Lake Cathie Foreshore Walk

Pelicans on calm water and a path as flat as a tabletop make the Lake Cathie Foreshore Walk an easy win. It follows the lake shore in Lake Cathie, just along the coast from Lakewood, and dogs are welcome on lead.

Leads and playgrounds

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council requires dogs on lead in the public spaces and reserves along the foreshore. Give the playgrounds a wide berth, as council rules set a minimum distance from them.

The walk

The shared path is sealed and completely flat, which makes it kind on older dogs and puppies. Most of it runs right beside the water, with grassy patches for a break and plenty of birdlife to watch.

Mature trees give some shade in the reserve, but the stretches along the water are open.

Getting started

Start from the Lake Cathie Foreshore Reserve off Chepana Street, where there is accessible parking. Bins are serviced around the reserve and picnic areas.

Bubblers are scarce on the longer stretches, so carry water and a bowl.

Pepsi: When the lake holds calm, shallow pools, it is a gentle paddle with no waves to fight. Check the signs first, since the foreshore is an on-lead area.

Pair it with

Grab a coffee at Spark Espresso Bar, or give a dog that needs a proper run some time at Henry Kendall Canine Park.

When to go

Go early or late in summer, when the open waterside stretches are cooler. It suits a relaxed, low-impact stroll more than a big workout.