{"id":11606,"date":"2023-09-04T10:55:03","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T00:55:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/?p=11606"},"modified":"2024-01-04T10:52:33","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T00:52:33","slug":"dog-friendly-blue-mountains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/dog-friendly-blue-mountains\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog-Friendly Blue Mountains: Visiting with a Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Just 90 minutes west of the Sydney CBD, the Blue Mountains region of NSW<\/a> is a convenient and beautiful destination for a weekend getaway from Sydney<\/a>. While many locations within the national park are off limits to dogs, find out about the many dog-friendly Blue Mountains lookouts, walks and more you can enjoy with your pup, along with some great dog-friendly accommodation options, from luxury resorts to farm stays. Every time I visit the Blue Mountains I discover something new!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Are Dogs Allowed in the Blue Mountains National Park?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The same rules apply at the Blue Mountains National Park as for nearly all national parks in Australia<\/a>: strictly no dogs are allowed inside of the park, even in your car. As the Blue Mountains National Park is extensive, wrapping around most towns in the region, this rules out many sightseeing options for dog owners, including many lookouts and hiking trails.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Just one of many signs in the National Park reminding you dogs are not allowed<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The one exception is when thoroughfares pass through the national park (distinct from access roads into the national park). For example, much of the Bells Line of Road, the northernmost road over the Blue Mountains, passes through the national park. Dogs are allowed in your vehicle in that case, but you shouldn\u2019t stop and use the facilities while passing through the national park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Lookouts in the Blue Mountains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the top reasons for heading to the Blue Mountains is to take in the glorious mountain views from the many lookouts, the sandstone cliff faces shimmering in the sunshine, swathes of bushland stretching as far as the eye can see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just because you\u2019re visiting the Blue Mountains with a dog, doesn\u2019t mean you to have miss out on the views. While lookouts located inside the Blue Mountains National Park which surrounds many of the villages are off-limit (including Wentworth Falls, Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap Lookout), there are other lookouts that are looked after by the local council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For dog-friendly views in the Blue Mountains head to one of these…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Echo Point Lookout:<\/strong> The most famous lookout in the valley, this lookout provides close-up views of the famous Three Sisters and dogs on a lead are allowed. However, it\u2019s not possible to walk up to the Three Sisters with your pup, as the walking path is on national park land. Note that parking on nearby streets is pricey.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Schnitzel checking out the Three Sisters<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Eagle Hawk Lookout:<\/strong> Also in Katoomba on the other side of Scenic World, this lookout is a good alternative to Echo Point. It offers similarly amazing views of the Jamison Valley, but only a distant view of the Three Sisters. Parking is free, but there is only room for three cars, so it\u2019s best visit during quieter periods.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Eagle Hawk Lookout offers beautiful views<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sublime Point Lookout:<\/strong> Jutting out into the Jamison Valley from the village of Leura, Sublime Point is just outside of the national park. The lookout is a short 5 minute walk from the carpark and even has a few scenic picnic tables close to the tip of the point.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Visiting the dog-friendly Sublime Point<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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Views all around from Sublime Point<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Cahill\u2019s Lookout:<\/strong> This lookout at the western end of Katoomba looks out over the Megalong Valley and its farmland. It\u2019s best known as a sunset lookout. Parking in the small carpark is free, and there\u2019s also some picnic tables. A sign next to the carpark lists local walks along the clifftops.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Cahills Lookout overlooking the Megalong Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in the Blue Mountains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s plenty more fun things to do with your dog on a visit to the Blue Mountains. If you\u2019re interested in spending more time exploring the natural scenery of the Blue Mountains, there are a number of dog-friendly hikes available. Or visit some of the region’s beautiful gardens, particularly in the spring or autumn, or exploring its orchards and farms. Check out these ideas…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1 Follow the South Lawson Waterfall Loop Track<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the top reasons to visit the Blue Mountains is to go hiking on the many walking tracks in the region. While many of the most famous hikes are inside the national park, the more you look, the more dog-friendly options are uncovered. Check out my list of the best dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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There’s plenty of dog-friendly hikes, including the South Lawson Waterfall Loop<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

One of the most popular dog-friendly hikes is the South Lawson Waterfall Loop Track<\/a>. I recommend starting from the point marked as the \u201cFive Waterfall Walk Southern Carpark\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Setting out on the Waterfall Loop Walk<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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At the top of Cataract Falls<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Be warned that it can get muddy, and smaller dogs are best carried on some of the many stairs. There\u2019s also a metal mesh bridge near the start, which most dogs will dislike, so consider letting them walk through the creek There\u2019s plenty of opportunities for pups to have a splash in the water, great for warm days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: Since March 2022, a short section of the walking track has been temporarily closed due to a rock slide, but recent visitors have reported being able to bypass this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 Or Hike to Horseshoe Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve already gone waterfall chasing at South Lawson with your dog, another great dog-friendly waterfall hike is the Horseshoe Falls Walking Track in Hazelbrook. Starting from Oaklands Road, it’s a 700m medium-difficulty hike to Horseshoe Falls. Or walk a further 1km to reach Oaklands Falls and Burgess Falls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allow 2-hours for the return walk if walking all the way to Burgess Falls. Dogs need to be kept on a leash and the walk is best after rainfall, when the falls are flowing, but be prepared for a muddy track in return.<\/p>\n\n\n

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On-leash dogs are allowed in the Horseshoe Falls Reserve<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

