We have some wonderful dog friendly walks in Australia! Hopefully in this guide I’ll give you some great locations where you can enjoy the great outdoors with your four-legged friend.
Obviously this will never be a conclusive list, so feel free to add any dog walk gems in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Hiking with your dog: Gear guide!
Whether you are hiking, trail running, mountain biking or heading off on a multi day trek, hitting the trails with your dog is a great way to exercise and have fun together.
As you would choose a track that suits your fitness level, be sure to do the same for your dog. Especially in the case of multi day treks where the dog could possibly be wearing a pack of it’s own, be sure to take the extra weight into account as endurance may need to be built up to in practice walks!
Hydration and energy is key on these trips, be sure to keep your dog well hydrated by using a collapsible dog bowl that you can easily fill and fold away as needed. If the surface you are walking is hot or extra rough you can also think about booties for your dogs paws. Dogs absorb heat through their paws and can soften them, making them more susceptible to cuts over what can be rocky terrain.
Be sure to prepare adequately for all possible situations for a safe and fun mountain adventure.
A few things to look out for when heading off on a trail:
- Snakes and other poisonous animals
- Heat exhaustion
- Hypothermia
- Cut paws from rocks etc.
- Ticks and fleas
- Dingoes and feral dogs
- Kangaroos
What you need to take:
- Food
- Clean water
- Lightweight Bed (if overnight hikes)
- Poop bags
- Treats
- Brush (for daily tick checks)
- First Aid Kit
- Towel
- Glowsticks (to attach to the collar at night)
- Leash
- Collapsible dog bowl
- Dog pack
- Dog jacket for cold nights
To help you explore Australia with your dog, we’ve put together dog friendly walks organised by state and region to make it easy for you to find a trail near you!
These lists are a guide only and should only be used as a starting reference. Research of track conditions should be undertaken before you head out with your dog.
Dog walks in Victoria
Port Phillip
Kurth Kiln Regional Park
Tomahawk Creek Circuit
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 2km return
Grade: Easy
Starting from Kurth Kiln picnic ground the circuit follows the Tomahawk Creek, providing picturesque scenery of the creek flowing through the moist messmate valley.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Emerald/Cockatoo
Emerald to Cockatoo Recreational Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 7km return
Grade: Intermediate
Emerald–Cockatoo recreational trail is ideal for walkers and cyclists and offers access to a range of family fun and recreational activities.
The trail is a comfortable 2.5 hour walk from Kilvington Road (south-east of Puffing Billy station), Emerald to Cockatoo; wandering through natural settings including Nobelius Heritage Park, Emerald Lake Park and Wright Forest. Some sections near Nobelius Heritage Park and in Wright Forest are more challenging, but the very fit can warm up with a vigorous cycle through the forest to Cockatoo.
For more information visit the Cardinia Shire website
The Dandenongs
RJ Hamer Arboretum
Activity: Hiking
Distance: Network of trails 1km+
Grade: Intermediate
R.J.Hamer Arboretum provides a wonderful area for recreation or relaxation. The park has numerous trails ranging in difficulty from steep single track to fire trail that are all dog friendly provided your dog stays on lead. There are also barbeques and picnic tables to sit at to enjoy the view from the Chalet carpark.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website or read the Dog Adventures trip notes here.
Gippsland
Cape Conran Coastal Park
Pearl Point
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 25km return
Grade: Intermediate/Difficult
The walk from East Cape to Pearl Point is recommended only for the more energetic. This can be a difficult walk due to the soft beach sand. Pearl Point features spectacular sedimentary rock formations, rolling sand dunes and an abundance of seabirds and sea life.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Dock Inlet
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 14km, 5 – 6 hours return from the Yeerung River
Grade: Intermediate
Soak up the serenity of Dock Inlet, a unique land locked expanse of fresh water isolated from the coast by a coastal dune barrier. The inlet is fed by the east and west branches of Dock Creek from a pristine catchment. The shallow tannin coloured waters support a diverse range of waterfowl. Keep an eye out for White-bellied Sea Eagles that are often seen in the area. Follow the posts set in the dunes from the beach or signs on the Powerline Track. This walk can also be a return walk via the Powerline Track and the Yeerung River.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Yeerung River and Estuary
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 1.5km return
Grade: Easy
Experience the rich diversity of flora and fauna which is found in the lower reaches of the Yeerung River. A different perspective to the river is especially noticeable at sunset and sunrise when the birds are at their most active and the water is often calm and reflections clear. The track also allows access to the coastline east of the river when the entrance is breached.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Won Wron & Mullungdung State Forests
White Woman’s Walk
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 2km return
Grade: Easy
A two kilometre walking track winds its way through the forest adjacent to White Woman’s Waterhole.
