This site is dedicated to providing a resource to those that want to explore our unique nature around Sydney with their best mate.
Much of Sydney is surrounded by National Parks. This is great for nature and for humans, but not so welcoming for your pup. Dogs aren’t allowed in National Parks or nature reserves. Luckily, there is still lots of bushland in Sydney that is either undesignated or is parkland that doesn’t forbid four legged friends. Many people simply assume that any bushland is either a National Park or just not acessible for dogs. It’s not true!
It’s a good idea to be aware of the following:
Snakes:
Do you know how your dog would react if it saw a snake? It’s possible to encounter a snakes on any hike, so always keep an eye out ahead on the trails (especially if your dog loves to run ahead – and don’t they all?!). Bring a first aid kit with bandages for yourself if bitten but also for your dog! Refresh your knowledge on how to wrap a snake bite. See the note below regarding knowing the location of your nearest emergency vet.
Poison bating:
Foxes and wild dogs are a problem in National Parks and reserves, and the parks management uses poison baiting to control these animals. Unfortunately baiting is also fatal to dogs. Luckily the hikes on this site are outside of these parks, however they can be bordering them. As baits are delivered from airdropping, it’s possible, but unlikely they could find their way into the area. Keep an eye on any signage about baiting and also don’t let your dog stray too far off the trail without you seeing where they are and what they’re up to.
Barbed wire:
Barbed wire is common up against private property boundaries, and in unmaintained areas of parkland (illegal dumping and also abandonded sites). If your dog runs into barbed wire and get’s tangled, it can be serious for them, especially if they freak out and make the situation worse. Bringing wire cutters could be an option in your dog safety pack.
Dehydation:
Luckily water is common on most of the hikes. You’ll encounter lots of rock pools and billabongs that your dog can cool down in on a hot day and also hydrate from (not for human consumption though!). Always bring a drinking bowl and a bottle of water though just in case.
Roads, bikers, 4WDs:
Several of the hikes are in parks that are used by mountain bikers, motor bikes, and 4WDs. Luckily you can hear these coming most of the time so you can whip out the leash and let them pass. Some hikes cross roads and access tracks. Always check ahead on your map software to know where these are.
Cliffs and drops:
Some trails have sections of rocky cliff and waterfalls with significant drops. Keep your dog close if you are unsure of how they will behave, and use a lead where you’re not comfortable.
Ticks:
Ticks are unfortunately a problem now in NSW, be especially careful where you need to bush bash. Always check yourself for ticks after a hike and your dog too. Make sure your pup’s flea medicine also handles ticks. Tick paralysis can kill dogs.
It’s a good idea to always know where the closest emergency vet is before your start a hike. Pin them on your phone’s mapping app. Have a plan for how you’d react in an emergency and need to evacuate!
This site is made using Jeykll. Last updated September 2023.
If you like this site, they why not support it with a tip: