16 Best Dog-Friendly Walks in the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is a popular hiking destination close to Sydney. And just because you have a dog, doesn’t meant you have to miss out. While some of the most famous hikes in the region are out of bounds inside national parks, there’s still plenty of dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains.

Take your pick from these dog-friendly walks located throughout the Blue Mountains, from adventurous hikes to some spectacular waterfall walks, through to easy paved paths that are mud-free even after rain.

#1 South Lawson Waterfall Loop, Lawson

Distance: 2.7km loop
Difficulty: Easy-Medium (Unsealed with a chance of mud, some stairs)

One of the most popular dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains is the South Lawson Waterfall Loop Track. Despite being only a short 2.7km hike, this walk features not just one but four waterfalls, a delightful taste of the stunning scenery the Mountains are renown for.

I recommend starting from the point marked as the “Five Waterfall Walk Southern Carpark” on Google. From here, you can complete a short 600m return walk to Cataract Falls, or the full 2.5.km loop visiting four beautiful waterfalls.

While mainly an easy walk, there are some tricky sections with steps, where smaller dogs might appreciate being carried. Also, there’s a metal mesh bridge near the souther carpark that some dogs will dislike, although there’s the option to detour via the creek.

This walking track is great any time of year. During the warmer months, there’s plenty of spots for dogs to have a splash in the creek. However, it might be best to skip after heavy rain, when it is likely to be muddy. Dogs should be kept on a leash, but many walkers allow dogs off-leash when no-one else is around.

NOTE: Since March 2022, a short section of the track after Federal Falls has been technically closed due to a rockfall. While I haven’t walked the track since then, many visitors report that it is easy to still continue pass this section.

#2 Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk, Katoomba

Distance: 1.3km loop
Difficulty: Easy (Fully paved, but some steps)

It can be difficult to work out which lookouts and walking tracks around Katoomba are in or not in the Blue Mountains National Park. While much of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk is in the national park, the section around Katoomba Falls in between the old Katoomba Falls Kiosk and the Cliff View Lookout is outside the national park, with dogs on a leash allowed.

If you visit during the day, you’ll be treated to multiple lookouts, particularly on the western end of the walk. Take in views of Orphan Walk, the massive Jamison Valley below and of course Katoomba Falls. However, for a different experience, return when its getting dark, with the walkway lit up as the Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk.

The lights switch on at dusk and stay on until 10:30pm, with leashed dogs still welcome to join you. The highlight of our visit after dark was Katoomba Cascades, which was prettily lit up with spotlights. Standing at Cliff View Lookout and gazing at the dark expanse of the valley below, without a single light, was also pretty awe-inspiring.

The easiest spot to park is at the Katoomba Falls Reserve, with free parking next to the unmarked off-leash area on the partially fenced oval. The track is fully paved, except for one lookout, although there are some steps on the western path. Take note of the signs indicating the edge of the national park at the top of Furber Steps and after Cliff View Lookout.

#3 Minnehaha Falls Track, Katoomba

Distance: 2.6km return
Difficulty: Medium-hard (Unsealed, steep metal steps to the base of the falls)

The on-leash hike to Minnahaha Falls on the northern edge of Katoomba is becoming increasing popular with dog owners. But before attempting this hike with your dog, carefully consider whether this walk is suitable for you and your pup.

The first 900m of the walking track starting from the Minnehaha Reserve Carpark is fairly flat, although there are an increasing number of steps towards the end. After rain it can be quite wet underfoot, although it’s sandy rather than muddy soil. There are two side tracks to picnic spots along the creek, ideal for paddling on summer days.

At the 900m mark there is meant to be a lookout, but it is currently fenced off due to some serious erosion of the cliff face underneath the lookout. It’s still possible to take in views of the Falls from slightly further along the track.

However, after this point, the track descends sharply. There are a number of steep metal staircases, that are quite tricky to navigate. If you have a small dog like us, I recommend carrying your dog down the stairs, although be careful to grip onto the railing.

For larger dogs, consider whether your dog is agile enough to handle the stairs, otherwise, skip descending to the base. In either case, take your time and let other hikers pass you by.