For more information view the park notes
Old Railway Walk
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 4km return
Grade: Easy
Commencing a short distance east or west of White Woman’s Waterhole along Napier Road, the Old Railway walking track follows a small section of what was once the final stage of the Great Southern Railway.
For more information view the park notes
Hume
Dinner Plain
Montane Walking Track (Section 1 & 2 only)
Activity: Hiking
Distance: Section 1 – 3.3km to Slippery Pinch, Section 2 – Slippery Pinch to Dinner Track 3.2km
Grade: Difficult
Just a short step from Dinner Plain, yet offering a great sense of remoteness, this walking track offers a fantastic snapshot of a sub-alpine environment. It can be tackled in short or long stages, traversing varying landscapes and a range of habitats – scenic Snow Gum forests and mature Mountain Tea Tree bushland, snow grass plains, wetlands and alpine rivers and streams. Along the way there are many great places to stop for a picnic or rest or simply to enjoy the fresh mountain air.
For more information view the track notes here
Beechworth Historic Park
The Gorge
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 12km of trails
Grade: Difficult
Large granite outcrops in the Gorge area support dry forests where a network of tracks allows you to select your own route and distance. There are 12 kilometres of track leading to many points of interest. Entry points to the walk include the Powder Magazine, One Tree Hill, Ingrams Rock and Gorge Road. Look for the signs, follow the arrows and stay on the established tracks.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Lake Sambell to Lake Kerferd
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 5km
Grade: Difficult
Beginning near Lake Sambell on Junction Road, this five kilometre walk follows Spring and Hurdle Creeks to Lake Kerferd, passing through moist foothill forest growing on sedimentary soils.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Oriental Claims
Pioneer Claim Loop
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 45 minutes return
Grade: Easy
The dominant feature of this walk is the rugged cliff faces, up to 30 metres in height, formed by hydraulic sluicing. Also along this walk you may see a variety of orchids (Pink Fingers and Wax Lip and the more common colonies of Spider, Sun and Donkey orchids) from late winter to early summer.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Oriental Claims to Omeo
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 2 hours return
Grade: Easy
This pleasant walk follows the Livingston Creek to Omeo/ Oriental Claims. Watch out for Swamp Wallabies and the colourful range of native birds (Crimson Rosellas, White-eared Honeyeaters, Eastern Yellow Robins, Superb Fairy-wrens and White-browed Scrubwrens) that can be seen in this area.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Loddon Mallee
Macedon Ranges
Macedon Ranges Walking Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 18.7km circuit, 5-7 hours
Grade: Intermediate
A varied hike with changing scenery. Hiking poles will be useful on ascents and descents. Carry at least 2 litres of water and food to keep your energy levels up.
For more information visit the Trail Hiking website or read the Dog Adventures trip notes here.
