Can You Take Your Dog Hiking in Australia? Rules, Trails & What to Know

TL;DR: Yes, you can take your dog hiking in Australia, but not on every trail. Dogs are generally prohibited from national parks, while many state forests, regional parks, recreation areas and council-managed trails allow dogs, usually on a leash. The rules change depending on the state and the specific park, so always check the trail before you leave.

Taking your dog hiking sounds simple enough. Grab a lead, some water and head into the bush.

The problem is that Australia has a mix of national parks, state forests, conservation parks, regional parks and council reserves, and they can all have completely different rules about dogs.

A trail being open to hikers does not automatically mean it is dog friendly.

Are Dogs Allowed in Australian National Parks?

Usually, no.

National parks are primarily managed to protect native wildlife and sensitive environments, which is why domestic dogs are generally not permitted.

In Queensland, domestic animals are prohibited from national parks, although dogs are welcome in some state forests, conservation parks and recreation areas.

NSW follows a similar approach. Dogs are not permitted in national parks and nature reserves, although there are some regional parks and other specific areas where dogs are allowed.

In Victoria, dogs are also generally prohibited from national parks but are welcome in many other parks and reserves, normally provided they are under control and on a lead.

Assistance dogs are treated differently and may be permitted in areas where normal pets are prohibited, subject to the relevant requirements.

So Where Can You Hike With Your Dog?

There are still plenty of options.

Depending on where you live, look for:

• State forests

• Regional parks

• Recreation areas

• Council-managed bushland

• Dog-friendly conservation parks

• Shared walking and cycling trails

Some of these allow dogs only on a lead, while others may have designated off-leash areas.

The important part is checking the specific trail or park, not just assuming that dogs are allowed because you saw someone else walking one there.

Queensland, for example, has state forests and recreation areas where dogs can be taken walking or camping even though nearby national parks may completely prohibit them.

Do Dogs Need to Be on a Leash?

In many dog-friendly parks, yes.

Even where dogs are permitted, there may be rules requiring them to stay on a lead and under control.

There is a good reason for it too. You might be sharing the trail with wildlife, other dogs, horses, cyclists or people who simply do not want an unfamiliar dog running towards them.

Keeping your dog on a lead also makes life considerably easier when you reach a road, creek crossing, steep section or busy part of the trail.

A durable harness and lead can be a much better setup for longer walks than relying entirely on a collar, particularly with larger or stronger dogs.

GearOut stocks a range of OneTigris dog gear, including harnesses, leashes, dog packs and water-carrying options for longer days out.

Check for Baiting Before You Go

This is one people sometimes forget.

Parks and forests around Australia can use 1080 poison baiting to control foxes, wild dogs and other pest animals. It can be lethal to domestic dogs. NSW National Parks regularly warns dog owners about baiting programs around managed land, while Parks Australia also issues warnings where baiting is taking place.

Even if a broader area is dog friendly, check current park alerts and signs before heading onto a trail.

It is another good reason not to let your dog disappear off into the bush.

What Should You Take Hiking With Your Dog?

You do not need to turn your dog into a full expedition vehicle for a normal bushwalk.

For most hikes, keep it simple:

• A properly fitted harness or collar

• A strong leash

• Water for your dog

• A collapsible bowl or dog water bottle

• Waste bags

• A few treats

• Basic first aid supplies for longer walks

For longer trails, a properly fitted dog pack can also let your dog carry a small amount of lightweight gear. Just don't overload it, especially if your dog is not already used to walking with a pack.

Check the Trail Before Leaving

The easiest rule to remember is this:

Don't assume a hiking trail is dog friendly.

Before you leave, check the official park or council website for the exact trail you want to visit. Look for rules about dogs, leash requirements, seasonal restrictions, closures and baiting programs.

If you're heading into a national park, expect dogs to be prohibited unless the park information specifically tells you otherwise.

If you want to bring your dog along, state forests, regional parks and council-managed trails are often a much better place to start.

There are plenty of great places around Australia where you can spend a few hours walking with your dog. You just need to pick the right trail first.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only. Park access rules and local regulations can change, so always check the relevant state parks authority or local council before visiting with your dog.