your dog or stride out on the easy Branding Yard Trail instead.

McClelland's Sculpture Park in Langwarrin South, AU is a pet-friendly outdoor gallery. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on a self-guided tour of the outdoor space at McClelland's Gallery, which sprawls over nearly 40 acres and includes sculptures of a big metal gnome, a huge dinosaur and more.

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is a pet-friendly botanical garden in Darwin. Well-behaved dogs under voice control are welcome to join their owners off-leash at this botanical garden, or on a leash if they are likely to wander off. With over 100 acres of manicured gardens to explore and the pet-friendly patio at Eva's Cafe to enjoy lunch at, you and your pooch will want to spend all day at this gorgeous spot.

J.A.C Russell Park is a pet-friendly recreation space in Gembrook, VIC. Pups can ride the Puffing Billy Dog Express to the end of the line and burn off their own steam on the green space at this public park.

Emerald Lake Park in Emerald, AU is a pet-friendly park. Leashed dogs are welcome on a variety of winding paved trails that weave through this pretty park, including a bridge over the water. After wandering the trails, hop on the Puffing Billy Dog Express for an afternoon of fun on a scenic train ride with your dog.

Yarra Bend Park in Fairfield, AU is pet friendly. The largest area of natural bushland in inner Melbourne welcomes dogs off-leash in certain areas and on-leash throughout most of the park. Take your dog for a walk to Dights Falls, an artificial weird on a natural rock bar. If your dog loves to take a dip in the water, head to Deep Rock for a great spot to enter the water. Be sure to avoid dog exclusion areas and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.

Fitzroy Gardens is a pet-friendy beautiful destination in East Melbourne, AU. The former reserve has been protected since 1848 and is named after Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy. Go for a stroll with your leashed pooch on the winding pathways lined with elm trees and check out the historic structures along the way.

Forest Glade Gardens in Mount Macedon, AU is pet friendly. Leashed pups and people are invited to explore these manicured gardens with hedge artwork and statues dotted around that include a little boy and a dog, and a man and his two dogs. The trees that line the pathways turn a gorgeous array of colors during the fall season.

Narrabeen Lagoon State Park is a pet-friendly recreation area near North Narrabeen, AU. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on The Narrabeen Lagoon trail, an easy loop that's just over 5 miles in length that will guide visitors through beautiful ecosystems, sprinkled with cultural heritage and historical sites along the way.

The Big Banana Fun Park is a pet-friendly amusement park in Coffs Harbour, NSW. The biggest waterpark between Sydney and the Gold Coast welcomes pups to join their owners at a signposted area on the deck near the cafe. After a bite to eat, leashed pups are welcome to walk around the property if they are cleaned up after. Dogs are not permitted inside any attractions.

Bring Fido to Lake Gwelup Regional Open Space in Gwelup, AU. This pet-friendly recreation space features a 1.5-mile loop around Lake Gewlup, where walkers and cyclists can enjoy some exercise with their canine companions. Amenities include wildlife viewing, shade picnic areas, a playground, a boardwalk, a viewing platform and more.

Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail is a pet-friendly hike that shadows the Puffing Billy Dog Express route in Gembrook, AU. At just over nine miles, this public pathway will lead you through forests, lakes, farmland and villages.