Kedron Brook Dog Beach (Gordon Park)

This is Brisbane's freshwater answer to a dog beach: a long, open stretch of Kedron Brook at Gordon Park where sandy banks and shallow creek water let dogs wade and swim off-leash, reached off McCord Street or over the Montrose Street bridge.

The dog setup

The corridor is off-leash around the clock but largely unfenced, so solid recall is the entry price. Keep your dog under effective voice control, rein in nuisance barking and bin the waste; bins are spaced along the path, though carrying your own bags is still smart.

Because it is a creek rather than a tidal beach, there are no tides to plan around, but the water can run faster and muddier than it looks after rain, so check the current before letting a keen swimmer off the leash. There is no fencing between the creek and the path either, so supervise closely near the water.

The vibe

This stretch has built a reputation among northside owners for social, spacious off-leash running with the bonus of actual swimming. Weekday mornings are the quiet window; afternoons and Sunday evenings pull the biggest crowds.

Worth knowing: shade is only moderate and parts of the walk sit in full sun, so in summer aim for early morning or late afternoon rather than midday. Picnic shelters sit at either end of the strip if you need cover.

Getting there and parking

Free street parking is available on McCord Street and the surrounding blocks. Bus routes along Lutwyche Road put you within walking distance if you would rather leave the car at home.

Pair it with

Nana & Da's at Kedron is a few blocks away and a known dog-friendly coffee stop after a swim, and Goldie Espresso is closer still. If your dog needs a fully fenced alternative, Bradbury Park's fenced dog park is nearby.

More swimming spots are in our guide to dog beaches in Queensland, or start from the Gordon Park destination page.