Gary Evans Walkway

The Gary Evans Walkway is a flat, paved path that follows Petrie Creek through the middle of Nambour, running 1.3km one way between Petrie Park Road and Carter Road. It is largely shaded, level the whole way and easy enough for any dog and any fitness level, so it works as a daily walking circuit as much as a visitor stop.

The walk

Sealed and flat for the full distance, the route suits older dogs, short legs and prams alike. Allow 20 to 30 minutes each way at a stroll, with creek views, grassy stretches and water dragons sunning themselves on the banks along the way.

Leash status

Dogs stay on-lead along the walkway itself, as with all shared paths under Sunshine Coast Council rules. At the Petrie Park Road end there is a large dedicated off-leash area on the park's sporting field, where dogs must still be under effective voice control. Some reports mention loose or uncontrolled dogs in the wider park, so keep yours in sight and close.

Max: do the on-lead creek stretch first, then finish at the off-leash field so a good recall session is the last thing on the agenda rather than the first.

Water and facilities

Public toilets, seating, shaded picnic spots and outdoor gym equipment sit along the route. The creek runs alongside but is not a reliable drinking source, so bring your own water and bowl.

Hazards

Water dragons along the banks can set a reactive dog off, there are occasional creekside campsites to walk past quietly, and the path is best avoided after dark.

Getting there and parking

The main access and car park is on the corner of Petrie Park Road and Price Street. It is a short distance from Nambour train station and the town-centre bus stops, so walking in from the rail line works too.

When to go

Weekday mornings are the pick for a quieter walk. Weekends and sunny afternoons draw families, other walkers and the off-leash crowd at the Petrie Park end.

More walks nearby

For a fenced or structured option, the council's dog agility park and the Petrie Park off-leash area are both in town, and Banksia Espresso welcomes dogs at its footpath tables for a coffee afterwards.

More options are on the Queensland dog walks guide and the Nambour destination page.