Canberra is one of Australia’s most dog-friendly cities, with myriad places to enjoy quality time with your four-legged friend.
Pop your pooch on a leash and take in some of the city’s most picturesque spots on a leisurely walk. Numerous excellent walking routes are near our pet-friendly Abode Narrabundah and Abode Gungahlin hotels.
Lake Burley Griffin is a puppy’s playground. Do as the locals do and enjoy the leisurely 5km ‘bridge-to-bridge’ walk. Once you’re all tuckered out, let your furry friend cool off in the water. Dogs are permitted to swim in most of Canberra’s lakes provided they are not within 10 metres of a signposted public swimming area.
At Weston Park, Yarralumla, enjoy spectacular views across the water and beyond to the city and Black Mountain as you walk along this wide, fairly flat path, which follows the outer edge of the Weston Park peninsula. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos at sunset.
The Canberra Dog Walks website has helpful updates on dog-friendly cafes and wineries, best walks, swimming spots and more in the city. There are also regular social group dog walks to sign up for. The usual dog owner etiquette applies: only well-socialised, obedient dogs off leash and always pick up after your pet.
Top swimming spots for dogs:
Lake Burley Griffin at Barrenjoey Drive, Yarramundi Reach and Lake Burley Griffin near Brown
Street, Yarralumla
Lake Ginninderra at Diddams Close, Belconnen
Murrumbidgee River at Uriarra Crossing, Uriarra Road and;
Murrumbidgee River at Point Hut Crossing, Point Hut Crossing Road and;
Molonglo River at River Road, Oaks Estate
Make sure you check the current water quality advice before letting your pet swim. Occasionally blue-green algae levels can get to toxic levels — mostly in the lakes.
Dog off-leash areas:
Fenced dog parks are available at the following locations:
Lake Ginninderra at Diddams Cls, Belconnen
Lake Tuggeranong at Mortimer Lewis Dr, Greenway
Weston Park at Yarralumla Parkland
Forde Parkland at Amy Ackman Dr
Casey Parkland at Springbank Rise
O’Connor Parkland at Fairfax St
For a full list of recreation areas suitable for your furry friend, visit tcss.act.gov.au
If your little tail-wagger is accompanying you on your next trip to the capital, you’ll both find a comfortable stay in one of our pet-friendly rooms at Abode Narrabundah or Abode Gungahlin.
We’re pleased to offer fully equipped, apartment style rooms with direct access to a private, fully fenced grassed area for running about and a special welcome pack on arrival to keep your pet entertained and happy throughout your stay. Book your next stay at one of our pet-friendly locations here.
*Pet friendly rooms are $40 additional per night and $200 per week for all long-stay bookings, guests must sign hotel guidelines upon check-in. The pet welcome pack includes a packet of Schmackos, two packets of wet pet food, a toy and a water bowl.
