trail ✓ Dogs welcome, verified on Google

Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve

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The rules at a glance

On-lead welcome

Verified dog-friendly on Google

Open 24 hours

Bruce, ACT 2677

Council / official page

Rules verified 10 June 2026

Dogs: Welcome
Where: Bruce, ACT
Policy checked: 2026-06-10

What visitors mention

kangaroostrailsmountain bikingmountain bike trailseucalyptus treesfire trailsmaintained traileasy trails

Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve is a wooded ridge of bushland between Bruce and O'Connor in Canberra, criss-crossed by fire trails and management tracks, including the popular Diffusa Loop. Good shade cover makes it a solid choice on warmer days, and it is well used by local walkers and mountain bikers.

The walk. The reserve is a network of management tracks and multi-use trails rather than a single marked route, with the Diffusa Loop the best-known option. Surfaces vary from smooth fire trail to rocky, loose-gravel single track, and sections can wash out after heavy rain. Tracks are shared with mountain bikers, so keep an eye and an ear out on the narrower single-track sections.

Leash status. Dogs must be on a leash and under effective control at all times in the reserve. Do not let your dog approach other walkers, cyclists or horses on shared trails, and keep clear of the reserve's kangaroos and birdlife. Pick up and bin your dog's waste.

Water. There is no on-site water for dogs. Bring your own water and a bowl, especially if you are doing one of the longer loops in warm weather.

Max's takegerman shepherd

the single-track sections get fast bike traffic on weekend mornings. If your dog is leash-reactive to bikes, stick to the wider management tracks or walk mid-morning on a weekday instead.

Getting there. There is no formal car park; walkers use unofficial roadside parking on streets bordering the reserve, such as Kunzea Street in Bruce. Transport Canberra buses run along Belconnen Way and Haydon Drive within a short walk of trail access points, and paved cycle paths skirt the edge of the reserve if you are coming by bike.

Weekends and the early morning and late afternoon slots on weekdays are the busiest times, with runners and bike traffic picking up. Mid-morning or early afternoon on a weekday is a quieter, easier walk if your dog needs a bit more space from other trail users.