Anderson Park Botanic Gardens

Anderson Gardens, the botanic gardens many locals still call Anderson Park, fills a big block of Mundingburra with tropical palms, dry-tropics plantings and open lawns. Dogs are welcome on lead, and the heavy tree canopy is what makes it a realistic walk on a warm Townsville day.

Leads and where to walk

Townsville City Council allows dogs in the gardens, but they must stay on lead at all times. There is no off-lead area inside the gardens.

The walk

Paths wind through the garden beds and the arboretum collection, partly paved and well kept. Mature trees throw deep shade over much of the route, so the paths stay cooler than the open parks nearby.

Drinking fountains are on site, and benches and picnic seats are spread along the paths if you want to stop.

Max: Ducks and birdlife gather around the ponds, which is a big temptation. Shorten the lead before you reach the water.

Pair it with

For a coffee afterwards, The Gypsea Collective is close by, or try The Coffee Tree.

When to go

Early morning or late afternoon suits best in the warmer months, even with the shade. It is a calm, sniff-heavy stroll rather than a run, so it suits older dogs and anyone after a quieter alternative to the beachfront.