Arkarra Lagoons

Arkarra Lagoons is a freshwater wetlands reserve on Madsen Road at Dundowran Beach, about 10 to 15 minutes west of central Hervey Bay, pairing an easy 2.1 km loop trail with a licensed cafe on site. Dogs are welcome on lead the whole way round, which makes it a walk and coffee stop in one.

The dog setup

Dogs must stay on lead throughout the lagoons and gardens and stick to the formed walking paths, because the reserve exists mainly to protect the birdlife using the wetlands. Bring your own bags and use the bins near the entrance.

The Arkarra Gardens Cafe Restaurant sits on site and welcomes well-behaved dogs at the outdoor and garden seating, so the loop can finish with breakfast or scones without moving the car.

The walk

The loop is roughly 2.1 km and easy grade, mostly flat and shaded, a comfortable half hour amble rather than a workout. Lily-covered ponds and dense garden plantings bring in the birdlife, and the paths suit prams and wheelchairs as well as dogs.

Worth knowing

This is bird-focused country, so keep the dog close and away from any water edge where birds are nesting. Mosquitoes can be thick around the water in the warm months, and there are basic restrooms and bins at the entrance but not much else, so come prepared.

Getting there and parking

The reserve is at 22 to 28 Madsen Road, Dundowran Beach, with free on-site parking at the cafe. Public transport out here is limited, so a car is the practical option.

Close by with the dogs

For an off-lead run, the 24/7 off-leash dog beach at Urangan and the Pialba Foreshore off-leash beach are the closest sand options back towards town. For another coffee, Spotted Goat Kitchen at Torquay welcomes dogs at the outdoor tables.

More options are on the Queensland dog friendly cafes guide and the Dundowran Beach destination page.