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, the Story Bridge and the Kangaroo Point Bridge among them. 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.

The rules. Brisbane City Council manages the route and dogs must be on lead at all times on the shared paths and the bridge decks. Dogs are not allowed in the playgrounds. 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.

Water. Bubblers and toilets sit at the main river nodes on both sides. There is very little shade on the lower riverwalk sections, so top up as you pass rather than waiting until the dog asks.

Getting there. 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. 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.

Nearby with the dogs. James Warner Park is the fenced off-leash spot on the peninsula itself. For variations on the same water, the Kangaroo Point and Story Bridge Loop and the Neville Bonner and Kangaroo Point bridge loop are shorter takes, and the Kangaroo Point Bikeway runs along the base of the cliffs. Realm takes dogs if you are staying over.

When to go. Early morning or the hour before sunset. The riverwalk has almost no shade and the asphalt holds heat right through a Brisbane afternoon, which is hard on paws from October to March. Good for seniors, given the flat surface and the ramps.

Sources

• Owning a dog in Brisbane - Brisbane City Council · www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
• Four Bridges Walk, Queensland - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.