Four Bridges Walk

The Four Bridges Walk is a 5.8 km circuit of the Brisbane River at Kangaroo Point, crossing and re-crossing the water on the pedestrian bridges between the peninsula and the city. It is flat, sealed the whole way, and dogs are welcome on lead, which makes it one of the easiest genuinely scenic walks in inner Brisbane.

The walk

Graded easy, 5.8 km, a bit over an hour at a steady pace. It is a true loop, so there is no doubling back. Asphalt and concrete throughout, and step free if you take the ramps rather than the stairs at the bridge approaches. The views run the length of the CBD skyline and back across to the Botanic Gardens, and the Kangaroo Point Bridge has made the eastern crossing far more practical for dogs than it used to be.

Leash status

Brisbane City Council manages the route and dogs must be on lead at all times on the shared paths and bridge decks. There is no off-lead allowance anywhere on this circuit. Dogs are not allowed in the playgrounds either. The paths carry commuting cyclists, runners and scooters at speed, and the bridges funnel all of it into a narrow width, so keep the lead short and stay left.

Max: the bridge decks are the pinch point. Short lead, walk left, and do not stop mid span for a photo with the dog on a long line.

Water

Bubblers and toilets sit at the main river nodes on both sides of the loop. There is very little shade on the lower riverwalk sections, so top up as you pass each node rather than waiting until the dog asks. Bring bags; bins appear at the park ends but not on the spans.

Getting there and parking

The CityHopper ferry at Holman Street lands you straight onto the loop, which is the pleasant way to arrive. Street parking on River Terrace and Lower River Terrace exists but is heavily contested on weekends. Coming from the CBD you do not need to drive at all, since the loop can be joined at either end of any of its bridges.

When to go

Early mornings beat everything: the commuting traffic has not started, the ferry terminals are calm, and the low sun does its best work on the glass towers across the water. Midday is the worst of both worlds, with full sun on the exposed spans and maximum foot traffic. Evening is second best, particularly with the city lights coming up as you cross back.

Worth knowing

Brisbane asphalt heats up fast in summer, and the wide sun-exposed promenade sections are the parts your dog walks on directly. Press the back of your hand to the path before you commit. The climb-free route makes this a good senior dog outing, as long as the shared-path traffic does not worry them.

Close by with the dogs

James Warner Park is the fenced off-lead spot on the peninsula for a run after the loop, and Orleigh Dog Park covers the West End end of the circuit. GoodGood in West End and The Plough Inn at South Bank both welcome dogs at the tables.

More dog-friendly walks are on our Queensland trails page, and the Kangaroo Point destination guide covers the suburb.