Grampians
Lerderderg State Park
Blackwood Mineral Springs – Shaws Lake – Sweets Lookout and return
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 3.5km, 1.5 – 2 hours
Grade: Easy
An easy walk which starts near the caravan camping area and passes some historical features typical of the Blackwood area.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
O’Briens Crossing – Byers Back Track – The Tunnel and return
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 3km, 1.5 hours
Grade: Moderate
The track follows an old water race around the steep Lerderderg valley and gives fine views of the river. At the second cross track, turn right and descend steeply to a point opposite The Tunnel.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Blackwood – Golden Point Road – Byers Back Track – O’Briens Crossing return
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 22km, 7 hours
Grade: Moderate
Most of the walk is along the track following the old water race. The remains of some gold mines are passed along the way.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Creswick Regional Park
Eaton’s Dam
Activity: Hiking
Time: 1 hour 45mins
Grade: Easy
Walk to the concrete ford on the eastern side of St George’s Lake. Follow the track along the water race and through the gate into the Koala Park. Walk through the park and exit on the other side continuing along the water race across Jackass Road to the picnic area at Eaton’s Dam. A relic from the gold mining era, Eaton’s Dam is an interesting example of early stone and earth construction techniques.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Goldfields Track
Activity: Hiking
Time: 4 hours to Ballarat
Grade: Easy
The Goldfields Track takes you on an historical journey though Creswick Regional Park to Ballarat along the same path miners walked a century ago. Follow water races and trails marked by quartz stones, the same quartz stones that the miners used to guide their journeys when travelling at night.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Hepburn Regional Park
Tipperary Walking Track
Activity: Hiking
Time: 16km, 6 hours one way
Grade: Easy/Intermediate
The track runs from picturesque Lake Daylesford to the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, following Sailors Creek and Spring Creek through foothill forest for most of the way. The 16km track can be walked in five to six hours, is mostly level to gently undulating and is quite easy walking.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Mount Beckworth
The Dam to Mount Beckworth
Activity: Hiking
Time: 2 hours 30 mins return
Grade: Intermediate
Continue across The Oval on to the summit of Mount Beckworth for breathtaking views of the countryside. See the many ancient volcanic peaks which have shaped the land over millions of years and the many mullock heaps from the mining days.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Cork Oaks to Mount Beckworth
Activity: Hiking
Time: 2 hours return
Grade: Intermediate
There are some steep sections on this walk. Walk along Feldspar Track, which begins at the large patch of bracken at the top of the picnic area. This section of track guides you past an old feldspar mine and many impressive granite features. Splendid views can be gained from many sections of the track as it winds its way between huge old Stringybarks, eventually arriving at the summit of Mount Beckworth.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Cork Oaks Loop
Activity: Hiking
Time: 3 hour loop
Grade: Intermediate
Follow the directions from the Cork Oats to Mount Beckworth walk to the summit of Mount Beckworth. To return, take Northern Ridge Track towards The Oval. Turn down Link Track. You will notice that this side of the mount is much cooler and bright green moss covers much of the exposed granite. Continue along to Manna Gum Track and to The Oval. Head back on to Northern Ridge Track. Not far up is Yellow Box Track. This will take you back to the Cork Oaks past many majestic Yellow Box and huge granite boulders.
For more information visit the Parks Vic website
Barwon South West
You Yangs
East West Walk
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 4.5km
Grade: Intermediate
A challenging loop walk starting and finishing at the Turntable car park. Some rock scrambling provides rewarding views of the You Yangs and surrounding area.
Read the Dog Adventures trail notes here
Big Rock via Rockwell Road
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 3.2km return
Grade: Easy
Enjoy a gentle walk from the Turntable car park to Big Rock. Brilliant views of the surrounding area towards Geelong can be seen from the top.
For more information visit the Trail Hiking website
Flinders Peak
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 3km return
Grade: Easy
Starting from the Turntable car park, this walk takes you to the highest point of the You Yangs. There are 450 steps and some sections with steep gradients.
For more information visit the Trail Hiking website
Otways
Lake Elizabeth Loop Walk
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 2km
Grade: Intermediate
A 2 kilometre loop allows walkers to take in the magestic beauty that is Lake Elizabeth. The walk follows the edge of the lake, and is best suited to those of a moderate walking ability. With a backdrop of Giant Ferns the walk passes by a billabong and is sign posted along the way with information.
For more information visit the Visit Forrest website
Sources
Dog walks in New South Wales
Sydney
Clovelly/Maroubra
Clovelly to Maroubra
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 7km one way
Grade: EasyOne of Sydney’s most popular walks, covering a 7km section of the Sydney Coastal Walkway, the track from Clovelly to Maroubra starts south of Waverly Cemetery, on the south side of Clovelly Beach. While there are a few sections of the path that leave the water’s edge the walk generally follows the shoreline, alternating from concrete to boardwalk to beach sand.
