Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park

Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park puts freshwater lagoons, paperbark trees and boardwalks right in Bundaberg East. It is a wildlife reserve first, so dogs stay on a lead from car to car.

Lead rules

Bundaberg Regional Council requires dogs to be on a lead at all times, because the plants and wildlife here are protected. The council also asks owners to pick up after their dogs.

The walk

Wide, mostly flat concrete paths link timber boardwalks and bridges across the wetland. Watch for turtles, eels and waterbirds on the lagoons.

Thick canopy and patches of rainforest keep much of the walk shaded and noticeably cooler than open parks. Bins sit near the entries, but carry water, as dog drinking points on the inner trails are few.

Max: Keep the lead short on the boardwalks. Turtles and waterbirds are close to the edge, and this is their home first.

Getting started

Car parks are reached from Steindl Street and George Street.

Pair it with

Let off steam afterwards at Daph Geddes Park Fenced Dog Park, or head into town for River Cruz Cafe.

The shade makes it a strong hot-weather pick, and the flat paths suit older dogs.