One of the many pleasures of owning a dog is watching its tongue lolling on its contented face during a long walk or run on the beach. Not only do you feel joy from seeing your beloved pooch so happy, you’re also keeping your heart and your mind healthy by getting out in the great outdoors.
But there’s really only so many times anyone can walk around the block. So, if you’ve had enough of your local stomping ground and are looking for some wonderful dog-friendly Sydney walks and dog-friendly beaches, we’ve got you covered.
Unfortunately the National Parks are out. Even though you may know your pet is a big, cuddly softy, dogs are natural predators and so the presence of one close by can freak out our native species.
So, if you’re looking for some dog-friendly walks in Sydney, here they are.
Dog-friendly walking trails
Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
This is a favourite amongst the locals but can get a bit crowded, especially in the warmer months. You will have to keep your dog on the lead for the walk but there are a few dog parks along the way where you can let them run free.
Distance: 6km (one-way)
Difficulty: Easy but not suitable for prams or wheelchairs
Leash: On leash with some off-leash spots
Clovelly to Maroubra
Alternating from concrete to boardwalk to beach sand, this is another must-do walk for you and your dog in Sydney. Follow the coastline from Clovelly Beach to Maroubra.
Distance: 7km (one-way)
Difficulty: Easy but not suitable for prams or wheelchairs
Leash: On leash with some off-leash spots
The Bay Run, Drummoyne
Walk close to the water in this scenic loop around the bay. You’ll meet other four-legged friends, cyclists, walkers, walkers with prams and joggers along the way. It’s a delightful way to spend a morning or afternoon and there are a few cafes along the way to enjoy some light refreshments.
Distance: 7km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: On leash
Two Creeks Track, Middle Harbour
You can take your four-legged friend on most of the track apart from the Garigal National Park section. With its stunning views of the harbour and the fresh sea air, there’ll be plenty of dogs and owners about for some friendly hellos.
Distance: 7.5km return
Difficulty: Moderate – steep, rough sections and steps
Leash: On leash with some off-leash spots
Curl Curl to Freshwater
If you’re just looking for a short walk, this is perfect. You can complete it in under an hour but still get to soak in the stunning ocean views.
Distance: 2km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Leash: On leash with some off-leash spots
Narrabeen Lagoon Bush Trail
If you and your pup like bushwalking but don’t want to go deep into the bush, then this is perfect. The track takes you around Narrabeen Lake where you’ll meet lots of people along the way. Because it’s bushland, you may see some snakes too, so be sure to keep your best friend on a lead.
Distance: 8.4km return
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: On leash
Manly to Shelley Beach
If you’re looking for a quick 15-minute dog walk, then this is the one for you. Start at the Manly Surf Club at the south end of Manly Beach and walk your way to Shelley Beach. Once you’ve reached Shelly Beach you could carry on up towards North Head, it just depends how energetic you’re feeling, as the next bit is up hill.
Distance: 1.5km return
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: On leash
Lake Parramatta Circuit
There are actually a few dog-friendly tracks to choose from in the Lake Parramatta Reserve but this is the longest. There’s a small rainforest remnant at the back end of the lake, so you may be lucky enough to see native birds and animals – which makes it even more important to keep your dog on the lead.
Distance: 4.2km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Leash: On leash
Burraga Loop Track – Bidjigal Reserve
This is slightly more challenging for both you and your furry friend. It’s filled with bushland and a few rocks that you’ll need to climb, but it’s a great cardio session for you both. It’s also a loop which is always a little easier to coordinate.
Distance: 4km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Leash: On leash
Dog-friendly beaches
Sirius Cove Reserve, Mosman
A delightful hideaway in the suburb of Mosman, this charming little bay has a beach, playground and large picnic area so there’s a fun day to be had for the whole family.
Leash: Off leash all day from Monday-Friday.
Off leash before 9am and after 4pm on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
Rose Bay Beach and Dumaresq Reserve
Soak in the views of Sydney Harbour on the Rose Bay foreshore between Percival Park and Dumaresq Reserve.
Leash: Off leash
Kutti Beach
This is a small and almost secret strip of sand between Parsley Bay Reserve and Watsons Bay in Vaucluse. You can get to it via the narrow staircase right next to the Vaucluse Amateur Sailing Club at the end of Wharf Road – it looks like a dead-end but don’t be fooled, the doggy beach is down there.
Leash: Technically your dog should be on the leash but a lot of locals let their dogs run around free.
Clifton Gardens Beach
This is a popular picnic spot along the Taronga Zoo to Balmoral walking track. There’s lots of space for your dog to run around and the water is perfect for a summer dip.
Leash: Off leash before 9am and after 4pm April to September and before 9am and after 6pm October to May.