For more information visit the Weekend Notes website
Bondi to Bronte
Bondi to Bronte
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 6km return
Grade: EasyThere are few things more satisfying than watching the South Pacific Ocean roll and crash against the line of coves and beaches extending south from Bondi to La Perouse on to the entrance to Botany Bay. There are many incredible vantage points and photo opps along the way, the most popular being the sandstone lookout at Hunter Park, about halfway from Bondi to Bronte. The path is mostly sealed, and with the exception of some rocky patches, and a steep set of stairs, is a very leisurely stroll.
For more information visit the Waverly Council website
Iron Cove
The Bay Run Iron Cove
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 7km return
Grade: EasyOne of the most popular harbourside tracks in Sydney, the Iron Cove “Bay Run” is a social, family-friendly walk in the inner-west. Following the entire natural course of the cove, and never deviating more than 20 metres from the water, this flat, well-maintained walk is also bicycle, pram and dog friendly, with lanes for walkers and cyclists clearly marked where possible.
For more information visit the Bitesize Traveller website
Bidjigal Reserve
Murri – Yanna Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 8km
Grade: IntermediateAn 8km track leading from Whitbred Place North Rocks to Heidi Place, West Pennant Hills. Staying close to Darling Mills Creek for most of its length, it provides the best access to rainforest and river flat areas.
For more information visit the All Trails website
Burraga Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 4km loop
Grade: IntermediateA 4km loop track, accessed from various points; it passes through some of the healthiest weed free bushland, in areas away from creeks and boundaries. Burraga is the Darug name for the Bandicoot.
For more information visit the All Trails website
Platypus Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 1.7km loop
Grade: EasyA 1.7km loop. Platypus, were regularly seen along this section of Excelsior Creek until the mid 1970’s. The track passes the once popular swimming and picnicking spot at Loch Bruce.
For more information visit the All Trails website
Lake Parramatta
She-Oak Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 1.5km
Grade: EasyEasy walk along the lake edge that loops back along the bitumen road through She-Oaks, majestic Sydney Red Gum and Blackbutt.
For more information read the Parramatta City Council track notes
Banksia Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 2.5km
Grade: EasyModerate walk (uneven surfaces). This trail wanders along the eastern edge taking in views of the lake. Highlights include Old Man and Hairpin Banksias under a canopy of Red Bloodwood and Grey Gum.
For more information read the Parramatta City Council track notes
Lake Circuit
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 4.2km
Grade: EasyModerate walk (uneven surfaces). Displays of wildflowers abound from Autumn to Spring. A small rainforest remnant can be enjoyed at the rear of the lake, and, encounters with native birds and animals are assured.
For more information read the Parramatta City Council track notes
Central Coast
Strickland State Forest
Arboretum Loop Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 2.3km loop
Grade: EasyThis walk takes you along some of the rainforest-clad creeks of Strickland State Forest, before crossing a small suspension bridge and looping through the arboretum with its stands of huge Hoop Pines, Bunya Pines and others.
For more information visit the All Trails website
Bellbird Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 3.3km loop
Grade: EasyA great walk, passing through plenty of the Strickland rainforest, and among the tall tress of the arboretum. You are likely to have the sound of Bellbirds adding to the atmosphere along parts of this walk. There are a number of picturesque creek crossings along the way, one with a small suspension bridge.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
Cabbage Tree Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 1.7km loop
Grade: EasyThis walk starts in the dry eucalypt forest, typical of the hilltops in the area, and descends to areas of lush forest, filled with cabbage tree palms and ferns. Some interesting boulder outcrops and the great variety of vegetation just add to the scenery on this excellent walk.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
Stoney Creek Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 2.2km one way
Grade: EasyFrom the dry eucalypt forest around the Banksia picnic area, the walk soon descends into moist forest, filled with ferns and cabbage tree palms. You could make this a return walk by retracing your steps, or make it a circuit walk by returning to the Banksia picnic area via the road.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
Strickland Falls
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 1.7km return
Grade: EasyThis walk from the Banksia picnic area, to the Strickland Falls, includes a fantastic variety of forest scenery. The falls themselves are often just a trickle, although the scenery in the area makes the walk well worthwhile. The cliff lines and boulders around the falls are interesting and there are pockets of rainforest in the shaded valleys, dominated by cabbage palm trees.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
Heaton State Forest
Hunter Lookout and Great North Walk Loop
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 5.6km loop
Grade: HardThis loop track starts from the Hunter Lookout picnic area and follows the Great North Walk around the edge of the ridge via the Macleans Lookout, Rocky Creek gully and the cliffs around the eastern edge of the ridge. This walk provides great views across the valley and much of the Hunter to the north. On the return, the walk takes a leisurely stroll along the dirt roads, passing the pines plantation area and the rocky creek camping area.