Your reward if you reach the bottom of the falls are stunning views of the falls and a popular swimming waterhole. Also be careful with your pup around the base of the falls, with some boulders to negotiate in the creek and sections of mud. Allow about 90 minutes for the complete hike.

#4 Sublime Point Lookout Walk, Leura

Distance: 350m return
Difficulty: Easy (Paved, but some steps)

One of the best dog-friendly lookouts in the Blue Mountains other than the ones at Katoomba is the Sublime Point Lookout. Jutting out into the Jamison Valley from the village of Leura, there are almost 360 degree views from this lookout.

The lookout is reached by a short walkway, just the thing if you want a short stroll to stretch your legs. It’s mainly flat (but sloped), although there are some steps just before the actual lookout, accessed across a bridge.

It’s about a 5 minute walk from the carpark to the lookout, and there are even a few scenic picnic tables close to the tip of the point if you want to relax for awhile. Make sure you keep your dog on a leash, especially near cliff edges.

#5 Knapsack Viaduct via Lapstone Zig Zag Trail, Glenbrook

Distance: 2.6km return
Difficulty: Medium (Unsealed, steps)

The town of Glenbrook is located in the lower Blue Mountains, not far past Penrith and just a 50 minute drive from the centre of Sydney. While the popular Jellybean Pool and Red Hands Cave are located within the Blue Mountains National Park, on the northern edge of the town is the dog-friendly Knapsack Reserve, with dogs on a leash allowed.

One of the most popular walks in the Knapsack Reserve is the Knapsack Viaduct via Lapstone Zig Zag Trail. This walking track starts at the end of Knapsack Street in Glenbrook, where there’s a small number of car parking spots. (Park further back up the street if it is parked out.)

The trail is initially flat, before passing through an old railway siding and past the now fenced off Siding Lookout. It then begins to descend down towards the Knapsack Viaduct. This impressive heritage-listed sandstone bridge opened in 1867 was once part of the original train line over the Blue Mountains.

Follow the walking track down into the gully below the bridge, taking care to pick the right track (there’s multiple options at this point), then descend back up to the other side of the bridge. You can cross back over the bridge before taking a few steps back down to rejoin the Lapstone Zig Zag Trail to your starting point.

#6 Lennox Bridge Off-Leash Loop, Glenbrook

Distance: 1.0km
Difficulty: Easy (Unsealed, but mainly flat)

The Knapsack Viaduct isn’t the only famous bridge in the Knapsack Reserve. On the other side of the reserve is the Lennox Bridge. This sandstone bridge that was completed in 1832 is the oldest surviving stone arch bridge on mainland Australia, and was part of the Mitchells Pass route up into the Blue Mountains.

Not as tall as the Viaduct, it’s still an interesting spot to visit. Note that you need to access the bridge and its carpark from the western side, with the narrow road to the east being one-way only, down to Emu Plains.

Of course, the interesting thing about visiting this spot with a dog is the adjacent walking track. A 1km-long loop on either side of the creek, this track is a rare off-leash walking track. Note that there is only a sign indicating the off-leash area on the western side of the bridge, the standard sign next to the carpark indicates dogs should be on a leash, which can be ignored.

The 24-hour off-leash area continues all the way down to Olivet Street in Blaxland. You can also access the walking track from this end, otherwise if starting from the carpark next to the bridge look out for the turn to your right near the bike jumps.

#7 Horseshoe Falls Walking Track, Hazelbrook

Distance: 1km to 2.8km return
Difficulty: Medium (Dirt track with rocky steps)

There’s no shortage of waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. Another popular waterfall hike that is accessible to dogs is the Horseshoe Falls or Burgess Falls Walking Track, located in the Horseshoe Falls Reserve in Hazelbrook, where leashed dogs are allowed.

The track starts from Oaklands Road on the northern side of Hazelbrook. Search for “Horseshoe Falls walking track” on Google Maps, with cars commonly parking on the grassy corner just past the start of the track.

It’s about a 500m walk from the trail head to Horseshoe Falls, a pretty waterfall from a ledge that you can walk behind. (Just after the picnic table, don’t take the branch to the right but instead head straight ahead over the creek.) The falls are also a popular spot to visit after dark to see glow worms.

