Posted Mon 19 Jun 2023 at 10:15am
Time to get out with your pup and leave your mark on these dog-friendly walks in Adelaide!
Walking is an incredible way to stay active and discover the beauty of Adelaide alongside your furry companion. You’ll not only give your body a healthy cardio boost, but you’ll also witness the joy on your four-legged friend’s face as you venture into uncharted paths together. Let’s waste no time and dive headfirst into the best dog-friendly walks in Adelaide.
1. Blackwood Forest Recreation Park
Blackwood Forest Recreation Park is a small yet captivating park popular among dog owners, providing off-leash walking opportunities. It’s perfect for jogging, horse riding, and biking with kids and pups. Explore the enchanting pine forest, meander by the creek, and enjoy the serene beauty of Stuart River. With its easy route and well-defined tracks, this dog-friendly walk in Adelaide is perfect for a cruisy afternoon.
Location: Blackwood Forest Recreation Park
Distance: 1.4 km circuit
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: Off-leash
2. Lake Discovery Walk
Bring your binoculars if you are heading to Lake Discovery Walk for a stroll. It’s a short circuit teeming with native wildlife. This delightful dog-friendly walk in Adelaide begins at the East Lake car park, where you can conveniently park your vehicle before embarking on your adventure. From there, you’ll follow the trail in a clockwise direction, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Observe over 100 species of birds and playful emus that patrol the grounds. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos grazing at dawn and bearded dragons and sleepy lizards basking in the sunshine. After you meander along the trail, you can enjoy the convenience of BBQ facilities and comfortable seating areas with clean amenities. This place truly has it all!
Location: Para Wirra Conservation Park
Distance: 1 km
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: On leash
3. Newmans Nursery Ruins Walk
For those seeking a touch of history combined with natural beauty, the Newmans Nursery Ruins Walk at Anstey Hill Recreation is a must-visit. As you wander through the remnants of the once-thriving Newmans Nursery, you and your pup will delight in the beautifully preserved heated glass houses. For a dog-friendly walk in Adelaide with a dose of history and nature, this one is surely worthwhile.
And if you’re up for a more exhilarating experience, consider extending your hike to Wednesday Loop or Bursaria Hike Anstey Hill Loop.
Location: Anstey Hill Recreation Park
Distance: 3 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Leash: Yes
4. Heritage Tree Walk
Discover a dog-friendly paradise at the Heritage Tree Walk in Adelaide’s Belair National Park. It features a captivating landscape adorned with diverse heritage trees such as oak, poplar, sequoia, cork oak, pine, and horse chestnut.
This scenic trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty while enjoying your furry friend’s company. Starting from The Valley Drive, this convenient 45-minute looped trail ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for you and Fido.
Area: Belair National Park
Distance: 1 km circuit
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: Yes, all times
5. Little Para Linear Park (Lower) – Happy Home Reserve to Port Wakefield Road
Prepare for your next trail adventure at Little Para Linear Park, where you and your furry friend can immerse yourselves in a beautiful experience. Fido will be ecstatic, exploring the new sights and enticing smells and meeting other friendly dogs along the trail. Remember always to keep your pup leashed and under control to ensure everyone’s safety.
Start your journey at the Happy Home Reserve in Salisbury and head west, away from the swim centre, while keeping the river on your right. The trail is well-marked with informative signposts that guide you through connecting roads and nearby facilities, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free walk.
Take frequent breaks, especially on hot days, to offer Fido water. Let him enjoy the lush grassy areas and the company of other four-legged friends you may encounter.
Area: Adelaide, South Australia
Distance: 9.6 km circuit
Difficulty: Moderate
Leash: Yes, all times
Stop by one of these dog-friendly cafes in Adelaide to fuel up after your long hike.
6. Beaumont Link Walking Trail
Take Fido and set out on the Beaumont Link Walking Trail and be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Adelaide and the surrounding area. Starting from the intersection of Sherwood Terrace, Caithness Avenue, and Hayward Drive, the trail leads you up the hill into the stunning Mount Osmond Reserve. The path was carefully laid out to follow the curves of the hill, so you and Fido can enjoy your leisurely walk. The historic quarry that provided the stone for Adelaide’s famous Supreme Court is honoured with a plaque along Caithness Avenue.
Look for the well-marked trails that lead to stunning vantage points overlooking the Adelaide Plains. You and Fido can stop at the nearby cafe for a bite to eat and take a break to make this dog-friendly walk in Adelaide even more satisfying.
Area: Adelaide City & Suburbs
Distance: 3.5 km circuit
Difficulty: Moderate
Leash: On leash
7. Wynn Vale to Valley View Walking Path
Spanning 6.3km, this shared-use dog-friendly walk in Adelaide welcomes walkers, runners, and cyclists alike, offering a refreshing escape into nature. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of seating areas to take a breather with your pup on-leash. Plus, Vale to Valley View Walking Path connects to other trails, such as the Dry Creek River Trail and Little Para River Trail, where you’ll discover diverse landscapes of eucalyptus woodlands, grasslands, samphire, and mangroves.
So if you’re looking to embark on an endless walk filled with excitement for both you and your pup, this trail is what you’ve been waiting for!
Area: Adelaide Hills
Distance: 6.3 km
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: Yes
8. Waterfall Hike
For those seeking an invigorating dog-friendly walk in Adelaide, consider this moderate 6.5 km Waterfall Hike. Beginning in the Pines area, this trail offers breathtaking views and captivating rock escarpments. It even takes you through the Echo Tunnel beneath the railway line (bring a flashlight for the tunnel). While the falls only flow after heavy rainfall, it remains a fantastic hike to explore with dogs, provided they are kept on a lead.
If you prefer a more relaxed dog-friendly stroll, consider the Wood Duck Walk or the Lorikeet Loop Walk within the park.
Area: Belair National Park
Distance: 6.5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Leash: Yes
9. Torrens Weir Loop Trail
No list of dog-friendly walks in Adelaide would be complete without a river destination. Torrens Weir Loop trail will take you and your pup along the picturesque riverside walk, offering refreshing views and glimpses of the city skyline.
The trail meanders alongside the banks of the River Torrens, encompassing The Bunyip Trail and the River Torrens Linear Park Track. Along the way, you’ll come across playgrounds, picnic spots, areas for feeding ducks, and restroom facilities. Whether you prefer walking, running, or cycling, this trail provides refreshing sceneries and unmatched tranquillity.
Area: Adelaide Park Lands
Distance: 3.2 km/2.5 km on sealed footpath
Difficulty: Easy
Leash: On leash
Wrap up your day of walking by treating your furry friend to a delightful meal at one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Adelaide.
