Bluewater Trail

Mackay's Bluewater Trail strings together the city riverfront, the Bluewater Lagoon, mangrove wetlands along the Pioneer River and the botanic gardens. Dogs are welcome the whole way, as long as they stay on a lead.

Lead rules

Mackay Regional Council manages the trail, and dogs must be leashed along the shared path. Some parks near the route have their own off-leash areas, but the trail itself is not one of them.

Watch the signs in coastal and wetland sections, where dogs can be restricted at certain times of year to protect wildlife and migratory birds.

The walk

The full ring is about 20 kilometres of concrete path and boardwalk, so most people pick a section rather than doing the lot. It is sealed throughout and shared with runners and cyclists.

Parking is easiest at Bluewater Quay, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and Queens Park, and bins sit at the main access points and car parks.

Water and shade

Bubblers appear along the busier riverfront stretches near Bluewater Quay, but dog bowls are not a given, so carry water and a collapsible bowl. Shade comes and goes, with trees and shelters by the river and much less on parts of the Lagoons Bikeway link.

Max: Mackay heat is no joke. On the open stretches, walk early and test the concrete with your hand first.

Make a day of it

The Pioneer River Foreshore continues the riverside theme, and Botanic Gardens Cafe is an easy stop when you start from the gardens end.

Early mornings and late afternoons suit it best. The flat, smooth surface makes it a good choice for older dogs that struggle on rough ground.