While Sydney is home to countless walking trails, dogs aren’t allowed in National Parks, even when on a lead. This means our furry friends miss out on plenty of exciting adventures. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy hiking with your four-legged companion.
We’ve put together a list of 16 of the best dog-friendly walks in Sydney, where you and your mate can soak up the great outdoors together. Just remember that while these trails welcome dogs, they’ll need to stay on a lead unless you’re in a designated off-leash area.
Read our guide to the most beautiful dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains for even more ideas.
1. Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
The Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is a scenic 8.4 km circuit looping around Narrabeen Lake in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Completed in February 2015, this walking trail is a popular weekend spot for walkers, joggers, cyclists, parents with prams, and dog walkers.
The trail offers a great outdoor workout for you and your dog, but please keep your dog on a lead at all times.
| Narrabeen Lagoon Trail | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8.4 km (circuit) |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Various locations (Middle Creek Reserve) |
2. Lake Parramatta Circuit Walk
Lake Parramatta, formed by the damming of Hunts Creek in 1856, is a recreational area with four marked bushwalking trails.
Together, these tracks create the 4.2 km Lake Parramatta Walk, offering scenic views. For the full circuit, start west of the parking area and follow the trail clockwise.
Please remember that dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the reserve.
| Lake Parramatta Circuit Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4.2 km (circuit) |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
3. The Headland Track in Oatley
The Headland Track is a short but very pretty loop walk in Oatley Park in the southern Sydney suburb of Oatley.
It’s an easy 1.3 km walking trail that begins at the car park at the castle. Simply look for the signpost and start the circuit walk from there.
Along the track are numbered posts that mark points of interest. A QR code at each post links to an online guide that tells you more about all the interesting things to discover in the park.
| The Headland Track in Oatley | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.3 km (circuit) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
4. Berry Island Reserve
Berry Island Reserve in Wollstonecraft on Sydney’s lower north shore features a short bushwalk (the Gadyan Track), a picnic area, and a fenced playground.
Once an island in Sydney Harbour, it is now a peninsula connected to the mainland by a large grassy area.
Dogs are welcome in Berry Island Reserve and on the walking track, but they must be kept on a lead.
| Berry Island Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 750 m (Gadyan Track, circuit) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
5. Glebe Foreshore Walk
The Glebe foreshore area is a delight for dogs and their owners.
The walk along the foreshore between Bicentennial Park in Annandale and Bridge Road in Glebe is picturesque, with many on- and off-leash parks nearby.
Bicentennial Park has an off-leash area in its western section, while Federal Park is a 24-hour off-leash area. Additionally, there’s a small beach area where your dog can run freely or even go for a swim.
| Glebe Foreshore Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1-3 km (foreshore only) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead (with off-leash areas) |
| Trailhead: | Several locations (Federal Park) |
6. The Bay Run
The Bay Run, a 7 km shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians around Iron Cove in Sydney’s inner west, is one of the city’s classic urban walks.
Dogs must be on a lead while on the track, but several parks nearby allow off-leash play.
One such park is King George Park, where dogs can be off-leash when no sporting games, training, or events are taking place.
| The Bay Run | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7 km (circuit) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead (with off-leash areas) |
| Trailhead: | Several locations (King George Park) |
7. Balls Head Reserve
Located in Waverton on Sydney’s lower north shore, Balls Head Reserve is a scenic bushland oasis overlooking Sydney Harbour.
The reserve features numerous short bushwalking trails with views of the Sydney CBD skyline, the Harbour Bridge, Goat Island, and surrounding peninsulas.
Adjacent to Balls Head Reserve, Carradah Park is a hidden gem. Once an oil storage facility, it is now a recreational area with walking paths and lookout platforms.
| Balls Head Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2-3 km (various trails) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
8. Federation Cliff Walk
The Federation Cliff Walk is a 5 km coastal trail between Watsons Bay and Dover Heights, featuring impressive sandstone cliffs and scenic ocean views.
