Kangaroo Point and Story Bridge Loop

This 6.4 km loop circles Kangaroo Point on flat paved paths, dropping from the cliffs to the river, passing Captain Burke Park under the Story Bridge, then climbing up and across the bridge before returning via Howard Smith Wharves or the ferry. Allow about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace, with river views, city skyline outlooks and formal observation decks along the way.

The dog setup

This is an on-lead walk from start to finish. Brisbane City Council requires dogs on lead on all footpaths, on the Story Bridge and in the public parks along the clifftop boardwalk and river boardwalk, and off-leash breaches can attract fines.

Water fountains with integrated dog bowls sit at Captain Burke Park and at points along the river boardwalk, so a backup bowl is optional rather than essential on a mild day.

Worth knowing

One staircase along the cliffs has 107 steps, which matters if your dog is older or sore-hipped. Running the loop in reverse puts the descent on those stairs instead of the climb.

The boardwalk section is exposed, with shade concentrated in Captain Burke Park and C.T. White Park, so go early on hot days. The Story Bridge crossing shares its path with cyclists, so keep your dog on the walking side and on a short lead over the bridge.

Pepsi: at low tide a sandy stretch opens up along the Kangaroo Point riverfront, a good spot for a paddle before the climb back up to the cliffs. Check a tide chart before you set out.

Getting there and parking

River Terrace has metered parking and there is a car park at Captain Burke Park, though spots fill quickly on sunny weekends. The CityHopper ferry to Holman Street Ferry Terminal drops you straight onto the lower boardwalk if you would rather skip one leg of the loop.

More walks nearby

The Four Bridges Walk extends the river-crossing theme for longer legs, and the Kangaroo Point Bikeway suits dogs that prefer a shared path without stairs.

For an off-lead run afterwards, James Warner Park Fenced Dog Park is close by, and leashed dogs are welcome in the City Botanic Gardens across the river.

Browse more dog-friendly walks in QLD or plan the area with our guide to Kangaroo Point with the dogs.