The walking trail continues on for just under 1km to Oaklands Falls and Burgess Falls. I recommend visiting Oaklands Falls first, so you don’t miss the path behind the falls, then continuing along the lower path to Burgess Falls. Unlike some other falls, the pools aren’t large enough for swimming.

There’s quite a few tracks to choose from, so I followed this route on Alltrails. However, I recommend skipping the trail up to Glow Worm Nook Falls and the alternative return route. This branch was hard to follow at first, then not as scenic.

The waterfalls are at their best after rain, otherwise they can slow to a trickle. However, the trade-off is the track can become quite muddy, especially the first section (except for one stretch of boardwalk), so you’ll you need to brave the mud for the best rewards! The path is generally clear, although narrow at times, with handy signposts to the different waterfalls.

#8 Wentworth Falls Lake Loop, Wentworth Falls

Distance: 3.7km
Difficulty: Easy (Partially paved, mainly flat)

For a flat and easy walk in the Blue Mountains, without much chance of mud, head to Wentworth Falls Lake. This pretty dam constructed in 1902 is located north of the highway, on the other side of town from the famous Falls in the national park that are off-limits to dogs.

There’s plenty of parking alongside Sinclair Crescent, where there is a park with a playground and picnic area. For a short stroll with your pup, walk along the paved shared path through the park on this side of the lake.

Recently, the dam wall plus the boardwalk and path on the other side of it has been reconstructed, up to Waratah Road. It’s about a 1.3km long fully paved walk from Waratah Road to the viewing platform on the other side of the park, or 2.6km return along the same route.

For a longer walk, complete the full 3.7km loop walk around the lake. After Waratah Road, the path is a bush track – take the left branch for the route closer to the lake’s edge and some sandy beaches. However, there are also two long sections along the quiet Banksia Road. There are plans to create a new walkway with additional boardwalks that is fully within the reserve, avoiding the road and shortening the loop.

Dogs are welcome to enjoy a paddle within the waters of Wentworth Falls Lake – the sandy beaches after Waratah Road are likely popular with dog owners. Just make sure you keep your dog on a leash and away from waterbirds.

#9 South Lawson Park Long Walk, Lawson

Distance: 2.1km
Difficulty: Easy (Fully paved, wheelchair accessible)

Another great flat and easy dog-friendly walk in the Blue Mountains is at South Lawson Park. Once a former golf course, this large park in Lawson has been wonderfully redeveloped in recent years, with the addition of accessible sealed walking paths and a large fenced dog park in its centre.

The Long Walk is clearly signposted and loops all the way around the park, forming a 2.1km long loop walk. It’s possible to take a shortcut in the middle of the park, basically looping around the fenced dog park, for a 1.1km loop.

Naturally, if you visit the park with a dog, you should spend some time in the fenced area, where dogs are allowed off-leash. (Dogs need to be leashed in the rest of the park.) There’s a mix of sealed and dirt paths inside, one with stepping stones, along with multiple gates. Perhaps cut through the park they continue along the Long Walk track with your dog.

#10 Dantes Glen & Fairy Falls Walk, Lawson

Distance: 1.7km loop
Difficulty: Easy-Medium (Plenty of steps and stepping stones, but short)

The popular South Lawson Waterfall Loop isn’t the only dog-friendly waterfall walk in Lawson. Head to the northern side of Lawson for the Dantes Glen and Fairy Falls Walk. The walk stays just inside North Lawson Park, a bushland reserve where leashed dogs are allowed.

Access is from the end of St Bernards Drive, with a carpark at the end of short unsealed section. Look for the signboard then walk about 10m straight ahead for the proper start of the walk – ignore the fire trails.

The highlight of this walk are the three waterfalls – at Dantes Glen, St Michael’s Falls and Fairy Falls. Dantes Glen in particular, with its sandy beach, would be great for a paddle during the warmer months.

Part of the walk is also along a wonderful shady canyon, with less mud than I expected – only at the start and near Fairy Falls. Ignore the signs to Frederica Falls and Echo Point – at this points the track crosses into the adjacent national park, where dogs are not permitted.

