Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in NSW: Trails Your Pup Will Absolutely Love
Let's be real — your dog doesn't care about your weekend plans.
They care about smells, mud, and the possibility of a swim.
Good news: NSW has no shortage of trails that tick all three boxes.
Whether you're a Sydney local looking to escape the city grid, or you're road-tripping up the coast with your four-legged co-pilot, we've rounded up some of the best dog-friendly hikes in New South Wales.
We've also packed in a few handy tips to make sure your adventure goes smoothly — for both of you.
One heads up before you hit the trails: dogs are not permitted in NSW national parks.
The good news is that state forests, regional parks, and council reserves offer some seriously great alternatives — and that's exactly where this guide lives.
Sydney & Surrounds
1. Lake Parramatta Loop — Western Sydney
Distance: 4.2km loop | Difficulty: Easy–Medium | Leash: On-leash
If you want proper bushland without driving 90 minutes out of the city, Lake Parramatta Reserve is your answer.
This loop winds through eucalypt forest with regular lake views, native birds overhead and enough stepping stones to keep your dog thoroughly entertained.
There's even a café at the entrance — which, honestly, is reason enough.
→ View on AllTrails | Visit NSW dog-friendly hikes
2. Bidjigal Reserve Platypus Track — Castle Hill
Distance: 4.2km loop | Difficulty: Easy–Medium | Leash: On-leash
Named after the Bidjigal clan of the Darug people, this reserve sits on the southern edge of Castle Hill and is a cracker for a midweek trail hit.
The Platypus Track is well-signposted, loops through shaded fern valleys, and has enough creek crossings and rocky patches to make your dog feel like a proper adventurer.
Start at the end of Excelsior Avenue.
3. Narrabeen Lagoon Loop — Northern Beaches
Distance: 8.4km loop | Difficulty: Easy | Leash: On-leash
A full lap of Narrabeen Lagoon is one of Sydney's best-kept secrets for dog owners.
The shared trail hugs the water's edge through bushland sections at Bilarong Reserve and Jamieson Park — the kind of scenery that makes you forget you're in Sydney's suburbs.
Give yourself 2–3 hours and factor in a detour to Deep Creek Reserve if your pup is craving some off-leash zoomies.
4. Tunks Park to Artarmon Reserve — North Shore
Distance: ~5km return | Difficulty: Moderate | Leash: On-leash
Rainforest pockets, harbour glimpses, and the kind of trail that rewards curious snouts around every corner.
This North Shore route takes you through Tunks Park and along Flat Rock Creek through Flat Rock Gully and Bicentennial Reserve.
Dogs who love water will find plenty of creek crossings to enjoy. Great for a Saturday morning when you want proper nature without a long drive.
Blue Mountains
5. Porters Pass & Centennial Glen Circuit — Blackheath
Distance: 4.3km circuit | Difficulty: Moderate–Hard | Leash: On-leash
Just outside Blackheath and right on the edge of the national park (but not in it — so dogs are welcome), this trail delivers everything you'd want from a Blue Mountains hike.
Rocky cliffsides, canyon sections, lush rainforest and stairs that your dog will absolutely sprint up while you gasp behind them.
The highlight? The Grotto at Centennial Glen — a small waterhole where your pup can cool off and pretend they've earned it.
Best for: Confident, agile dogs. The terrain can be rough and muddy in parts.
→ View on AllTrails | Visit NSW listing
6. Lapstone Zig Zag Walking Track — Glenbrook
Distance: 4.2km return | Difficulty: Moderate | Leash: On-leash
History nerds and nature lovers, this one's for you.
The Lapstone Zig Zag Walking Track in Knapsack Reserve follows the remains of the original 1867 Blue Mountains railway line, passing sandstone bridges that have been standing longer than most countries.
Start at Knapsack Street in Glenbrook and take your time — this trail rewards the slow walkers.
Skip it after heavy rain; the stepping stones can flood.
Central Coast
7. Strickland State Forest Loop — Gosford
Distance: 8.2km circular | Difficulty: Moderate | Leash: On-leash, with some off-leash sections
Picture lush rainforest, canopy views, trickling streams and a suspension bridge your dog will either conquer with pure confidence or stop dead on in protest.
Strickland State Forest is one of NSW's best dog-friendly hiking destinations.
Keep your eyes open for wallabies and goannas. Bring water, snacks, and a spare lead.
→ View on AllTrails | Visit NSW listing
8. Arboretum Track — Strickland State Forest, Gosford
Distance: 2.3km (or 3.6km with Bellbird Track) | Difficulty: Easy | Leash: On-leash
A shorter option in the same forest, the Arboretum Track passes through one of Australia's oldest arboretums — home to giant Australian Red Cedars, Bunya Pines and Hoop Pines — plus a beautiful swinging bridge.
Can get muddy after rain, so long pants are worth it.
Tack on the Bellbird Track for a 3.6km total.
→ View trails at Strickland State Forest on AllTrails
South Coast
9. Kiama Coast Walk — Kiama
Distance: 20km one-way (do sections!) | Difficulty: Easy–Moderate | Leash: On-leash, with multiple off-leash sections
The Kiama Coast Walk is one of those trails that makes you feel properly alive.
Clifftops, headlands, coastal bush, and sweeping ocean views that go on forever.
You don't have to tackle the full 20km — pick a section and make a day of it.
Off-leash areas include Minnamurra Headland, Black Head Reserve, Kaleula Head Reserve and Marsden Head.
→ Visit NSW listing | Kiama Tourism
10. Forster Coastal Trail — Forster
Distance: 4.7km return | Difficulty: Easy | Leash: On-leash, with off-leash sections
Starting at the ocean bath at Forster's main beach and heading south to One Mile Beach, this coastal trail is as pretty as it gets.
Rocky outcrops, sea views, Pebbly Beach, and glimpses of Booti Booti National Park — with off-leash sections thrown in for good measure.
A great one to save for a summer road trip north.
Trail Tips Before You Head Out
A few things worth knowing before you lace up:
- Dogs are not permitted in NSW national parks. Always check if your trail sits in a state forest, regional park, or council land before you go.
- Always carry water for your dog, especially in summer. A foldable /collapsible bowl takes up zero space and saves a lot of grief.
- Pick up after your pup. Carry your waste bag out if there's no bin at the trailhead. Leaving bags on the side of the trail is the fastest way to get a trail shut to dogs.
- A goodcollar and lead make a big difference on uneven terrain — better control for you, more comfort for your dog. All Wet Dog and Co leads and collars are made from recycled plastic bottles, so you can feel as good about your gear as you do about your Sunday adventure.
- Check signage on arrival. On-leash and off-leash zones can vary within the same trail — don't rely on memory or outdated apps.
- Trail conditions change — always check recent AllTrails reviews and local council sites before heading out, especially after heavy rain.
Ready to get out there?
Whether you're tackling the Strickland State Forest loop or just doing laps of Lake Parramatta on a Tuesday afternoon, your dog is going to make it better.
Grab the lead, pack a water bowl, and go find some dirt.
And if you're after gear that's built for adventure and made from recycled plastic bottles, you know where to find us.
