The best pet-friendly experiences in Brisbane
List
By Jess Pridmore
Any pet owner will tell you that finding the best pet-friendly things to do in Brisbane is part of what makes this city so great; we love this city and it loves our pooches - be it your family pet, assistance, or guide dog - right back.
Whether it’s a local café that serves up homemade dog treats, riverside walks, or the ultimate pet-friendly beach day, these are the best pet-friendly Brisbane experiences the whole family can sink their teeth into.
1. Forage the local farmers markets
Photo by @ghelcreative
Any local worth their rep knows the local markets are where to be of a Saturday AM. Foraging for fresh pastries is what weekends are for—and bringing your pet is all part of the fun.
Hit up the Jan Power Farmers Markets in New Farm; a pet-friendly haven in Brisbane. Early birds will find parking at the Brisbane Powerhouse, stacks of open space at New Farm Park and an expansive off-leash area right next to the markets. Clock the adjacent coffee cart for a well-deserved cappuccino and handmade dog treats.
Cross the river to Davies Park Markets; West End’s famous weekend community-led markets. Locals love to bring their pets to pick up the week’s local produce and relax with freshly made breakfast.
While there’s no off-leash area close by, there is an expansive field next to the markets where pets (and their owners) can relax under the shade of the big fig trees after a successful market haul.
For the ultimate pet-friendly Brisbane experience, hit up Eat Street Northshore on a Friday or Saturday evening. With over 100 permanent food and lifestyle stalls, this is a foodie’s playground, where people and pups are welcome. Just make sure your pet is happy in a crowd and kept on a short lead—this Brisbane icon can get busy!
2. Hit Brisbane's pet-friendly café scene
Photo by @missblissau
There’s nothing better than settling in for a coffee at your favourite café. For Brisbane, this more often than not includes bringing the family pooch in tow.
You’ll find pet-friendly Brisbane cafés right across the river city; hidden gems that will treat your pup like royalty.
The New Black is the perfect brunch stop located in the heart of Fortitude Valley. From the coffee tasting board to one of the city's most inventive breakfast menus, this hotspot tucked into Bakery Lane has made its mark on weekend brunch - especially when the Valley Laneway markets roll in.
Active pet parents will revel in the best of both worlds at riverside haunt, Mary Mae’s. Take a morning power stroll along the Brisbane Riverwalk before looping back for alfresco brunch, the Brisbane way (blue skies, gentle breeze, river views. You get the gist). While in West End, Miss Bliss Wholefoods Kitchen is serving up indulgently healthy breakfasts, with Davies Park on your doorstep for a walk afterwards.
3. Bonding in Brisbane's State Forests
Photo by @hikeaway__
While domestic pets are not allowed in national parks, you can still head to state forests to get physical with your furry friend. The best part? Brisbane is surrounded by pet-friendly forests and walks.
There’s some fantastic walking tracks around Brisbane’s highest peak, Mt Coot-tha; easy to access from any direction and a decent way to clock up those daily steps. The Honeyeater Track is a moderate two-kilometre climb to the Summit Lookout starting from Chapel Hill in Brisbane’s west.
South of the CBD hit up the beautiful walking trails in Daisy Hill Conservation Park. A well-known pet-friendly pocket of Brisbane, the entire park welcomes dog on-leash. Walk through the fragrant eucalypt forests, spot sleeping koalas in the trees, and make sure to pack a picnic; there are dozens of benches and bbq areas to use.
Head just 30-minutes west of the CBD for the tranquil trails inside Moggil Conservation Park. With pup on a lead, explore the dense woodland and rugged walking paths. Along the well-marked walking trails you’ll be rewarded with incredible lookout points that offer views of both Brisbane and Ipswich.
4. Beach days are a dog's life
Photo by @annainqueensland
A trip to the coast needn’t mean leaving your furry friend at home; pet-friendly Brisbane beaches are saving the (long) trips along the Pacific Highway; meaning more beach time for you and your pooch.
Sandgate, aka northside nirvana for pet owners, has the best giant, ankle-deep puddles to tear through at pace. The mangrove-lined mud flats stretch as far as the eye can see at low tide, meaning energised pups can hit full stride. The salty pockets are a thrill for the (canine and human) senses and perfect for maximum doggy playtime.
Post-play hit the walking path along the waterfront for a leisurely stroll to Doug’s Seafood Café for lunch or a scoop of ice-cream.
Another northside fave for dog owners is Nudgee Beach’s Tuckeroo Park. With a huge off-leash section and a designated off-leash ocean swimming area, teach your old dog new tricks along the park’s doggy obstacle course or wander down to the tidal section of the beach on-lead. On weekends there’s a coffee cart swinging drinks and treats for two and four-legged folk, and they even offer a post-swim dog-washing service. For dog owners, it’s the dream scenario.
If road trips with your pet are your penchant, the Southport Spit, about an hour’s drive from Brisbane, will unleash your furry friend’s inner beach babe. High energy and occasionally chaotic, this is an ideal pet-friendly spot for energized pups who love to socialise. The perfect pet-friendly Brisbane to Gold Coast day trip.
Featured image from @mmmarshmallow.jpg
