The Southern Highlands of NSW is home to some great dog-friendly walks, no matter what you’re interested in. From short walks that show off the area’s local history and colourful trees to longer bushwalks, take your pick from these dog-friendly walks on the Southern Highlands…
#1 Berrima River Walk
Distance: 3.6km return
Difficulty: Easy-moderate (Unpaved path, but relatively flat)
One of the best dog-friendly walks on the Southern Highlands is the Berrima River Walk. This walk starts from the Berrima Reserve and then follows the banks of the Wingecarribee River downstream.
The walk is about 1.8km long in each direction, including a short section back towards the gaol, and relatively flat. Allow about an hour return for the walk. Many dog owners let their dogs off-leash during part of the walk – there is not clear signage about this. The river is also a great spot for a doggie paddle over the summer.
There are signs along the walk about the local history of the area, the site of an internment camp for Germans during World War I. The first few signs are located back up towards the gaol. Download a brochure about the walk from the link above to find out more information.
#2 Berrima Historic Walk
Distance: 2km loop
Difficulty: Easy (Partially footpath, but not all the way)
To explore more of the history of Berrima, follow the Berrima Historic Walk starting from the Berrima District Museum. You can buy the map for a small fee at the museum or download it online (link currently broken).
Established in 1831, Berrima is the only largely preserved example of a Georgian colonial town in Australia. When the railway line bypassed the town, no new buildings were built in the town for decades. The village is now listed as a whole on the Register of the National Estate, with many individual buildings also heritage listed.
The walking route meanders through the streets of the town, along Jellore Street and then up Argyle Street, past the impressive Old Berrima Gaol and Berrima Court House, both built in the 1830s. The route turns around once you reach the National Trust owned Harper’s Mansion, which is dog-friendly in its gardens. Along the way you’ll pass 30 historical sites.
#3 Bong Bong Common Walk
Distance: 9km return
Difficulty: Easy (Fully paved level shared path)
An excellent longer but still easy walk to enjoy with your dog on the Southern Highlands is the Bong Bong Common Walk, in between Moss Vale and Burradoo.
The best place to access this walk is from the Cecil Hoskins Access Road. Note that pets are not allowed in the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve itself, so it’s best to park in the carpark immediately on your right after you turn onto the access road.
Dogs are allowed on the short looped path around the Eastern Precinct next to the carpark, but for the main attraction follow the shared path from the end of the carpark and underneath the main road (avoid the dirt track to the left) and continue along the flat shared path that follows the Wingecarribee River.
The path continues for 4.5km to the Railway Road in Burradoo; simply turn around early if you’d prefer a shorter walk with your dog. Along the way are multiple signs about the former Bong Bong Settlement, that was originally located on the common. There are also two “river links”, short elevated boardwalks on the riverbank. Dogs need to stay leashed.
#4 Lake Alexandra Loop
Distance: 800m loop
Difficulty: Easy (Paved shared path)
Pretty Lake Alexandra is located on the edge of Mittagong. A man-made lake that was originally built to supply water for engines hauling coal to nearby iron mines, these days it’s a popular recreation reserve that’s home to a wide range of birdlife.
The lake is surrounded by a flat shared path, that makes for a great short but scenic dog-friendly walk. See if you can spot any turtles in the waters of the lake – they eluded me! The entire loop is about 800m long and dogs need to be kept leashed.
#5 Forty Foot Falls Track
Distance: 6.8km return
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard (Mix of dirt tracks and fire trails, plus creek crossings and tricky metal steps at the end)
Part way around Lake Alexandra is the start of the Forty Foot Falls Track. While the waterfall might not be a full 40ft high, it’s still a gorgeous spot, reached along a pretty track that passes through dry eucalypt forest and lush fern-covered creek gullies.
At the second bridge soon after the start of the track, branch left. The first stretch of the trail alternates between dirt tracks and wider sections of fire trail. There’s some spray-painted red arrows and red tipped poles along the way (it’s also called the Red Trail), with a map handy to confirm you’re still on the right path.
