Best pet-friendly hikes in Queensland Country

Toowoomba & surrounds

Table Top Mountain Bushland Reserve, Rangeville

Stevenson Street Trail

Do you and pooch fancy a walk through a eucalyptus forest? Beginning at the carpark on Table Top Drive, Stevenson Street Trail runs parallel to the south-eastern side of the Picnic Point bridle trail.

Stevenson Street Trail ends at a white metal gate, which happens to lead to the Road Reserve Trail – if your good boy still has some beans to burn off.

Road Reserve Trail

Pick up where you left off at the white metal gate and keep on moving through the Road Reserve Trail that follows the boundary between Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley.

This trail provides views of Table Top Mountain not visible from anywhere else in Toowoomba.

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, various locations

Great news for dog lovers who ride (bicycles, not their dogs), the entire Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is pet-friendly.

The trail starts in Wulkuraka (Ipswich) and travels for 161kms, all the way to Yarraman. Of course, we don’t expect your pooch to tire their paws out for that long, there’re plenty of different sections of the trail to stop and explore along the way.

The Yarraman Caravan Park and Cabins are pet-friendly so can start or end your adventure in comfort (psst – for more pet-friendly accommodation ideas, check out this guide).

For those with pets of equine variety, there’re several sections of the trail suitable for horse-riding too.

Yarraman State Forest, Yarraman

Head to the heritage town of Yarraman for a taste of history and a walk through the ancient Yarraman State Forest.

With a mixture of hoop pine plantation forests, natural bushland and bunya pines, this hike will deliver endless on-leash good times.

Goondiwindi

The Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park Scenic Trail

Treat your four-legged bestie to a hike with water views through the Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park Scenic Trail. There’s no chance of false advertising here, the hike is scenic indeed, with a 3.3km water-ski circuit that wraps around Serpentine Creek.

The Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens of the Western Woodlands

Head to the outskirts of Goondiwindi to find an oasis of native Australian flora and fauna aka the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens of the Western Woodlands.

Take your pup for a stroll along the walking trail surrounded by bushland and listen out for birdcalls that give the town of Goondiwindi its moniker, translating to ‘resting place of birds’.

Looking to spend a weekend in the Goondiwindi region? We’ve selected the top things to see and do if you’ve got 48 hours up your sleeve.

Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Girraween Country Inn, Ballandean

Located in the heart of Granite Belt Wine Country - the Girraween Country Inn offers similar scenery to its neighbour Girraween National Park.

Since national parks don’t allow pets, Girraween Country Inn provides a taste of the real thing minus the canine caveat.

With pristine gardens, birdlife abundant and 42 acres of property, go exploring with Fido right by your side.

Donnelly’s Castle, Pozieres

Although the name may suggest otherwise, we assure you we’re not sending you to a traditional castle – Donnelly’s Castle is a granite rock formation.

Take a short drive to Pozieres from Stanthorpe and treat your furry companion to a hike with a rocky twist.

This hike allows you to explore the boulders and rock formations, similar to those found in Girraween National Park, followed by a 200m hike to the top of the site to take in views of the surrounding area.

Mt Marlay, Stanthorpe

Who says dogs can’t enjoy a panoramic view? Located a short drive from Stanthorpe’s city centre stands Mt Marlay.

Known as a popular biking trail, Mt Marley also offers plenty of bushwalking tracks for you and your pooch to explore.

Once you’ve worked up a sweat climb back up to the top to soak in the views of Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt.

River Walk, Warwick

Your doggo will be spoilt for choice on the River Walk in Warwick, with five different routes to choose from.

Pick your walking track based on fitness level and enjoy the various scenery offered by each.

If you feel inspired to stay a little longer have a squiz at our guide on 7 things to do in Warwick, which includes a pet-friendly campground.

Lockyer Valley

Lake Dyer, Laidley

Drop a pin between the villages of Laidley and Forest Hill in the Lockyer Valley and put paws to pavement around Lake Dyer.

With plenty of walking trails to choose from, keep your pooch on leash and explore the area finishing off with a picnic lakeside – just don’t forget to pack the kibble!

Western Downs

Chinchilla Weir, Chinchilla

If you’re starting to feel the four walls of your backyard and kennel caving in, plan a trip with somewhere with room to roam, the Chinchilla Weir.

Located 8km from Chinchilla’s CBD, Chinchilla Weir is a popular waterside camping spot that has recently undergone a face lift with upgraded facilities.

Treat your pooch to a weekend of hiking and camping in the area and let them stretch their legs surrounded by native flora and fauna.

Looking for more pet-friendly adventures in Queensland Country?

• Looking for places to stay with your pooch while adventuring through our region? We have the guide for you – 5 best pet-friendly Airbnb’s near Brisbane.
• Need somewhere to stop off so your furry pal can enjoy a pupacino? We’ve gathered the 7 best pet-friendly cafes in Queensland Country.
• If your pet enjoys camping as much as you do you’ll want to check out our 9 best pet-friendly campsites in Queensland Country.
• No need to leave your four-legged family member behind while you’re in our region. We have a list of 6 of the best pet-friendly activities in Queensland Country.