#3 Explore the Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a paved, mud-free walk, instead consider checking out the western end of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk in Katoomba. The 1.3km section near 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Walk the Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk with your pup<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you’re in the Blue Mountains after dark, you can even do this walk at night, when it becomes the Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk<\/a>. The lights switch on at dusk and stay on until 10:30pm, with the floodlit Katoomba Cascades a highlight. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The pretty area surrounding the Katoomba Cascades after dark<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

For more hiking ideas, check out my full guide to dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4 Visit the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Blue Mountains is renown for its gardens, many featuring large displays of cool-climate loving flowers and deciduous trees, and some allowing dogs to visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campbell Rhododendron Gardens<\/a> is located in Blackheath and is open year round, with entry by donation. Prime flowering time for the rhododendrons is early October to mid-November, when the Rhodo Tea Rooms also operate.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The charming stone bridge at the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The gardens contain many maple trees and other deciduous trees, making Autumn also a great time to visit, although we found late May to be too late in the season. Note that dogs must remain on a leash at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n

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One of the deciduous trees at the garden still with its colourful leaves<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

#5 Or Head to Breenhold Gardens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another dog-friendly garden in the Blue Mountains that you can visit is Breenhold Gardens<\/a>, on the northern edge of the Blue Mountains in Mt Wilson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most extensive privately owned gardens in Australia, the gardens are over 45 hectares in size and contain thousands of exotic and native species planted over the last 40 years. The focal points are six stone walled gardens, some with pools and fountains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the website for the latest opening dates and entry fees (generally the gardens are only open in spring and autumn). Make sure you keep your dog on a leash and pick up after them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#6 Visit the Orchards of Bilpin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The town of Bilpin on the Bells Line of Road is famous for its many orchards. Particularly during the autumn months, a popular activity is visiting the orchards that are open for pick-your-own, generally from January to June for apples, although the dates vary from year to year. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Bilpin is home to many orchards<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Pets aren\u2019t generally allowed inside the orchards when they are open, but I saw reports in 2023 of Shields Orchard<\/a> allowing dogs to join you. Double check when they re-open for the 2024 picking season, before driving all the way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you’re always welcome to just visit the cafes in the area, including some spots that specialise in the local cider. Pull up a seat and sample the brew at Bilpin Cider<\/a>, open daily, with their farm kitchen open on weekends and public holidays. Dogs are allowed in the large outdoor area and water bowls available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs are also welcome at Hillbillly Cider<\/a>, where wood-fired pizzas are on the menu, plus tastings of their alcoholic and non-alcoholic cider. There’s a large outdoor area with bowls for dogs, plus heaters in the sheltered section for cold days. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Hillbilly Cider in Bilpin<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Most of the orchards also have roadside stalls where you can buy ready-picked fruit and locally made apple juice, apple pies and cider. Some of the options include the Bilpin Fruit Bowl and Pine Crest Orchard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#7 Explore the Megalong Valley<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Megalong Valley on the far side of the Blue Mountains is an overlooked part of the region. Home to rolling farmland, the valley is accessed through a steep descent from Blackheath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the top attractions in the valley are the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms<\/a>. Established in 1956, the tea rooms are famous for their scones and apple pies. Open daily from 9am, they also offer an all-day breakfast and lunch menu. There’s a large outdoor area where dogs are welcome, with plenty of room for dogs and kids, plus a small sheltered outdoor area. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Feasting on the apple pie at Megalong Valley Tearooms<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The valley is also home to two wineries, Megalong Creek Estate<\/a> and Dryridge Estate<\/a>, both with dog-friendly cellar doors. On our recent visit to the Blue Mountains we stopped in at Megalong Creek Estate for a tasting. With beautiful views of the sandstone cliffs lining the valley, it’s a wonderful way to spend a relaxing hour. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Wine tasting with a view at Megalong Creek Estate<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Both cellar doors are generally only open on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s best to double check their opening hours in advance, with bookings recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#8 Visit the Hartley Historic Site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the far side of the Blue Mountains, just after you descend from the heights at Mount Victoria, you’ll reach the historic village of Hartley, also know as the Hartley Historic Site<\/a>. Despite being looked after by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, dogs are welcome to explore the the site with you, located either side of the highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a walk through the village, admiring the many historic buildings, including the fine sandstone former courthouse. You can pay to take a self-guided tour of the interior of the courthouse and St Barnabas’s Church, although dogs aren’t allowed to join you inside. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The historic courthouse at Hartley Historic Site<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Don’t miss following the Rowsons River Walk. This walk includes a delightful section of boardwalk alongside the beautiful river, which is particularly pretty during early spring when the wattle is blooming. There’s also a few other short walks, that can be combined together into a walk around the village. Make sure you keep your dog on a leash. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Don’t miss the delightful Rowsons River Walk with the boardwalk<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Parks in the Blue Mountains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a large number of off-leash dog parks in the Blue Mountains region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best options is at South Lawson Park<\/strong>, not far from the South Lawson Waterfall Loop Track. A former golf course, this park has been wonderfully redeveloped in recent years, with the addition of sealed walking tracks (including a 2.1km loop track) and a fenced dog park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fenced dog park is massive, with multiple sealed and dirt paths inside it, sections of tall trees and wide open expanses of grass, plus seating and water fountains. There’s multiple gates around it. Note that dogs need to be kept leashed in the surrounding park, they are only allowed off-leash inside the fenced area.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Just one part of the South Lawson Park Dog Park<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Some other options around Katoomba include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n