Life with a dog is always an adventure! Especially when they’re active and inquisitive like my Vizsla, Holly.  

On weekends, we love exploring different places: new sights for me and new smells for her. In Sydney, there’s a wealth of wonderful parks, trails, and beaches to explore – the question is: where do you begin? 

We’ve asked our community to share their favourite dog-walk spots so you can enjoy them too. From city parks to lake walks, and dog-friendly beaches, we’ve got something for everyone. 

North Sydney 

Fairlight to Manly 

Distance: >2km (one way) 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On and off-leash areas 

Part of the popular Spit to Manly walk, this stunning section takes you past little beaches and the local marina, ending at Manly Wharf.  
 
This is a regular morning walk for us; I usually park at North Harbour Reserve and grab a coffee from Forty Beans before letting Holly have a dash around the park. Most of the North Harbour Walk is off-leash so Holly can explore scent trails, and rocky outcrops, and look for fish in the shallows. The on-leash areas are indicated, just keep an eye open for the penguins painted on the path – that’s your sign to pop your pup back on the lead.  

"We love the Fairlight to Manly walk. Lots of off-leash areas for Watson and little swim spots, like this one!”
– Charlotte, Watson's human

Freshwater to Curl Curl  

Distance: 2km (one way) 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On and off-leash areas 

Take a wander along the coastal path between these two beaches, and don’t forget to look out for whales during migrating seasons.  

Join the coastal path that skirts the northern edge of the beach and follow it past the rockpool and around the headland. Join the boardwalk near the Harbord Diggers that will lead you to Curl Curl and the off-leash dog park at Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve. One of Holly’s favourite places is Curl Curl Lagoon – a great spot to sit on the sand while your dog cools off in the water. Be sure to give them a thorough rinse and drink at the taps afterwards.  

If you’re looking for a longer walk, why not start at Shelly Beach and follow the Norfolk Pines along Manly Beach before heading up the stairs through Queenscliff and down the hill to Freshwater? Or pop your dog back on the leash and explore the Dee Why headland trail – a more challenging walk that takes you past steep cliffs – be sure to keep a tight grip on the lead! 

 

Narrabeen Lake  

Distance: 8.6km (loop) 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On-leash 

A great spot for a Sunday afternoon stroll and a popular loop with runners.  

When we’re not in a rush and fancy a longer walk, Narrabeen Lake is our go-to. At a distance of 8.6km, it’ll take you about 2 hours to complete the loop, longer if you stop to take in the scenery along the way. It's a great place for a sniffari – Holly loves following her nose and discovering scent trails – excellent mental stimulation and physical exercise in one.  

 

Two Creeks Track 

Distance: 6km (one way) 
Difficulty: Moderate  
Leash: On and off-leash areas 

Discover a cool and shady beside Gordon Creek and Middle Harbour. 

Bored of the same walk? Why not take a wander through gullies, mangrove forests, and salt marshes on the Two Creeks Track? It’s a 6km trail from Roseville Chase to East Lindfield, but you can easily cut it short and trace your steps back to the car. There’s a little park and seating area at the start of the trail, perfect for a family picnic. 

 

Bayview Dog Park 

Distance: <1km 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: Off-leash 

A popular spot for dogs who love a good splash. 

Holly’s first introduction to water was at Bayview, and she’s loved it ever since. If you’re looking for a place for your dog to dip their paws, try here. With a spit of sand that stretches into Pittwater, there’s plenty of space for a run or a swim. It can get busy on hot days and weekends, so make sure your pup is socialised and obedient. If you’re thirsty afterwards, you can always nip to The Newport where dogs are welcome outside.  

 

CBD Walks 

Bay Run  

Distance: 7km (one way) 
Difficulty: Easy  
Leash: On-leash 

A favourite with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers alike.  
 
The Bay Run loop hugs the water’s edge by Drummoyne, Leichardt, and Iron Cove. It’s mostly flat, making it an easy but long walk, but you don’t have to commit to the whole loop. There are water fountains and public facilities at various points along the route too.  

“A daily delight we’ve grown fond of is the Bay Run. We love the crisp blues of the bay or the city lights reflecting on it at night.”
– Sheyleigh

 

Hawthorne Canal loop 

Distance: 2-3km (loop) 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On and off-leash areas 

A delightful little walk with a dog-friendly cafe.

With plenty of off-leash areas for your pup to enjoy, Hawthorne Canal is a favourite for inner-west locals and worth a detour if you’re in the area. Afterwards, grab a coffee and a pupaccino at the aptly named Cafe Bones. 

"We love the loop around Hawthorne dog park in Leichhardt! A huge park space with a cute cafe for us humans.”
– Cindy, Chico's human 

Centennial Park 

Distance: >9km 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On and off-leash areas 

One of Sydney’s biggest and most loved public parks.  

