Tracker Riley Cycleway

The Tracker Riley Cycleway is Dubbo's main riverside path, a sealed shared trail of around 13km following the Macquarie River from the CBD out past the historic Dundullimal Homestead towards Western Plains Zoo. It is the go-to dog walk in town, with river red gums, birdlife and shade for much of the way, and the full circuit can be shortened into easy river-bank sections.

Leash status

Dogs are welcome but stay on lead along the shared path under Dubbo Regional Council rules, held by someone who can keep them under effective control around cyclists and pedestrians. For off-lead time, the council points to spots like Devil's Hole off the lower end of Brisbane Street, or the fenced South Dubbo Park on Palmer Street.

The walk

Fully sealed and essentially flat, it suits walking, running and prams alike, and benches and picnic tables with river views break the route into comfortable stages. Public toilets sit at major points like Elizabeth Park and the zoo end, and bins are at the access points.

Max: shared path with cyclists, so keep the lead short on the blind corners by the riverbank. Near the zoo end there are kangaroos about, which will set most dogs off.

Water and hazards

Water points sit near the picnic spots but are not consistently spaced along the outer stretches towards the zoo, so carry a bottle and bowl in warm weather. The path crosses roads at a few points, keeps you well away from the river edge, and stays out of the fenced sporting ovals along the way.

Getting there and parking

Main entries are from the CBD on Macquarie Street, the Emile Serisier Bridge and Dundullimal Homestead, with parking near the Dubbo Golf Course, the homestead and the riverside city car parks. The local bus network reaches both the CBD and zoo ends.

When to go

Early morning and late afternoon are the pick, especially in summer when the Outback heat builds through the day. Weekends push crowds into the CBD and weir sections, so the outer stretches stay calmer.

More walks nearby

Buckingham Dog Park offers another off-lead option, and Alchemy on Victoria handles the post-walk coffee in town. Travelling with a van, the NRMA Dubbo Holiday Park sits handy to the zoo end.

More routes are on the NSW trails guide and the Dubbo destination page.