Tag Archives: Pet

Dog and owner sitting on cliff edge

Adventuring with your four-legged friend

Noticing our days, weeks and months were seemingly blurring into one another, we decided to implement family adventure day in our household—a day that we could make memories and enjoy each other’s company in our country’s beautiful wild places.

We decided our first outing would be a trek to the incredible Empress Falls in the Blue Mountains, NSW.

With our bags packed, we all headed for the door, excited for the day ahead. That was until we were met with two sad puppy dog eyes belonging to one very sad puppy dog conveniently situated in front of said door.

It was then that we realised we had forgotten to include a key member of Team Family, our dog.

Having already prepared and planned the day, we set off anyway (sorry buddy!), but promised as we were leaving to do better next time!

It’s well known that owning a dog leads to improved mental health, lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, and promotes physical activity—making our mistake in not including him all the more obvious.

So you don’t have to endure the same shame, we have compiled a neat list of pet-friendly treks and places to stay around Australia, and some handy hints and tips for your pet adventure.

Dog in field
Black Lab in water

Adventuring with your dog

There are so many benefits to adventuring with your dog. Tanya Lawless of Paws to the Park says, “Adventuring with your dog is a gift for both of you – it provides exercise both physical and mental but more importantly than that, it improves the relationship and bond between you. If your dog had a choice it would be with you all the time, so including your pooch on your adventures is fun for everyone! You will learn lots about each other and the bonus is you will have an extremely happy and tired companion at the end of the day.”

So what are you waiting for? Kick on your kicks, clip on the collar and pack the poop bags. We’re going on an adventure!

NSW

Rowland (Bayview) Reserve

Activity: Swimming
Grade: Easy

Bayview is a clear water inlet on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and one of the most popular dog friendly beaches in the region. A beautiful sandy spit jutting out into Pittwater means there are very few waves making this the perfect place for your furry friend to swim. When they’re ready to hit dry land again, you can let them run free with their new pals along the sand and up onto the grass while you enjoy a drink from the coffee cart. Conveniently, there is one-hour free parking adjacent to the park.

Platypus Track – Bidjigal Reserve

Activity: Trekking
Distance: 1.7km
Grade: Easy

Although the entrance is a little hard to find (it begins at the left of the entrance to the sporting ground FYI), the Platypus Track is a beautiful trek, laid with rocks and surrounded by towering, fragrant eucalyptus trees. Located in the Hills District in Sydney’s north west, the serenity of the track will have you both feeling a world away from suburbia. Loch Bruce is the perfect spot to stop for lunch and a refreshing swim, and there is ample grassland to chase the ball.

Abbotts Falls Walking Track – Onley State Forest

Activity: Trekking
Distance: 7.3km
Grade: Hard

Through dry bush and open forest, you and your dog will follow a combination of walking trails and wider tracks as they descend into cool, lush rainforest. As you make your way towards Abbotts Falls, wild flowers will litter the track and the sounds and scents of the Australian bush will fill your senses.

All Aus

Inverloch Dog Beach – Inverloch, VIC

Activity: Swimming
Grade: Easy

This river outlet is a sandy haven for you and your furry friend. The beach initially seems small, but continues around some scrubland to another wide, sandy area lapped by clear, shallow water. A little grass reserve at the western end of the beach is a great place to dry off (thus avoiding the dreaded wet dog in car scenario!), chase a ball, rumble and ruff with other pooches or simply sit, relax and enjoy the view. There are two parking bays nearby with easy access to the beach. TOP TIP: if your pup likes to dig, go at low tide.

King Jarrah Track – Lane Pool Reserve, WA

Activity: Trekking
Distance: 18km
Grade: Difficult

On this five-hour return trek, together you will journey into dense jarrah forest, enjoying exquisite views en route. After you marvel at the King Jarrah—a  250 year old jarrah tree—your pup will love weaving between the trees, sniffing and smelling as you make your way to the old railway bridge across Dawn Creek. Although usually a day trek, for those wishing to take their time there is a small campsite near Big Brook where you and your best buddy can enjoy a night under the stars.

Honeyeater Track, Brisbane, QLD

Activity: Trekking
Distance: 5km
Grade: Intermediate

This track to the top of Mount Coot-tha can be a cardio-pumping climb or a leisurely ascent, depending on your mood and your dog’s level of enthusiasm. At the summit, you are rewarded with stunning 270º views from the Boonah hills, across the city, to the dunes of Moreton and Bribie Islands. With waterfalls and wildlife, this is the perfect urban escape.

Things to consider...

We are a nation of dog lovers. From dog-friendly beaches to trekking trails and campsites, we know how to enjoy the great outdoors with man’s best friend.

In saying that, the wellbeing of your dog is your responsibility. Adventuring with your dog requires planning and organisation, and it is important that you assess each adventure prior to setting off.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous wildlife. Fleas and ticks can lead to big problems for your furry friend. Before you head off on an adventure, be sure your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations and prevention treatments, and educate yourself on high risk areas. Additionally snakes and other poisonous animals, sharks, crocs, kangaroos, dingoes and feral dogs can all pose a serious threat to your dog.
  • To continue to enjoy our wild places with our best friend, we must ensure we protect them now. It is your responsibility to minimise your dog’s impact on our wild places. Stick to the marked track and ensure your dog is always on-leash (unless in an off-leash area).
  • Be sure to monitor the impact of physical activity, the terrain and the weather on your dog. If you’ve worked up a thirst, chances are your furry friend has too. Because dogs absorb heat through their paws which softens them, they are often more susceptible to cuts and scratches if trekking over rocky terrain or swimming in shelly beaches. If it’s cold, consider a lightweight jacket.
Jack Russell running along beach
Dogs playing with stick in waves

What to pack

Beach

  • Poop bags (mandatory)
  • Fresh water
  • Lead and collar
  • Ball and floating water toys
  • Towels (one to dry off and one to cover the car seat)
  • Treats
  • Pet First Aid kit
  • Collapsible dog bowl

Trekking

  • Poop bags (mandatory)
  • Fresh water
  • Lead and collar
  • Brush (to check for fleas and ticks)
  • Towel
  • Treats
  • Pet First Aid kit
  • Collapsible dog bowl

Camping

  • Bed and blanket (We know you’d prefer to be bunk buddies, but if your pooch is a snorer, consider a soft crate)
  • Poop bags (mandatory)
  • Fresh water
  • Lead and collar (consider a flashing collar for night)
  • Brush (to check for fleas and ticks)
  • Towel
  • Treats
  • Ball and toys
  • Pet First Aid kit
  • Collapsible dog bowl and non-spill bowl for travelling

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Feeling inspired?

We know you love adventuring with your pooch, but if you’d like to set off on a solo adventure, check out our calendar for upcoming charity challenges!

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