Vet Approved Guide Dog Friendly National Parks and Reserves Australia 2025 🐶🌿

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Exploring Australia's natural beauty with your dog can be a rewarding experience. 🐶 However, it's essential to know where dogs are permitted to ensure the safety of native wildlife and compliance with park regulations. 🩺 This guide provides an overview of dog-friendly national parks and nature reserves across Australia in 2025. 🐾

📍 Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

While traditional national parks in the ACT may have restrictions, several nature reserves welcome dogs:

Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve: On-leash dogs are permitted, offering scenic views of Canberra.
Uriarra Crossing: A popular spot for picnics and dog-friendly walks along the Murrumbidgee River.
The Pinnacle Nature Reserve: Features walking trails where dogs on leashes can enjoy the natural surroundings.

📍 New South Wales (NSW)

Most national parks in NSW prohibit dogs to protect native wildlife. However, regional parks managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service often allow dogs on designated trails:

Berowra Valley Regional Park: Selected trails permit on-leash dogs, providing bushwalking opportunities close to Sydney.
Blue Gum Hills Regional Park: Offers picnic areas and walking tracks suitable for families and their dogs.
Wolli Creek Regional Park: Features walking paths where dogs can accompany their owners on-leash.

📍 Victoria (VIC)

Victoria offers several parks and reserves where dogs are welcome:

Mornington Peninsula National Park: Certain beach areas allow dogs on-leash during specific hours. Always check local signage for current regulations.
Great Otway National Park: While core areas may restrict dogs, some peripheral zones and adjacent state forests permit on-leash dogs. Verify local guidelines before visiting.

📍 Queensland (QLD)

In Queensland, dogs are generally not permitted in national parks. However, state forests and some regional parks may allow dogs on-leash:

Mt. Coot-tha Reserve: Near Brisbane, this reserve offers dog-friendly trails like the Simpson Falls Track, where dogs can join on-leash.
Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area: Provides beachside camping and walking areas where dogs are allowed on-leash.

📍 South Australia (SA)

South Australia has specific parks where dogs are permitted:

Belair National Park: Dogs on leashes are allowed on designated walking trails, making it a popular spot for dog owners near Adelaide.
Glenthorne National Park–Ityamaiitpinna Yarta: Offers on-leash dog walking opportunities in a natural setting.

📍 Western Australia (WA)

While many national parks in WA restrict dogs, some areas and adjacent reserves may allow them:

Yellagonga Regional Park: Near Perth, this park has designated trails where dogs on leashes are welcome.
Bold Park: Offers walking trails with specific areas permitting dogs on-leash.

📍 Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania's national parks typically have strict regulations regarding dogs. However, certain conservation areas and reserves may permit dogs on-leash:

Bay of Fires Conservation Area: Known for its stunning beaches, some sections allow dogs on-leash. Always check local guidelines.
Friendly Beaches Reserve: Offers coastal walks where dogs on leashes can enjoy the scenery.

📍 Northern Territory (NT)

In the Northern Territory, dogs are generally not allowed in national parks. However, some nature parks and reserves permit dogs on-leash:

Casuarina Coastal Reserve: Features designated on-leash and off-leash areas for dogs.
Holmes Jungle Nature Park: Offers walking tracks where dogs on leashes are welcome.