Bushwalking With Dogs in Australia: Where You Can Go and the Rules

Outdoorsia

Sep 13

4 min read

If you've ever driven to a national park only to find dogs aren't allowed, you'll know the feeling. The hardest part of bushwalking with a dog isn't the walking - it's working out where you're actually allowed to take them. The rules change at every state border and often at every park gate. Here's the national picture, plus how to keep your dog safe once you're out there.

Black labrador giving its paw to its owner in a green, mossy forest.

Check the rules before you drive, not at the gate.

Where Dogs Are and Aren't Allowed: National Parks vs State Forests

The general rule

Dogs are not permitted in most Australian national parks, even on a leash - at most, some states let you drive through on a public road without stopping. National parks exist to protect wildlife, and dogs (their presence, and even their scent) disturb it.

The general exception

State forests, many regional parks and council reserves welcome dogs, usually on-leash. This is where dog-walkers should look first.

Rules are set separately by each state and territory, and often park by park - always check the specific park's page before you drive.
Fines for dogs in national parks are real and enforced.

Check the rules where you're walking:

State	Who sets the rules
NSW	NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service: dogs not permitted in national parks; welcome in all NSW state forests and some regional parks.
VIC	Parks Victoria: dogs not allowed in most national parks, with dog-friendly parks listed. Explore Outdoors Victoria: dogs allowed in all state forests except Murrindindi Scenic Reserve.
QLD	Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service: dogs not permitted in national parks; some conservation parks, state forests and recreation areas allow dogs on a leash.
WA	Parks and Wildlife Service WA (Explore Parks WA): pets generally not permitted; designated dog areas listed.
SA	National Parks and Wildlife Service SA: dogs allowed on a lead in some parks, on designated trails only.
TAS	Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania: dogs not permitted in national parks; some reserves allow dogs, listed on their site.
NT	NT Parks and Wildlife: pets generally not permitted; a small number of listed parks allow dogs.
ACT	ACT Parks and Conservation Service: rules vary by reserve (on-leash, off-leash or no dogs); no dogs in Namadgi National Park.

Leash Etiquette and Wildlife Protection

On-leash means on-leash - it protects wildlife, other walkers, and your dog.
Australian bush carries hazards for off-leash dogs that suburban parks don't: snakes, ticks, and - critically - 1080 baiting programs in some forests, parks and reserves, which are lethal to dogs. There is no antidote, and baits can stay active for weeks or months after a program ends. Baited areas are signposted at main entrances; take the signs seriously, keep dogs restrained in the vicinity, and never let them near a bait. If you think your dog has eaten one, get to a vet immediately.
Keep dogs on the track and out of waterways, nests and burrows.
Bag and carry out dog waste - it's a real pathogen and nutrient problem in bushland, not just a courtesy.

Heat, Paws and Water for Dogs

Heatstroke is an emergency

Dogs can't sweat the way we do and rely on panting to cool down, so they overheat before people do. Watch for heavy panting, lethargy, wobbliness or collapse, and get them cool and to a vet fast.

Walk in the cool

On warm days, walk early morning or late evening, and choose shaded tracks.

The paw test

Hold the back of your hand on the track surface - if you can't keep it there comfortably for a few seconds, it's too hot for paws.

Water and a bowl

Carry water for your dog and a bowl to drink from. Offer small amounts regularly rather than one big drink. Pack enough for yourself too, using How Much Water Do You Need for a Bushwalk?.

Dogs at higher risk

Flat-faced breeds, thick coats, older and overweight dogs are at much higher risk in heat - on hot days, some dogs simply shouldn't walk.

Match the walk to the dog

Distance, terrain and track grade apply to four legs too. The grades are explained in Australian Walking Track Grades Explained: Grade 1 to Grade 5.

Walkers on a bush track in the Australian outdoors.

Track Courtesy Around Other Walkers

Not everyone loves your dog - keep it beside you when passing, and call it in early when you see others approaching.
Give way with the dog on the outside of the track, and keep leads short at lookouts, stairs and narrow sections.
Horses and dogs are a bad mix - on shared trails, stop, shorten the lead, and let riders pass wide.

Dog-Friendly Alternatives to National Parks

State forests - the biggest and best network of dog-friendly bushland in most states.
Regional parks and reservoir reserves - many allow on-leash dogs on formed trails.
Council bushland reserves and rail trails - often overlooked, usually dog-friendly.
Beaches with off-leash hours - check council rules.
The habit that solves everything: search the land manager's page for the word "dogs" before you commit to a track.

New to bushwalking yourself? Start with Bushwalking for Beginners: How to Choose Your First Walk.

Sources: dog access rules link to each state and territory park agency in the table above. Heat, paw and welfare guidance is general advice - check with your vet about your own dog. 1080 baiting information from the NSW Government and PestSmart (Centre for Invasive Species Solutions). Baiting rules differ by state - check the land manager's page before you go. Information on 1080 baiting comes from NSW Government biosecurity guidance and NSW National Parks and Forestry Corporation baiting notices.