There’s no better way to enjoy the Sunshine State than getting outdoors with your furry best friends. It is a great way to relieve stress, do some exercise and experience more of the world together. Here are some of our suggestions for activities to do with your dog.
Visit the Markets
Eat Street Markets is one of the busier Brisbane markets with live music, countless food trucks and plenty of people wining and dining every weekend. So before you tackle Eat Street, we recommend testing out your dog’s reactions to smaller dog-friendly markets like West End’s Boundary Street Markets or Milton Markets. That way you’ll know they’ll behave themselves in a busy situation and you’ll both enjoy your time there. There are also dog-friendly markets in Kelvin Grove, Windsor, Hamilton and Manly.
Go for a Picnic
Every Sunday Southbank’s River Quay comes to life with live music and locals enjoying picnics with their pets in tow. Or if you’re on the other side of the river, why not check out the newly restored Powerhouse Park off-leash area at New Farm Park. All you’ll need is a picnic blanket, some nibblies, sparkling cider and you’ll be set for the afternoon.
Spend the Day at the Beach
We highly recommend making a day trip down to Tallebudgera Beach and spend the day playing fetch, going for a swim and lazing on the sand. A day out with your best friend doesn’t get much better than that. If you’re looking for a spot closer to Brisbane, there’s also Nudgee Beach, Sandgate Waterfront, Red Beach at Bribie or Deception Bay off-leash Beach. Just don’t forget the poop bags!
Take a Hike
Mount Coot-tha is a great walk for beginners to experts. There are 17 separate trails to choose from depending on your fitness level as well as your dog’s fitness level. We’d recommend a short 5km walk on the JC Slaughter Falls track if it’s your first time. Otherwise, if you’re feeling confident, have a go at one of the other, more difficult trails. There’s also a heap of other great walks around Brisbane like the Wynnum to Manly Walk, Rocks Riverside Promenade in Seventeen Mile Rocks, Carindale Minnippi Walk or the Cleveland Heritage Trail. Do a quick search in your area and you’ll be sure to find one nearby.
What to Pack
It’s the little things that make outings with pets so much more enjoyable. Here’s our list of things to pack before heading out for the day with your dogs.
- Plenty of toys, balls or frisbees to play with
- Food and water bowls
- Dog food and treats
- Lots of water
- Collar and leash
- A shade supply (depending on where you’re heading)
- First aid kit (always handy to keep in the car)
- Poop bags
So why not make the most of your next day off with your pooch. They’ll be sure to love you for it!