For more information visit the My Pacer website
Heaton Lookout to Heaton Gap
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 4.3km one way
Grade: HardThis section of the Great North Walk start from grand views at Heaton Lookout in Heaton state forest and leads to the picnic area and motel at Heaton Gap.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 12.5km one way
Grade: HardThis walk starts from the Watagan Forestry HQ campsite and follows the Great North Walk through the Watagan State Forest. The walk then heads out to Heaton lookout and down the long descent into Heaton Gap, passing several more fantastic lookouts and picnic areas on the way. The walk finishes at Heaton Gap on Freemans drive, just opposite the Watagan Forest Motel.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
Watagan Headquarters to Heaton Lookout
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 8.1km one way
Grade: HardThis scenic walk includes dramatic lookouts and time spent in moist cool forest. The walk initially travels on dirt road past Hunter and MacLean’s Lookout, before descending into the Wallis Creek catchment. Here the walk traverses underneath many cliffs before crossing Wallis Creek and arriving at Heaton Lookout.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
Olney State Forest
Pines Circuit Walk
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 1.7km loop
Grade: EasyThis short walk takes you into the moist forest around Dora Creek and is recommended. The walk visits a small waterfall and dammed pool then travels through forest, visiting the large open Pines picnic area before returning to the starting point.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
Abbotts Falls Walking Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 7.3km loop
Grade: HardThis circuit takes you through both dry and moist forest, using a combination of walking trails and wider tracks. The side trip to the dammed pool is recommended, to see the deep Aboriginal carved grooves by the pool. This walk travels through open forest with wild flowers (in season) to descend into a moist rainforest environment near Abbotts Falls.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
Cedar Brush to Basin Campsite
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 9.7km one way
Grade: HardThis section of the Great North Walk makes a good walk to a comfortable campsite, with the section along the Lyrebird Trail by the Wollombi Brook being particularly recommended. From the Cedar Brush track head, the walk winds up into the Olney State Forest through bushland (crossing over two moist gullies). Once most of your height is gained, this walk follows unsealed road before dropping down into the Wollombi Brook gully. From here, the walk follows bush tracks along Lyrebird Trail and to the Basin Campsite.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
Yarramalong to Watagan Creek via Basin Campsite
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 33.7km 2 days one way
Grade: HardThis section of the Great North Walk starts from the Yarramalong general store and follows the roads to the Cedar Brush track head. From here the walk heads north through the Olney State Forest to the Basin Campsite. On day two, the walk continues north, through the State Forest, to Mt Warrawolong, where there is a side trip to the peak. The walk finishes by heading down the ridge to Watagan creek road.
For more information visit the Wild Walks website
North Coast
Burrawan State Forest
Old Bottlebut Walking track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 600m loop
Grade: Easy’Old Bottlebutt’, a grand and ancient Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) tree located in Burrawan State Forest. Old Bottlebutt is unique in its shape – its large flared ‘butt’ having a massive girth of more than 16 metres just above its base. At over 200 years old and more than 16 metres diameter at its base, Old Bottlebutt is a towering and unique attraction. Old Bottlebutt is the main feature on a beautiful 600 metre loop walking track, beginning and ending at the Burrawan picnic area.
For more information visit the Visit NSW website
Chichester State Forest
Old Bottlebut Walking track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: Varied
Grade: Easy – DifficultPicturesque Chichester State Forest is located in the Lower Barrington Tops and offers free picnic and camping grounds, the majority located near creeks/rivers. Allyn River Forest Park, also in this area, is a great place for a picnic whilst the famous Ladies Well swimming hole is within a short distance of camping areas. Dogs are permitted on leads, as is bushwalking, swimming, trail-bike and four-wheel driving.