Dogs are allowed off-leash outside the Grand Drive circuit and on-leash inside, giving you hectares of parkland to explore together. This is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic with family or friends, or just you and your furry companion. Did you forget the sandwiches? No problem. Just grab a takeaway from Paddington’s Oxford Street, a stone’s throw away from one of the main gates.  

During the summer, the open-air Moonlight cinema begins its run of movies. Did you know dogs are allowed to join you if they’re on a lead and quiet? Popcorn and pup – bliss! 

 

Sydney Park 

Distance: >3km  
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On and off-leash areas 

With a dedicated dog paddling pool, Sydney Park is the perfect place to cool off. 

There is something for all the family at Sydney Park, including your four-legged friend! Have a wander through landscaped gardens, run down the rolling hills, or see if your pup can navigate the stepping stones over the creek. Most of the park is off-leash, so you and your dog can have a good stretch.  

 

Glebe foreshore  

Distance: 2.4km (one way) 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On and off-leash areas 

Take in water views and the iconic Anzac Bridge from Glebe and Blackwattle Bay foreshore.  
 
After a long day this is a great spot for an evening stroll. There’s even a large off-leash dog park from Pope Paul VI Reserve to Ferry Road so there’s plenty of space for your pup to sniff and roam. The walk officially finishes at the Fish Market, so why not grab some fish and chips for dinner: battered for you, grilled for your pup. 

"We're are always at Blackwattle Bay walk in Glebe! It’s the best! The whole foreshore walk is off-leash, with plenty of spots where you can stop and throw a ball in the water for a swim. At the very end, there’s Jubilee Park, which has the best little inner-city dog beach."
– Emily, Arlo and Kaspar's human

East Sydney 

Coogee to Bondi 

Distance: 6km (one way) 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On-leash 

Take a walk along Sydney’s most iconic coastal path through the beautiful beaches of the Eastern Suburbs. 

This is an epic walk that Holly and I adore. We park at Coogee and then connect with the coastal path that takes us through Gordon’s Bay, Clovelly, and Bronte, stopping for a quick coffee at Tamarama before finishing at Bondi for lunch. It takes a good 2 hours, more if we stop to watch the world go by. Sometimes we do a section and return to the car, other times we catch a pet-friendly ride-share back to Coogee. It’s always busy at weekends, so it’s a nice one to do during the week if you can.  

Holly is used to long walks, so she can manage this easily, but if you have a small dog you may need to complete it in sections. Don’t forget your water bottle and portable bowl. 

 

Coogee to Maroubra 

Distance: 4.1km (one way) 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On and off-leash areas 

If you’re looking for spectacular ocean views, but don’t want to commit to the Bondi walk, try heading south to Maroubra instead. The path will take you past natural rock pools, along clifftops, and through some beautiful parks. Trenery Reserve is an excellent off-leash dog park if your pup wants a quick play to warm up.  

 “My favourite has got to be Coogee to Maroubra with a little pup stop at the rock pools.”
– Marina, Luna's human

Cooper Park 

Distance: >1km 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On and off-leash areas 

An idyllic bushland reserve in the heart of the Eastern suburbs. 

Situated moments from busy Bondi Junction, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the mountains somewhere. With several walking tracks, this park has plenty of places to explore from the natural creek running through the gully to Moon Bridge, and the amphitheatre. It is an on-leash area, but dogs are allowed to run free on the playing fields between 4.30 pm and 8.30 am.  

 

West Sydney 

Pemulwuy Lake 

Distance: 1km (loop) 
Difficulty: Easy  
Leash: On-leash 

This little lake is a local favourite.

Just west of Parramatta is little Pemulwuy Lake and park, perfect for an afternoon stroll or a morning jog. It’s only a short walk, so take the time to breathe and enjoy it with your dog. 

“Our local Pemulwuy walking trail is great. Our Cavoodle, Miso, loves it.”
– Vanessa, Miso's human 

 

South Sydney 

Kyeemagh Beach  

Distance: 1.5km (one way) 
Difficulty: Easy 
Leash: On and off-leash areas 

Love a good splash with your pup? This is a great beach to visit.

Kyeemagh is a wonderful spot for beach-loving pups and parents. With free parking and direct beach access, this area is dog-friendly 24 hours a day. There’s even a water fountain for dogs and humans next to the car park. Did someone say frisbee? 

“Billy and I love going to Kyeemagh Beach. It’s a really nice big space and a good walking track into Brighton!”
– Paige, Billy's human 

Loftus Creek fire trail 

Distance: 6.8km (one way)  
Difficulty: Moderate 
Leash: On-leash 

A popular trail for mountain bikers, hikers, and four-legged explorers. 

With wide fire trails, creeks, and valley views, it’s not hard to see why Loftus is a popular destination. There’s easy parking and access to the trail at Dobell Road Reserve. Keep them on the lead but let them guide you on a sniffari down the fire trail – it’s wonderful physical and mental stimulation for your dog.  

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