It’s possible to walk the loop in either direction – I choose to walk first to Dantes Glen. There’s plenty of roughly hewn stone steps leading down to the glen, plus at the halfway point of the walk. There’s also a number of stepping stones at creek crossings, and water crosses the path at Fairy Falls – skip this walk during or immediately after rain. But otherwise the track is well-formed and fairly easy.

When I walked this trail in June 2024, I noticed plenty of sandstone slabs and bags of gravel along the path. I expect the track is being upgraded, so there’s a chance of closures during 2024. On the other hand, the track should soon be in better condition and even easier, particularly the creek crossings.

#11 Porters Pass Circuit, Blackheath

Distance: 4.2km loop
Difficulty: Hard (Unsealed, rough track with lots of steps and creek crossings)

A walk in the Blue Mountains that is increasingly popular with dogs owners is the Porters Pass Circuit. This walk is located on the southern side of Blackheath, in the Centennial Glen Reserve, where dogs are allowed on leash; however it isn’t an ideal walk for everyone (or every dog).

There are multiple hiking route variations possible in the reserve. I started at the end of Burton Road (where there is a sign with map, but no off-street parking) and followed this loop route mapped on AllTrails, which is also extensively covered in this post from Walk My World. You can also access the area from the Centennial Glen Carpark, which has a toilet. 

Highlights of the walk include the stunning views of the valleys below from Lambert’s Lookout (follow the unmarked trail just before a sign and the final descent into Porters Pass), the many waterfalls along the way (including the delightful moment when the track takes you behind Centennial Falls) and Centennial Glen itself (follow the sign to the Canyon after Slippery Dip Falls, although it’s best explored on warm days in summer – I skipped the slippery path during my late autumn hike).

While an excellent bushwalk, carefully consider whether you and your dog are up to the challenges of this hike. There are many rough steps on the walk, including some eroded sections, plus some steep drop-offs at time, including the clamber up next to Slippery Dip Falls, with only a simple metal railing for safety. Also expect plenty of mud and wet sections of track, even a few weeks after rain.

I recommend only completing this hike with larger, more agile and sure-footed dogs, who are also not too excitable and will stay close by your side rather than put themselves in danger. Allow about 2 3/4 hours for the entire loop, longer for more explorations or if you like to take your time.

#12 Coachwood Glen Nature Walk, Blackheath

Distance: 600m loop
Difficulty: Easy-moderate (Unsealed, often muddy)

For a shorter, easier taste of nature around Blackheath, stop off at Coachwood Glen, a small nature reserve located along the Megalong Road on the way into the Megalong Valley below Blackheath.

A short 600-long nature trail meanders through the damp rainforest reserve, crossing over Pulpit Hill Creek twice. Not surprisingly, it is known for its displays of fungi following rain. There are a number of benches along the way, ideal for taking your time and absorbing the atmosphere.

There are two spots to park at either end of the loop, both with only a small number of parking spots. Note that the trail is unpaved with steps, and can get muddy – it’s best to have a towel for cleaning dirty paws afterwards. Dogs need to be kept leashed.

#13 Terrace Falls Circuit, Hazelbrook

Distance: 5km loop
Difficulty: Medium (Lots of stairs and uneven terrain, can be overgrown, but also partially along a fire trail)

Next time I visit the Blue Mountains with my dog I want to visit Terrace Falls Park. This reserve is located on the southern side of Hazelbrook and is home to multiple pretty waterfalls and waterholes, but see far fewer visitors than the South Lawson Waterfall Loop.

One of the best trails that takes in all the highlights is this loop track on AllTrails, starting from Lake Road, just off Valley Road. There used to be a road with carparks through the reserve, but it’s now been converted to a fire trail, which forms part of the loop track.

I’ve heard reports that the trail can be overgrown in places, so keep your eye on the route. While the waterfalls are at their best after heavy rain, the trail can be muddy and the creek crossings difficult. Dogs are allowed throughout the reserve but need to be kept on a leash.

#14 Florabella Pass, Warrimoo

Distance: 5.6km return
Difficulty: Medium-Hard (Unsealed, many steps)

Back in the late 19th century, nearly every village in the Blue Mountains constructed their own walking tracks to attract visitors. Some of the remaining tracks are now often overlooked in favour of the more famous walks in the Blue Mountains, but are a great dog-friendly option.