For more information visit the Visit NSW website
Wang Wauk State Forest
Wootton Historical Railway Walk
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 6km one way
Grade: EasyWootton Historical Railway Walk is located in Wang Wauk State Forest, near the township of Wotton, just north of Bulahdelah. This six kilometre walk starts off at Sam’s Camp Picnic Area, with Wang Wauk Forest Way marking its halfway point. The first section of the walk takes in rainforest and cleared, grassy areas used by logging vehicles in the early 1900s. The walk follows significant remnants of old logging railways and mossy bridges, passing by waterfalls, creeks and through gully rainforest and magnificent regrowth flooded gums, before finishing at the remains of what-was-once a Trestle Bridge.
For more information visit the Visit NSW website
Illawarra
Burrinjuck Waters
Various trails including Hume and Hovell Walking Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: Varied
Grade: Easy – DifficultBurrinjuck is among the best places in NSW for both casual and avid bushwalkers. A variety of trails have been developed, ranging from easy to the more challenging. The famous 370 km-long Hume and Hovell Walking Track also passes through Park. Use the park as a camping base and explore the local trails.
For more information visit the Inland Waters website
Bago State Forest
Various trails including Hume and Hovell Walking Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: Varied
Grade: Easy – DifficultBurrinjuck is among the best places in NSW for both casual and avid bushwalkers. A variety of trails have been developed, ranging from easy to the more challenging. The famous 370 km-long Hume and Hovell Walking Track also passes through Park. Use the park as a camping base and explore the local trails.
For more information visit the Inland Waters website
Hume and Hovell Walking Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: Varied
Grade: Easy – DifficultThis 440km track stretches between Yass and Albury, retracing the route of explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell on their expedition to Port Phillip in 1824. Fully sign-posted, the track takes about 24 days to walk, although there are plenty of opportunities for various day walks. Major track heads can be accessed via Wee Jasper, Cootamundra River (near Tumut) and Henry Angel (near Tumbarumba). There are 18 campsites along the route, and the track passes through Buccleuch, Bago, Mannus and Munderoo State Forests.
For more information visit the Forestry Corporation website
Pilot Hill Arboretum
Activity: Hiking
Distance: Varied
Grade: EasyThe arboretum has plantings of more than fifty tree species from all over the world, with most planted in the 1920s and 1930s. Two short walking tracks pass through the arboretum and the adjoining native forest of alpine ash.
For more information visit the Forestry Corporation website
Sugar Pine Walk
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 500m
Grade: EasyAlthough the actual walk is only 500m in length it is an awe-inspiring experience. The canopy of the towering pine trees meet overhead while every footfall is softened by the carpet of pine needles. This natural cathedral is breath-taking in all seasons but has an extra magic when covered with snow.
For more information visit the Visit Tumut website or read the Dog Adventures trip notes here.
Bodalla State Forest
Various trails including Hume and Hovell Walking Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 700m
Grade: EasyThe beautiful Box Cutting Rainforest Walk takes 35 minutes of easy walking, although there are some steep sections. The walk is accessed from Kianga Road on Tourist Drive 4 (Princes Highway, Narooma) and is situated in the Bodalla State Forest along Box Cutting Road.
For more information visit the Visit NSW website
Nadgee State Forest
Maxwells Rainforest Walk
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 1.2km loop
Grade: IntermediateThe damp, earthy smell invades the senses on this exquisite walk as it descends through a pristine pinkwood forest with a lush understorey of tree ferns. Mosses, lichens and ferns cling to massive fallen trees and rocks. There are places to rest and enjoy the ambience along the way with informative signs explaining the values of this amazing forest and its plant life.
For more information visit the All Trails website
Tallaganda State Forest
Fern Gully Walking Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 800m
Grade: EasyThe Fern Gully walk winds its way down to Lowden Creek, the trail studded with fine native trees; brown barrel, messmate stringy bark, ribbon gum and narrow leaf peppermint.
