A Guide to Exploring Canberra with Your Dog
Canberra might be known for politics, roundabouts, and frosty mornings, but it’s also one of the best dog-friendly cities in Australia. Whether you’ve got a trail dog who lives for chasing your back tyre on a mountain bike descent or one who’s more into sniffing every blade of grass on a riverside stroll, the ACT is packed with places where dogs can sprint, splash, and sniff to their heart’s content. I’ve spent the last few years exploring every corner with my dog, Bowie. From pine forests to sunrise summits, these are our top dog-friendly places in Canberra.
Skip to:
- Best Dog-Friendly Sunrise Hike in ACT
- Best Dog-Friendly Adventure Hike in ACT
- Best Dog-Friendly Swimming Spot in ACT
- Best Dog-Friendly Sunset Hike in ACT
- Best Dog-Friendly Bike Ride in ACT
- Best Off-Lead Dog Park in ACT
- Best Dog-Friendly Overnight Hike in ACT
- Best Dog-Friendly Multi-Day Near ACT
- Dog Etiquette
Best Dog-Friendly Sunrise Hike in ACT
The National Arboretum Canberra
Distance: Variable Lead: On
If you’ve never visited the National Arboretum, you’re missing out (even without a dog). The stunning variety of trees, paired with unbeatable views of the city and Lake Burley Griffin, makes this one of the best spots in Canberra for a sunrise walk or run. There are loads of trails to choose from, so it’s easy to find one that suits every dog’s energy levels. My recommendations are the Dairy Farmers Hill Track (2.3km) and the Himalayan Cedar Track (2.1km), which can be linked together for an even longer figure-8 loop. This place truly shines during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular1, held for 1-week in March every year. With the sky lit up in pastel hues and hot air balloons drifting lazily overhead, it’s one of my favourite memories from living in Canberra.
Best Dog-Friendly Adventure Hike in ACT
Molonglo Gorge Walking Track
Distance: 6km (return) Lead: On
Just between Canberra and Queanbeyan on the ACT border, this trail winds alongside the river through dry bushland in Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve. There are some sections that are rocky and uneven as the trail drops beside the gorge, so it’s ideal for adventurous pups comfortable with rougher terrain. The trail ends at the Blue Tiles picnic area, which has a grassy patch perfect for a lazy afternoon charcuterie. If that spot’s too busy, there are plenty of access points along the way to hang-out on the river bank. Just remember to pack out all rubbish and watch for snakes sunbaking by the water in warmer months.
Best Dog-Friendly Swimming Spot in ACT
Uriarra East Recreation Area
Distance: 0km Lead: On & Off-Lead Areas
On those scorching Canberra summer days where the bitumen feels like it might melt under your feet, Uriarra Crossing is the place to be. Tucked behind Stromlo Forest Park and only about 25-minutes from the city, this riverside spot offers easy access to the Murrumbidgee River and plenty of space to spread out. Dogs are welcome on lead in the whole area, but if yours is the type that wants the freedom to run zoomies without a lead, head right when entering the park to the designated off-lead area. It can get busy on weekends and public holidays, but the riverbank stretches far enough to find a quiet corner. The water’s usually clean and slow-moving, but watch out for fast currents and higher water levels after rain.
Best Dog-Friendly Sunset Hike in ACT
Mount Taylor
Distance: 4.5km Loop Lead: On
I’ll admit it, I’m a bit biased about Mount Taylor Nature Reserve. It’s my local running spot, so Bowie and I have watched the sky turn pink from the summit more times than I can count. The climb is short but punchy, with a 196m elevation gain over 1.7km, but the views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. You’ll get sweeping views of the Woden Valley and the Tidbinbilla Range, and if the timing’s right, catch the sun dip behind the mountains in a golden blaze. It has no water taps, but there’s a kind local legend who lugs water to the top for thirsty pups, keeping spare bottles and a dog bowl by the summit.