Dogs must be kept on a lead on the trail, but there are nearby off-leash parks. Lighthouse Reserve, for example, is a beautiful park where dogs can run freely.
Another excellent off-leash area is Diamond Bay Reserve, which has a 24-hour off-leash dog exercise area.
| Federation Cliff Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5 km (one way) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead (with off-leash areas) |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
9. Manly Dam Walk
The walk around Manly Dam is a scenic 7.3 km circuit trail offering views of the dam and the lake.
Surrounded by 377 hectares of native bushland, Manly Dam Reserve is Sydney’s largest freshwater lake, created by damming Curl Curl Creek (now Manly Creek) to supply water to the local area.
Dogs are permitted on the walking trails and in the bushland while on a lead, but not in the water or near the car park, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
| Manly Dam Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7.3km (circuit) |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
10. Centennial Park Circuit Walk
Centennial Park, part of the Centennial Parklands alongside Moore Park and Queens Park, is one of Australia’s most popular and historic public areas, attracting over 30 million visitors annually.
The 3.6 km circuit walk in Centennial Park offers a great workout for you and your dog.
You can also explore the parklands and discover 154 hectares of designated off-leash space, making Centennial Park one of the largest off-leash areas in Sydney.
| Centennial Park Circuit Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3.6 km (circuit) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead (with off-leash areas) |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
11. Bondi to Coogee Walk
Sydney’s famous coastal trail between Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach is for both humans and their furry friends.
Dogs are welcome on the trail while on a lead but are not allowed on any of the beaches.
However, some parks along the trail permit off-leash play, with Marks Park being a popular spot for dogs to run freely during set hours.
| Bondi to Coogee Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (one way) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
12. Cooper Park
Tucked away in Bellevue Hill in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Cooper Park is a large bushland reserve with various walking trails and recreational facilities.
Dogs are welcome in the park while on a lead, and there is a designated off-leash area near Suttie Road with specific times for off-leash play.
| Cooper Park | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1-2 km |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
13. Cronulla Foreshore Walk
The Cronulla Beach Walk is a scenic 6 km coastal trail that follows the shoreline of the Cronulla peninsula, passing ocean rock pools, playgrounds, beaches, and impressive real estate.
The best part of the walk is the stretch between Cronulla Beach and the southern tip of the peninsula. This pleasant and picturesque path includes several smaller beaches, parks, and playgrounds.
| Cronulla Foreshore Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3-6 km |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
14. Nurragingy Reserve
The Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside is a beautiful protected area that serves as an urban park, nature reserve, and garden. It is more than 60 hectares in size and is home to various walking paths, which means you and your dog can spend quite some time there.
One of the highlights of Nurragingy Reserve is an authentic Chinese garden, with a stone bridge, a large gateway, and a waterfall gazebo. According to Blacktown City Council, dogs are only permitted in Nurragingy Reserve on a lead.
If you’d like to find more of these public garden areas, check out our list of beautiful Sydney gardens for some great options.
| Nurragingy Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1-4 km (various trails) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
15. Cremorne Point Circuit Walk
For an easy and scenic bay walk with beautiful Harbour views, the circuit trail around Cremorne Point is an excellent choice.
Highlights of the walk include Robertson Lighthouse, Mosman Bay, and McCallum Pool, along with panoramic views of the area.
Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be kept on a lead at all times.
| Cremorne Point Circuit Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (circuit) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
16. Platypus Track
Located in the Bidjigal Reserve in the Hills Shire, the family and dog-friendly Platypus Track is a 2.4km bushwalk suitable for all ages.
You’ll also find a great picnic spot at the beginning of the track with tables and a wood-fired barbecue. Note that dogs need to be on a lead in the park area.
| Platypus Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.4 km (circuit) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Location on map |
Thanks, that was good to get info on dog walks.
Thanks Donna, happy to hear you’ve found some great new walks to do with your friend.