BRISBANE:
Things to do with dogs

Brisbane is even better when explored with your four-legged sidekick. From riverside walks and beach dips to pub hangs, pup-friendly stays and the all-important puppuccino pit stop, there's no shortage of ways to get out and about together. So, leash up your best mate and get ready to sniff out some of the best dog-friendly experiences in Brisbane.

GoBoat puppy onboard
GoBoat, Brisbane River

01. Hike up Mount Coot-Tha

This walk is sure to get tails wagging! Mount Coot-Tha is one of Brisbane’s most iconic outdoor adventures, packed with dog-friendly trails winding from the base to the summit. Tackle the paved Summit Track, wander along the eucalyptus-lined Mahogany Trail or explore the scenic Eugenia Circuit, but your adventure doesn't stop there. Take in the sweeping views from the summit before grabbing a coffee from The Summit Café and treating your four-legged hiking buddy to a well-deserved puppuccino.

02. Hit the dog-friendly beaches

Wind in their fur, sand between their paws and a whole beach to explore – it's basically a dog's dream day out. Just a short drive from Brisbane, Nudgee Beach is a favourite for sandy zoomies and making new four-legged friends. Colmslie Recreation Reserve is worth a visit too! Venture further north to Queens Beach on the Redcliffe peninsula, Red Beach on Bribie Island or Decker Park in Brighton with plenty While they're busy making new four-legged friends, you can kick back and enjoy a dose of Brisbane sunshine by the water.

03.  Paw aboard at GoBoat

Forget walkies – it's time to paw aboard! The Brisbane River looks even better with your dog by your side. Set off from Breakfast Creek aboard a dog-friendly GoBoat and cruise at your own pace, passing riverside landmarks while your pup takes their role as onboard lookout very seriously. Pack a few snacks, settle in and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the water with the very best company by your side.

04. Walk the river 

Lace up the runners and let your pup lead the way. Start the morning at New Farm Park and follow the Brisbane River along the New Farm Riverwalk. With the Story Bridge overhead, city views around every bend and plenty of new sights and smells to keep curious noses busy, it's an outing both humans and hounds will love. Cross over to Kangaroo Point and tackle the famous stairs together before rewarding those tired legs with a well-earned stop at Joey's, where you can enjoy a drink with sweeping views across the city while your furry sidekick soaks up the attention.

05. A dog’s day by the bay

Sunshine, salty sea and sand between your paws- does it get better than that? Just 30 minutes from The City, Brisbane’s bayside suburbs offer the perfect dog-friendly day out. Fuel up with coffee at Cocoa Biscotti before wandering the Sandgate foreshore and out along Shorncliffe Pier. By afternoon, low tide will reveal the salty mudflats giving your pup plenty of room to roam. Continue the adventure south to Wynnum and Manly and follow the waterfront walk, with plenty of sunshine, sea breezes and salty air along the way. End a day full of adventure with fish and chips from Finn's Fish House, best enjoyed by the water as the sun begins to set.

06. Pack the leash for Minjerribah

Pack the leash and make tracks for North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah. The world’s third-largest sand island is a natural paradise for adventurous pups, with plenty of ways to spend a day – or a few. Wander the stunning North Gorge Walk, cool off at Home Beach, stop for a gelato on the hill, and maybe even try stand up paddle boarding with your four-legged friend. If one day isn’t enough, book a stay at Minjerribah Camping, where Flinders Beach and Main Beach offer beachfront camping experiences for those travelling by 4WD. After a day spent exploring, there's nothing better than falling asleep to the sound of the ocean with your furry companion curled up nearby.

Jan Powers Farmers Markets Powerhouse New Farm with puppy
Jan Powers Farmers Markets, New Farm

07. Chase sheep in the countryside

Let your inner-city, puppuccino-drinking pooch channel their countryside for a day with Sheep Herding for City Dogs. Just an hour north of Brisbane, it gives herding breeds a chance to tap into their natural instincts, while also helping you build better off leash control. They'll be in their element out in the paddock, even if it's back to chasing the lawn mower and patrolling the backyard come Monday morning.

08. Run wild at dog parks

Sometimes all a dog really wants is a big patch of grass and a few new friends. With more than 160 off-leash areas across Brisbane, parks, it’s easy to find somewhere new to explore. Let your pup run free, chase the ball and socialise to their heart’s content, with some parks even featuring agility equipment for extra fun. At Perrin Park in Toowong, grab a coffee from nearby If You Say So before letting your pup loose. Over in Paddington, burn off some energy at Neal Macrossan Playground Park before strolling Latrobe and Given Terrace in search of your next caffeine fix. At New Farm Park, round out the outing with a riverside meal at Mary Mae's Bar + Kitchen.

09. Browse the markets together

Saturday mornings are better with your furry friend in one hand and a coffee in the other. Most of Brisbane’s weekend markets welcome dogs, meaning you pup can tag along while you stock up on fresh produce, browse stalls and hunt down something tasty for breakfast. Wander through Jan Powers Farmers Markets, West End Markets, Carseldine Markets, Milton Markets or Northey Street Markets and let your four-legged shopping companion enjoy the outing too.

10. Brisbane pup pub crawl

Lace-up, leash up and let Brisbane's dog-friendly pub scene lead the way. Start in Paddington with a burger at Remy’s, before stopping in for a drink at The Paddo and settling into the courtyard at Hope and Anchor. From there, make your way to Kangaroo Point and grab a riverside brew at Sea Legs Brewing Co before stretching out on the lawn beneath the Story Bridge at Felons. Finish things off at All Inn Brewing in Banyo, where dogs are just as welcome as their humans.

11. Did someone say puppuccino?

Did someone say puppuccino? For some dogs, the walk is simply a warm-up for the treat at the end. Let your pup loose in the fenced mini dog park at Snag & Brown in Annerley while you settle in for a coffee, or watch the boats drift by from Barko & Co in Teneriffe. Other pup-approved favourites include Frenchies Cafe in Wynnum, where dogs can order from a dedicated dog menu, Little Black Pug Cafe in Mount Gravatt, Todd & Pup in Moorooka, Goodness Gracious in Graceville and Brown Dog Cafe in Woolloongabba. Just don't be surprised if your four-legged foodie starts expecting a puppuccino with every coffee run.

12. Live in the lap of luxury

Let sleeping dogs lie at five-star hotel W Brisbane, where your four-legged companion (up to 18kg) can check in via the with P.A.W. (Pets Are Welcome) program. Expect a custom pet bed, toys and treats, food and water bowls, clean-up bags, wee pads and a “Pet in Room” door sign. The W team can point you towards nearby parks, dog-friendly walks and pet retailers, making it easy to enjoy a luxury city stay together. Alternatively, spoil your pooch with Crystalbrook Vincent’s Sit. Stay. Sleepover package. Four-legged guests receive a welcome treat, plus dog bed and access to a curated guide of dog-friendly spots around Howard Smith Wharves. Add a puppacino at Mews and a dedicate pup-friendly room service menu, and they may never want to check out.

13. Spend a night at Eat Street

Eat Street gets tails wagging with live music and an endless parade of delicious smells to keep those curious noses entertained. Bring along your best buddy on a leash and spend the evening wandering the colourful laneways, sampling global street food and soaking up the lively atmosphere – there's plenty to keep both humans and hounds entertained.

14. Catch a movie under the stars

Movie night just got a whole lot furrier! Pack blankets, load up the car (with the pup) and settle in at Yatala Drive-In. Watch your favourite movie on the big screen under the stars with your co-star curled up next to you. When summer rolls around, keep an eye out for Moonlight Cinema, where leashed dogs are welcome to tag along!

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