Wilsons Walking Track

Wilsons Walking Track is a short suburban trail in Girards Hill, Lismore, a few minutes from the city centre. It is a quiet, low-key local spot rather than a signposted attraction, and the gravel surface with genuinely steep sections is the feature that decides whether it suits your dog.

The walk

The route follows a gravel road with confirmed steep parts, so it is a short suburban climb rather than a long-distance hike. Unsealed gravel turns slick or muddy after rain, so pick a dry day if you want sure footing, and expect a bit of a workout on the way back up. It suits fit, steady dogs that handle inclines without trouble, and is a poor pick for dogs with hip or joint issues.

Worth knowing

No off-leash signage is confirmed for this track, so under the NSW default your dog stays on lead in public places unless a sign says otherwise. There are no facilities along the way, so carry water and bags, keep an eye out for wildlife in the leafy residential surrounds, and check your dog over for ticks afterwards, as the Northern Rivers is paralysis tick country.

Leash status

On lead by default; no designated off-leash area is signposted here.

Water

None provided on the track, so bring your own.

Hazards

Steep gravel grades and slippery going after rain; take it easy downhill with older dogs.

When to go

Daylight hours on a dry day give the best footing, and early morning beats the Northern Rivers heat.

Getting there and parking

The track sits within the residential streets of Girards Hill, and parking is limited street parking in the surrounding blocks. There is no dedicated car park, so arrive early on a weekend morning. Being so close to the CBD means it pairs neatly with a breakfast stop in town before you head home.

Close by with the dogs

For coffee afterwards, The Bank Cafe & Espresso on Molesworth Street has outdoor seating where a dog can sit alongside, and Dark Horse Espresso is another local stop. If the climb is not enough exercise, the Elizabeth Gardens off-leash exercise area is a short drive away for proper off-lead time.

More options are on the NSW dog friendly trails guide and the Girards Hill destination page.