Bellamy Trail

Dogs are rarely allowed in NSW national park land, which makes the Bellamy Trail in Thornleigh worth knowing. This short link through Berowra Valley Regional Park lets dogs walk on a lead, between Bellamy Street and De Saxe Close only.

Leads and limits

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service manages the trail, and the lead rule is strict. Dogs are not allowed on neighbouring tracks such as the Benowie Walking Track, so turn back where the Bellamy Trail ends rather than carrying on into the park.

The walk

It starts as a wide concrete path, then becomes a grassier management trail as it drops into the valley. Tree ferns, grass trees and tall eucalypts close in around you on the way down.

A bridge takes you over Zig-Zag Creek, and the track heads on toward an old sandstone quarry from the railway days.

Max: The rules change the moment you step off this trail. Know where Bellamy Street and De Saxe Close are before you set out, and keep the lead short.

Make a day of it

Let your dog stretch out afterwards at Thornleigh Dog Park, then grab a coffee at The Monday Morning Cafe.

When to go

What goes down comes back up if you return the same way, so this suits fit dogs more than elderly ones. Go in the cooler part of the day in summer and bring water for the dog.