There are a few routes to the summit, but for the best bang for your buck, park on Sulwood Drive and head up the Mount Taylor Hill Climb. From the top, descend via the Zig Zag Track, turn right onto Torrens House Fire Trail, then loop back along Mrs Low’s Fire Trail to the car.
Best Dog-Friendly Bike Ride in ACT
Cotter Pines Mountain Biking Trails
Distance: Variable Lead: Off
Cotter Pines is the best spot (IMO) to let your dog run free while cruising trails on two wheels. About 30-minutes from Canberra, this entirely off-lead Mountain Bike Park is perfect for riding with a dog. The cross-country trails here are mostly blue(intermediate) and green(beginner): flowy, fun, and not too technical. There’s the odd feature or side hit to keep things interesting. Many of the trails are multi-directional, so keep an eye out for riders coming the other way, although it’s usually pretty quiet; I’ve often had the place entirely to myself. My top pick is Sugar Sugar(blue), or head to Eagle Rock(blue), where there’s even a little loveseat with a view of the gorge to take a break.
Best Off-Lead Dog Park in ACT
Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum
Distance: Variable Lead: Off
Looking for an off-lead area that’s more than a fenced square of grass? Lindsay Pryor Arboretum is a hidden gem. Located between Lake Burley Griffin and the main National Arboretum, this 30-hectare space features international tree groves and open grass, with a less manicured feel than its neighbour across the highway. There’s usually a friendly crew of dog parents hanging around for a social play, or it’s big enough to find a corner to let your dog run free without interruption. On warmer days, the lakefront is the perfect place for pups to cool off, but personally I don’t swim here.
Best Dog-Friendly Overnight Hike in ACT
Kowen Forest
Distance: Variable Lead: On
Right next door to the Micalong Gorge Walking Track is Kowen Forest, Canberra’s largest commercial pine plantation, spanning 4,670 hectares. Criss-crossed with fire roads and mountain bike trails, it’s choose-your-own-adventure to reach camp. Old Kowen Homestead Recreation Area is a pleasant campground kitted with sheltered BBQs, picnic tables, and drop toilets, but no water, so come prepared. Bookings are required.
As you walk (or ride) through the forest, towering pine trunks stretch skyward in neat, geometric rows, and in places, the canopy parts just enough to offer glimpses back toward the city through the trees. It’s not the most scenic hike you’ll ever do, but the novelty lies in being able to share the experience with your favourite furry friend.
Be aware this is a working forest, so pay attention to signage and temporary closures, as heavy machinery may be operating in the area.
Best Dog-Friendly Multi-Day Near ACT
Hume & Hovell Track: Wee Jasper to Micalong Swamp
Distance: 40km (one-way) Lead: On
This one isn’t technically in the ACT, but it’s just over an hour’s drive from Canberra and offers a rare chance to go on a multi-day hike with your dog. This 40km stretch of the Hume & Hovell Track runs from Wee Jasper to Micalong Swamp, passing through three state forests: Wee Jasper, Bondo, and Micalong. It can be tackled as a 3 to 4 day thru-hike or broken into shorter overnight sections with plenty of campsites along the track to pick from.
More details (including campsites and GPX) can be found here
Dog Etiquette
Every dog deserves to enjoy the trails, but that only works if we’re kind and considerate to each other. Not every pup wants to be approached, so even in off-lead areas, always have your dog under control, keep a leash handy, and stay tuned-in to your surroundings.
Most of these spots are bushland, which means sharing space with wildlife: kangaroos, echidnas, lizards, and yep, snakes. It’s their home more than ours, so it’s up to us to make sure our dogs don’t harm or stress the local wildlife.
Disclaimer: Content on Path & Pedal is for general information and inspiration only. All route guides and trip reports are based on personal experience and research at the time of writing. Conditions, access, weather, and regulations can change. Always check official sources and use your own judgment. Outdoor adventures carry risk, and Path & Pedal accepts no liability for injury, loss, or damage.
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