The best dog-friendly hikes in Queensland

We’re not the only fans of Queensland’s sublime natural wonders. As any fur parent will tell you, our four-legged friends can’t get enough of the great outdoors, which is why there are so many exceptional dog-friendly bush walks in Queensland.

From soothing waterfront strolls to epic uphill adventures, there’s a dog-friendly hike for every beloved pooch. We’ve rounded up the most legendary.

Best dog-friendly hikes in Brisbane

Mt Coot-tha Summit Track, Mt Coot-tha

Did you know Mt Coot-tha Reserve is home to dozens of dog-friendly bush walks in Queensland? Pick your poison depending on how long you’re planning on being out but go for the Mt Coot-tha Summit Track if you’re craving killer views and mostly flat terrain. Your furry bud is more than welcome, if they’re leashed, and you might even spot a horse or two as horse-riding is also allowed.

Duration: 5.3 km return

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Accessibility: No

Bunyaville Track, Samford

Grab the leash to take advantage of Bunyaville Conservation Park’s scenic cluster of dog-friendly bush walks. Located in Samford, within the northern suburbs of Brisbane, the park’s standout is the Bunyaville Track, a hit with runners and mountain bikers, so make sure your pal remains strapped in. A lush forest canopy provides excellent reprieve from the heat so pack a picnic to stay and bask in the beauty.

Duration: 10.8 km loop

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Accessibility: No

Best dog-friendly hikes on the Gold Coast

Federation Walk, Main Beach

Ready to let your dog roam free? While the Federation Walk within the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve at Main Beach isn’t an off-leash trail itself, the route runs right off an off-leash exercise area at The Spit beach so it’s an absolute must-stop. Let your buddy release those zoomies before returning to the lovely rainforest trail which continues out of the reserve, under the sand bypass jetty and to the southern training wall of the Gold Coast Seaway.

Duration: 3.5 km

Classification: Grade 1: Easy

Accessibility: Yes, but while the path is very clearly designated, it is not paved.

Pleasant Parklands to Riverstone Crossing Reserve, Maudsland

Venture into suburban Gold Coast to tackle the Pleasant Parklands to Riverstone Crossing Reserve trail in Maudsland. As the name suggests, Pleasant Parklands is full of very agreeable scenery that spans glistening creeks and mountainous landscapes. Once you reach Riverstone Crossing Reserve, there’s a designated off-leash dog exercise area for your bestie to run wild.  

Duration: 5.5 km.

Classification: Grade 1: Easy

Accessibility: No

Best dog-friendly hikes in the Scenic Rim

Wickham Peak Trail, Tamborine Mountain

Let your furry friend breathe in as much eucalyptus forest as he can on the Wickham Peak Trail in Tamborine’s Plunkett Conservation Park. Enter at the end of Steele Road before hitting a single walking track that ventures up to the Wickham Peak lookout. Once you’ve both sweated it out (it’s a bit steep at the final bit), panoramic views all the way out to Brisbane’s CBD are ready to be enjoyed.

Duration: 4.2 km return

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Accessibility: No

Calytrix Circuit, Tamborine Mountain

You’ll probably be sharing the Calytrix Circuit in Plunkett Conservation Park with horse riders so, as always, keep your dog on a leash at all times. The trail heads to the Wickham Peak lookout while passing equally beautiful vistas from the Grasstree lookout. Expect to spy Tamborine Mountain in all its glory from Grasstree before continuing uphill.

Duration: 7.6 km return

Classification: Grade 4: Difficult

Accessibility: No.

Best dog-friendly hikes in Queensland Country

Sentimental Rocks, Stanthorpe

Discovery Trail, Agnes Water

Keep your pooch on a leash to tackle the Discovery Trail in Agnes Water. The tranquil walk through rich bushland will lead you to Agnes Water Lookout where sparkling views of Agnes Water Beach and Workman’s Beach will leave you gasping for air in more ways than one. If you’re visiting during winter, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales, too. You’ll find the trail’s entry point on Springs Road.

Duration: 1 km return.

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate.

Accessibility: No. While the walk is clearly defined and there are plenty of boardwalks, there are also unpaved sections.

Turtle Bay Bikeway, Tannum Sands

A family-friendly trail that invites four-legged friends to come out and play, the Turtle Bay Bikeway runs along the coastline in Tannum Sands and Boyne Island. You’ll hug the Boyne River along an uninterrupted foreshore stretch and there’s plenty of barbecue areas, fitness stations and playgrounds to drop into for a quick drink. Plus, various starting points allow you to tailor your trek to every visit.

Duration: 13.2 km return.

Classification: Grade 2: Moderate, and you can do it in sections.

Accessibility: Yes. A shared path invites many modes of transport.

Boyne Burnette Inland Rail Trail, Mungungo

Marvel in heritage railway bridges and old railway stations along the Boyne Burnette Inland Rail Trail where dogs are welcome as long as they’re kept on a leash. The ongoing project is headed towards becoming Australia’s longest rail trail, however, three large sections are now open for exploration. Pass through the railway precincts of Gayndah, Mundubbera and Monto while an abundance of wildlife and jaw-dropping mountain views stream continuously.  

Duration: 270 km when complete. Currently, the three open sections vary in length.

Classification: Grade 3 to Grade 4: Intermediate to Difficult

Accessibility: No, this is not a sealed path, and the trail can get very rough.

East Shores to Spinnaker Park, Callemondah

Your furry companion will lap up an avalanche of foreign sniffs along the East Shores to Spinnaker Park hike in Callemondah, where native wetlands and ponds beg to be investigated. As for the humans, the route stretches along the ocean wall so pristine water views provide a serene backdrop to your day’s exercise. A beached cove also invites relaxed dips if the heat gets the better of you both.

Duration: 8.9 km.

Classification: Grade 1: Easy, and you can do it in sections.

Accessibility: Yes. It welcomes people with access needs and prams.

Best dog-friendly hikes in Townsville

The Goat Track at Castle Hill, Townsville

It’s not technically a mountain but Castle Hill, in the middle of Townsville, will feel like one to you and your fur baby. The Goat Track is one of its most popular hikes and on-leash dogs are welcome so prepare for an active day of extraordinary exploration. The trail, which is visited by more than 2,500 locals each day, will lead to 360-degree views of the region, passing World War II relics and maybe even some native wildlife.

Duration: 2.7 km

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Accessibility: No, although you can drive to the top of Castle Hill to visit the lookout.

Mount Louisa Bush Walking Track, Townsville

It’s leg day, team. Pop a leash on your dog and hit the Mount Louisa Bush Walking Track to smash out more than 1,700 steps. A clearly marked dirt trail will take you up to the summit of one of its peaks from the corner of Bayswater Road and Weston Street in Townsville. Once you make it up there, expect glorious views across the coastal region, including a sunset spectacular that often draws crowds.   

Duration: 3.5 km return

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Accessibility: No

Best dog-friendly hikes in Outback Queensland