Hopkins Pond Walking Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 700m
Grade: EasyA climb up to the source of the water that drives the Water Wheel – follow it back down to the mill-pond which stores the water to work the Wheel.
Tumut State Forest
Tumut Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 7km+
Grade: IntermediateTumut State Forest Recreational trails are made up of three sign posted loops with more than 7km of native bushland trails. These trails vary in their degree of difficulty with intermediate to advanced tracks.
For more information visit the Visit Tumut website or read the Dog Adventures notes here
Sources
Dog walks in Western Australia
Perth
Kwinana
Kwinana Loop Trail
Activity: Hiking & Mountain Biking
Distance: 21km loop
Grade: IntermediateThe Kwinana Loop Trail is a 21 kilometre circuit around the perimeter of the city, offering a unique opportunity to take in some of Kwinana’s best views while experiencing the beauty of natural coastal bushland.
For more information visit the Trails WA website
Mundaring
Kep Track
Activity: Hiking & Mountain Biking
Distance: 75km
Grade: EasyThe multi-use Kep Track uses the rail formation between Mundaring in the Perth Hills, to Northam, east of Perth. The trail can take anywhere from a one to two hour walk, a bush outing for you and your horse, or a cycle adventure of several days.
For more information visit the Trails WA website
Peel
Boddington
Ranford Pool Walk Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 2km
Grade: EasyStarting from Lions Weir in Boddington, this trail follows the Hotham River to historic Ranford Pool. Fishing, canoeing and birdwatching can be enjoyed in this part of the river.
For more information visit the Trails WA website
Lane Poole Reserve
King Jarrah Track
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 9km
Grade: DifficultLocated within Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup in WA’s beautiful Peel Region, this five-hour return walk features a 250 year old tree, the King Jarrah. Most people treat it as a day walk, but for those wishing to take their time and make a weekend of it, there is a small campsite near Big Brook, roughly mid-way along the track. It has a fire ring and toilet.
For more information visit the Trails WA website
Pinjarra
The Heritage Walk Trail
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 1.2km
Grade: EasyThe Heritage Trail takes you through the historic town of Pinjarra in the Peel Region of WA to admire its heritage buildings, down to the tree lined banks of the Murray River and the pedestrian suspension bridge. An easy 1.2 km walk taking approximately 1 hour.
For more information visit the Trails WA website
South West
Big Brook State Forest
Big Brook Dam
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 4.2km loop
Grade: EasyThe sealed 4km Big Brook Dam Walk Track follows the shores of the dam allowing stroller and wheelchair access, and is is also deal for cycling.
For more information visit the Trails WA website
Great Southern
Kalgan
Luke Pen Walk
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 9km
Grade: EasyA beautiful meandering walk trail, closely following the Kalgan River. The Luke Pen Walk offers a lovely mix of vegetation from large marri trees to farming pastures. Gorgeous views are present all the way along the trail.
For more information visit the Trails WA website
Wheatbelt
Merredin
Merredin Peak
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 2.4km loop
Grade: EasyMerredin Peak is located off Benson Road in the townsite of Merredin. It offers two interpretive walks, the Rock Walk and the Bush Walk which can be joined to become one longer walk trail. Follow the rock walk for beautiful views over Merredin and the surrounding countryside and the bush walk to see native flora and fauna.
For more information visit the Trails WA website
Mid West
Port Denison
Thungara Trail 6 – Lookouts
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 9km loop
Grade: EasyThis is one of six trails on which to explore the area of Dongara and Port Denison. This walk starts at the Fishermen’s Lookout, takes you down through the marina in Port Denison, along the beach, then along the river into Dongara and back.
For more information visit the Trails WA website
Kimberley
Gibb River Road
Manning Gorge
Activity: Hiking
Distance: 7km return
Grade: Intermediate. Manning Gorge itself is an hour long walk from the campsite. There’s not much shade and it can get pretty hot, but there’s great swimming at Manning Gorge and you can also have a cooling dip when you get back to the campsite pool. The waterfall at Manning Gorge is wide and powerful, and there’s a large deep pool. You can also swim right up and under the falls.
For more information visit the Kimberley Australia Guide website
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