Soon after the fire trail passes underneath the noisy motorway overpass, turn off and descend the steps to the Gibbergunyah Creek Crossing, which can be tricky when the water is higher. Afterwards the track becomes less distinct, thanks to the thick ferns, multiple fallen trees and some side paths to the bank of the Nattai River – take your time.
The final stretch to the falls follows Nattai Creek, with another tricky creek crossing (it might be best to remove your shoes, but I’m sure dogs would enjoy the paddle). Immediately afterwards, you’ll be rewarded with glimpses of the towering waterfall. The base of the falls is a bit of a clamber to reach, including some metal steps that some dogs might need to be carried up. Perhaps end earlier next to the pools of water if it’s too touch.
It wasn’t obvious at the falls that you could walk behind it, so I didn’t try and I’m not sure how easy it is. You can ascend up further steps and a metal ladder (dogs will need to be carried or clamber up the rock face) to the top of the falls, but I didn’t think it was worthwhile. Instead, just retrace your footsteps. Allow at least two hours.
#6 Box Vale Track
Distance: 8.8km return
Difficulty: Moderate (Longer bushwalk along dirt tracks)
Not far away is another dog-friendly bushwalk on the Southern Highlands, the Box Vale Track. This track starts from Box Vale Road near the Hume Motorway overpass. While the track was marked as closed for many years, it has now re-opened, with maintenance completed on the track.
The track follows the route of an historic railway line, passing through cuttings, along embarkments and most interestingly through an 84m long tunnel. The 4.4km long trail leads to a glorious lookout overlooking Nattai Gorge.
It’s possible to return partially along the Box Vale Fire Trail, which is generally drier underfoot than the walking trail, which is often quite muddy in places, especially after rain. Proper footwear is recommended, especially
You can also take a 1.8km side track to Forty Foot Falls along the trail, for a longer adventure. However, be warned the final section is quite steep, and includes a metal ladder that is challenging for dogs. Check out this post for more details.
Allow about 3 hours for the full walk (without the detour to Forty Foot Falls) and make sure you download the fact sheet online in advance. Dogs need to stay on a leash on the trail. It’s best to
#7 Cherry Tree Walk
Distance: 1.3km one way
Difficulty: Easy (Flat paved path)
The Southern Highlands is many beautiful blossom trees, that put on colourful displays during the spring months (September is beautiful) and then burst into reds and golds during autumn. One of the best places to experience this is the Cherry Tree Walk in Bowral.
Over 500 cherry trees were planted as part of a Vietnam War Memorial along Mittagong Creek. The cherry trees stretch for about 1.3km from the path’s start near the Bowral Swimming Centre until the end of Boolwey Street, passing through Rivulet Park, Foley Park, Venables Park and Shepherd Park.
It’s possible to continue further along the paved path, that continues to meander to the eastern side of Bowral through a number of parks. Alternatively, retrace your footsteps to your starting point and just enjoy a gentle dog-friendly stroll.
There’s plenty of parking available at the Bowral Swimming Centre, or walk from the centre of Bowral. Just remember to keep your dog on a leash.
#8 Bradman Walk
Difficulty: 1.7km loop
Difficulty: Easy (Flat, mainly paved footpaths)
Another intriguing but short walk around Bowral, particularly for cricket fans, is the Bradman Walk. This suggested self-guided tour starts from the Bradman Museum and the adjacent Bradman Oval. While dogs are not allowed to join you inside the museum, this walk is dog-friendly.
The 1.7km long walk visits a variety of sites associated with Bradman, including his childhood home a few blocks away. The walk can easily be combined with the Cherry Tree Walk, with the walks crossing paths at Shepherd Street.
You May Also Like
- Dog-Friendly Southern Highlands
- Dog-Friendly Walks in the Blue Mountains
- Dog-Friendly Walks in Wollongong
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.