Sydney offers a plethora of delightful nature walks, and what could make them even better? Enjoying them with your furry companions, of course. Sydneysiders, known for their love of the outdoors, often combine a scenic stroll with the joy of savoring a cold beverage afterward. We’ve curated a selection of our favorite dog-friendly nature walks in Sydney, along with nearby establishments where you and your four-legged friend can unwind.
1. Rushcutters Bay to Rose Bay Walk:
- A 5.5km walk from Rushcutters Bay to Rose Bay provides breathtaking views and an opportunity for relaxed exploration.
- The walk takes about three hours and features paved paths with minimal hills, making it perfect for a leisurely outing.
- Keep an eye out for off-leash areas along the route, nestled amid manicured lawns and multimillion-dollar investments.
- Nearby dog-friendly pub: Club Rose Bay, an established RSL in the upscale suburb, offers scenic water views from the deck, along with ideal spots for your pup to unwind while you enjoy a refreshing beverage. Daily meals, happy hours, and meat raffles are on offer.
2. Spit Bridge to Manly:
- This more challenging walk spans about 10 km one way and typically takes four hours to complete.
- Begin at the Spit Bridge, ascend to Clontarf Reserve, then continue to Castle Rock Beach and Grotto Point Lighthouse.
- Depending on the tide, you might encounter the ‘secret’ Washaway Beach, accessible by descending a cliff.
- Enjoy the view from Dobroyd Head Lookouts, where you can witness the start of the Sydney to Hobart race, and pass by Reef and Forty Baskets Beach.
- Nearby dog-friendly pub: Conclude your hike in Manly and discover various excellent spots for a drink with your canine companion. 4 Pines even offers doggie ‘beer bones’ for your pet to enjoy.
3. Bondi to Coogee Walk:
- Though a popular tourist route, this coastal walk is renowned for its sheer beauty.
- Begin in Bondi, hugging the coastline, and journey through Tamarama, Bronte, Gordon’s Bay, Clovelly, and Coogee.
- The 6 km one-way walk typically takes two to three hours, allowing you to relish the beaches, rock pools, cafes, and parks along the way.
- While most of the route is paved, you’ll encounter steep gradients as you navigate the bays.
- Nearby dog-friendly pub: Coogee, and much of the eastern suburbs, is a haven for dog-friendly establishments, with Coogee Pavilion standing out as a prime choice. Here, you’ll find puppy parking and water bowls, along with plenty of friendly locals ready to give your furry friend some affection.
4. Bidjigal Reserve:
- This moderately challenging walk is perfect for a picnic excursion with your pup.
- The track is entirely on-leash but offers plenty to keep both you and your canine companion engaged.
- The two-and-a-half-hour trek features signposted paths leading to babbling brooks like Darling Mills Creek, Sawmill Creek, and Excelsior Creek.
- Keep an eye out for water dragons basking on warm rocks and engage in some bird watching, as the reserve is a frequent roosting spot for Australia’s largest owl, the powerful owl.
- Nearby dog-friendly pub: A bit of a drive away, Castle Hill Tavern awaits, offering a dog-friendly beer garden complete with ample umbrellas for cooling off.