Dog Friendly Hikes in Brisbane: Where You and Your Dog Can Walk

Published 26 October 2026

Photo: Brizpom, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Good news for dog owners: some of Brisbane's best bushland is open to leashed dogs. Brisbane City Council (BCC) reserves like Mt Coot-tha, Toohey Forest and Karawatha Forest welcome dogs on a lead. The catch is that dogs aren't allowed in Queensland national parks, which rules out D'Aguilar, Glass House Mountains, Lamington and Springbrook.

Here's where you can go, what the rules are, and how to keep your walk safe for your dog and for wildlife. All details come from official BCC and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) pages, checked on 25 October 2026.

Why can't dogs go into national parks?

According to QPWS's Dogs and pets page, dogs and other pets "are welcome in some conservation parks, State forests and recreation areas, but not in national parks". Pets can stress, chase or kill native animals, spread disease and weeds, and get hurt by wildlife. On-the-spot fines apply.

You can drive through a national park with your dog on gazetted roads, but the dog must stay in the vehicle. You can't stop at day-use areas or lookouts.

That's why the best dog friendly hikes in Brisbane are in council bushland reserves rather than national parks.

Dog friendly hikes in Brisbane at a glance

Sources: BCC reserve pages linked below. Quest links go to Active Quests trail pages. Always follow on-site signs, as rules can differ between tracks.

1. Mt Coot-tha Summit via Slaughter Falls

Best for: fit dogs and owners who want a proper climb with city views.

BCC's family-friendly bushwalks guide describes this as a 5 km loop from J.C. Slaughter Falls up to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. It's "great for families with some bushwalking experience", and dogs are welcome on a leash. BCC's beginners' guide to walking Mt Coot-tha says the Summit Track section is 1.9 km (about 30 minutes each way) and "perfect for all fitness levels". BCC's Mt Coot-tha tracks page has the full track list.

Read our full Mt Coot-tha Summit Track guide for parking and tips.

2. Mt Gravatt Summit Track

Best for: a short, sharp climb on the southside.

According to BCC's Toohey Forest and Mount Gravatt lookout page, the Summit Track is a 1.2 km trail that takes about 40 minutes. It runs from Gertrude Petty Place to the Mount Gravatt Outlook. The summit has a café, playground and toilet block, and on a clear day you can see out to the Moreton Bay islands, the D'Aguilar Range and the Glass House Mountains.

3. Toohey Forest

Best for: lots of options close to the city.

Toohey Forest Park covers about 260 hectares, and BCC says it's just 10 minutes from the CBD. Its walking tracks and shared trails connect to Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve. BCC's FAQ confirms that leashed dogs are allowed. If your dog needs a run afterwards, BCC points to the off-leash area at Salisbury Recreation Reserve, on the corner of Evans Road and Wincott Street.

Heads up: BCC notes that rainfall and overland flow may have caused large washouts, ruts and uneven surfaces on some tracks. Take extra care.

4. Karawatha Forest

Best for: a big, quiet bush walk on the southside, and koala spotting.

At about 900 hectares, Karawatha Forest Park is one of Council's largest bushland reserves. It has freshwater lagoons, sandstone ridges, eucalypt forest and wetlands. BCC says dogs must be on a leash at all times, and you must pick up after them. The Ironbark Circuit is a 1 km, pram-friendly track where you may spot koalas.

Know before you go: Karawatha is open 6am to 6pm daily, and the main entry is at 149 Acacia Road. Some tracks cross creek lines that BCC says may be unsafe after heavy rain.

5. Chermside Hills Reserves

Best for: a quick bushland fix on the northside.

BCC recommends the Creek Circuit at Raven Street Reserve, Chermside West, part of the Chermside Hills Reserves. The Creek and Xanthorrhoea tracks are "both easy and suit beginners", and "dogs are welcome if kept on a leash".

6. Your local bushland reserve

Brisbane has many smaller council bushland reserves. BCC's Owning a dog in Brisbane page lists dog-friendly places and off-leash areas. Check the signs at each entrance, as some sensitive areas and wetlands may have their own rules.

Dog walking etiquette on bush tracks

BCC's reserve pages agree on the basics:

• Keep your dog on a leash on bushland tracks.
• Pick up after your dog, and bin all waste and rubbish.
• Stay on designated tracks.
• Don't touch or interfere with wildlife or plants.

A few extra tips:

• Heat: Brisbane summers are hard on dogs. Walk early or late, carry water and a bowl, and check the path temperature with your hand.
• Snakes: Keep dogs close and on tracks, especially in warmer months.
• Ticks: Check your dog after bush walks.
• Shared trails: Give way and keep your dog close when cyclists pass.
• Safety: BCC's Karawatha page recommends not walking alone, carrying water, a track map and your phone, and telling someone where you're going.

Turn dog walks into quests

Your dog already wants a daily walk, so you might as well make it count. Active Quests turns trails like Mt Coot-tha, Toohey Forest and Karawatha into GPS check-in quests. Walk the track, check in at the finish and earn ACTIVE Coins. Browse Brisbane quests.

Related guides

• Hiking for Beginners: A Practical Guide for South-East QLD
• Hiking Essentials: Day Hike Checklist for Australia
• 12 Best Hikes Near Brisbane, from Easy to Epic (2026)
• Gold Coast Waterfall Walks

Browse every Brisbane walking track and hiking trail on Active Quests.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog to Mt Coot-tha?

Yes. BCC says dogs are welcome on a leash on the Mt Coot-tha Summit via Slaughter Falls loop. Follow signage on other tracks.

Are dogs allowed in D'Aguilar National Park?

No. Dogs and other pets aren't allowed in Queensland national parks, including D'Aguilar. On-the-spot fines apply.

Are dogs allowed in Toohey Forest?

Yes. Leashed dogs are allowed in Toohey Forest. Clean up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly.

Are dogs allowed in Karawatha Forest?

Yes. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and you must pick up after them. The forest is open 6am to 6pm daily.

Where can my dog go off-leash near Toohey Forest?

BCC points to the dog off-leash area at Salisbury Recreation Reserve, on the corner of Evans Road and Wincott Street.

What are the best dog friendly walks in Brisbane for beginners?

The 1 km Ironbark Circuit in Karawatha Forest and the Creek Circuit at Raven Street Reserve are short, easy options where leashed dogs are welcome.

Leash on, let's go

Pick a reserve, pack water for two and hit the trail. Active Quests is on the App Store.