Queens Lake Walking Trail

The Queens Lake walking trail follows the foreshore of the tidal lake in the Camden Haven, around Lakewood, Laurieton and West Haven, rather than Port Macquarie itself. The way in with a dog is the Lakeside Track from Henry Kendall Reserve, walked on a lead.

Lead rules

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council allows dogs on a lead along the trail and around the reserve. Parts of Queens Lake Nature Reserve are run by NSW National Parks and do not allow pets, so stay on the council foreshore track.

Henry Kendall Reserve also has a fenced off-lead dog exercise area, open 24 hours and fitted with agility gear, so a run can wait until the walk is done.

The walk

Expect a mix of bush track, uneven stone and earth sections and timber boardwalk. It winds past paperbarks, swamp mahogany and mangrove flats, with lake views and plenty of natural shade.

Getting started

Parking is free at Henry Kendall Reserve, beside the boat ramp. There are taps and bins near the trailhead and picnic areas, but carry water for the dog on the track.

When to go

The shade makes it workable in the warmer months. It suits energetic dogs well, because the fenced off-lead area at the trailhead lets them burn off whatever the lead walk leaves.