When I hiked Florabella Pass on a sunny Friday, I had it completely to myself. The walk starts at the end of Florabella Street in Warrimoo, in the lower Blue Mountains. The street gradually peters out – perhaps park a little way back up the street.

At the start of this walk, there’s a lot of steps as you descend down to Florabella Creek, leaving behind the noise of the trucks on the highway. The short stretch along Florabella Creek is my favourite part of the walk – the creek is surrounded by ferns and mossy boulders, great for dog paddling. It’s best to have a map for this walk, with the two creek crossing points easy to miss.

After the creek, you climb back up, with most of the walk passing through dryer eucalyptus forest, dotted by weathered sandstone outcrops, grass trees and yellow bush pea. The main walking track is in decent condition, but just a basic bush track. I skipped the side track signposted to Glenbrook Creek – it’s overgrown and poorly maintained.

If you continue along the track to Pippas Pass and Blaxland, it passes through a corner of the national park. Instead, when hiking with a dog I recommend turning around at big red rock with the signpost to Plateau Parade. (Skip the exit to Plateau Parade which is badly eroded.) Alternatively, head a little further until there’s some pretty views of Glenbrook Creek from a sandstone ledge.

#15 Hartley Historic Site Walk, Hartley

Distance: 1.8km
Difficulty: Easy-medium (Mainly paved, some slopes)

The historic village of Hartley on the far side of the Blue Mountains was once a major stopping point on the road to Bathurst. These days it’s looked after as an historic site by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with dogs on a leash welcome to join you.

Around the village are a number of short walking tracks. Head up the short, sealed Heritage Track to Kew-Y-Ahn Bell Rock, a granite outcrop, for views over the village plus signs about the local history. I also particularly recommend the Rowsons River Walk, which includes a 200m long river boardwalk. The river walk is particularly pretty during early spring when the wattle is blooming.

This mapped walking route combines both of these two walking tracks, plus a walk around the small village and its historic buildings. It’s also possible to add on the short Sculpture Walk and the Great Western Road Walk up to the former Royal Hotel. The walks are well signposted, plus there’s maps onsite.

#16 Darwins Walk, Wentworth Falls

Distance: 3.5km return
Difficulty: Easy (Well-formed and mainly flat, but metal mesh bridges only suitable for small-medium dogs that can be carried)

Darwins Walk is a gentle, meandering walk that follows Jamison Creek in Wentworth Falls, connecting Wilson Park with Weeping Rock Circuit and Wentworth Falls itself in the Blue Mountains National Park. It’s said to follow a route that Charles Darwin walked when he visited the region.

The walk forms the first part of the Grand Cliff Top Walk that recently opened in the Blue Mountains (mostly off limits to dogs inside the national park). Darwins Walk itself also only recently re-opened, after the walk and its bridges were extensively damaged in floods a few years ago.

Unfortunately, while the walk is largely along council land and allows leashed dogs (until you reach the start of the national park, which is clearly signposted and also fenced), some of the construction decisions for the newly reopened walk make sections unsuitable for dogs.

I recommend only walking the first 1.75km section of the 2.4km walk, until about 250m after the Fletcher Street turn-off. That’s because at this point, there is a 400m long section of boardwalk constructed from metal mesh, unsuitable for dog paws.

Even along the first 1.75km section of the walk, there are four bridge constructed from the same metal mesh. I recommend only taking small or medium sized dogs along this walk, that can be carried across the bridges, although I spotted one larger dog walking with a local (who reported that his dog hated the bridges).

The rest of the walk is a mixture of wide sandy paths and wooden boardwalks, with some beautiful sandstone steps. There’s some great spots for dogs to enjoy an on-leash paddle in the adjoining Jamison Creek during warmer weather, including a fern lined hollow after the Fletcher Street turn-off.

If you have a larger dog and want to walk a section of the walk, you could enter the walk from Fletcher Street. You will have access to a 600m long section in between the metal mesh bridges and boardwalk, including some pretty spots next to the creek and a picnic area.

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